These tools can be especially useful outside of school or tutoring hours, when your child may need a bit of extra support to stay on track with their studies. 

The best study apps turn revision into an engaging, interactive experience for your child, while reinforcing what they are actually learning in the classroom. 

Whether your child is preparing for GCSEs or A-level or still at KS3, managing homework, or building new skills, find the best study sites and apps for learning at home or on-the-go.

1. Quizlet: Flashcards made fun!

Best for: Memorising facts and vocabulary

Quizlet is one of the best study apps for interactive learning. Students can create digital flashcards, test themselves with quick quizzes, and even play learning games to reinforce key topics.

Bear in mind that this site isn’t tailored to the UK syllabus, so you may need to build custom learning sets. 

2. Seneca Learning: Interactive revision 

Best for: GCSE and A-level study

Seneca is already hugely popular across UK schools. It offers free, curriculum-aligned lessons that adapt to your child’s progress, and you can sign up either as a teacher or parent. The interactive quizzes make revision fast, focused, and fun.

Courses on this platform are created by experienced exam board senior examiners, which means they are tailored to UK exam board specifications (GCSE, A-Level, KS3) and the National Curriculum. 

However, some users say that while the tool is great for general learning, there’s a lack of topic depth in some areas.

3. BBC Bitesize: Trusted learning resources

Best for: All key stages

BBC Bitesize has long been a trusted resource for learning. Not only is it reliable and free, but it’s tailored to the UK curriculum. In fact, the content is described on the site as “designed to be exam board-specific” – great news for parents. 

It provides bite-sized notes, animations, and quizzes across every subject, but some reviews say that exploring the sub-topics can be quite a tedious process on the website. 

4. Kahoot!: Learning through play

Best for: Engaging revision sessions

Kahoot! is used by work organisations and students alike! It’s well known for its quiz competitions that can transform tedious study sessions into something more fun.  

Both parents and teachers can create custom quizzes to review topics together, a brilliant way to make learning feel like a game. Because Kahoot focuses more on quick question and answer formats, it’s better used for memory recall than for deeper or more reflective topics. 

5. Duolingo: Learn a new language

Best for: Daily language practice

Duolingo is one of the best study apps for languages. Its bite-sized lessons and rewards system make learning a new language simple and addictive, perfect for French, Spanish, or even Japanese.

It uses a “gamified” interface, which many children find engaging. Lessons include fun prompts, streaks, points, and bite‑sized units, good for younger attention spans.

Because the tool targets both children and adults, it’s worth being aware of the safety features. Accounts of children under 13 automatically have reduced social features, and the company applies age‑gating and extra privacy protections for children – parents will be happy to hear this.

6. Cognito: Smart revision for UK students

Best for: GCSE and A-level practice

Cognito is a UK-focused learning app that provides interactive quizzes, exam-style questions, and personalised feedback. 

It’s designed to help students identify gaps in their knowledge and boost confidence ahead of exams, making it one of the best study apps for targeted revision.

However, it’s worth checking your exact exam board and specification to make sure Cognito covers the exact modules you need. Some users say not everything is included. And, you might find the occasional pay wall in the free version of the site. 

7. Forest: Focus and stay on task

Best for: Reducing phone distractions

Forest is a productivity and focus tool rather than a full learning platform, so you’d use it in support of studying rather than for content taught.

It helps children stay focused by “planting” a virtual tree whenever they study. Leaving the app causes the tree to wither, gently encouraging concentration and good study habits.

It’s worth noting that this is exclusively an app, so you won’t be able to utilise the tool through your web browser. Also, make sure to check what features are available in the free vs. paid version before investing too much time in setting up your virtual tree! 

Choosing the best study sites for your child

Using these study apps can make learning more engaging and even enjoyable for your child! Every child learns differently, so it’s a good idea to introduce one or two at a time to see which tools suit their individual study style.

