Start off the year right

The academic year is upon us once again; it is important to start off the year right. The new syllabus is more challenging, so it is important to stay on top of the workload early on. It can be difficult for both children and parents to adapt to routine and get back into learning mode.

Follow these top tips on how to start off the year right.

1. Encourage reading for pleasure.

Find a genre your child enjoys and help them choose a book. Set aside twenty minutes before bed to wind down from a busy day and read.

2. Establish a routine.

Routine helps with organisation and time management. It starts from the minute your child wakes up until they go to bed. Set a time for breakfast, encourage them to pack their schoolbag the night before, a time for doing homework and for dinner. Once a routine is in place, days will be structured and tasks will be complete. Perhaps make a timetable and put it on display somewhere visible, as a reminder.

3. Help determine your child’s plans and goals.

Setting goals early on will ensure time for reaching these goals. Whether it’s achieving top marks in mock exams, staying on top of the workload or improving on difficult areas, it will take time and dedication. That’s why setting goals is a step closer to achieving them.

4. Create a working environment.

Dedicate an area for studying and completing school work, either at the kitchen table or in the study. Ensure this space is quiet and equipped with relevant supplies like stationary and paper. If there’s nowhere quiet in the house, find a local library or café to complete work.

5. Try something new.

A break from academia is important for de-stressing, so find what your child is passionate about. Whether it’s drawing, sports or music, encourage them to pursue an extra-curricular activity.

6. Attend additional tuition.

If your child is struggling in certain areas or needs an extra push, why not try additional tuition? StudyBox is a tuition company that offers one-to-one support in maths, English and science. Be one step closer to excelling in exams with StudyBox.

If you want to get a head start in September, sign up for StudyBox today! Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington on: 02086428884.

How to get a head start in September

Are you wondering how to get a head start in September for your child?

Starting the new academic year can be stressful. Especially for students going into Year 10 and 11, about to start their GCSE preparation and exams. It can be daunting not knowing what to expect.

Beginning GCSE preparation as early as possible is essential for receiving good grades. Here are some useful tips for succeeding in exams.

Attend additional tuition

After-school tuition at StudyBox provides one-to-one support and customised lessons to each child. Therefore, our  tutors are able to evaluate and focus on which areas that the student finds difficult. The sooner the student starts revision, the better they are able to grasp the topic. StudyBox offers GCSE, SATs and 11+ tuition.

Short, regular study intervals

A study by Dr. Dave Haylock shows that regular revision in short intervals is the most effective way to revise. ‘Revise little but often,’ Haylock suggests, which will also reduce stress. This effect is known as “spacing,” which allows the material to be remembered again once revisited.

Start revision early

Dr. Cecile Brich says it is vital to ‘start your revision early.’ Keep up with the workload and make notes as you go. Remember to write clear notes in class and build on these notes using revision guides. ‘This is not something you can do well by cramming the night before. Working regularly and keeping notes up to date makes revision much more effective and much less stressful,’ Dr. Brich advises.

Set a timetable

A revision timetable is an effective way to keep organised and on top of revision. Dedicate a few hours per day for each subject and stick to it.

Find a method that suits you

Everyone learns differently. If you are unsure how to revise, test these different methods until you find what works best for you:

• Mind map: Write the subject in the middle, then the topic coming off the first branch. Branching off from this, write keywords and bullet points to trigger the material.
• Colour coding: Write the topic as the heading and subtopics underneath. Bullet point the material in short sentences. Use different colour pens or highlighters and colour code each topic.
• Flashcards: Write each topic on a flash card. Bullet point the information underneath each topic. Read the cards throughout the day and take them with you wherever you go.
• Reciting: Ask a relative or friend to test you on the material, having you repeat the information back to them.

Break down each subject

The GCSE syllabus consists of multiple subjects, each containing in-depth material to revise. In order to make the workload bearable, it is recommended to break each subject down into topics. This way, the workload seems less daunting and each topic can be ticked off a list once completed. It is also easy to return later to the topics that are more challenging.

If you want to get a head start in September, sign up for StudyBox today! Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call one of our centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington on: 02086428884

GCSE Results Day 2019

GCSE results day this year falls on Thursday 22^ndAugust 2019.

This week, students across the country awake with anticipation to find out what grades they have received in their GCSE exams.

Students can collect results from their school on the morning, usually from 10am. Results can also be received via email from 8am, if requested from the school.

