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The Alchemy Tuition Blog

22 Oct 2015
HSC, Schooling Permalink

5 things I learnt from my 10 year reunion

22 October 2015

Last weekend I had my High School’s 10 year reunion. It was actually held at the school grounds which made it equally bizarre and fascinating. Returning to the place we once spent everyday after 10 years was a strange experience, but it was great to see the guys – most of which I haven’t seen in a long long time.

We spoke for hours on end about family, jobs, memories and the future. I actually think my jaw is still sore after 4 hours of non-stop blabbering. Our principal, deputy and year co-ordinator all came along which made it extra special – it felt like we were back there for just another morning roll call.

Here are 5 things I learnt through the experience:

People stay the same

Everyone had changed in little ways. Some had lost weight. Some had gained it. Some had found success while others were still finding their way. But the overall characteristics were still the same. The people I spoke to on the weekend were still the same people I went to school with. It reminded me of how important the schooling years are in forming an individual’s identity, as it is something that really follows that person in to the future. This is why I love doing what we do at Alchemy – as a private tutor I have a unique opportunity to motivate and inspire young people to achieve more than they think possible. That attitude that is formed will shape their view of the world later on.

We all want the same things

The anchoring point was the desire for meaning. There is a strange transition from school, where your entire focus is on the HSC, to being out of school and suddenly having to find your own purpose – your own reason for existence. Speaking to people 10 years on, and most people had found theirs. Naturally, it is a journey, so for most of us we are still on our way. But it was great to see that even those who left school without any real direction had found something to devote themselves to.

Whilst an ATAR won’t determine the future, it does have its influences.

I’m going to be honest. I can’t even remember the ATAR I got (or UAI as it was called then) and I’m sure it is the same for most people +10 years out of school. I don’t at all believe that the number you get in your HSC will determine anything about your future, but I do believe that the effort you put in will stick with you later on. Hard work is a habit, and if one is able to build that muscle during the HSC it will follow them in to the working world. Those who had found the most success in their jobs were the ones who worked the hardest in their HSC – not necessarily the ones who had got the highest ATAR. In my opinion, hard work trumps natural academic ability any day.

Social skills win

I’ve said it before, but I am a firm believer that social skills are the new qualifications. Obviously, there are many footnotes under that statement – I get that for many careers you need the qualifications etc, but overall, those who had found the greatest level of success were those who could communicate, relate and listen to others. Many of those who seemed to be experiencing success (*see the next point) didn’t go to University or do well in school, but had a great ability to connect with people naturally. This formed authentic relationships that would then open doors for them. These foundational social skills were all formed in school – and had significant impact later on.

Success is an individual viewpoint.

I know I have mentioned ‘success’ in this post a bit, but I really noticed that success is a personal thing. Success is a different thing to me as it is to someone else. While some guys were proud of the money they earned, others were proud of their fiancees, wives or kids. Some saw success as a business with 100+ staff, others saw it as bringing on their first apprentice in their trade. This comes back to the 2nd point I made about meaning – it is crucial that every person finds their own measure of success and tracks it against themselves – not those around them. For a person to ever feel fulfilled they need to have their own criteria for success and not pay attention to the ‘successes’ of those around them.

It was a good night, and I can’t wait to see what the next ten years hold.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

20 Oct 2015
HSC, Schooling, Students, Study Permalink

Board Of Studies proposes 3-unit Physics & Chemistry

20 October 2015

The Board of Studies announced on Monday that extension science units may be introduced as soon as 2017 as they look to introduce a more flexible curriculum tailored to the demands of the modern student.

Another option in consideration is an extension ‘master-science’ course that would combine elements of Biology, Physics and Chemistry.

With 17,500 students sitting the Biology HSC exam on Monday (the third most popular HSC subject) it is clear that the sciences comprise a key component of the HSC. Greater focus on specific streams will enable each of the 3 core sciences to develop their own content that can then be expanded on in the extension subject.

According to recent data, there is a shortage in Science graduates for available jobs across the state, so greater emphasis and flexibility in science is a valuable step to make.

Personally I think it is a great move as it allows students the flexibility to focus on what they are passionate about. I think flexibility in the school curriculum is great progress towards education for real life, enabling the student to study what will actually be relevant to them later on in life.