Equally, these apps come in all shapes and sizes, from content-rich platforms like Quizlet and Seneca to productivity and focus tools like Forest. Ultimately, you know your child best, so consider their preferences, strengths, and potential distractions before committing to a particular app.

But you can also chat with your child’s teachers to get their advice, too. We’re always happy to have a conversation!

The post 7 of the best study sites to help your child learn online  appeared first on Excel in Key Subjects.

Many students today rely on music to focus, calm their nerves, and make study sessions more enjoyable, this isn’t much different from how some adults study or work. But you might feel conflicted, is it a distraction or a helpful study method?

Both research and experience suggest the answer predominantly depends on three things: how, what, and when they listen.

We explore more about study playlists below!

What’s the science behind music and learning?

Music’s impact on the brain is profound.

Neuroscientists have long known that listening to music activates multiple brain areas, including those linked to memory, attention, and emotion.

Some studies have even found that when music plays, the brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes motivation and positive feelings. For children and adults alike, this can make studying feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable activity.

However, not all music is created equal when it comes to learning. The so-called “Mozart Effect,” once believed to boost intelligence, has largely been debunked.

What remains true, though, is that certain kinds of music can improve mood and concentration; two key ingredients for effective studying!

When does music help?

Music can be beneficial for learning under specific conditions.

For many children, background music provides a sense of comfort and helps block out external distractions, particularly in noisy households or busy study environments.

Instrumental or ambient music tends to work best because it offers rhythm without competing for linguistic attention, for example.

Studies have shown that moderate tempo music, often in the range of 60 to 80 beats per minute, can help regulate heart rate and induce a calm but alert state, similar to what psychologists call the “flow” state.

In this mode, a child may feel immersed in the task at hand, better able to retain information and sustain focus over longer periods.

For example, classical music, nature sounds, or even gentle piano tracks often fall within this category. These types of playlists provide consistent auditory stimulation without overwhelming the brain’s language centres.

Can music hinder studying?

On the other hand, not all study playlists are helpful.

Music with lyrics, especially in a language your child understands, can interfere with reading comprehension, writing, and other tasks that rely heavily on verbal processing. When the brain tries to process both lyrics and text simultaneously, it divides attention, which can slow comprehension and reduce memory retention.

Unsurprisingly, the volume of the music matters, too. Loud or overly dynamic music, such as fast pop songs, rap, or rock, can elevate adrenaline and distract from concentration. Similarly, constantly switching tracks or using playlists that vary dramatically in tempo or tone can interrupt the rhythm of studying.

For children with attention difficulties, music might serve as one more source of sensory input rather than a focusing aid.

There is no one-size-fits-all

What’s most important to consider is that every child is different, and the effectiveness of studying with music can be based on several variables, such as;

• Personality type and preference: Some children thrive on silence, while others feel uneasy without background noise. You’ll know your children best.
• Age: Younger children, whose executive functioning skills are still developing, may be more easily distracted by sound. Teenagers, on the other hand, often use music as a form of self-regulation, so music may help them manage stress during long study sessions.
• Playlist type or genre: As mentioned above, certain music, especially that with lyrics and fast tempos, can prove more distracting than, say, a classical piano piece.
• Type of task: The type of task can also dictate whether music helps or hinders. Repetitive or less cognitively demanding tasks, like copying notes, organising materials, or solving simple math problems, may pair well with music. But for deeper learning activities like essay writing or analysing complex concepts, silence or white noise might be more effective.

Building the perfect study playlist

If your child enjoys listening to music while studying, you can guide them in building a playlist that supports, rather than distracts from, learning.

