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The Alchemy Tuition Blog

14 Jun 2024
Parenting Permalink

How Much Should I Be Paying a Private Tutor Per Hour?

14 June 2024

Most families find hiring a private tutor a costly but necessary venture. It gets worse when you don’t know the going price for a private tutor and aren’t sure whether you’re being overcharged or getting value for your money.

Various factors must be considered when determining how much you should pay a private tutor per hour, such as whether you will be doing the tutoring online or in person and whether the tutoring will be individual or group. This guide covers everything you need about tutoring prices and whether you get competitive rates for private tutoring per hour.

Factors to Consider When Determining How Much to Pay Your Tutor Per Hour

With private tutoring costs, there are several factors you should consider when deciding how much you should pay per hour.

Duration of the Tutoring Session

First, tutoring sessions vary significantly in length and content. This depends on the academic goals of the student being tutored. Some online tutoring services may provide shorter durations than private ones, which can provide longer single durations.

If you’re looking for longer durations than one hour, you may need to pay an additional fee to cover the extra time needed.

Online or Private Tutoring

Choosing an online or private tutor will also affect the cost of tutoring per hour. Tutors offering online tutoring services may offer shorter sessions than private tutors who provide longer tutoring sessions. The type of tutoring you require will affect the fees for tutoring services.

Qualifications and Experience

The qualifications and experience of the tutor are also factors in the cost of hiring them. Their expertise in the subject material will play a significant role when setting per-hour rates. All this information should be considered when deciding whether a tutoring rate is fair and reasonable.

After all these considerations, if you agree on a price with the tutor, you should ensure a detailed, documented and transparent agreement so that both parties understand the terms they agree to before committing to anything long-term.

This allows you to be better equipped and organised financially and get an arrangement that works well for everyone involved.

How Much Should You Pay a Tutor If You’re Looking for Help in One Subject Area?

The number of areas you need help with will also impact the tutoring costs. Tutoring rates are typically based on the expertise of the tutor, the amount of time they spend tutoring, and their traveling costs.

The cost of tutoring can vary widely, ranging between $40 and $150 per hour, depending on the tutor’s qualifications and level of experience.

Before hiring a tutor, it is vital to research the rates and determine the range of competitive rates and what would work for your budget.

Though tutoring fees may seem expensive, it’s vital to consider tutoring as an investment in your academic future. Tutoring can empower you academically, improve your grades and enhance your confidence as a student.

Additionally, tutors have many years of experience and knowledge that can benefit you academically in many ways, and the more experienced the tutor, the more likely their tutoring fees will be higher. Additionally, if you want to take lessons in more than one subject matter or test preparation, the cost of tutoring could be higher.

Advantages of Hiring a Tutor

Hiring a private tutor for yourself or your child has many advantages that make the investment worth it. Some of these benefits include the following:

Customised tutoring

Working with a private tutor means receiving instructions tailored to your needs. A good private tutor takes time to understand your needs and customise the lessons to match your needs and learning style. This allows tutors to be more effective in delivering instructions because they use methods that allow students to maximise comprehension and retention of information.

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This can be highly beneficial for high school students or elementary students struggling with a particular subject or needing help in their studies.

Flexibility

Private tutoring offers more freedom in scheduling, making it ideal for busy families that want to balance tutoring with family life and other commitments. Private tutors not only allow you to choose when you want to take lessons but also allow you to change lessons on short notice. The flexibility also means students can keep up with the things they love and take tutoring during their free time.

 One-on-one tutoring

In larger classes, some students may struggle to keep up because they require more one-on-one attention that teachers cannot maintain in such settings. Private tutoring allows such students to get the one-on-one attention they need to grasp concepts and cover learning gaps they might have problems with.

Also, private tutors help students improve their confidence and self-esteem by creating an environment encouraging them to ask questions and discuss topics in depth. This can result in a better understanding of the material for improved overall grades.

Are There Drawbacks to Paying a Tutor by the Hour Instead of Working Through a Tutoring Company?

When working with private tutors, the tutoring rates vary widely depending on the tutor’s experience and location.

On the other hand, tutoring companies like Alchemy Tuition charge a flat fee for their services. As a result, paying for online or in-person tutoring with a private tutor can be more expensive than going through a tutoring company.

Additionally, with Alchemy Tuition, you can enjoy some of the benefits of private tutors, such as flexible tutoring, by choosing how often you meet and for how long.

Tutoring companies also vet and verify the credibility and credentials of their tutors, ensuring you get the best and most qualified tutors for the subject matter in question.

How Do You Find a Good Private Tutor for Your Family and Budget?

Many families find it difficult to find the right tutor for their needs and budget, especially when searching for a private tutor.

It’s important to find a tutor with tutoring costs that are close to your budget. You should also consider the tutoring style and methods the tutor uses during the lesson.

Some tutors use conventional methods, such as teaching from a textbook or their previous notes. In contrast, others prefer to incorporate technology and use real-world examples to create a more lasting impression. When choosing a tutor, picking one whose tutoring methods align with your child’s learning style is vital.

You will also want to consider the tutor’s availability. Some tutors only offer online tutoring or in-person tutoring sessions during certain days or hours. You have to be certain the tutor is available when you need them. You have to ask the tutor about their qualifications and rates and the benefits they offer.

Basically, it’s a toll order you must keep up with, and many families rarely get the right tutor for their needs and budget. However, Alchemy Tuition simplifies this process by providing an education expert who carefully considers your needs and matches you with the perfect tutor. We do all the due diligence to ensure our tutors are qualified and have the best experience. With our unique selection process, we ensure we get the best tutors in Australia, so you always get the best tutors at competitive prices.