My hope is that high school in twenty years is completely different – giving students an opportunity to study a broad range of interests before specialising and engaging with the subjects that are most relevant to them. Throw in a fair balance of real-life education and I can see a school that really sets students up for the world beyond the HSC.

Need a good ATAR? Get our free guidebook to writing the world’s best essay here.

Keep learning,

privatetutor

18 Oct 2015
Parenting, Students, Study Permalink

10 foods that help students study

18 October 2015

It has long been expressed that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. And whilst I have been guilty of neglecting this too many times, the studies really do support it. The food we eat in the morning determine our ability to focus and retain information throughout the day.

Food powers our bodies. It is the petrol to our fuel tank. What we put in our bodies will determine how well we respond to stimuli in the day. Here are 10 foods or drinks that increase productivity when studying and learning:

Oats

My personal trainer constantly talks about oats mixed with protein powder as a great all-round breakfast meal. They are quick and easy to prepare, low in sugar and really cheap. They are packed with energy that will support students through to lunch time.

Water

It goes without saying. We all need more water. Water hydrates the body and the mind. Every student should study with a bottle of water beside them.

Blueberries

Filled with antioxidants right? But also an excellent memory booster. A 2010 report published by the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry revealed those who ate blueberries every day for two months significantly improved their performance on learning and memory tests. Blueberries are a great alternative to high-sugar treats.

Salmon

My wife, being born and raised in Japan, loves few things more in life than fresh, raw salmon. Our trips to the sushi train quickly get out of hand as she goes for plate after plate of the golden stuff. It doesn’t have to be raw, but Salmon offers a concentrated source of omega-3 fatty acids which help rebuild brain cells, slow memory fatigue, and also strengthen the synapses in your brain related to memory.

Green Tea

There must be a reason that Japan has the highest life expectancy in the world. I think this might be one of them. Green Tea has caffeine, giving you an artificial boost, but it is balanced by an amino acid named Theanine which has been proven to improve mental alertness and focus. Opt for green tea over coffee. For younger students, brew some green tea, pour it on ice and mix in some fresh fruit for a sweeter option.

Beetroot

The Australian classic. Studies have shown that the nutrients in the dark red root promote better memory, focussed concentration and increase blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Whilst it might be a little awkward to fit it in to every meal, you could add it to a salad or a sandwich, or for the very brave, munch on some slices while they read through their notes.

Bananas

I remember eating about 4 bananas before my HSC exams, because they were infamous for increasing brain power. I’m not sure if that is propaganda I picked up watching banana-man as a child, but studies seem to support it. The boost in potassium also helps with brain power. Perhaps a banana, blueberry and green tea smoothie would make an incredible afternoon treat?

Spinach

Spinach is loaded with goodness that aids memory and overall brain functionality, including lutein, folate, and beta-carotene. Most neurologists promote eating spinach 3 times a week. That might seem like a stretch, but you can use baby spinach as a substitute for lettuce, chop spinach and add it to an omelette or make a great salad with pumpkin and feta.

Eggs

Our 2 year old has just got in to eggs. And like most 2 year olds when they get in to something, she wants it almost every meal. Eggs, like salmon, are filled with Omega-3. Research has shown that Omega-3 intake has a positive effect upon memory and mood. Eggs also contain choline, a compound that can help maintain healthy brain cell membranes. They make a cheap and easy meal for students and will keep them going through the day.

Dark chocolate

If you need a treat, try to go for this. While I am not naturally a fan of the bitterness of dark chocolate I can’t argue with the research. Dark chocolate boosts serotonin and endorphin levels, which are associated with greater concentration. A 2013 study showed that even drinking dark cocoa makes a difference and resulted in improved performance in exams.

If you or your child are looking to perform at their best in exams, ensure what goes in is the right stuff.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

13 Oct 2015
HSC, Schooling, Students, Study Permalink

Teaching yourself the area of study: Discovery

13 October 2015

If you’ve just started year 12 then you are probably gearing up for a huge year. It will be one of the biggest schooling years of your life and it demands constant and ongoing focus – but it will also be hugely rewarding as you learn what you are truly capable of.

Whilst each student has their own subjects and within each of those, their own modules and texts, every single year 12 student is going to have to go through the English area of study; Discovery. It is the only part of the HSC studied by every student – and therefore, your markers read 80,000 Discovery essays at the end of the year making it hugely competitive and challenging.