Here are a few tips:

1. Go lyric-free. Instrumental tracks, lo-fi beats, or classical compositions minimise verbal interference. You can find some great pre-curated playlists on platforms like Spotify.
2. Keep it consistent. Choose music that maintains a steady rhythm and volume. Avoid songs with sudden tempo changes or dramatic crescendos.
3. Test different genres. Some children focus better with classical music, while others prefer ambient electronic, jazz, or nature sounds.
4. Use playlists as cues. Playing the same playlist each time your child studies can create a mental “study mode” association, signaling to the brain that it’s time to focus.
5. Mind the volume. Keep the music at a low or moderate level, just enough to fill the background without dominating attention.
6. Encourage reflection. After each study session, check in with your child and ask how the music affected their concentration and mood.

Technology makes it easy

Today’s streaming platforms offer countless ready-made study playlists.

Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube all feature curated collections like “Lo-Fi Beats to Study To” or “Classical Focus.” Some even adjust in real time, analysing the listener’s activity to match tempo and mood, now that’s smart!

For tech-savvy students, exploring these options can make studying feel more personalised and engaging.

Parents can take part, too, helping their child curate playlists or setting up shared “study time” where everyone in the household listens to calming background music.

The bottom line

So, can study playlists help your child learn better? The answer is: potentially yes, if used thoughtfully.

Music isn’t a magic learning tool, nor should it be vilified. The key is finding the right balance, music that enhances focus without stealing attention.

Encourage your child to experiment with different types of sound and notice how each affects their concentration. Whether it’s a gentle piano melody, the hum of lo-fi beats, or even the rhythmic patter of rain sounds, the goal is to create an environment where learning feels both effective and enjoyable.

When music becomes a tool for calm, consistency, and motivation, it can transform a duty into an enjoyable but effective study session.

The post Can study playlists help your child learn better? appeared first on Excel in Key Subjects.

Luckily, there are many options for tutoring support.

The tricky part is choosing between the options available; it can be tricky to know what kind of tutoring is best. Should your child work with a teacher face-to-face, or is online tutoring just as effective (or maybe even better)?

Let’s look at how both formats work, their pros and cons, and how you can decide what’s right for your child.

Why tutoring is a good choice

Every child learns differently. Some kids just need a confidence boost, while others might struggle to keep up with a fast-moving curriculum. 

In our experience, we’ve found that tutoring can help in both cases by:

• Providing your child with more attention in smaller groups
• Filling learning gaps (that you either did know existed or didn’t)
• Helping students build better study habits

A good teacher doesn’t just re-teach schoolwork; they help students understand how they learn best. 

That might mean developing problem-solving strategies in maths, improving reading comprehension, or simply creating a calmer, one-on-one environment where your child feels comfortable asking questions they might hesitate to raise in class.

Whether in-person or online, the right teacher can make learning enjoyable again and help your child rediscover their confidence.

How in-person tutoring works

In-person tutoring is often considered the traditional approach; your child meets with a teacher face-to-face, whether at home, a tutoring centre, or even in a local library. 

This setup can be especially helpful for younger children or students who benefit from hands-on guidance. Equally, sometimes creating a physical barrier between home and tutoring can prove useful. 

What are the benefits of in-person tutoring?

• Personal connections: Meeting face-to-face with a teacher can help build trust and rapport quickly.
• Fewer distractions: A structured environment can make it easier to focus.
• Body language and cues: Teachers can pick up on non-verbal signals, like confusion or frustration, and adjust their approach on the spot. Our teachers are very adept at this.

However, in-person sessions can also come with logistical challenges. Travel time, scheduling, and teacher availability in your local area can limit your options. 

For busy families or those living in rural areas, that can make consistency difficult.

How online tutoring works

Online tutoring has become increasingly popular, especially after the rise of virtual learning, which became essential during COVID-19. 

Sessions take place through video calls, interactive whiteboards, or specialised learning platforms that let students and teachers share screens, solve problems, and work through lessons together.

What are the benefits of online tutoring?