How Much Does It Cost If You Want a Tutor to Come to Your Home?

The cost of having the tutor come to your home will depend on several factors, including the charge for tutoring per hour and the distance the tutor has to travel. Private tutoring fees will vary depending on the tutor’s geographical location.

Generally, tutoring costs in metropolitan areas are higher than in rural areas. The cost will also vary depending on whether you choose a tutor or a group session. Even in the case of group tutoring, most tutors will still manage to provide an individualised learning experience.

Online tutors are a better option because no travelling logistics are required. Alchemy Tuition mitigates these factors by working with tutors who are born and raised in your location. This keeps the cost of having the tutor come to your location manageable and maintains the convenience of the tutoring sessions.

Closing Remarks

Tutoring is an excellent investment for students at all levels of the curriculum. It allows the student to achieve their full potential and improve their grades or test scores. With tutoring companies like Alchemy Tuition, students can also develop a love for learning and improve confidence and self-esteem.

However, before families can enjoy these benefits, they must pick the right tutor and find one matching their budget. This can be a private tutor or a tutoring company. The latter makes finding the right tutor much easier and more manageable and increases the chances of a positive experience and results for the tutor. Also, tutoring companies like Alchemy Tuition provide more competitive tutoring rates while ensuring you get qualified, trained, and experienced tutors.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

14 Jun 2024
Parenting, Schooling Permalink

Parent, Teacher Interview Questions

14 June 2024

Parent-teacher interactions are among the most important factors in a student’s success. They help parents understand their child’s school performance and how they can contribute to that success.

Knowing what to ask during a parent-teacher interview ensures you get the right answer and an accurate representation of your child in school. The interviews can be held at conferences or meetings at the school.

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Because the interviews are usually short, usually about 15 minutes, every minute and question counts, most schools will have at least one interview a year, and, in some schools, the students also take part in the interview.

Before the interview, the school might probably use its parent portal or newsletter to inform parents that the interviews are coming up. They can ask you to schedule an interview with the teacher using the sign-up sheet at school or an online booking system.

The interviews are usually held during school hours but can also run before and after school or in the evening. When booking the interview, it is recommended that both parents attend. You can call the school to arrange another time if you can’t manage any of the allocated times.

It is important to be on time for the interviews. However, it’s also possible that the teachers might be running late because of the overflow from previous meetings.

Why Is It Important to Go for the Parent-Teacher Interviews?

Parent-teacher interviews present a great opportunity for parents to:

  • Learn more about their child’s academic performance and emotional and social development
  • Meet and get to know your child’s teachers
  • Help the teachers understand more about your child
  • Make plans with the teacher about how you can both support the child’s development
  • Build a relationship with your child’s school

Even if you don’t have any particular concerns, parent-teacher interviews are still worth attending. It is also one way to show your child that you’re interested in their learning and their progress in school.

If you have concerns, the interview presents an opportunity to raise them with your child’s teacher if you haven’t had the chance.

What to Talk About at a Parent-Teacher Interview

Usually, the interviews allow you to address any concerns about the child and their learning progress. However, it helps to be well prepared to address the most essential factors and avoid going around in circles.

Usually, the interviews are held early in the school year. This allows the teacher to get more information about your child that they can use during the curriculum year.

For this type of interview, you might want to focus on the strengths and weaknesses of your child, their interest and, more importantly, the areas of learning where your child may need additional support.

Some interviews are scheduled when school reports come home, especially for primary schools. For such kinds of interviews, you first need to read your child’s school report carefully and not down anything you want to ask about.

Such interviews also present a great opportunity to share feedback about your child’s experiences at school.

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If possible, prepare a list of interview questions so you remember what to discuss. Interview time can pass quickly, so you must have your thoughts lined up to cover the most crucial issues first.

If you’re not certain what you talk about, here are some of the questions you can use to get you started:

  • What are my child’s strengths and interests?
  • What does my child struggle with most?
  • How much homework should my child be doing every night?
  • How can I help my child with schoolwork at home?
  • How is my child’s behaviour in class?
  • How is my child’s relationship with other students?
  • Are there other support services available for my child in the school?

If you don’t get the chance to go through everything you want to discuss, you may need to arrange another meeting with your child’s teacher. You may also want to request a separate meeting with the teacher if the child is present during the interview without his presence to discuss any additional concerns.

Talking with Teachers at Parent-Teacher Interviews

Knowing how to talk with the teachers during the interviews is vital. You can start by being open and friendly to ensure you set up positive communication with the teacher.

Always show that you respect the teacher by listening carefully and trying not to become defensive even when you disagree with the teacher’s feedback about your child.

You need to get as much information as possible from the meeting, so it is fine to be direct when necessary. For instance, you can ask the teacher to explain and clarify an issue you don’t understand.

If you have any concerns, try to be specific and avoid blame. The easiest way to get a positive outcome is to combine a request with understanding. It can also help if you mention something positive simultaneously to keep the teacher from becoming defensive.

If you intend to discuss any problems with the teacher during the interview, it may be helpful to come up with some possible solutions or at least some positive and practical suggestions. However, you should also be willing to listen to the teacher’s ideas.

If you make any decisions during the interviews, agreeing with the teacher on who will follow up and when is good. Most importantly, maintain open lines of communication throughout the academic year. The interviews shouldn’t be the only time you talk to the teacher.

