A Level English For Adults

A Level English For Adults It's Never too Late to Learn English as a Mature Student ChaptersA Level English Courses For AdultsHow To Enrol On English A Level Courses For AdultsThe Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsTraditionally, in the UK, A Levels are taken by seventeen-year-olds who do not yet know where life will take them. But what if fully-fledged grown-ups look back upon their exams with regret, or wish they had made better subject choices to support their now dream career â€" is there still a chance for them to go back and do their A Levels over again?Thankfully, there are many options available to adults wishing to study towards an A Level qualification, no matter their age or circumstances.So, whether you decide to return to a nostalgic classroom setting or if it suits you better to study from home alongside other commitments, improving your skills (or learning new ones for that matter) couldn’t be easier.In this article, we will clarify the options available to you, how you can apply and, finally, explain how the qualification can benefit your car eer prospects. and Edexcel.Upon enrolment, your English tutor will most likely meet with you and give you a start date then expect you to attend classes for around 2.5 hours a week, whilst undertaking further independent study in your own time. Many colleges offer case studies and other useful information about their courses, like how you can apply, on their websites.Did you know you can also study A Level English past papers?Although with a course like the above, you will not be learning from a tutor all day every day as you would at school, remember that a typical A Level student’s day is additionally made up of other subject classes and free periods. As such, you are not missing a huge amount of teacher/pupil time and, besides, you have the maturity to understand that you need to work independently and to develop as an individual on the course.Part-time study is particularly useful for those in work or those with families as they can attend group study sessions in the evenings and arrange 121s with their tutor at a time that is convenient for them both. Even better, if you have a home student status, the tuition and qualification are often free.Please note that full-time courses are equally available, and you can apply for student loans to cover the cost of these (however you will be expected to pay up front for textbooks).You can get an idea of English Language A Level course content here!Online CoursesIf you decide to go down the route of studying predominantly online, some establishments can offer you accredited fast track A Level courses, awarded by Edexcel.The online courses offered by such colleges are available for students to sign up to all year round and offer a flexible course length, with an approximation of 700 hours of study and 1 year of tutor support by email (or along those lines) included.The fee for such a course is normally between £400- £450 yet this price does not include the cost of assessments, which are payable to the student’s chosen examination centre. Some establishments may additionally offer students a pay as you study plan to help ease the financial commitments involved in going back to education.When signing up to a course run online, you can sometimes choose whether you prefer to use online materials for your studies or printed resources.Those offering English courses are said to cover the brand new specifications introduced in September 2015, so you can be sure that you are learning roughly the same content as those in schools and colleges currently are. Also included within the price of your course is assessment feedback and marking, so that you can keep track of your progress throughout the duration of the course.Independent StudyIt is possible for adults to enter exams as private students. To do so, you must find a school or college who is able to take you for exams and give information to the examinations officer. This will include your name and contact details, which units or awards you wish to enter for and your Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI), among other things.Although, as a private student, it is up to you to carry out independent study or find private tuition, the school which has accepted you has a responsibility to forward details of your entry to the exam board, keep you informed of exam timetables, tell you where exams will take place, define coursework deadlines, dispatch your completed coursework to the examiner and indicate where you collect your results from and when.Although independent study can save you in course fees, it is still recommended that you hire a tutor to guide you through the course and teach you vital exam techniques in order to help you achieve a high grade. This may result you in spending the same amount of money, if not more, on the road to completing your A Level.Be sure to weigh up your options in terms of suitability and financial implications before making any concrete decisions.How To Enrol On English A Level Courses For AdultsSi gning UpAs aforementioned, adult students can either enrol for a course with a specified start date or alternatively sign up to a flexible course 365 days a year. When you register your interest, you may be required to submit your existing qualifications, to check that you qualify for the course.Consult your chosen place of study’s website or admissions team for more information on getting started on the course.Grants, Loans And BursariesThere is a vast range of grants and bursaries on offer by the government to support adult learners and, in some cases, you may not be required to pay these back. In addition, if you are a parent, you may be entitled to help with childcare costs whilst you are enrolled on a course of study.You may be entitled to help with childcare costs when you begin a course. Photo credit: BC NDP via Visualhunt.comCity Guilds, for example, offers a course-specific grant to people studying for one of their qualifications while there are also loans available for adults seeking professional and career developing courses.You can find further details about the types of grants, loans and bursaries on offer by consulting www.gov.uk or by applying directly to the organisation that is giving them out.Get English GCSE help from a tutor.The Benefits of An English A Level For AdultsImproving Prospects For PromotionA good English A Level result is essential for those looking to further their studies in the subject, for instance if enrolling on a degree course linked to English. It may be that you wish to specialise in a certain field for work purposes but need a higher A Level grade in order to be accepted on your chosen further education course.Alternatively, you may be applying for jobs and finding that your core subject grades are letting you down or hindering your ability to secure those big promotions. Whether you want to re-sit your A Level English exam, or simply enhance your qualifications with an additional level of study, a good grade in Eng lish will do wonders for your CV.Benefits For Near-Retirement or Retirement-Aged StudentsWith the retirement age on the up, retraining and reskilling is becoming necessary for 60-something-year-olds to be able to compete with younger talent entering the workplace. In addition, as workplaces grow to become more modern, up to date skills and qualifications enable older generations to stay on top of their industry and keep their brain active.Did you know that English is considered a core skill in today's business world?Studying helps to keep the brain active. Photo via Visual HuntQuite often, the older the student, the more appreciative they are of the opportunity to study. Being part of a study group, or simply knowing that they are working towards a goal, can reduce the sense of loneliness felt by some older people, some of which may have lost partners or be finding it harder to get out and about. Becoming a student allows them to be more sociable and to have the chance to chat to ot hers about something they are passionate about.Personal GainFurthermore, many adults choose to re-sit their secondary education exams for their own personal achievement or gratitude. You may be unhappy with how you scored when you were back at school, or you might just want to go back to learning something fun like in the good old days.Many assume that learning is just for young students, but the reality is that any individual can have aspirations, no matter their age.Find an  English tutor on Superprof.English tutor LondonGCSE English tutor in ManchesterTutors in GlasgowTuition in Leeds

