Month: January 2023

Categories
A-Level and IB

Choosing A Level Subjects

Interests and Passions:

 

The first step in selecting A-Level subjects for a student should be to consider their interests and passions. If the student has a genuine interest in the subject, they are more likely to enjoy studying it and thus have an increased motivation to revise and work hard. Students should ask themselves questions such as, “Do I prefer the method of mathematical subjects or the creativity and critical thinking involved in the humanities or art?”

 

It is important for the student to choose subjects that they are genuinely interested in, as targets and objectives will be more easily achievable.

 

University Requirements:

 

The second step is researching the academic requirements of the universities they are interested in applying to. For example, if a student is interested in pursuing Medicine, it would be wise to choose subjects such as Biology and Chemistry. Similarly, if the student is interested in studying Law, subjects such as History or Politics should be chosen, in addition to A-Level Law. Universities have different requirements for the A-Level subjects they accept for certain courses. To find out more, The Which Universities Guide is a great resource for this, as is the UCAS Course Finder website.

 

Career Aspirations:

 

The third step for a student is to consider their future career aspirations. Although it may feel distant at the time, different A-Level subjects do indeed lead to different career paths. An aspiring Nuclear Physicist, for example, would be better placed having studied Physics and Maths, as opposed to History and English. This is not to say that a student cannot be a cross-disciplinarian, rather, that if they have a clear goal from the start, choosing a relevant A-Level certainly sets a strong foundation.

 

A daunting prospect. However, research the various career paths that are available, speak to professionals already in the industry and reach out to family and friends; perhaps they will be able to impart some wisdom on this decision.

 

Difficulty of the Subject:

 

The fourth step is for a student to consider the difficulty of the A-Level subjects they have in mind. Ultimately, students want to place themselves in the strongest position possible when it comes to applying for future study or employment. For example, if a student finds it difficult to read for prolonged periods of time, it would be wise to avoid choosing a subject such as English Literature.

 

This doesn’t mean don’t challenge yourself; self-improvement is a key part of confidence building. At times, a student must choose a subject they find complex for a course they wish to study at university or to fulfil a specific career goal. If this is the case, it may be wise to enlist the help of a private tutor to private tutor to safeguard success.

 

Summary:

 

In conclusion, choosing the right A-Level subjects is a vital step for students, as it will determine their future career paths and university options. It is advantageous to consider one’s interests and passions, future career aspirations, the academic requirements of universities, and the difficulty level of the subjects. With scrupulous attention and research, students will be able to choose the right A-Level subjects to support their goals and set them on the path to success.

 

Contact Think Tutors:

 

To ensure that you are making the best choices for your A-Level subjects, we recommend seeking guidance from one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors. We are able to provide clarity and direction when deciding on A-Level subject options. Please do not hesitate to  contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help you or your child to discuss their options for A-levels or any other inquiry.

Categories
University Admissions

Oxford Colleges: Christ Church

The Grounds: 

 

One of the most striking features of Christ Church is its stunning architecture and beautiful grounds. The college’s main quadrangle, known as Tom Quad, is one of the largest in Oxford and is surrounded by magnificent medieval buildings. The college’s Great Hall, which dates back to the 16th century, is particularly impressive and serves as the setting for many college events and ceremonies (in addition to the inspiration of the Hogwarts Dining Hall in Harry Potter). The college’s chapel is also a must-see, with its striking stained glass windows and ornate decoration. 

 

Admissions Statistics:  

 

According to available data from 2019-2021, 56% of Christ Church’s intake was state-educated versus 46% from independent schools; and 49% of those admitted were female versus 51% as male. Between 2019 and 2021, the college received 944 state applications, admitting 165 (representing a 17% success rate) as well as 527 applications from independent schools, admitting 130 (representing a 25% success rate). 

 

Notable Alumni:  

 

Christ Church has a long and proud tradition of educating some of the brightest and most accomplished individuals in the world. Famous alumni include philosopher and mathematician Lewis Carroll as well as over thirteen British prime ministers, including Sir Robert Peel and William Ewart Gladstone. The college has also been home to many notable scholars, researchers, and artists, including physicist and Nobel laureate Roger Penrose and Academy Award-winning actor Riz Ahmed. 

 

Inside Perspective: 

 

Life at Christ Church can be obscenely picturesque. Boasting everything from the real-life Harry Potter dining hall to cattle-filled riverside meadows, a Renaissance picture gallery, to a Gothic cathedral, ‘the house’ is everything you might imagine Oxford to be. In addition to its aesthetics, Christ Church offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and clubs, including music, drama, and sports. The college also has a strong tradition of rowing, and its boat club is one of the most successful in Oxford. 

 

Should you Apply?  

 

Overall, Christ Church College at the University of Oxford is a truly special place, offering a world-class education in a beautiful and historic setting. The college’s combination of academic excellence, stunning architecture, and vibrant community make it a truly unique and rewarding place to study. 

 

To apply to Christ Church, it is best to start the application process as soon as possible. Applications open in May but you will not be able to submit an application until early September. Applying to any Oxbridge college can be a complex and uncertain process, especially without the right guidance. With tutors who are experts in Oxbridge admissions, we enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building.

 

Contact Think Tutors 

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for university. With tutors who are experts in Oxbridge admissions, we enhance performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. From guidance on halls, to interview practise, private tuition with us leaves no rock unturned. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child enter the Oxford college of their choice and succeed in their studies. 

Categories
GCSE

GCSE examinations in 2023

This insight highlights noteworthy information regarding some GCSE subjects, the gradual return to pre-pandemic examinations, and the importance of high calibre exam preparation. Elite tutors and mentors are an excellent way to ease the stresses and anxieties surrounding GCSE examinations and produce outstanding results. For more information, please head to our hourly tuition page or contact us. 