Should Children Go to Parent-Teacher Interviews?

Some primary schools hold student-led conferences instead of parent-teacher interviews. Students are expected to attend such conferences and usually lead the discussions about their work.

If your primary doesn’t have such a conference in place, but you want your child to come, but it isn’t what the school usually does, it’s best to ask the teacher about it before the interview. Depending on the subject of the discussion, it might be a good idea to have the child in the discussion, but in other instances, it might be better not to have the child attend the interview.

You might prefer to keep the meeting between you and the teacher even when the school allows the students to participate, especially if you feel the focus of the interview will be on your child’s struggles. With the child absent, you can discuss the matters freely and then discuss them with your child afterwards, depending on what you agree with the teacher.

After the Parent-Teacher Interview

Your focus shouldn’t be on the interview itself only. You must also follow up with the teacher on your decisions and resolutions. For instance, you could set up a second meeting or a follow-up phone call in a month’s time.

If you agree to try some new strategies, a follow-up discussion gives you both the chance to see if things are working and if you need to make any adjustments. You should also discuss some of the resolutions with your child and how to help them overcome the areas they’re struggling with.

Can You Arrange Parent-Teacher Meetings at Other Times?

If you have concerns about the academic performance and development of your child, it’s possible to arrange a parent-teacher meeting at any other time outside the formal parent-teacher interview to discuss your concerns.

Your child’s teacher will be more than happy to arrange a meeting to discuss the issues. You just need to contact the school to make an appointment. Some teachers may also be okay with being contacted through their school email account.

You may also want to schedule a separate meeting if you want to discuss a sensitive or confidential topic with the teacher because, in most cases, the parent-teacher interviews are conducted in public areas.

You can also arrange a separate meeting to discuss an issue that could take longer than the allocated 10-15 minutes. You might want to tell your child’s teacher about something going on at home that could affect your child’s behaviour or academic progress, like a separation or demise of a family member.

The parent-teacher interviews can also present a unique opportunity to meet, socialise and build relationships with your child’s teachers, which can help when you meet for formal parent-teacher interviews.

Bottom Line

Parent-teacher interviews serve many functions. They are undisputable crucial to ensuring the student’s success and forging a relationship with the teacher that ensures the student gets the support they need in school and at home. To make the most of these meetings, you need adequate preparation to know the questions to ask to get helpful information. You must also approach the interview with the right attitude to prevent sending the teacher into defensive mode.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

14 Jun 2024
Students Permalink

VCE SACs Explained

14 June 2024

Navigating VCE requires a deep understanding of how you will be assessed. One of the critical factors to understand is the role that School Assessed Coursework (SACs) play. These little-understood and often misunderstood assessments are essential in shaping your final study score and can guide you in succeeding in your overall VCE study strategy.

What are SACs in the VCE Context?

SACs are a pivotal evaluative measure in the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). They contribute significantly to a student’s Year 12 academic journey. There are common misconceptions that downplay the importance of SACs, but they are more than minor hurdles. They are instrumental in establishing a student’s rank in their class and the final study score.

The connection between the SACs and the final VCE study score is often underrated, not only by VCE guides but also by students and educators, who consider SACs to contribute only 5% of the overall score.

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This approach oversimplifies the vital and complex role of SACs in the overall VCE exam preparation process and its contribution to the final study score.

The Importance of SACs

SACs serve a dual purpose. They gauge your understanding and application of that year’s subject matter and determine how you rank among other students in the same year. The ranking is crucial because it directly influences your position in the curve set by the collective exam performance of students in that year.

Also, the perspective that the final exam is everything in the VCE subject can put enormous pressure on a student on the exam day. It may increase fear and stress, impacting the students’ performance and perspective.

Understanding SAC Scores

The translation of SAC scores and how they factor into your final study score is confusing for students and families. It’s vital to recognise that your SAC score doesn’t directly contribute to your study score but determines your class rank. The rank is then aligned with the exam scores to ensure accuracy and fairness when assessing the overall competency in the subject.

Importance of SAC Marks in Your VCE

SAC scores play a pivotal role in shaping a student’s final assessment and determining their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is the rank used by tertiary institutions to determine the students they should accept into their courses.

Understanding the weighting of SAC marks is vital for students aspiring to achieve a certain ATAR and pursue their preferred tertiary education pathways.

How Important are Unit 1 and 2 SACs?

Unit 1 and 2 SACs will not directly impact a student’s final study score for a subject or their ATAR. However, they are still significant because they lay the ground for success in Units 3 and 4. These early assessments act as stepping stones and help build foundational skills and knowledge to navigate the more advanced SACs and exams in later units.

Although they don’t directly affect your final score or the ATAR, they should be taken seriously, as the skills and knowledge developed during units 1 and 2 will be critical to creating a solid foundation for students to succeed in Units 3 and 4.

How Important are Units 3 and 4 SACs?

SACs in Units 3 and 4 hold immense weight in determining a student’s ATAR. These assessments directly contribute to the calculation of study scores and are then used in the aggregate to calculate a student’s overall ATAR ranking. Excelling in SACs during Units 3 and 4 and aiming to be as highly ranked as possible in your class can have a significant impact on a student’s final ATAR and overall tertiary educational prospects.

How Do VCE SAC Rankings Work?

The SAC rankings aim to place all students on a standard scale. The process follows these steps:

Students in their cohort are ranked

The moderation groups in SAC consist of students from one school and sometimes other partner schools who are completing a particular subject.