At Excel in Key Subjects, we ensure that young people derive maximum benefit from online learning. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexibility: You can fit lessons around your family’s schedule, no travel required.
• Access to more teachers: You’re not limited by geography, so you can find a teacher who truly matches your child’s needs and personality.
• Technology-enhanced learning: Digital tools like shared documents, quizzes, and recordings can make revision easier and more interactive.
• Recording lessons – for use to revisit the topic or revision: We record many of our online lessons, and provide access to students in a secured area for a period of time.
• We insist that both the teacher and the student have their videos on during the lesson. This is communicated to parents well in advance, and we see this as enhancing safeguarding.
• We insist that most work is in handwriting, rather than typing: We do this in preparation for examinations.

Of course, online tutoring isn’t for every family. For instance, your child might find it harder to focus through a screen, and technical issues (like slow Wi-Fi or device problems) can occasionally interrupt a session. 

Younger children, especially, may need extra support from parents to stay engaged online.

Online vs in-person: An overview

Here’s a quick comparison to help you weigh the pros and cons:

Both formats can be equally effective, it really depends on your child’s learning style, motivation, and your family’s lifestyle.

Deciding what’s right for your child

When choosing between online and in-person tutoring, it’s useful to think about your child’s personality and needs first.

• Younger children often benefit from the structure and hands-on support of in-person lessons.
• Older students, especially those comfortable with technology, may thrive in an online environment where they can take more responsibility for their learning.
• Consider your schedule too. If you’re juggling after-school activities and work commitments, the convenience of online sessions can be a huge help.

It can also be worth trying both. Many tutoring companies (including ours) offer flexible options, allowing families to switch between online and in-person sessions as needed. Sometimes, a blended approach, a mix of both, works best.

At the end of the day, the most important factor isn’t where the tutoring happens, but who your child learns from. A skilled, caring teacher who understands your child’s goals, strengths, and challenges will make all the difference, whether they’re sitting across the table or connecting through a screen.

The post Online vs in-person tutoring: Which is right for your child? appeared first on Excel in Key Subjects.

But watching your child spend hours revising only to struggle to remember key facts later can be worrying and frustrating for them. 

Many people assume that poor memory is just part of the learning process, or that more time with the books will fix it. 

But research into how memory actually works tells a different story. 

Effective revision isn’t just about how long a child studies, it’s about how they study. 

By understanding the science of memory, you can guide your children towards more effective study sessions and hopefully happier children!

How does memory work?

Often considered a mysterious concept, memory actually functions in a very specific way. In fact, it can be broken down into a three-step process: encoding, storage, and retrieval.

• Encoding happens when a child first takes in information, listening in class, reading notes, or watching a video.
• Storage refers to how that information is retained over time.
• Retrieval is the ability to recall it later, for example, during an exam or when explaining it to someone else.

Each stage affects the next. But each is equally important in the process of utilising memory to its best ability. 

For example, if your child is tired, distracted, or anxious while learning, their brain won’t encode information properly, which makes storage and recall much harder. 

That’s why helping your child study in a calm, focused environment can dramatically improve the first stage of learning.

Why children forget: The “forgetting curve”

Psychologist Hermann Ebbinghaus discovered that we naturally forget new information quickly unless it’s reviewed. 

His famous forgetting curve shows that within 24 hours, up to half of what we’ve learned can fade from memory, and within a week, as much as 80% may be lost.

This is why spaced repetition is so powerful. Instead of cramming, your child should review material at increasing intervals. Each review strengthens memory and slows forgetting. Parents can help by encouraging short, regular study sessions instead of long, last-minute marathons.

Many digital tools, such as Anki or Quizlet, use algorithms to automate spaced repetition. But even a simple calendar system or flashcard box can help your child plan reviews effectively.

We cover 3 ways to help with memory learning below:

1. Retrieval practice
2. Interleaving 
3. General wellbeing 

1) Try testing, not just reading

A common mistake students make is believing that rereading notes equals learning. 

In fact, retrieval practice, actively testing knowledge, is far more effective. When your child tries to recall an answer from memory, their brain strengthens the neural pathways needed to access that information later.