Learn German Online Websites, Apps, Digital Resources

Learn German Online Websites, Apps, Digital Resources Learning German Online is a Fast Effective Way to Study ChaptersLearn The German Basics At Your Own Pace With BBC Online Language CoursesBenefit From Thirty-Four Free Lessons With Deutsch LernenBabbel: Providing The Shortest Path To Real-Life ConversationsSign Up To Deutsch Akademie’s Comprehensive German Grammar TrainerSpeed Up Language Learning By Using DuoLingo For Five Minutes A DayListen Your Way To German Proficiency With Rocket Languages' Audio LessonsAdopt A Scientific Approach To Your Acquisition Of German With MemriseThere are many ways that you can learn German online and what’s more, you normally don’t even have to pay tuition fees! Thanks to a range of websites, apps and online courses designed to help you move forward with learning German, you can easily find a resource that suits you.One of the biggest benefits to learning online is that you can do it when and where you want to.So, for example, if you work shifts and can’t find a class that can accommodate your non-working hours then an online course or tutorial mig ht be the perfect option for you. Online resources facilitate learning and make the entire process more convenient and easy. And ease of learning goes a long way in today’s society.Similarly, if you have a family to support and can’t realistically do anything for yourself until after your children have gone to sleep at night, then having access to online materials can be your saviour.Alternatively, your company might imminently be sending you on a work placement in a German-speaking country and you may not have the time to commit to lessons during the day due to ongoing business responsibilities.It can be difficult to find time for German lessons around your family and professional life. Photo credit: thetejon via VisualHunt.comRegardless of your reasons for learning German, you are sure to find lots of helpful content on the Internet.Do remember, however, that not all resources found on the web can be trusted so try to stick to official sites rather then blogs, and try not to f orget also that learning through online materials is just one part of language acquisition. You must speak it and experience conversations too to be able to advance, although some courses do offer the opportunity to experiment with speaking in the foreign language to.That said, some genuine blogs can help to supplement your learning by providing an insight into things like German culture, slang and gastronomy, among other things.Making Progress With Language Learning Using Online ResourcesMany online resources have been adapted to help beginners learn German, some of which are part of renowned British-based corporations while others are the products of specialist German-speaking companies. The BBC, for example, has a dedicated space for online language lessons in addition to its famous Bitesize site designed for school revision.Not all German classes have to be given in the classroom. Learn how to learn German by playing games and reading German newspapers and authors. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsLearn The German Basics At Your Own Pace With BBC Online Language CoursesThe purpose of the BBC Online Courses is to provide a range of lessons that can be followed at the student’s own pace. As part of their online language courses, German is offered with a 12-week beginner’s course which teaches all of the basics and awards you with a BBC certificate when you come to complete the final assessment.Yo u can sign up for this course for free and the BBC will even send weekly mailings containing encouragement and tips to help your language-learning journey.The introductory course itself is made up of clips to watch and listen to, with the opportunity to read transcripts and key language terminology in writing. The practical subjects include greeting people, asking for directions, buying rail tickets, checking into a hotel, as well as many more scenarios that learners are likely to be faced with during their time in Germany.You will want to learn the basics, like how to buy a rail ticket, to get by in Germany. Photo credit: Schnitzel_bank via VisualHunt.comBenefit From Thirty-Four Free Lessons With Deutsch LernenDeutsch Lernen, on the other hand, is an Austrian-derived language course which focuses on learning German with interactive exercises. It offers ten German lessons for complete beginners and a further twenty-four grammar-related lessons for more advanced learners.The free cou rse also looks at German language orthography, i.e. the language’s conventional spelling system, and proposes two tests to help learners assess their progress.Babbel: Providing The Shortest Path To Real-Life ConversationsBabbel, meanwhile, is a mobile app and organisation founded by two German managing directors which offers learning resources for various languages. The idea of the ‘Babbel Method’ is to keep language learning fast and fun while adopting world-class techniques, proven strategies and the strongest academic learning practices to teach languages.Speed, especially in such a technology-driven world,  is of utmost importance to many learners, as is ease of