If you’re studying English in school A, you would be in a moderation group of everyone studying English in the same school.

Everyone in the moderation groups will be ranked according to their coursework grades. It’s not complicated. The person with the highest coursework grade gets the first SAC rank, the second highest coursework grade gets the second SAC rank, and so on.

A common scale is developed

Two scales are made, one from school-assessed scores and another from external assessment scores. These two are aligned by matching fixed median scores as closely as possible. However, every VCE student’s SAC rank is preserved during this process.

Students School-based assessment scores are compared

After the common scale is developed, every VCE student’s score is then placed on the common scale. The scores are ranked and distributed to fulfil the following benchmarks:

  • 2% of students will get a score of or above 45
  • 9% of students will get a score of or above 40
  • 26% of students will get a score of or above 35
  • 53% of students will get a score of or above 30
  • 78% of students will get a score of or above 25
  • 93% of students will get a score of or above 20

It is important to note that statistical moderation does not alter the student’s rank. A student with a top rank for school-based assessment will have the top score after statistical moderation, no matter how they perform on the exam.

Why Does VCE Have SAC Rankings?

The SAC ranking process aims to achieve fairness and equity for all students in the VCE curriculum.

This process accounts for the fact that not everyone can sit the same SACs and SATs or at least make them all the same difficulty.

This ideally means that you will not get a lower or higher study score because of the school you went to or the type of teacher you had.

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Additionally, the statistical moderation process rewards students who perform consistently throughout the year, not just on the final exam, which underlines the importance of the SACs.

How Do VCE SAC Rankings Affect My ATAR?

The SAC moderation process tends to benefit all students in the following ways:

  • If you have a harsh SAC marker, your scores will be increased
  • If someone has an easy SAC marker, their scores will go down
  • If someone underperformed in the exam, they won’t bring the class down with them
  • Your achievements throughout the year will not be tarnished if you underperform in the exam.

However, there are situations where the process could have a negative effect. If your teacher fails to separate the top students in the cohort, the good and excellent students will be clumped together at the top, creating an inaccurate ranking of the cohort.

Your teachers must get the rankings right. If they don’t, it could drag everyone down.

Preparing for Your SACs

Now that you understand the value of SACs and how they can impact your future, you should prepare to succeed in every SAC assessment to give yourself the best chance of achieving your academic goals. E

Effective preparation for SACs requires a strategic approach that combines various study techniques and time management skills. Here are some tips that can help you excel in your SAC preparations:

Study and Revision Techniques

You should implement effective revision and study techniques tailored to the specific subject SAC requirements. These include organising study groups, utilising past SACs for practice and leveraging teacher feedback to refine understanding. Students who achieve high ATARs often approach assessments the same way.

Consider engaging a tutor

Private tutoring can do more than help you understand the subject matter and cover learning gaps. They can also help you with test preparation. At Alchemy Tuition, we can help you find a tutor with expert level understanding of the subject you will be assessed in and help you create a revision guide and help you stick to it. Working with a tutor can be highly effective, and you get valuable insights into subject-specific requirements and time management skills that can help you improve your chances of success.

Managing stress and anxiety

Stress and anxiety can impede your chances of success and how you handle exams, even if you’re well-prepared. Developing coping mechanisms to manage anxiety and stress associated with SACs and prioritising mental well-being to optimise academic performance is critical. You should find the best strategies that work for you. Working with a tutor can help because they can help you identify methods that can help you calm down and better manage your time.

When revising for your SACs, remain in constant contact with your teachers. Ask for previous SACs on the topic with worked examples to see how to approach the questions. Also, ensure you learn the common pitfalls and errors that students encounter in the SACs and how to avoid them.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

14 Jun 2024
Study Permalink

Visual Techniques English

14 June 2024

If you’re taking HSC, QCE, ATAR or other English curriculums, you may have to use visual techniques to discuss images in books, book covers, and videos or to analyse the visual and interpretation techniques within them. Visual techniques in English could be something you’re familiar with, but they could also be entirely new to you.

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Whether you have stumbled on visual English techniques before or this is the first time you’ve heard about them, this guide looks like some of the ones you’re more likely to come across that can be easily transferred into film clips.

What are Visual Techniques in English?

Visual techniques are the elements of an image, artwork, or video that help create meaning. Different artists and creators use visual techniques for various reasons. However, we mainly use them to discern and create meaning from text when writing English essays.

Essential English Visual Techniques

As an English student, analysing visual techniques is a crucial skill for success. Many other things can help you score high grades, including visual techniques. Some of the common ones include:

Composition

Composition is what an image is made up of. It can include things like where an object is placed, how it is framed and the colour and lighting techniques used. Composition largely refers to the image and what you see when you look at it.

An excellent example of a composition is one describing the Mona Lisa painting and its contents.

Colour

Colour is just that—the colours used in an image and what they can symbolise. Often, different colours will evoke different emotions in the audience. For example, purple represents royalty, luxury, and wealth, whereas red represents passion, lust, and anger.

Colour also includes the tone of the colour—is it bright, vivid, dull, or de-saturated? And how it portrays feelings or emotions in its application.

“The deep, saturated colours used in the Mona Lisa evoke feelings of peace and calm.”

Symbolism

This is the use of one object or image to represent another more complex concept. Religious symbolism and animal symbolism are often used.

Texture

Texture refers to the literal texture of an object. Is it rough or smooth, or does it have different ridges and feelings across the object?

“The Starry Night painting has a heavy texture throughout the image.”