 

Pre-Pandemic Standards Resume

 

In 2023, the GCSE examination process will undergo some significant changes. In an effort to modernise and return the process to pre-pandemic standards, the UK government has implemented a series of reforms that will affect the way that GCSEs are structured and assessed. 

 

These changes include the eradication of advanced information that was given to students who took their exams in 2022. Ofqual announced that they had decided to return to pre-covid examinations to allow students to show what they could do in exams. However, students taking GCSEs in 2023 will receive a similar level of protection in the marking process as the 2022 cohort. As a result, the 2023 cohort will be protected in grading terms if their examination performance is slightly lower than before the pandemic. Therefore, a student who would have achieved a grade 9 before the pandemic will just be as likely to get a 9 this summer, even with a dip in exam performance. 

 

Subject Information

 

After more than 90% of respondents (including students and teachers) supported the decision, formulae sheets will be provided to students sitting their exams in Maths, Physics and Combined Sciences. There has also been the decision to remove the requirement for exam boards to include unfamiliar vocabulary in GCSE modern foreign languages for the examinations in 2023. 

 

GCSE Preparation

 

For many students, the GCSE examination process can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. It is important that students are well-prepared and have the support they need to succeed. This includes access to high-quality teaching and resources, as well as the guidance of tutors, parents, and other trusted adults. 

 

In the months leading up to the GCSE examinations, it is essential that students focus on their studies and take advantage of any support and resources that are available to them. With hard work and determination, they can achieve the best possible results and set themselves up for success in the next phase of their education. 

 

At Think Tutors, we have an exceptional record of improving students’ academic performance in the run-up to their examinations. With GCSEs still a few months away, now is the perfect time to enlist the help of our private tutors and mentors. 

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors’ elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain outstanding GCSE grades. Each with over five years of experience, our tutors are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building. 

 

We provide hourly, full-time, and homeschooling tuition, ensuring that high calibre learning can take place anywhere at any time, offering either in-person or online tuition. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in their studies. 

Categories
School Admissions

11 Plus Assessments: The Difference Between CAT 4, ISEB, and CEM Tests

CAT 4, ISEB, and CEM assessments are all different types of standardised tests that are used to assess the cognitive abilities of children and young people. This insight provides information on all three, which are used by independent schools to determine whether a child has the intellectual ability and potential to enter their school.

 

If you would like to learn more about how Think Tutors can help your child through these assessments, please feel free to get in touch.

 

CAT 4

 

CAT 4, or the Cognitive Abilities Test 4, is a test that is designed to measure a child’s cognitive abilities in the areas of verbal, nonverbal, and quantitative and spatial reasoning. The test is suitable for children aged 7 to 16 and is often used in schools to identify children who may be gifted and talented or who may need additional support in their learning. The test is taken when the child is in Year 6 (aged 10 or 11), and along with assessing academic performance, it can also determine which child will receive scholarships or bursaries.

 

It is considered that a score between 89-111 are in the average bracket, yet the top independent schools look for scores of around 125. The test is a 72 minute timed assessment, taken under exam conditions, presented in a multiple choice question format.

 

At Think Tutors, we amplify potential and carve the path for success in all individuals. For more information regarding independent school bursaries or scholarships, please feel free to get in touch with us. Our network spans over a number of elite UK independent schools, and with a team of dedicated tutors, we can put you or your child in the best possible position to thrive.

 

ISEB

 

ISEB, or the Independent Schools Examinations Board, is an independent organization that provides a range of tests and assessments for children in independent schools in the UK. These tests include the Common Pre-Test, which is designed to assess the cognitive abilities of children aged 7 to 13, and the Common Entrance Exam, which is used to assess the academic ability of children aged 13 to 14 who are seeking to enter independent schools.

 

The ISEB Common Pre-Test is used by many independent schools such as Charterhouse, Eton, Dulwich, Harrow, Stowe and Tonbridge. All use this as a means to test children’s ability in English, Mathematics, Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning and is usually taken in Year 6. The tests are online and adaptive in a multi-choice format. To find more on the ISEB Pre-Test, please have a read of one of our previous insights here.

 

CEM

 

CEM, or the Centre for Evaluation and Monitoring, is a research and development organization based at Durham University in the UK. CEM provides a range of assessments and tests for children and young people, including the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT), which is similar to CAT 4 but is suitable for children aged 5 to 16.

 

From September 2023 and onwards, CEM will change from a paper-based test to an online assessment. Currently, CEM assesses Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, Verbal Reasoning and Non Verbal reasoning. The papers take 45 minutes each to complete and smaller subsections within each paper are separately timed. Unlike the CAT 4 and ISEB, their questions are non-adaptive and as a consequence, are less predictable than the aforementioned. Independent schools that currently use CEM are Henrietta Barnett, St Paul’s Girls’ and Eton.

 

Overall

 

In summary, CAT 4, ISEB and CEM assessments are all different types of standardised tests that are used to assess the cognitive abilities of children and young people. While they may have some similarities, they are designed to meet different needs and are used for different purposes. It is important to understand that all schools assess their prospective pupils differently; therefore, it is wise to research your school of choice testing methods.

 

Ultimately, it is imperative that your child performs well in the respective 11+ assessments to ensure that they are given the best possible chance of a successful entry.

 

Contact Think Tutors

 

Organising tuition or mentoring with one of Think Tutors elite tutors or mentors is an excellent way to gain an advantage in the application process for private education. With a 100% school admission success rate, our tutors are adept at enhancing performance through repetition, careful preparation, and confidence building.

 

We can either provide hourly or full-time tuition, in addition to homeschooling. We can organise tuition wherever and whenever, with the option of in-person or online tuition. Please contact us if you are interested in finding a tutor to help your child feel confident and succeed in their studies.