What is the importance of GCSEs?

GCSE results signify the end of secondary education and determine the next step. Whether it’s continuing higher education and starting A Levels, doing an apprenticeship, or going into full-time work, there are plenty of options.

What happens when my child receives their GCSE results?

On GCSE results day 2019, students will find out whether they’ve received their predicted grades and have been accepted into their 6^th form or college of choice, should they wish to continue into higher education. They will also find out whether they are accepted onto their chosen A Level subjects.

Back-up options are also selected when applying for 6^th form or college. This is in case a student doesn’t receive the predicted grades to get accepted into their first choice.

New GCSE Grading System

This is the second year that the numerical grading system has been implemented. Grades rank from 1-9, (where 1 is the lowest and 9 highest), in order to differentiate amongst the brightest students. Read more about it here.

What if my child doesn’t receive their predicted grades?

If a student doesn’t achieve their predicted grades, there is no need to panic – there are plenty of other options available. Contacting the 6^thform or college and finding out about other options is advised. Sometimes, the institute will accept lower grades, or offer an alternative subject to study. Another option is requesting a paper remark from the exam board, at a charge. This comes with a risk of the grade being marked lower than the original received grade, however. If a student thinks they have been marked incorrectly, they can appeal an exam result. This can be done by asking the school to get the result looked at again, or requesting it from the board themselves.

Alternatively, exam resits take place in November 2019. Asking the school for information about exam resits is the best way of finding out the details. StudyBox offers tuition for GCSE resits in November, simply call one of the centres in Croydon, Sutton or Wallington to enquire.

If none of the above options are possible, it could be worth changing a career plan and exploring something new, like doing an apprenticeship or considering BTEC qualifications.

Good luck to everyone on GCSE Results Day 2019! But if the results were different to what was expected, don’t panic. There are always plenty of other options to consider.

Call StudyBox today on 02086428884 or sign up online for a free trial!

International Youth Day 2019

International Youth Day 2019 brings to attention the 1.8 million young people in the world. This is the largest youth population there has ever been, making a sixth of the human population.

From this figure, 1 in 10 of the world’s children live in conflict zones. 24 million are out of school. As a result of this, there is an increasing isolation of youth in societies, due to conflict and political instability. It is easy to forget that education is a privilege which not everyone has access to.

The 2019 theme of International Youth Day is ‘Transforming Education.’ At StudyBox, we believe that education is imperative for paving a better future. This is why we support, motivate and challenge our students to help them get where they want to be.

This year’s Transforming Education theme highlights efforts to make education more inclusive for all, including efforts from youths themselves.

Education is necessary for diminishing poverty, achieving gender equality and improving job prospects. As a result, the government, youth and youth-led organisations  are working together. They aim to transform education into a fundamental tool for all.

Currently, “only 10% of people have completed secondary school education in low income countries.” Moreover, “40% of the global population are not taught in a language they speak or fully understand.” (United Nations)

Quality education plays a crucial role in youth development, which is why constant learning from a young age is important for shaping and growing the individual. StudyBox offers maths, English and science tuition, as well as a coding course. Our courses include the 11+, GCSEs, SATs, mocks, which is all important for paving the path to the next step in life, be it secondary school or GCSEs.

Book your free trail here, or call us on 02086428884 today!

National Playday 2019

The 7th August is National Playday 2019! This special day highlights the importance of play in children’s lives.

On this day, children are particularly encouraged to participate in local community events, which are created specifically for National Playday. Alternatively, children can have fun with their own activities at home, or visit a local park.

The 2019 Playday theme is ‘play builds children.’ Children learn and grow through play, so it is important for them to have fun and develop in this way.

At StudyBox we offer a Kids Coding Lab course, where children can program and play with robots. We also run maths and English tuition sessions, so children can keep their minds active as well, this summer. We are open throughout the summer from the 22^ndJuly – 31^stAugust, from 10am until 2pm. Why not book a free trial this week at our Croydon centre, Kidspace, and enjoy one hour of free play to celebrate Playday!

To commemorate Playday, there are loads of exciting activities this week for children to participate in:

Playday events across London:

• Coram Fields Playday, 7^thAugust 2019, 13.00-16.00pm

93 Guilford St, London WC1N 1DN

Fun, free activities for all, including face painting, bouncy castle, inflatable slide, arts & crafts, slime making, music and much more!