Perspective

Perspective is how a three-dimensional object is placed on a two-dimensional surface. In artworks, perspective also changes the angle at which you, as the viewer, perceive the object.

Lighting

Lighting refers to how an image is lit or not lit. This can include natural lighting like sunlight or open windows, man-made lighting like lamps or torches or feature lighting like coloured lights or spotlights. Lighting significantly impacts the mood and atmosphere of a piece of art.

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Framing

Framing includes the camera shots and angles used across film and images to foster differing audience reactions and emotions. These techniques include close-ups, extreme close-ups, mid-shots, aerial shots, and many more that can describe camera shots and angles.

Proportion and scale

Scale refers to the size of different parts of an object in relation to each other. In the same artwork, scale is the size of one object in relation to another. It can create a more realistic feel to the image or film.

Point of View

This refers to how the shot is framed about the viewer or a character. Is the audience placed at a level above or below the subject of the image?

Text and typography

Text and typography are words used within an image to convey a literal or figurative message. They are influenced by the colour, font, size, and repetition throughout the image.

Understanding and mastering the different visual techniques for English essays can help you master the art of writing and deciphering images and artwork more effectively, thereby attaining higher scores.

Working with English tutors can help you master the different visual techniques and elevate your writing skills. These skills can also come in handy beyond school if you want a career in writing or journalism.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

14 Jun 2024
Students, Study Permalink

What is the Average ATAR?

14 June 2024

ATAR, short for Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank, is a percentile ranking used by universities in Australia that shows how well a student achieved in Year 12 relative to other students in their cohorts in either VCE or HSC.

The ATAR scores range between 0 and 99.95 in increments of 0.05. An ATAR of 80.00 means the student is in the top 20% of their cohort, while an ATAR of 99.00 means the student is in the top 1% of their cohort, and so on.

The ATAR has been adopted in Australia and is used by universities to assess which students to make offers to for admissions in various tertiary courses.

What is the Highest ATAR Score You Can Get?

The highest ATAR that you can achieve is 99.95, which indicates a student outperformed 99.95% of the students in their cohort.

What is an Average ATAR Score?

An average ATAR score is around 70.00. You might wonder why not something closer to 50.00. However, the score is set higher due to students leaving school early or not achieving an ATAR. This pushes the average ATAR score higher.

What is a Good ATAR Score?

A good ATAR score is subjective. It varies from student to student and also depends on various factors such as:

  • A student’s academic record and ambitions are compared to their score when they finish Year 12, including their score compared to their peers.
  • What tertiary course does the student want to do post-year 12, and what is the minimum ATAR required to do that course at their ideal university?

What is the Lowest ATAR Score You Can Get?

Because the ATAR scores range from 0 to 99.95, a student’s lowest score is 0. However, all scores below 30 are simply reported to students as “less than 30.”

How is the ATAR Calculated?

Calculation of the ATAR is a comprehensive process that varies depending on the Year 12 curriculum, which includes HSC, VCE, QCE, SACE, WACE, TCE, and IB, among others.

Each territory has its own method of calculating the ATAR, but generally, the approach is the same. When students complete all their Year 12 subjects, their respective marks go through a review process, moderation and scaling to accurately determine how they performed compared to their cohorts. Generally speaking, a student’s marks will be considered, moderated and scaled based on the following:

  • How did the student’s school perform relative to another school? This helps to adjust for differences in how a school may grade or how difficult the internal assessment was.
  • The relative difficulty of the subject completed and the strength of the competition in those subjects.

Once the process is complete, the aggregate of the student’s marks is calculated. Every student is positioned based on their aggregate relative to their peers. A final ATAR is then issued to the student.

Why is the ATAR Important?

ATAR is crucial for several reasons, including if you want to go to university and pursue a specific course.

The ATAR requirements for university courses are generally determined based on their popularity. The higher the ATAR cut-off, the more demand for a course.

Some of the reasons why ATAR score is so important include:

It determines your enrollment eligibility

ATAR determines a student’s eligibility for university enrollment, and the score will be calculated based on the student’s performance.

If your goal is to go to university, then the ATAR score is a minimum requirement to be admitted to that course. Also, the higher your ATAR results, the better your chances of getting into university. Even if you’re unsure about attending college, ATAR tutoring will also bring you a few benefits.

ATAR benefits your education pathway

ATAR is not just a requirement for transition into tertiary institutions. It can also have numerous benefits that could bring significant learning effects:

  • It can help students achieve their goals. If the students know their goals, they’ll learn how to achieve them strategically. They can focus on primary subjects and offload anxiety on unnecessary subjects.
  • Students can develop time management and study skills. The ATAR serves as a definitive objective to strive towards encouraging them to develop better study habits and time management skills and gain a sense of purpose in their studies.
  • ATAR can motivate students to study harder and achieve a higher ATAR, giving them a competitive objective when applying for university programs or jobs.

ATAR secures students’ acceptance slot

ATAR scores are relevant to university completion rates. According to the Centre of Independent Studies’s report, students with an ATAR score below 60 are three times more likely to drop out than those with an ATAR score of 80 or higher.

A higher ATAR can provide a competitive advantage in a highly competitive field or popular courses with limited vacancies. Universities may give preferences to applicants with higher ATARs when allocating limited spots. Achieving a strong ATAR also opens up more opportunities for students to secure a place in competitive courses or prestigious institutions.

How Do I Achieve the ATAR I Need?