access. This is why Babbel has found such great success. It offers powerful and progressive lessons which guarantee the shortest path to real-life conversations thanks to dialogues, cognitive techniques, speech recognition activities and topics tailored to your native language and personal preferences. SönkeGerman Teacher 5.00 (5) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ClaudiaGerman Teacher 4.89 (9) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SefaGerman Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HilaryGerman Teacher 5.00 (16) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LisaGerman Teacher 5.00 (8) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ChrisGerman Teacher 5.00 (19) £39/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors WendyGerman Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HowardGerman Teacher 5.00 (6) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsSign Up To Deutsch Akademie’s Comprehensive German Grammar TrainerDeutsch Akademie is a comprehensive online German course that offers more than 20,000 German grammar and vocabulary exercises, making up up over 800 hours of interactive online resources. The course is structured in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), and is therefore a great way to teach yourself t he language in a well-informed and progressive manner.Additionally, this course is perfect for those who wish to build on their existing skills. The advantages are that you can control your progress, there is a qualified German teacher on hand to answer your questions and the grammar points are each presented with clear explanations and examples.Speed Up Language Learning By Using DuoLingo For Five Minutes A DayDuoLingo is a very popular language learning app that boasts the ability to help you learn German by spending just five minutes a day going over its mini-tutorials. The ‘addictive’ app enables students to earn points for correct answers, race against the clock and move up levels. All of these aspects combined make of DuoLingo an exciting way to learn a new language like German.Its slogan is: ‘Learn a language for free. Forever.’ This serves as a great reminder of just what is on offer here â€" the ability to acquire a new skill for life for absolutely no money at all. The owners of DuoLingo seem to have targeted this app at young professionals with limited time on the hands, who turn to their mobile phones during breaks from work, as well as those commuting to work with little else to do with their journey time.Apps like DuoLingo provide a great platform for learning whilst on the go, like on your daily commute to work. Photo credit: Davide D'Amico via Visual huntHowever, the platform is now available for classroom environments too with thousands of teachers already using its lessons to enhance their own teaching methods.If you've ever thought about studying German in Germany, check out 'study in Germany' for great tips about learning German and moving to the farther-land.Listen Your Way To German Proficiency With Rocket Languages' Audio LessonsRocket Languages is an award-winning language learning course provider based in New Zealand, but providing learning resources to pupils across the world. A relatively new addition to the language learning community, Rocket Languages was formed in 2004 by passionate linguists in an attempt to break the mould of traditional language learning techniques.Starting with Spanish, the team developed a very successful online course that enabled beginners to speak Spanish from the very first lesson, and they have since built on this success with further releases addressing French, Arabic, Mandarin, German, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Russian, all adapted for native English speakers.Members can trial the courses for free before committing to buy the full set of lessons, many of which include interactive audio lessons that are great for learning in the car. All content is available 24/7 and a user-friendly mobile app makes learning easy whilst in the go.Apps and websites are very practical, but they can't answer questions like a German language course London or Bristol.Adopt A Scientific Approach To Your Acquisition Of German With MemriseLast but not least there is Memrise, a language learning app which features games, native speaker videos and other recreational activities to make learning fun. The main purpose of the online platform is to combine memory techniques and entertaining content to create a welcoming environment in which language progression can take place.Based very much on scientific evidence, this app aims to encourage the acquisition of a second language using triggers and memorisation techniques which allow the brain to come up with and retain information related to their chosen language.As you can see, there's a broad range of digital resources on offer for language beginners, many of which offer different benefits, but all of them share the same goal: to help you to learn a new language.Discover how to learn German through TV and film and perfect your German speaking with audiobooks and podcasts.If your learning German, be sure to validate your German level with a certification in the German language.