If you want to get an unrivalled head start on your class, take yourself through the area of study before your teacher does. You will spend a whole term on it at some point, but if you are looking to maximise your marks use the following guide to get ahead.

The module.

Discovery. The process of learning new things about ourselves and the world around us.

The first thing you need to do is get your head around the concept of discovery.

Here is the text from the Rubric. I’ve underlined the most important parts that would make excellent topic sentences or thesis statements and will probably form the basis of your HSC question.

Discovery can encompass the experience of discovering something for the first time or rediscovering something that has been lost, forgotten or concealed. Discoveries can be sudden and unexpected, or they can emerge from a process of deliberate and careful planning evoked by curiosity, necessity or wonder. Discoveries can be fresh and intensely meaningful in ways that may be emotional, creative, intellectual, physical and spiritual. They can also be confronting and provocative. They can lead us to new worlds and values, stimulate new ideas, and enable us to speculate about future possibilities. Discoveries and discovering can offer new understandings and renewed perceptions of ourselves and others.

An individual’s discoveries and their process of discovering can vary according to personal, cultural, historical and social contexts and values. The impact of these discoveries can be far-reaching and transformative for the individual and for broader society. Discoveries may be questioned or challenged when viewed from different perspectives and their worth may be reassessed over time. The ramifications of particular discoveries may differ for individuals and their worlds.

By exploring the concept of discovery, students can understand how texts have the potential to affirm or challenge individuals’ or more widely-held assumptions and beliefs about aspects of human experience and the world. Through composing and responding to a wide range of texts, students may make discoveries about people, relationships, societies, places and events and generate new ideas. By synthesising perspectives, students may deepen their understanding of the concept of discovery. Students consider the ways composers may invite them to experience discovery through their texts and explore how the process of discovering is represented using a variety of language modes, forms and features.

In their responses and compositions, students examine, question, and reflect and speculate on: 

  • their own experiences of discovery 
  • the experience of discovery in and through their engagement with texts 
  • assumptions underlying various representations of the concept of discovery
  • how the concept of discovery is conveyed through the representations of people, relationships, societies, places, events and ideas that they encounter in the prescribed text and other related texts of their own choosing
  • how the composer’s choice of language modes, forms, features and structure shapes representations of discovery and discovering
  • the ways in which exploring the concept of discovery may broaden and deepen their understanding of themselves and their world.

It is worth finding out what text your teacher is choosing (all the options are here) and begin reading/watching/studying it as soon as possible. You will also want to find one or two related texts that closely link to the themes of your set text as you will need them soon.

Create small tasks for yourself by writing mini essays on texts that explore discovery. You will find this easiest if you focus on texts that you have done in the past rather than trying to learn new ones because you really do have enough going on. Some suggestions:

  • Heart of Darkness, Joseph Conrad (novel)
  • The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho (novel)
  • The Road not taken, Robert Frost (poem)
  • The Descendants (film, starring George Clooney)
  • The Divergent series

The sooner you start working with Discovery the better you will go later.

The area of study exam.

This is often referred to simply as Paper 1 as it is the very first HSC exam you will do. It consists of 3 parts – a comprehension section, a creative writing piece and an essay on your prescribed text plus at least 1 related text. You have a total of 2 hours to complete the exam and each section is worth 15 marks. This will also follow the same format in your trial exam.

Practice paper 1

Practice paper 2

Practice paper 3

Practice essay questions

To prepare for the exam you will need to:

Recognise techniques and know how to construct analysis in a succinct manner.

Have 1 or 2 creative writing ideas. You want to have full stories mapped out before an exam – don’t go in empty handed. I’ve seen it go wrong way too many times.

Know your discovery text really well, have a related text that shares similar ideas and be able to adapt your essay to a specific question.

Whilst this is the exam structure, your in school assessment might be different – so find out what it is going to be and get practicing as soon as possible.

It is worth noting that of the 4 previous areas of study, Discovery is my favourite. I think it is the most engaging and some of the text choices are excellent. Try to enjoy it, have fun and hit it out of the park!Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

29 Sep 2015
HSC, Schooling, Students, Study Permalink

How many units should you do in the HSC?

