Education
A shocking set of statistics – Resit of GCSE examinations ‘does not work’
It is rather depressing to see that most young people who sit their GCSE in Maths examinations for the second time fail to achieve any improvement. For English, over 60% of those who resit do not improve on the grade they achieved when they sat the exam for the first time. The figure is…
Read MoreWill the new GCSE of grades 9 to 1 lead to new Elitism?
An article in the TES (The Times Educational Supplements – a magazine widely read by teachers) recently carried the headline “Why GCSE Reform may lead to a new ‘elitism’. The article raised concern felt in some quarters about the newly introduced numerical grading of 9-1 by OFQUAL (The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation –…
Read MoreZen and the Art of Social Media
A new sub-species has just been discovered on Earth…..Homo sapiens facebookensis. This creature looks for all intents and purposes like a humanoid, but with a mobile phone (most often a Samsung or an Apple) surgically fused to their hand. If for any reason, the phone is separated from the rest of the body, Homo sapiens…
Read MoreThe culture of low expectation in schools; are teachers too tolerant of bad behaviour?
The standard of behaviour by young people is so bad such that what is acceptable as the norm is well below the level that will create an environment conducive to learning. Some may want to argue that: how come the examinations results are getting better and more people are achieving A and double A* –…
Read MoreCan I afford private tuition for my child?
When considering whether to get private tuition for their child, one of the questions that many parents face is: “can I afford private tuition?” It is the case that most children, whilst going up through the education system have received some sort of private tuition at some point in their lives. It could be for…
Read MoreNo more A-level exams in January – should young people relax?
Up until the previous academic year, A-level (AS and A2) exams were taken in January as well as in May and June. The government has now abolished the January exams as they regard it as one of the causes of grade inflation. Another reason is that many see the idea of a student being allowed…
Read MoreKey Stage 3 – KS3 – is key to GCSE and perhaps A-level success
It appears that not a lot is said about KS3, while we tend to focus on GCSE and A-level when we speak about education achievement at secondary school. The reality is that KS3 is when students at secondary school build the foundation for GCSE and beyond. For many young people, it is sadly too late for…
Read MoreGive me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe
It would be nice to sit back and just enjoy the summer break! Certainly, many A-level students who have prepared themselves and worked hard before the last summer examinations can afford to be more sanguine and worry less as they await the exam results at the end of August. Sadly for so many young people…
Read MoreGCSE Tuition Video
Here is a video which explores a number of factors to think about when considering additional GCSE Tuition for your child If you are going to get help or additional tuition, try to get help early At most good schools, pupils start GCSE in year 9, especially Maths and English When looking for a teacher…
Read MoreWhat is the EBacc? (Video)
In this video, Excel in Key Subjects Principal, Mr. Musty talks about the English Baccalaureate and what it means for parents and students. What is the EBacc (the English Baccalaureate)? How the English Baccalaureate emphasises traditional subjects Current eligibility for the English Baccalaureate across the country What this means for education and exam success How…
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