Gibson vs. Fender Which Brand Do Guitar Players Prefer [Vote]

Gibson vs. Fender Which Brand Do Guitar Players Prefer [Vote] Suzy S. In the Gibson vs. Fender debate, where do you stand? Here, professional musician  Michael L.  shares his thoughts on the two brands…     Theres nothing like being a guitar player, am I right? Youve got your pick of genres to explore, from jazz to country to metal. You have amazing guitarists to look up to and learn from. And when it comes to gear, you have your pick of some of the coolest innovations to make your sound rock. If youre like most guitarists,  you like to talk about your gear, too. Youll find  heated debates online about the best guitar amps, strings, pedals, and more. And if you’re in the market for  your first guitar, you’ll likely get a lot of (unsolicited) advice about the best guitar brands and models. One of the biggest rivalries in the world of electric guitars is Gibson vs. Fender. Many guitar players have allegiances to their favorite company, although both produce professional-grade guitars. So, which brand is better? To start, lets review the  history of both companies, as well as  a general breakdown of the types of guitars offered. Then, Ill share  my personal preference between  the guitar manufacturers. All About Gibson Guitars Gibson dates back to the late 1800s, when Orville Gibson patented a mandolin design that was much more durable than other instruments at that time. He sold these instruments out of a one-room workshop in Kalamazoo, MI, until his death in 1918. The designs lived on, however, as the company hired designer Lloyd Lear to continue creating new instruments. In 1936, the company invented the first  commercially successful Spanish-style electric guitar, the ES 150 (ES stands for Electric Spanish). Next came the P-90 pickup in 1946 and the Les Paul in 1952. The Les Paul, perhaps the most  iconic model from the company, was Gibsons first solid body electric guitar. In 1958 Gibson also introduced semi-hollow body guitars with the ES-335. Afterward came  the Gibson SG and Firebird in the 1960s. Since then Gibson has stayed on top of the list of premier instrument manufacturers. All About Fender Guitars Leo Fender started Fender Guitars in 1946, and his first innovation was the production of solid body guitars. Up until then, electric guitars were made with hollow bodies, meaning that they were somewhat fragile and somewhat complicated in design. Leo Fenders guitars offered a more  straightforward design; the were bodies made from one solid block of wood and the bridges were simply attached to the body, removing the need for extra calibration of elevated bridges. The first commercially available guitar from Fender was the Telecaster, originally called the Tele, in 1951. That same year Leo Fender also invented the electric bass. Until then, bassists had to use an upright bass, making it difficult to hear the bass while electric guitars and drums were being played. Next, the Stratocaster hit the market in 1954, introducing a tremolo bridge (or whammy bar) to the world. Fender kept the amazing innovations coming, introducing the Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Jazz Bass, and Twin Reverb amp over the next decade. Gibson  vs. Fender: Style Adaptability When choosing between Fender or Gibson, there are many factors  to consider.  The main factor for me is style adaptability. Both Fender and Gibson have different models for different musical styles and tastes. The  Gibson Style Gibsons  electric guitars generally sport humbucker pickups,  known for their thicker, rounder tone. You also get less feedback, which limits the types of delay and overdrive tones you can experiment with, but ensures a cleaner and more consistent sound. Gibson mainly  uses mahogany for their guitar bodies, which is what gives it that slightly darker sound. Another feature that affects a Gibson guitars sound is the scale length. Gibson typically uses a 24.75 scale length, producing warmer, muddy overtones. Outside of the sound created, Gibson guitars also feel different to players. Gibsons typically have a longer fingerboard radius, at 12, which means a fatter neck. With a fatter neck, the strings are at a more even height, which may help you  play faster. Gibson Guitars Les Paul guitars in particular boast a  full tone that can serve as an entire rhythm section if need be. With a switch of pickups, you can also find a lead tone that cuts through, while still maintaining low-end frequencies.  Jimmy Page, Joe Perry, and Zakk Wylde are known for playing Les Pauls. A Gibson SG, another example, is a straight rock-n-roll or punk rocker guitar. Its shrill with big low frequencies, which is great for blues. Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Angus Young, and Tony Iommi favor the SG. The  Fender Style Fender guitars have a bit of a different sound, again because of the way theyre made. Fenders are  usually  made with alder and ash, producing a brighter tone and offering a lighter feel. Fender typically uses a 25.5 scale length, which provides a rich, almost bell-like tone. And for its fingerboard, Fender typically uses a shorter radius (7.25-9.5), offering a thinner, curved neck.  Beginners and players with small hands might find these thinner necks more comfortable. Fender Guitars The single coil pickups of a Stratocaster, in particular, may be your preference if you like lots of treble in your tone and want to make lead lines pop. Some famous Stratocaster players are Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Frusciante, and Jeff Beck. Telecaster tone, on the other hand, has a bit of a flat thud to it. The notes generally dont have a full sustain and the lipstick pickup promotes more mid to low frequencies. Players like Joe Strummer, Keith Richards, and Prince favor telecasters. Who Wins? For me, its difficult to take a personal side in the Fender vs. Gibson debate. Both companies have produced legendary instruments that have shaped music around the world. Both have helped define electric guitar tone. However, I will have to side with Fender in this arena. I love the feel of Fender instruments, particularly Jazzmaster and Telecasters. Both have broad, flat necks that fit my fingers and a tone that sounds divine. The Telecaster has an honest thud to its sound and the Jazzmaster gives you a full range of tonal experimental possibilities. What Other Opinions Are Out There? Search through any guitar forum or blog, and youll find tons of information  about Fender, Gibson, and other guitar brands. If youd like to research some more before casting your vote, here are some articles and posts to check out: Stratocaster vs. Les Paul: Which is Right For You? via The HUB from Musicians Friend Les Paul Vs Stratocaster Guitar Review, via Spinditty Fender vs. Gibson list your preference and why, via GearSlutz forum Your Turn Which guitar brand is best? Cast your vote here: Which guitar brand is better? Gibson Fender View Results Loading ... Dont have an opinion yet? If youre trying to decide which guitar to buy, dont just trust the poll results. Try out different guitar brands, models, and styles, and youll find what you like best. And once you have that perfect  guitar, its time to improve your skills! Search for guitar teachers in your area and  get help with playing chords, songs, and much more. Good luck! Photo by  Larry Ziffle Post Author:  Michael  L. Michael teaches ukulele, guitar, drums, and music theory in Austin, TX. In addition to private lessons, Michael teaches music to special education students and foster children with Kids in a New Groove.  Learn more about Michael here! Need Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher

GCSE Biology Revision GCSE Exams Grading System

GCSE Biology Revision GCSE Exams Grading System Biology Tuition: Reformed Biology GCSE Grading And Exam System ChaptersHow Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?Getting Your Head Around Your Upcoming ExamsWhen Will My GCSE Exam Timetable Be Released?What If I Am Away On The Day An Exam Is Set?How Can Knowing My Timetable In Advance Help Me?GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education, and this certification is awarded at the end of a two-year study programme after exams have been marked.Traditionally taken by those aged around sixteen years-old, this course is compulsory for students in the UK. However, the Sciences have recently undergone some specific changes that might affect you.The way in which pupils are assessed as part of the UK’s education system has been a hot topic in recent years. As it stands, British students are tested across each subject undertaken at GCSE level, a test which used to make up more than half of their overall grade, but is now more often than not the only way that exam boards assess students' performance.Yet, with children and young adults in our count ry allegedly being among the most tested on the planet, surely they should be accustomed to performing under pressure?It seems, however, that the recurrent need to test performance and improvement during schooling is something that still causes a lot of distress for pupils, and the abolishment of coursework is making the importance of exams all the more stressful.Biology GCSE exams are now marked solely on exams. Photo credit: c_H via Visual hunt / CC BY MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiolo gy Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsHow Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?One very important thing to note as you enter your first or second year of GCSE is that this course has undergone many changes in the last couple of years. This means that the structure of courses may be different than before, as well as how you are assessed.Keep reading to find out how the changes affect you, as this could help you to feel more confident in the approach to the exams.Most GCSE pupils will be familiar with the historical grading system, which awarded marks ranging from A*-G with A* being the highest attainable and G being the lowest (except for a U, which is for very poorly answered exams or ones that have been missed). However, a new grade system is currently being phased into the UK education system whereby pupils are marked against a 9-1 system instead.This new grading method will have been applied for the first time on this year’s Year 11 students who studied English Language, English Literature and Mathematics, with the remaining subjects being changed over the course of the next couple of years.Although it sounds reasonably straightforward, the letters do not translate seamlessly into the scale of numbers. As such, Ofqual, the exams watchdog, has advised educators not to make direct comparisons between the two because the boundaries do differ and it could be misleading for pupils.While there is still a U, or ungraded, mark, grades 9, 8 and 7 are roughly equivalent to A* and A. Grades 6, 5 and 4 can be likened to a B-C, meanwhile a 3 is said to be similar to a current D. Finally, 2 and 1 are closest to E, F and G grades.The traditional GCSE grading system is to be replaced by a numbering system. Photo via VisualhuntSearch for a creditable A level biology tutor here.If you are studying towards OCR’s Biology A, a component of the Gateway Sciences Suite, then this new numerical system should clear up on confusion! Unless of course you ar e happy to let everyone think that the A represents your predicted or final grade…Moreover, if you have already selected your GCSE options, you will already understand that Science courses are marked differently now than before.Whereas in previous years you would have studied Biology, Chemistry and Physics towards a Double or Triple Science award, you now choose one Core Science,  which will be your academic focus during the course of the two years, and then select an additional subject,  which will have a more vocational aspect. You get separate grades for each which allows students more opportunities to excel in Science.Learn more about the curriculum here.Getting Your Head Around Your Upcoming ExamsIt is probably hard to get to grips with the fact that you will be participating in nationwide exams along with your peers across the country, especially if you have never been tested in this way before.Nevertheless, your exams are going to happen and will make up all of your final g rade, so it is time to start thinking seriously about them.Having access to a timetable, even if only a provisional one, can really help to prepare you psychologically for the culmination of your course, because having a specific goal to work towards can be very motivating.Using a calendar or a countdown app might make it even easier to remain focused on the exam period and might, on some level, build up a bit of anticipation for the day of the first exam to finally come.Attempt to keep your spirits up by translating your nervous energy into positivity. Just think, once you have completed your last exam you will have an entirely carefree summer ahead of you!Hiring biology tutors can also have a great impact on your success. MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhen Will My GCSE Exam Timetable Be Released?Timetables for compulsory exams like GCSEs and A Levels are usually released a couple of years in advance, but do remember that these are only there for guidance and should not be taken as completely certain.Although exams will usually take place across roughly the same 2-3 week period of each academic year, you should never attempt to predict when your exams will be based on information from previous years.To be on the safe side, however, we would recommend that you do not make any arrangements for holidays or social events around the time of your exams unless completely necessary, as doing so could all ow you to get distracted from your revision, cause unwanted stress due to losing precious revision time, or leave you feeling tired and less alert.Get a reputable biology tutor on the Superprof platform.Your education does not last forever but you will have plenty of opportunities to go on trips or nights out in the future.Think positive thoughts - the summer after your exams will be he best ever! Photo credit: Scarleth Marie via Visual hunt / CC BYWhat If I Am Away On The Day An Exam Is Set?You should make sure that you do not accidentally make any plans which cause you to be away on the date of any of your exams.  Failing to sit an exam could result in you failing the entire course and putting two years of study to waste.If your family are looking to book a holiday which crosses over with the exam period, then every effort should be made for the trip to be booked for a later date, or rebooked for another year. Even a once in a lifetime trip will not sway the examiners, as the rule s cannot be twisted for just one pupil.If, however, you have a valid reason for missing an exam, such as being unable to make an exam due to the death of a loved one or as a result of having a funeral to attend, you should consult your school or exam board at the earliest opportunity. Be warned that your sixteenth birthday will absolutely not be classed as a reasonable excuse to miss or re-sit an exam.In emergencies, the officials will work together to do all that they can to help you, whether that be awarding you a mark based on other assessed performances or using comparable units of a completed exam to predict how you would probably have been graded. This is called special consideration and applies to all GCSE students so long as they have completed 25% or more of the total assessment for the subject.Similarly, special consideration can be applied to those who made it to the exam but were affected by circumstances out of their control, like sickness, a bereavement, or being in th e midst of a court case, for example. In situations like these, exam boards will give an allowance (usually up to 5% of the raw mark) dependent on the severity of the circumstances.How Can Knowing My Timetable In Advance Help Me?For some students, knowing exactly what will be happening on a certain day or week in the future can really help them to visualise their movements on a given day and aid in putting their mind at rest. For those who are particularly susceptible to feeling stress on a severe level, being able to organise yourself far in advance can be quite satisfying.Use this information to plan educational activities, like pencilling in revision sessions with friends or setting aside time to complete independent study prior to a certain exam.If you and your fellow students want to go and visit a museum or gallery that has significance to your course, be sure to get this booked in before the exam comes around. There are no second chances when it comes to exam-taking so do not let yourself have any regrets.As touched upon above, using a calendar or diary to effectively countdown to the date of an exam or the start of the exam period can be a great way of making what is a nerve-racking experience more positive.As soon as you are given your final timetable, which will most likely be 1-2 terms in advance, be sure to give a copy to your parent or guardian.To learn everything you need to know about Biology revision, you can visit our blog on GCSE Biology revision.You can also discover where to find useful resources for revision by clicking here.