29 September 2015

If you are about to start your HSC year you will probably know that you have the freedom to drop a subject when the new year begins. This is because the Board of studies requires 12 units in year 11, but only 10 in year 12.

However they don’t enforce this – you are very welcome to take all 12 units through if you want, and they will only count the 10 units you do the best in.

Choosing what and even if to drop a subject is one worth considering. On one hand, you have fewer subjects to prepare for, more free periods and an opportunity to off-load that subject you hate. On the other, doing just 10 units means that every single assessment, exam and mark counts and you have no room for mistakes.

I’m going to outline the different arguments and wrap up with my recommendation – but of course, your situation might be very different, so be sure to think really hard about it before making any decisions.

Why drop a subject in year 12?

For me, the greatest reason to drop a subject is that it will give you more time to focus on your other subjects. For example, if you are struggling through Physics in year 11 and it takes you an average of 10 hours a week to stay on top (study, revision, assessments and exam preparation) – by dropping that subject you will free up an extra 2 hours each week to focus on your other subjects. That is an extra 100 hours over your HSC year that you can give to every other subject!

Another enticing reason is that you will gain a whole lot of free periods. This is ultimately a double edged sword as it is really easy to waste your free periods laughing with friends in your common room. If you use them wisely you can claim back even more time to focus on your other subjects.

Finally, if there is a subject you hate, you can cast it away like an old couch in a council cleanup. I dropped Visual Arts after year 11 and it was a glorious day, because I just did not like the subject. If there is a subject you really struggle with or really dislike, this is your opportunity to get rid of it.

Why hold on to all your subjects in year 12?

The main reason would be damage limitation. As mentioned, if you do 12 units in your HSC, they will only count your 10 best subjects. It gives you a bit of wiggle room, and if you don’t do too well in one subject you don’t have to worry about it.

Another reason might be that you are simply interested in or enjoy all your subjects – and I hear this one a lot. Some students really like all their subjects and they don’t want to get rid of any of them.

Many students think that they need to do certain subjects to do a specific University degree. Whilst they might be very helpful, any prerequisites can usually be bypassed by doing a short catch up course. For example, a lot of University degrees will work at the mathematics level – so naturally doing it in your HSC will be hugely helpful for later on. But if you don’t, your University will run a bridging course to get you on the right path.

So what do I recommend?

Drop it. Hands down. I’m sorry for being blunt, but take the hardest subject in year 11 – the one that took the most time and attention – and get out of there as soon as possible! As you begin your HSC you will realise that your assessments come in waves – you’ll have 3 or 4 weeks with nothing and then suddenly they will all hit at once. Why make things even harder by doing an extra subject that won’t even count at the end of it? In my opinion there is nothing to be gained from doing more than 10 units – you will take time away from other subjects to put towards something that won’t count.

That is just me – you need to decide what is best for you. Ultimately you have to do what you know you are capable of and what will give you the best result over all.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

25 Sep 2015
HSC, Schooling, Students, Study Permalink

It’s HSC time: here’s your English Paper 1 Checklist

25 September 2015

The first English HSC paper is just 2 weeks away. It is serious crunch time! Here is a quick checklist to ensure you are ready to tackle it head on!

Section 1

Revise all your techniques and features

Be prepared to use 1 idea or example per mark

Remember that time management is key ‐ you have 2 minutes and 40 seconds per mark ‐ do not go over ‐ and even better, if you can shave some time here you can put it into section 2 or 3.

Whilst you can’t prepare, you can practice. Practice like crazy!

Section 2

Have 2 or 3 story ideas that you can mould around various stimulus.

Focus on character transformation ‐ your character needs to want something and has to overcome obstacles to get it.

Remember to write a story your marker will be interested in ‐ not just what you like. Horror and violence can make a good movie, but are hard to do effectively in a 40 minute story.

Write about what you know. It sound like such boring advice but it is the most effective way of telling a story. Take a simple idea of discovery and tell it well.

Section 3

Organise your quote bank ‐ line up all the examples you are going to use with a quick explainer.

Have 2 related texts lined up ‐ just in case they surprise you this year. Know 1 really well, and the other just well enough to whip it out if you need to.

Practice wrapping your ideas around different questions ‐ the top responses will show an ability to adapt their thesis to a question.