Evidently, achieving the ATAR you need isn’t a walk in the park. It requires hard work and consistency; a few tips can help you improve your chances. These tips include:

Define and visualise your academic goals

The first step is to define and visualise your academic goals. This helps you determine the finish line and the ATAR you need to enter the university and course of your choice. It will also help you find the shortest path to get there.

Understand how your subjects are scaled and affect your ATAR

Your subject combination will affect your ATAR because different HSC subjects are scaled differently. Understanding how different subject combinations will result in different ATARs for the same percentile is crucial.

Typically, a student with a subject combination of Maths and Science is awarded a higher ATAR than another student with humanities subjects, even with both students performing in the 90th percentile in their courses.

Students studying humanities need to achieve higher HSC marks to receive the same scaled marks as those studying maths and science-oriented subjects.

You should also remember that your English HSC mark must be counted towards your ATAR because English is the only compulsory HSC subject.

Put in the Hours

There’s no escaping hard work when it comes to getting a high ATAR score. Success in year 12 requires consistency, commitment, dedication and effort. You need to put in more effort than the other students.

However, working the hours is not enough. You must maximise every minute to ensure the best results.

Effective study habits

Besides putting in the hours, you must also ensure you put those hours to good use by practising effective study habits. One of the ways you can do this is by having a test preparation tutor who helps you with revisions. The tutor will help you come up with a revision schedule and help you keep up with it.

You can also come up with a timetable of your own that will help you keep up with your revision. Working with teachers to provide you with revision materials and past papers is another effective study habit that will help you practice on real examples and build your confidence going into the exams.

Identify and address weaknesses.

Every student has an area of weakness that they should identify and work towards addressing. For some students, it can be certain subjects where they always underperform, while for others, it can be exam time management and anxiety. Whether that’s a specific topic or unit in Maths Methods or a pattern such as suboptimal sleep patterns or exam anxiety, you need to recognise them and be aware of the areas of improvement. This can be highly rewarding at exam time.

One of the ways to address what you are experiencing is to reach out to others who have overcome the same experience or have experienced it. A tutor could also come in handy in such instances and could even help you with tips that help you overcome anything that may prevent you from achieving your full potential.

Conclusion

ATAR scores can be a complex subject for students to understand, but the effort that goes into understanding them is necessary to help plan and ensure you understand the challenge ahead of you. You can then accurately determine the ranking you need to enter your university of choice and follow through with your academic goals.

One of the essential investments you can make when chasing your preferred ranking is to work with experienced and qualified private tutors who will help you prepare for the final exams and help you overcome any challenges you might have. Alchemy Tuition has amazing Year 12 tutors who can help you prepare for various subject exams and equip you with tips to help you maximise the results of your tests.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

10 Jun 2024
Schooling Permalink
Learn better with spaced repetition

Learn better with spaced repetition

10 June 2024

Do you ever feel as if your child is failing to remember what they gained at school? As parents, we all want the best for our children, particularly when it comes to education. However, it might be difficult to determine the best way to assist children remember and recall knowledge efficiently. This is when “spaced repetition” comes into play. Alchemy Tuition believes in providing parents with effective tools to help their children’s learning journeys. Let’s look at how you could help your kids learn better with spaced repetition.

1. Defining spaced repetition

Imagine watering a plant. If you throw a bucket of water on it once and then don’t water it again, it will probably wither. However, if you water it a bit each day, it will grow strong and healthy. Learning operates in a similar manner. Spaced repetition is a study approach that involves reviewing knowledge at increasingly frequent intervals throughout time. This strategy is founded on the idea that we learn more effectively when we spread out our study periods rather than cramming everything at once.

2. Start early and keep things simple

Introduce spaced repetition early in your child’s schooling. Sessions for young children should be brief yet entertaining. Use flashcards, instructional games, or even applications that allow for spaced repetition. The idea is to make learning enjoyable and not overwhelming. For example, if your kid is learning multiplication tables, review a couple each day rather than attempting to memorise them all at once.

3. Create a consistent schedule

Consistency is critical in spaced repetition. Make a study programme that matches your child’s everyday routine. This does not imply endless hours of studying, but rather short, focused periods. Consider reviewing essential ideas immediately after school and then revisiting them before bedtime. Gradually extend the time between sessions as your kid gets more comfortable with the content.

4. Use visual aids and mnemonics

Children frequently recall graphic information better than simple text. Use visuals, charts, and mnemonic devices to help students recall information and concepts. For example, if your child is learning about the solar system, use a poster with planet images and a mnemonic such as “my very educated mother just served us noodles” to help him recall the planets’ order.

5. Track progress and celebrate success

Keep a progress sheet to see what your child has learnt and how well they are retaining it. This not only allows you to discover areas that require further attention, but it also inspires your kid. Celebrate their accomplishments, no matter how modest, to keep them motivated. Positive reinforcement might take the form of a sticker on a chart or a special goodie.

Conclusion

Spaced repetition is similar to planting seeds of knowledge in your child’s head and nurturing them with regular watering. It has been shown to dramatically improve memory retention and learning efficiency. Start early, stick to a consistent schedule, use engaging aids, and measure progress to help your kid get the most out of this effective strategy. Remember that success requires not only hard effort but also smart work. Spaced repetition is a clever, effective technique to guarantee that your child not only learns, but also retains and uses their information confidently. Let us make studying a lifetime habit that stays!