Tips for Managing ADHD in the Classroom Dealing with Impulsivity

Tips for Managing ADHD in the Classroom Dealing with Impulsivity Why dont you think before you act?! Students with ADHD hear this over and over from teachers, parents, and even peers who are frustrated by their impulsive behavior. Acting without thinking about the consequences is actually a defining feature of ADHD for kids who have the impulsive symptoms of the disorder. Putting on the breaks and acting thoughtfully and patiently is not something that students with ADHD can do regularly without support. Fortunately, consistently using targeted behavioral strategies in the classroom can go a long way toward reducing impulsive behavior. The Daily Report Card. A well-structured daily report card or personalized positive behavior system is the backbone of any successful classroom behavior management program for kids with ADHD. Impulsive behaviors like talking out of turn or rushing through work can (and should) be included as behavior goals on a daily report card. Daily report cards only work well when they are designed and used correctly. For tips on creating effective daily report cards for kids with ADHD see my previous posts on the topic (insert links to posts here). Hold that thought! Most kids with ADHD struggle with resisting the impulse to shout out answers to questions before they have been called on by the teacher. Help students with ADHD resist calling out by encouraging them to hold their thoughts in a notebook where they can write them down instead of shouting them out. While students might not be able to capture every thought in writing, this exercise provides an opportunity to resist the urge to call out every time. In addition, adding a daily report card behavior goal of, raise a quiet hand and wait to be called on, puts a reward system in place that will encourage impulse control. Waiting is not easy. Impulsive students often feel like they need to be first at everything first in line, the first to make it to the rug for circle time, the first to try a new activity, etc. Ask your students with ADHD to count to 5 before jumping into an activity. Initially, you may have to help by counting along with them either out loud or silently with your hands. Eventually students will remember to count independently, and will continue to do it on their own if they are praised or rewarded for the behavior often. Faster isnt always better. Getting started on classwork and staying on task are challenges for all students with ADHD. On top of this, many students with ADHD rush through their work and make careless mistakes. Reduce this impulsive behavior by reminding the student that the goal isnt to simply finish the assignment, its to finish the assignment accurately. Praise students for behaviors that reflect patience and thoughtfulness, like careful handwriting, answering questions in the correct order, and double checking answers before turning in assignments. Check in with the student while they are working and praise their effort. Kids with ADHD will work more methodically and accurately when they know an adult is monitoring them. Higher engagement = lower impulsivity. Students with ADHD struggle with downtime in the classroom. As soon as boredom sets in, impulsive behaviors increase dramatically. Consider giving your students access to an engaging filler activity if they finish assignments and quizzes early (after double checking their work of course!), to reduce impulsive behaviors while they are waiting for their classmates to finish. Impulsivity can be one of the more challenging aspects of ADHD to manage in the classroom. When impulsivity interferes with a students performance and peer relationships, then the student needs classroom accommodations and supports to help him or her change his or her behavior. Creativity and consistency are the keys to implementing successful behavioral strategies and reducing impulsivity in the classroom. ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