Refine your introduction ‐ it is the most important part. It is your first impression and will set the tone for the rest of your essay.

Use 1 mark per example as a good guideline ‐ so you are going to want to aim for 15 examples/techniques to maximise your opportunity for marks.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

22 Sep 2015
Schooling, Students, Study Permalink

Ten tips for HSC exam success (that you might not have been told yet)

22 September 2015

In the lead up to HSC exams there is a lot of the same old advice going around. I want to give you some tips that you might not have heard before – gems that I usually reserve for my own students. I know these will make a difference if you put them into action!

  • Start each exam with your greatest strength

Just like a runner in a race, you will always do your greatest work at the start. Maximise the opportunity for marks by working with your strength first. As time goes on you will get fatigued, you will feel pushed for time and your hand will tire – so make sure you give your greatest skill the opportunity to shine. In Paper 1, if you are a great story teller then start with creative writing. In Paper 2, start with the module you feel best in. You don’t have to do any exam in chronological order.

  • The clock is your greatest friend (and foe)

Be sure you know how long you have to spend on each question, paper and exam. Mastering the clock is absolutely crucial. I’ve seen many students neglect the clock and all of a sudden they look up and have 10 minutes to do a whole essay. In Paper 1, section 1 you have 2 minutes and 40 seconds per mark – be ultra aware of this and don’t exceed it.

  • Find the study method that works for you

Not everyone learns the same way. Just because your friend can read a quote and remember it doesn’t mean you will be able to also. Try different methods and see what works best – read, write, listen, speak, explain – use a range of different techniques until you find the best study method for you.

  • Don’t try to remember an essay word for word

Some students are really good at this – but it doesn’t usually have the best outcome. Band 6 essays will demonstrate an ability to embrace the question and this is hard to do when you go in with a complete essay. It is much better to go in with your C.E.C (see next point) and build that around the question.

  • Prepare your C.E.C (Critical exam content)

C.E.C is the most important information you need. Imagine if you could only write 100 words to answer an essay question – what would they be? For most essay based subjects, this might be an outline of an introduction, your topic sentences and your quote/example bank. This is all you really need to write a great essay – but you really need to know it!

  • Nailing your introduction is crucial

With 80,000 discovery essays to read, you need to ensure that your essay reaches out and punches your marker in the face – even if it is the last essay they read at 9pm on a Friday night. This is achieved through an incredible introduction. I like to compare your essay intro to meeting a girl or boy for the first time – that first impression is crucial, and will setup the expectations for the rest of the essay.

  • Make it easy for your marker to give you marks

You don’t want your marker to have to hunt around for your techniques and examples – make them clear and easy to see. Some like to underline them, some highlight them. You don’t have to do either, but just make them easy to see. Your marker will be scanning your essay looking for keywords – ensure you keep coming back to the essay question and use the words in the question in your essay.

  • Essay writing is a formula that can be mastered

Even if you don’t feel like an incredibly gifted essay writer you can still learn the formula and put it into action. We all know that we need an intro, body and conclusion, but there are other formulas that can make your life easier. You might have seen PEEL or PETAL or PEAL. These are simple methods but they make a great foundation for your essay (for more details head to our blog at www.alchemytuition.com.au)

  • Learn when you are at your most productive

You are on study vacation, so you have the freedom to determine when you study. It doesn’t have to be a 9am-5pm thing. For me, my most productive time of the day is between 10pm and 2am – it is when I get the most done because the house is quiet, everyone else is in bed and I’m not going to get any phone calls or emails. One of my friends prefers going to bed early and getting up at 5am and studying straight away. Find ‘your’ time and don’t be ashamed to milk it.

  • Avoid study burnout

Nod with me if you have done this when studying: get restless, walk to the fridge, open it and find nothing, open pantry and find nothing, return to desk, repeat every 5 minutes. There comes a point in your study schedule where you will hit a wall and the very best thing you can do at that time is do something else. Watch a TV show or go for a walk. Cook a meal or call a friend. You need to break up your studying or you will burn out. Refresh and then get back to it.Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

19 Sep 2015
Homework, Parenting, Study Permalink

4 things Minecraft teaches kids

19 September 2015

Created in 2009 by one programmer, expanded by a small team, and advertised mostly by word of mouth, it quickly grew to more than 100 million users. To drive home its success, Microsoft then bought the game in 2014 for a staggering $2.5 billion!