You can encourage retrieval practice at home by:

• Asking your child to explain a topic in their own words.
• Turning notes into quiz questions or flashcards.
• Using past papers or online quizzes for self-testing.
• Playing short “recall games” where they teach you what they’ve learned.

Even if your child makes mistakes during these exercises, that’s valuable, the brain remembers corrections better than passive review.

2) Mixing it up: The power of interleaving

Children often study one subject for hours before switching to another. However, research shows that interleaving, mixing different topics or question types, leads to better long-term learning. For example, switching between, say, maths problems and science concepts keeps the brain active and prevents it from relying on rote patterns.

How does this look in practice? 

Well, you could help structure revision time so that subjects rotate frequently. For example, 30 minutes of maths followed by 30 minutes of history, then a short break, can be more effective than two solid hours of one subject.

3) Sleep, exercise, and memory

It sounds obvious, but no matter how effective the study method, memory won’t stick if your child is sleep-deprived or inactive. 

During sleep, the brain consolidates memories, turning short-term knowledge into long-term understanding. So, if your child is skipping sleep before exams in favour of extra study, it actually harms performance and recall.

Regular physical activity can also boost brain function. Exercise increases blood flow and releases a protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which promotes learning and memory. Encouraging breaks, outdoor time, or a quick walk between study sessions helps the brain recharge.

Turning memory science into confidence

As parents, when you start to understand how memory really works, organising revision and studying becomes less about pressure and more about strategy. 

Your child learns to use their brain efficiently, building knowledge that lasts beyond exams, but equips them for the rest of their life. Instead of endless rereading, they engage with material in a way that truly sticks.

Memory isn’t fixed, it’s a skill that can be developed with the right methods and mindset. With your encouragement and some of these learning methods, your child can move from frustration to confidence, transforming study time into genuine learning that lasts.

The post The science of memory: How to revise more effectively and effectively appeared first on Excel in Key Subjects.

Summer Study Strategy: a season of longer days, ice cream breaks, and much-needed rest from the pressures of the classroom. But for many parents, it also raises a familiar question: how do we make sure our child doesn’t fall behind during the holidays, especially if they have upcoming assessments next term?

The answer lies in a smarter summer study strategy, one that uses the quieter months to gently close knowledge gaps, reinforce core skills, and build academic confidence without burning out.

This article explores how parents can support their children with a more strategic, focused and sustainable revision plan, whether your child is preparing for GCSEs, A-levels, or any other academic hurdle.

Why summer matters (but cramming doesn’t)

It’s tempting to treat summer as a complete academic break, or, on the other hand, to use it to ‘catch up’ intensively. But research suggests the best approach is somewhere in between.

Children can experience a “summer slide” in learning, particularly in subjects like maths and science, if they disengage completely for six weeks or more. But overloading them with revision schedules can backfire, leading to stress, resentment, and loss of motivation before term even begins.

The goal, then, is to:

• Keep brains lightly engaged in core subjects
• Reinforce key concepts or tackle known weak areas
• Use the flexibility of summer to learn differently, and more effectively
• Allow space for rest and creativity

Step 1: Identify learning gaps before the autumn rush

Summer is a great opportunity to reflect, without the pressure of weekly assessments or looming exams. Many students already know where they struggle, but they haven’t had time to address it.

As a parent, you can help them:

• Review end-of-term reports: Look at teacher comments and grades to spot subject areas that need support.
• Do a mini self-review: Ask your child to score their confidence (1–5) in each topic from last year’s syllabus.
• Use academic tools: Websites like BBC Bitesize, Seneca Learning, or Isaac Physics allow students to take quick quizzes by topic to pinpoint weaknesses.

This process doesn’t have to be formal. A relaxed chat in the garden about what “didn’t click” last year is a great start.

Step 2: Create a gentle summer study rhythm

The summer holidays should still feel like holidays. But just a little structure can prevent last-minute panic in September.