Five Powerful, Free Resources for Improving Performance in School

Five Powerful, Free Resources for Improving Performance in School Improving Academic Performance In the past few years, I’ve read a lot of articles and visited many web-sites to learn more about what drives academic performance and to identify mutually beneficial partnerships. I have chosen one web-site, one “app,” one blog, one online course, and one podcast. I believe any given student should at least be familiar with many of the ideas covered by each of these resources. As such, parents, high school, college, and graduate students, as professionals of any age, could benefit from spending time exploring each resource below. #1. Web-site: www.mindsetworks.com â€" a web-site about a powerful but simple idea; your intelligence is like a muscle that grows with use. It’s not a fixed trait that you inherit. I list this resource first because if your goal is to improve performance at school or on standardized tests, becoming familiar with the “growth vs. fixed” mindset concept is critical. Many people assume that IQ = Intelligence and that you are given a certain amount of each when you are born. By working hard, you can reach your “potential,” but can’t go any farther than that. The implication of this line of thinking is that, if you are finding a class extremely difficult, it may just be that you “aren’t wired” to be able to excel in that particular subject area. For example, you just “aren’t a math person.” However, there is another mindset called “growth.” In this mindset, you naturally assume, or train yourself to believe, that intelligence is something you build, not a trait you inherit. When you challenge yourself and struggle to understand something new, you’ll slowly become smarter or more intelligent over time as you build new connections in your brain. Now, the extent to which measured IQ can change significantly over time is debatable. But, a Stanford Psychologist named Carl Dweck developed, tested, and has designed practical applications around the insight that people who believe in the growth mindset are, basically, correct, and those with the “fixed” mindset are wrong. So much of what we accomplish in school, at work, in athletics, and in life is based on skills that we build with practice, and a growth mindset encourages us to keep trying, practicing, and building these skills. Dweck also wrote a book called Mindset: The New Psychology of Success By visiting www.mindsetworks.com you’ll be able to explore the fixed vs. growth mindset science and read case studies that show students who simply adopt the growth mindset perform far better in school without additional training or instruction, and much more. #2. Blog: http://danielcoyle.com â€" a blog built around the idea that deliberate practice is the key to getting really, really good at anything If you adopt a growth mindset, you believe that you can build your intelligence and your skills over time. By simply making it more likely that you’ll work hard and try to improve, you are far more likely to improve and perform better. But, Daniel Coyle’s blog and his book, the Talent Code, reveal the science behind specific strategies for practicing and studying more effectively that lead to more rapid improvement. It reveals how to build skills. The book and his blog cover many different topics and domains, but academics is certainly one of them. #3. Online course - Learning How to Learn: Powerful Mental Tools to Help You Master Tough Subjects â€" an online course that teaches you how to become a more effective learner through a mixture of neuroscience, psychology, and education theory, as well as practical advice about how to apply the theory. If you are already in high school or college and taking a full course load, it might seem crazy for me to suggest that you take an additional course in your spare time. However, having taken the course myself, I can tell you that if you did invest the time in the course, you’d likely pick up a few study techniques that will improve your ability to master tough material so much that ultimately, the time you’d save in the rest of your education would far outweigh the time you spend taking the course now. What types of things are covered in the course? Here are some examples: the two fundamental “modes” of learning your brain uses, how to “chunk” information to better understand it, creating frequent “mini tests” to improve your ability to learn new material, how to deal with procrastination, memorization tips, counterintuitive test taking strategies, and more. The author of the course, Dr. Barbara Oakley, also wrote a book about learning strategies if you prefer that to taking the course. #4. Podcast: http://thepsychologypodcast.com â€" a podcast by Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman where he will “give you insights into the mind, brain, behavior and creativity.” I think it’s rare to find a podcast that finds a way to cover highly academic and intellectual material in accessible, entertaining way. As the description suggests, Dr. Kaufman covers a variety of topics that are relevant to learning how to enjoy your academic life and perform better in school. #5. Smarphone app: https://evernote.com/ - a note-taking app that lets you “capture, nurture, and share your ideas across any device.” One of the keys to a successful academic and professional life is organization and prioritization. For example, in my view, the key to being a successful entrepreneur is learning how to manage your time and effectively prioritize across competing obligations and activities. Effectively capturing your thoughts and designing a system of notes on key projects and key “to-dos” is critical for me, and indeed for any student as well. Having my information and ideas captured and organized electronically is made possible through the system I have designed in Evernote. I can create notes, put them in folders, and organize by topic according to due dates and importance. Designing your own organization system for getting things done is very important. I designed my system after reading Getting Things Done by David Allen. Interestingly, science suggests that when it comes to taking notes on academic material, you’ll typically retain more by using pen and paper. Evernote allows you to type notes directly via computer or smartphone application, but also to upload images or videos and categories them as notes. These uploaded files can be tagged and are often searchable. So, sometimes I’ll take handwritten notes, snap a picture, and upload to Evernote to incorporate into my overall system. I hope you find some time to explore these resources. You won’t be disappointed.