Learn better with spaced repetition

03 Jun 2024
Parenting Permalink
Low demand parenting

Low demand parenting

3 June 2024

You’re at the playground, and you saw a parent strictly watching over their child, correcting every action and providing advice at every opportunity. Imagine another parent sitting on a seat, watching their child from a distance, allowing them to explore, make mistakes, and learn on their own. The second parent uses a technique known as “low demand parenting,” which is a gentle yet successful method of raising confident and capable children.

But what exactly is low-demand parenting? Low demand parenting is a parenting style in which parents make less demands on their children and instead prioritise creating a supportive and loving atmosphere. It’s about letting kids be kids, allowing them to explore, make errors, and grow at their own pace. This strategy promotes independence, self-confidence, and emotional resilience.

If you’re interested in trying low-demand parenting, here are some pointers on how to do so properly.

1. The power of choice

Giving children the freedom to make their own decisions is a fundamental element of low demand parenting. This does not imply letting children go wild without supervision. Instead, it’s about giving kids alternatives and allowing them to make the best decision for themselves within a safe and fair framework.

For example, instead of saying, “You have to do your homework now,” you might offer, “Would you like to do your homework before or after dinner?” This gives the kid a sense of control and responsibility for their activities. It’s a minor adjustment, but it may make a significant impact in how people evaluate their own talents.

2. Allow for natural consequences

Children learn best through experience, which often involves exposing them to the natural consequences of their behaviour. If your child forgets their lunch at home, they may become hungry at school. While it’s easy to rush to their aid, letting children face the consequences encourages them to be more responsible in the future.

Of course, it is critical to ensure that the outcomes are safe and suitable. The purpose is not to cause suffering in children, but to help them comprehend the actual and physical consequences of their decisions.

3. Connection Over correction

Instead of continuously criticising your child’s behaviour, work on developing a strong and loving relationship with them. When youngsters feel safe and understood, they are more inclined to follow directions and make good decisions.

Spend meaningful time with your child doing activities they like. Listen to their ideas and emotions without passing judgement. When they make a mistake, treat the problem with empathy and compassion, not punishment. This creates a trusting environment in which the child feels cherished and appreciated.

4. Avoiding dictatorship

In low-demand parenting, the parent serves as a guide rather than a tyrant. It’s about providing support and direction while letting the kid take the initiative. Be more like a coach on the sidelines rather than a player in the game.

Give advice as required, but let your kid try things their own way first. If they’re having difficulty with a math issue, fight the urge to offer them the solution. Instead, offer guided questions to let them find the solution on their own. This not only helps children build problem-solving skills, but it also increases their confidence in their talents.

Conclusion

Low-demand parenting does not imply being hands-off or disinterested. It’s important striking a balance between offering assistance and enabling your child to grow and learn independently. You can raise confident, resilient, and happy children by providing them with options, permitting natural consequences, focusing on connection, and leading rather than commanding.

Alchemy Tuition believes in the potential of personalised learning and development. Whether your kid requires assistance with their schoolwork or you are searching for methods to boost their entire development, we can help. Accept the concepts of low-demand parenting and watch your child develop in ways you never expected.

Remember that sometimes little is more. Stepping aside allows your child to go forward.

Low demand parenting

27 May 2024
Parenting Permalink
Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

27 May 2024

Have you ever felt that you were overly engaged in your child’s life? Perhaps you’ve witnessed parents who appear to have complete control over their children’s daily lives? This might be a sign of enmeshed parenting. Enmeshed parenting occurs when the boundaries between parent and kid are blurred, resulting in a lack of independence for the child. It’s like attempting to make a cake without letting it rise on its own. It simply doesn’t work. At Alchemy Tuition, we believe in encouraging independence while still offering assistance. In this blog post, we’ll discuss understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it.

1. Recognise the signs of enmeshed parenting

First and foremost, we must understand what enmeshed parenting means. Consider a garden in which all plants are so connected that none will survive on their own. Enmeshed parenting is similar in that parents get too involved in their children’s lives to the point that they are unable to make decisions or pursue their own interests. Common symptoms include making decisions for your child, continually checking on them, and being nervous when they are not there. Recognising these early warning signs allows you to take preventive action.

2. Encourage independence at an early age

One of the most effective methods to avoid enmeshed parenting is to teach independence early on. Consider training your child to ride a bike. At first, you grip the handlebars, but eventually you let go. Begin with simple chores such as allowing them to select their clothing or what they want for breakfast. As kids become older, assign them greater responsibility, such as organising their homework or arranging arrangements with their friends. This not only boosts their confidence but also teaches them how to make decisions and learn from mistakes.

3. Support, don’t control

As parents, we naturally want the best for our children. However, there is a narrow line between supporting and controlling. Consider yourself a coach rather than a participant in your child’s life journey. Provide instruction and advice, but allow them to take the initiative. Instead of instructing them on what things to do, assist them in exploring various hobbies and determining what they love the most. This allows people to make decisions and boosts their self-esteem.

4. Allow room for mistakes

Mistakes are an important part of learning. Do you remember when you first learned to cook? You probably burnt several plates before getting it correctly. Children, too, require the opportunity to make errors and learn from them. Resist the impulse to solve every problem for them. Instead, assist and let them face their difficulties. This helps kids develop problem-solving abilities and resilience, both of which are critical to their future success.

Conclusion

Avoiding enmeshed parenting requires striking the correct balance between engagement and independence. It’s similar to tuning a guitar. Too tight, and the strings may break but too loose, and it won’t play properly. At Alchemy Tuition, we’re here to help you nurture your child’s development and independence.