Consider:

• Short sessions, spaced out: Two or three 25–30 minute revision sessions a day, 2–3 days per week, is plenty.
• Time of day matters: Mid-morning is often best—after a good sleep, but before the distractions of the day build up.
• Pair with privileges: Linking study time to something positive (like “revision first, then screen time or swimming”) builds routine.

Step 3: Use smart revision techniques

Summer learning should be light, but also smart. That means using the most effective strategies that help material stick.

Top Techniques:

• Active recall: Flashcards, mini quizzes, or self-made questions.
• Spaced repetition: Return to the same topics over time (not all at once).
• Interleaving: Mix up subjects or topics in one session to boost understanding.
• Dual coding: Combine visuals (e.g., mind maps, diagrams) with written notes.

Digital tools like Anki, Quizlet, and Seneca support these techniques, and many students enjoy the interactive, gamified format.

Step 4: Make it real-world and relatable

One of the best things about summer? Time to connect classroom learning to the real world.

Try:

• Discussing news articles: Relate them to subjects like politics, geography, or ethics.
• Applying maths to money: Let your child plan a budget for a day out.
• Science in nature: Explore plant biology in the garden or physics through bike rides.
• Creative writing prompts: Use holiday experiences to inspire a story or description.

This builds confidence and curiosity, two things that standard revision can sometimes squeeze out.

Step 5: Balance work with rest

The smartest summer strategy is one that preserves mental health. Burnout doesn’t just happen during exam season. If your child is already feeling anxious or exhausted after the school year, pushing hard all summer could do more harm than good.

Signs of fatigue:

• Constant irritability or withdrawal
• Avoiding any talk of school
• Sleep disruption
• Perfectionism or defeatist language

What to do:

• Encourage downtime: Days off, screen time in moderation, socialising, and rest are essential, not optional.
• Normalise effort over perfection: Talk about progress rather than pressure.
• Model balance: Let your child see you relaxing too, reading, walking, or simply enjoying the break.

Step 6: Plan ahead, but keep it flexible

As summer winds down, help your child feel prepared, not panicked.

Before September:

• Organise study materials: Clear out old books, gather what’s needed for the year ahead.
• Set goals: A short list of 2–3 academic aims can give direction (e.g., “Improve confidence in physics”, “Complete all English texts before December”)
• Ease back in: In the final week, increase study sessions slightly and review any material from the start of the new syllabus.

But don’t over-plan. Life happens, trips, illness, family events, so build in breathing space.

Final Thoughts: Making the most of summer

You don’t need to be an expert in trigonometry or Shakespeare to support your child’s summer learning. Your job is to provide structure, encouragement, and perspective.

Smart revision during summer isn’t about giving up fun, it’s about protecting the school year ahead. With a few well-placed hours each week, your child can go back to school sharper, more confident, and less overwhelmed.

Because when the summer days are bright and the revision is smart, everybody wins.

The post Bright days, smarter revision: A summer study strategy: Complete Guide appeared first on Excel in Key Subjects.

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I’m using the word “tribe” here as I struggle to come up with a better word, despite the risk of this word being open to all sorts of interpretations.

In my three or so decades as a teacher in the English secondary education system, for half of which my role also includes being a parent, I’ve never met a single parent who does not care about their child. Every parent cares about their child, it just we do things in different ways to show how much we care. This is a week in which, globally, so many children have been and are still being killed senselessly. No killing is good but killing of children in particular is difficult to justify under any circumstances.  I’ll leave politics to those who are good at it, as I am not one of those. One thing we must do, however, in this part of the world, is not to take for granted  how fortunate we are to live in a relatively safer part of the planet.