Canvassing The Stigma and The Reality

Canvassing The Stigma and The Reality via Pexels.com What is all this about a quota? I thought this was about donating to good causes. Yes and no. More often than not, people who become canvassers care about the issues that they ask donations for, but as Ive said they probably need this job as well. In the office that I worked for, all canvassers had to make a weekly average of $130 in donations. If they did not, they were on review for the week, and if they did not make quota for the week they were on review, they lose the job. Think of it like this: Week one: Monday: $100 Tuesday: $70 Wednesday: $130 Thursday: $50 Friday: $90 Average: $88 Even though quota would have been made on Wednesday, since the average is $88, this staffer will be on review for the next week and have to make enough to cover the loss. What makes the stigma against this entry-level job different from others? The nature of the job is very different. There is practically no security, so its not as easy as this person thinks. If street canvassers were to stop doing what they do, theyd lose their job. Im not saying that there arent any bad canvassers because there are, and other canvassers dont like working with them. It is not the job of the canvassers to harass, accost, or be aggressive in any way. Ive definitely run into people who thought I was accosting them or invading their space despite the fact that I always stayed put and tried to be as kind as possible. Yes, theres a lot of them due to high demand. But, it is their job to wave people down and ask them for donations. They will probably try different tactics (or asks) to get passers-by to stop. Its how they make their quota and keep their jobs. Sometimes it works. If youre rude to them, try to tell them that they should move to a different place without having the authority to do so, or try to insist that they have the power to change the way that they do their job, you wont be backed up. Youll be made fun of for being willfully ignorant because youve never been a canvasser today. via Pexels.com Is this a good job for students? If you choose to have a canvassing job while also keeping up your schedule for classes, homework, other activities, its best to know how youre going to be managing your time. If you have a canvassing job and you go into work, youre committing to the entire day. While its possible to get some reading in during breaks, getting homework in that day and remembering to take care of yourself is difficult. Some offices, like the one I was in, are more lenient towards students. Theyre allowed to work three or even two days out of the week if they have to. Again, they need to make quota, and they have fewer days to do so. It is possible for a student to take this kind of job, but not something that I would recommend. Also, it isnt always safe. Canvassers from the office that Ive worked for have been maced, assaulted in other ways, and have had items stolen from them. The office encourages canvassers to contact authorities and inform other canvassers in their groups, but do not go to lengths to aid or compensate. What does a day in canvassing look like? In the office I worked for, canvassers had to sign in to the office and sign out a tablet and a T-shirt or vest to wear over their clothes. The T-shirt or vest would have the logo and name of the organization that the canvasser would be advertising for. After this is done, those in the office will go through a repetitive training that will help them get more people to give them donations. Directors of the office or field managers do the training. After the training is done, field managers with groups (or crews) are called for a quick meeting and given their assigned turf. Each canvassing group must canvass either on or two blocks in any direction from their turf. The field manager takes their groups to the turf, assigns locations to their canvassers. It is also the field managers job to assign breaks and fill out paperwork at the end of the day. As a field manager, when I took my crew back to the office to bring back tablets and T-shirts, I was called to the office prior to my crew to debrief with a director and talk about how many donations each person received. The director would then talk to each member of my crew about how they did that day. via Pexels.com How do canvassers get paid? This is, in my opinion, even more of a reason why street canvassers cant just stop. While there is a quota system, there is also a commission system. When I started working at a canvassing office, I made commission based off of how much money I received in donations over quota. So, for example, if I made $200 one day, I would get around 20% of $70 added to my paycheck. Otherwise, I made a minimum hourly wage. In other words, not a living wage. Then, the business model changed. The office average was displayed on a small whiteboard in the main office, and canvassers would make commission based on how much they made in donations over that office average. Essentially, I had to hope that I made more money in donations than everyone else so that I could make a living wage. This put many good and kind canvassers at a disadvantage and put the more aggressive canvassers at a distinct advantage, those who would steal foot traffic away from other canvassers by not working in their assigned space or moving to other spaces without arranging the move with their field manager. Neither one of these are entirely fair or very effective, and they are heavily biased towards fluent English speakers and those who are fully abled. People who rely on this job and have no other option cant just stop because certain people get conniption fits about being talked to while theyre walking. Im not referring to people with mental illnesses who are susceptible to panic attacks, I am referring to people who are willfully ignorant about what canvassing really is or what it entails, and choose to speak on a situation that they dont fully understand. It is important that those seeking a job in a large city and considering canvassing are aware of these things prior to their interview. Craigslist has some gem jobs on there at times, but a website that I recommend scouring is Indeed.com. Its easy to sign up with your CV and apply to several jobs that fit you quickly. Canvassing offices often have listings on this site, but there will always be more opportunities. It may take time and energy, but if you have this to spare, its worth it. If you dont have the time and are considering canvassing, its important to exercise caution and have questions at hand, especially for safety protocol and leniency for students.

Ways to Get Credit for Your Summer Camp Job

Ways to Get Credit for Your Summer Camp Job pexels.com How will working at a summer camp help you in future jobs? Communication, organization, supervision, and working on the fly are all valuable working skills that you can learn at a summer camp. Regardless of what your summer camp working experience was or has been, itll be a valuable part of your resume for any job. You just have to know how to spin your experience the right way. Meanwhile Make the most of your summer job by following these tips: 1. Learn the basics You wont be working at a camp for all of your life. I mean, probably not. So while youre there, work on your people skills or your kid skills. Youll want to be able to spin this in multiple ways once the summer is over and youre interviewing/sending your resume all over Gods creation. 2. Make good connections These are the people who know youve been working hard all summer. You want them to have great things to say about you. Make connections that you can keep for later on in life. That in and of itself will make the entire summer worth it. When you come into work every day, work like its your very first day and youre there to make an impression. Your boss will appreciate the constant effort youre putting into your job which ends with a stellar recommendation to wherever you may need one. 3. Stock up some savings Use this job to pile up some money in the bank. Not that you shouldnt do fun things all summer, but this summer camp job will matter even more if you go back to school with a few hundred dollars to spare. Talk about lowering your stress level from the get-go Staying motivated for an entire summer while working at a camp is hard. Youre going to get cabin fever. No pun intended. If you keep showing up, ready to work, and willing to do your best, chances are, that summer job is going to get you a lot further than you intended. Work on yourself. Pick one thing you want to improve about yourself every week. By the end of the summer, youll be happy with the changes youve made.