I’m sure you’ve heard many kids, teens, and even adults in your life talking about Minecraft. Here’s why that might be a good thing, and one thing to be cautious of…

1. It builds creativity

I love Lego. As a child I spent hours building the model on the box and then taking it apart and making whatever else I wanted by rearranging the parts. Minecraft gives kids the same creative freedom, but it’s easier on your bank account. Plus, you’ll never step on a loose piece barefoot in the dark!

If you haven’t played or seen it, Minecraft is a very blocky world – everything is built from blocks. The ground is made up of blocks, trees are blocks, and even your character is a block. You get progress in the game by scavenging or mining blocks of various materials such as stone, wood, lava, etc. You use these as the basis for your creations, or combine them in “recipes” to create more advanced materials, tools and objects.

Some of the things Minecraft players have built are incredible – including whole city replicas.

If you can think it, you can probably build it.

2. It teaches real-world skills

Minecraft teaches players about resource management. The player has a limited amount of resources at any given time and needs to decide wisely how to use them most effectively.

Do you use that wood block now to upgrade your ax for mining, or save it for the house you’re building? Do you spend your time mining or exploring for new resources?

Even if they don’t realise it, kids are learning important life skills, such as when to save vs. spend and other key budgeting and financial skills that are so important later in life. Of course, they might need you to help them make this connection.

Kids also learn patience. It takes a while to assemble the resources you need, so instant gratification isn’t an option. Any adult who’s had to save for a car or a holiday knows that patience is important.

Kids learn perseverance. Your child might not build that amazing monument correctly the first time when it comes tumbling down under its own weight, but they can try again. They learn how to recognise where they made mistakes and start again.

Kids learn teamwork. While Minecraft can be played solo, it also has online and local multiplayer options. Kids can play with others from around the world or their friends on console. They can team up and learn how to work cooperatively to make amazing things. That also builds pride in cooperation with others.

3. It’s kid friendly

Violence is a big complaint with video games. Sure, older video games were violent but the graphics were so cartoonish and crude it wasn’t the same as gunning down the highly detailed, lifelike characters found in modern games.

Minecraft does have some fighting elements to it. You have to fend off “mobs” of monsters but the graphics are blocky and bloodless, like an old-school video game.

For concerned parents of younger kids, Minecraft also features a “Peaceful” mode. This is the easiest setting and turns off all enemies. It also makes it nearly impossible to die, so you can just explore and build.

4. Fun for the whole family

I’m a fan of parents playing video games with their kids. That way, you’re right there to monitor the game, teach them to be good sports, or shut it off when their time is up or when they start melting down. Plus, there are plenty of fun video games that you might genuinely enjoy. The LEGO series, for example, is very clever and not too difficult.

Minecraft is another fun one. You can sit next to your children and give them advice, or create your own character and jump into the game using a different computer or gadget. I know a few families who have Minecraft night and everyone joins in to work on a fun in-game project.

The one bad thing: Minecraft, like any other game or Internet service can become addictive. You might find that it’s all your kid wants to do. Some students I work with talk about the game non-stop and need strict limits and conditions on how long they can play each day. This is really important to ensure it doesn’t become the only thing they want to do.

I think video games can certainly find a place alongside education, and I believe that in the future, the gamification of classrooms will become a universal thing.
Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

16 Sep 2015
Homework, Parenting, Schooling, Study Permalink

Private Tutor shares 7 steps to being an incredible student

16 September 2015

In this blog we talk a lot about what we as parents can do to help our children succeed. But at some point, it comes down to your child being willing to put in the work. This is something written specifically for the students – for those who want to be at the top of their game. These 10 tips will put you in the right place to perform at your best: 

Challenge yourself

When given a choice between easy or hard, choose hard. You will rise to the challenge and it will put you outside your comfort zone. In your assessments, set your own bar a little higher and work a little harder. When choosing your subjects, choose those that will challenge you – it will feel even more rewarding when you conquer it.

Be in class

It sounds obvious, but as you get to year 12 you will realise that each class missed leaves you behind – and they get consecutively harder to catch up on. By being present in class you are giving yourself the greatest opportunity to excel. Say no to commitments that will take you out of class, and take pride in being there on time.