Back to the word tribe, I am using this word to describe those of us, who as parents, place great value on the education of our children, as if it is everything.  It isn’t, of course, but it comes close. After health and food, education comes a close third, and I’m not just speaking about academic qualifications alone. In my categorisation, I put safety and shelter under health.  I will shed more light on certain news items with regard  to education in the next part of this blogpost, and, hopefully, that will help you, as a reader, to try and see how I define this tribe of parents.

As is always the case, there has been so much in the news about education recently. Despite the fact that the adverse effect and legacies of things like COVID and the teachers’ strike linger on, they are not so pronounced at present.

The main items of education news in the media at present are about RAAC, post-sixteen qualifications and school attendance. RAAC affects a tiny number of students and school attendance is not much of an issue for this tribe. This is because they are the type who will make sure their children do not miss school unnecessarily; unless they are in intensive care or something close (an exaggeration!) or unavoidable. The post-sixteen issue is something the tribe keeps a close eye on, and whilst good leadership and direction by politicians are helpful, they’re not absolute, these parents will do their own research and choose the option they consider best for their offspring.

I must say there is not necessarily an ethnic connection to this tribe, as I see people from a diverse ethnic groups subscribing to the values that I am speaking about. The people I put loosely in this so-called tribe are represented disproportionally by those of certain ethnic minorities. In my observation, it is in the order of, first,  East Asians – mainly Chinese people, but others as well, followed by South Asians, Africans, Eastern Europeans, Scottish, Irish and English; however, this is a generalisation and not completely accurate.  This should not be too surprising, as non-native (another colloquial phrase!) or foreigners, tend to be over ambitious in any country in the world you go.

Some of the issues that I think are more immediate to people in this tribe, in terms of motivating their teenagers, is getting them to do what I list below.

1. Put sufficient number of hours into their schoolwork – including homework assignments and revision for exams
2. Be better organised
3. Spending less time on their electronic devices – mobile phone; game machines like X-Box, etc.
4. Better sleep – like going to bed earlier…
5. Learning for the joy gaining knowledge, and not just for passing exams
6. Wanting to work, mainly for the purpose of buying more gadgets!
7. Eating healthier

I must stress that I am not speaking here as an expert, as I am not; and I do not have the solution. In my own household, it is an ongoing thing, as we struggle as parents with these matters. We just try to do our best all the time.

I must say that there are other serious matters that are perhaps more important than what I’ve listed above. Things like mental health and other health issues, abuse of drugs or of others or by others and so on. These areas are where I have zero expertise, so I must not try to address them, as this is better left to other people.

Before I conclude this, I’ll quickly mention one main issue which is beyond the control of the teenagers, and, in fact, well beyond the control of we parents. It is that thing which society has not yet decided to address. But, if dealt with, it will not only save money and time, but will make learning and teaching more fun.

I am speaking about the issue of class disruption. The set of behaviours that are acceptable in the classroom vary from school to school. However, in my view the barrier is set pitifully too low. I recently went to cover a sixty-minute lesson at a grammar school, but my reputation in teaching as a disciplinarian teacher did not prepare me for what I experienced in that lesson.

I was utterly appalled and shocked about the behaviour of the teenagers. If this is happening in a grammar school, God, help us. Of course, it is the teacher’s fault that children are badly behaved, as he or she is lacking in classroom behaviour management skills! At least, this is what the people in the profession often say. We like to blame the government on not spending enough and tinkering around the edges on certain issues. Yes, there is some truth in that but until we recognise the adverse effect of classroom disruption, and its impact on better behaved young people, and we are prepared to deal with it, it will only get worse and ruin more lives. This is too big an issue to address here, but I will be doing so in the future.

In the next few blogpost in this series, I will make an  attempt to address each of the seven or so points that I’ve listed above. This is because these are things that we as parents have a chance of perhaps trying to do something about. As I mentioned earlier, I’m not at all an expert and I have no solution to offer as such, I’d just like to highlight and perhaps share some experiences and ideas.

Please do make a comment, as we are trying to share ideas because every parent has something to say about the points I’ve listed above.

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