Understanding enmeshed parenting and how to avoid it

20 May 2024
Parenting Permalink
Start free-range parenting without putting your child at risk

Start free-range parenting without putting your child at risk

20 May 2024

Are you tired of feeling like you’re always hovering over your children, protecting them from every little bump and scrape? Perhaps it’s time to try another approach called free-range parenting. Before you start visualising kids running wild and uncontrolled like a pack of kangaroos, let me tell you that this is not what we’re talking about. Free-range parenting is all about finding the appropriate balance between allowing your child to explore and develop freely while yet keeping them safe and comfortable. Want to know how to start free-range parenting without putting your child at risk? Let’s find out!

1. Understanding free-range parenting

Free-range parenting is like handing your child a set of training wheels and letting them ride off, knowing you’ll catch them if they fall. It is about developing confidence and resilience in your child by enabling them to take chances, make mistakes, and learn from their experiences. Consider it preparation for the real world, allowing them to grow.

2. Benefits of free-range parenting

So, why should you choose free-range parenting? For starters, it boosts your child’s confidence and self-esteem. When kids are allowed the opportunity to make their own decisions and explore the world around them, they develop important life skills such as problem-solving and decision-making. Plus, it develops creativity and curiosity as kids explore their environment and find new hobbies and passions.

3. Facing the challenges safely

Of course, practicing free-range parenting does not imply throwing caution to the wind and allowing your child to roam freely without limitations or monitoring. It’s critical to establish a balance between freedom and safety, allowing your child to explore while also protecting them from possible dangers. Set clear instructions and boundaries, set check-in areas, and educate your child on key safety principles such as looking both ways before crossing the street and not approaching strangers. It’s like providing kids with a compass and a map to help them navigate the world’s wilderness, leading them securely through life’s ups and downs.

4. Building trust and communication

Building trust and open communication with your child is essential for effective free-range parenting. Tell them that they may come to you with any issues or difficulties. Always remind them that you are always available to give support and assistance. Overall, fostering a strong parent-child connection based on trust and mutual respect will provide your kid with a secure and supportive atmosphere.

Conclusion

To summarise, free-range parenting is not about abandoning your child to fend for themselves. Rather, it is about equipping them to become strong, independent persons capable of handling the obstacles of life. You can help your child succeed in an ever-changing environment by finding the appropriate balance between freedom and safety, encouraging open communication, and creating trust. So, let’s embrace free-range parenting and watch our children step up to new levels of confidence and resilience!

How to start free-range parenting without putting your child at risk your child

13 May 2024
Parenting Permalink
Quick guide on how to do slow parenting

Quick guide on how to do slow parenting

13 May 2024

Parenting might feel like a race against time. With never-ending to-do lists, extracurricular activities, and academic expectations, many parents find themselves caught in a tornado of work, leaving little time for meaningful connection with their kids. This hectic schedule can cause stress, fatigue, and damaged relationships within the family. But what if there was an other approach? Enter slow parenting, a conscious, purposeful approach to raising children that values quality time, simplicity, and meaningful experiences above the never-ending search for productivity and perfection.

Slow parenting does not imply laziness or neglect rather, it is a purposeful decision to enjoy the moments and embrace the path of parenthood with patience and presence. It’s about getting off the hamster wheel of perpetual activity and creating space. Let’s take a look on our quick guide on how to do slow parenting.

1. Being present

In today’s digital world, it’s easy to get distracted and disconnected from the current moment. Slow parenting urges parents to put down their phones, switch off their devices, and really interact with their children. Whether it’s playing together, having emotional talks, or just enjoying a meal as a family, being totally present allows for stronger relationships and memories to be treasured. However, it is critical to understand that presence does not imply perfection. It’s alright to have messy moments. The idea is to constantly return to the present moment with purpose and grace.

2. Play and unstructured time

In our over-scheduled society, children’s calendars are frequently full with activities from sunrise to sunset. Slow parenting promotes the value of unstructured, imaginative play that does not follow a timetable or agenda. Unstructured time helps kids to express their creativity, curiosity, and sense of wonder through activities such as fort building, nature exploration, and reading. However, parents must fight the desire to overschedule their children’s life for fear of boredom or falling behind. Instead, embrace the beauty of simplicity and allow children to take the lead in exploring their hobbies and interests.

3. Connection through communication

Communication is fundamental to any good connection, especially the parent-child tie. Slow parenting promotes open, honest communication between parents and children, validating feelings and cultivating empathy. This includes offering a secure environment for children to express themselves without fear of judgment or shame. However, parents must find a balance between being supportive and overbearing. While it is natural to want to shield our children from life’s difficulties, it is also critical to equip them to negotiate the ups and downs of life with resilience and independence.

4. Letting go of expectations

Slow parenting teaches us that it’s alright to be flawed in a culture that frequently values perfection. Children are not machines trained for success. They are human individuals with their own set of abilities, flaws, and characteristics. Slow parenting urges parents to let go of unrealistic expectations and accept the chaotic process of parenting with compassion and humour. It’s alright to make errors, apologise, and change course along the road. What counts most is the love, support, and acceptance we provide our children as they grow up.

Conclusion

Slow parenting provides a refreshing alternative to modern parenting, which is based on awareness, simplicity, and true connection. Parents may foster long-lasting, caring connections with their children by embracing the power of presence, prioritising play and unstructured time, building communication, and embracing imperfection. So let us calm down, breathe deeply, and cherish the wonderful times we have with our children, since they are the genuine alchemists who turn our lives into something truly amazing.

Quick guide on how to do slow parenting

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