Put aside distractions

Choose your seat in class strategically away from friends that will distract you. They might be hurt in that first class, but after that they will get over it. Put your phone in your bag during class and if using a laptop, keep other apps and sites closed. If you get distracted for 10 minutes in each class you are throwing away +50 hours of content each year – and that makes a huge difference in your academic performance.

Ask questions

An engaged student will ask questions – both when they don’t understand but also to understand an idea better. Questioning is one of the best learning methods and will allow you to learn much better than simply being told. If your teacher is too busy, then a private tutor can answer your questions for you. Having someone to bounce ideas off can be invaluable.

Create your study space

Whether it be a desk in your room, a spot on your dining table or a patch on the couch, your study space needs to be yours. Keep it distinct from other activities so that you know when you are there, you are studying. Make everything easily accessible and conductive to studying – comfortable, quiet and distraction-free.

Go above and beyond

Do your homework – and then do a little more. Do more than just the minimum expectation and you will get more than expected in your assessments. Cover everything you did in class and then go through the upcoming content with a Maths tutor or English tutor.

Use a diary

Staying organised is one of the most important things you can do. Use a diary – either paper or digital and stick with it. Schedule all upcoming assessments and give yourself regular reminders to stay on top of things.

These are 7 simple steps that will mould you in to an incredible band-6 student. Apply them and you will see the results come!Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

04 Sep 2015
Parenting, Schooling Permalink

5 ways to inspire a love of reading from an English tutor

4 September 2015

Whenever I meet a student who hates reading it breaks my heart. The books I read growing up taught me about life and adventure and friendship. As a kid (and before the days of video games) I used to stay awake at night and let my imagination come alive with these characters that I felt like I knew personally. I read John Marsden’s ‘Tomorrow when the war began’ series in year 6, 8 and 10 – and then again a few years ago as an English tutor and it made me realise how much the values shared by Ellie and the gang-influenced my view of the world as a teenager.

I don’t need to go into the benefits of reading – if you read then you know them already. It allows you to understand different people’s lives. It encourages imagination. It is like having a personal discussion with someone and enables you to learn from their wisdom.

But with the rise in technology, students are spending less time reading and more time on their phones. Attention spans have reduced, so getting a teen to sit down and read a book can be a challenge.

To cultivate a passion for reading try these 5 steps:

Work at their ability level

If a student struggles with reading it won’t be fun for them. Find something that they can handle, and work up from there. There are some great easy-to-read books, such as ‘the diary of a wimpy kid’ series that gets younger students reading. From there they can tackle some of the popular teen series, like Harry Potter, and then on to young-adult series like The Hunger Games or Twilight. Don’t expect them to jump straight to the top of the reading ladder – it requires steps that can take time. The support of an English tutor can certainly help!

Read what interests them

Find books that relate to what they love. There are books out there that target every different niche – really EVERY niche. It is a great opening to reading and will naturally interest them. If sport is their thing, find a novel on sport or give them a biography of their hero. If they are already passionate about the subject it will be easier to get them reading.

Get them thinking critically

When you talk to them about what they have read, ask them questions that go beyond simple recounts. “What would you have done in that situation?”. “How do you think that made her feel?”. “What is the message of the book?”. Teaching them to think critically will help them stand up for themselves and ultimately see a reason for reading.

Make reading a necessity

I always tell the parents of my students that daily reading is key. An hour here and there is not going to help – it has to be a daily discipline, and the easiest way of doing this is by making it a necessity. Get them to read things that will help you – get them to read a recipe for dinner, or get them reading you the weather report for the next day. Integrate it in to their daily life and it will get easier, making reading for enjoyment much more likely.

Set an example

If they see you reading, they will do the same. If all they see is you watching TV, they won’t be interested in reading. Turn the TV off one night a week and have a reading night, or read together for the last half hour before bed each night. As with everything, your children will do what they see you doing, so make reading something they see you doing regularly.

Hopefully these 5 tips will inspire a love of reading in your child. If you can cultivate that passion now they will thank you for years to come!Considering a tutor for your child? We can help! We have amazing tutors ready to go that will help your child grow in confidence, love the learning experience and ultimately realise what they are capable of. Learn more here and book their first lesson online today!

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