• Islington Playday, 7^thAugust 2019 12.00-16.00

Paradise Park, Mackenzie Road N7 8SE

Free event to celebrate Children’s Right to Play. Get creative with the cardboard city, enjoy hanging about in the nets among the trees, have a go at using tools, build a den, make slime or giant bubbles and much more.

• Art4Space Workshops, 7^thAugust 2019. 10.00-12.00, 14.00-16.00

Studio 1, 31 Jeffreys Road, SW4 6QU

Get creative with jewellery, jewels and fabric at this free workshop promoting wellbeing and connection. For 5-18 year olds (under 8s must come with an adult).

If you enjoy this workshop on Playday, there are other free workshops:

Wednesday 14^thAugust: Earthly Matters & Clay Play.

Wednesday 24^thAugust: Mindful Mosaic & Fab Printing.

Drop in, no booking required.

• Redbridge National Playday 7^thAugust 2019. 10.00-13.00

Hainault Youth Centre, 116 Huntsman Road, Ilford, IG6 3SY

Make your own smoothies, multi-sports for all ages, children’s yoga, face painting. *Free event.

• Barking & Dagenham National Playday 7^thAugust 2019. 11.00-15.30

Valence Park, Becontree, Dagenham, RM8 3EU

Free event for all families. Face painting, inflatables, messy play, crazy golf, and much more.

For more information on Playday events happening in London: http://www.playday.org.uk/region/london/

Activities in the Sutton Borough:

• Summer Camp Modern Musical Week, 5^th-9^th 8.30-18.00

Sellincourt Primary School, Tooting, SW17 9SA

Singing, dancing and acting. Adaptations of some of the greatest musicals of our time.

£30 a day.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/blue-performing-arts/PsJI6Q-summer-camp-modern-musical-week/

• Summer Tennis Camp, 5^th-9^th 9.00-9.45

Wimbledon Park Tennis Courts, SW19 7HR

Fun tennis camp for children.

£12 a day.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/teddy-tennis/DZ1VMV-summer-tennis-camp/

• Mad Science Super Summer, 5^th-9^th 9.00-16.30

Joseph Hood Primary School, London, SW20 9NS

Science camps sparking imaginative learning through physical, brain-stimulating activities.

£44 a day.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/madscienceeast/VxIpYl-mad-science-super-summer/

• Stagecoach Summer Workshop, 5^th-9^thAugust. 9.00-12.30

The Langdon Down Centre, Teddington, TW11 9PS

Fun and creative drama, singing and dance workshops for everyone – no experience necessary. Children will create a performance for friends and family.

£135 for a 5-day workshop.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/stagecoach-twickenham/VI7rKf-stagecoach-summer-workshops-the-big-top/

• FUN Soccer School Holiday Camps, 5^th-9^th 9.00-12.00

Wandle Recreation Centre, London, SW18 4DN

Learn while having fun. Football training session, as well as fun filled day of football activities.

£15 – £20 for 1 day. £55 for a 5-day workshop.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/funsoccerschool/NUEHfD-fun-soccer-school-holiday-camps-summer-holiday-camp/

Jewellery Design & Wearable Workshop, 7^thAugust. 10.00-11.30

Kite Studios, London, W12 9RY

Unleash your inner fashion designer with headpieces, belts and bags inspired by nature.

£15 for the day.

Book here: https://hoop.co.uk/kite-studios/XgYcrq-jewellery-design-wearable-work/

 

Celebrate Playday by booking a free trial with StudyBox today! Book here.

Alternatively, call 0208 669 4343 to book.

SATs and GCSE Curriculum Change

Did you know there was a SATs and GCSE curriculum change in 2016 and 2017?

New grading systems are put in place so a clear differentiation can be made amongst the brightest students.

SATs Curriculum

The SATs grading system was measured in levels, e.g. Level 4 was the expected level for students finishing primary school. Since its change in 2016, it is now scored from 80-120, where 100+ means students are meeting the government standard. The SATs writing assessments are graded by the teachers, who decide their student’s progress.

The Grading System

The GCSE grading was previously measured by a letter system, from A*- U.

Since 2017, a numerical grading system is now in place, from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest).

This is understandably a confusing change to adapt to; made easier through comparing the letter grades alongside the numerical ones.

→ Grades 9, 8, 7 are equal to A* and A, with fewer grade 9s are awarded than A*s.

→ A grade 4 can be compared to a C.

There are two pass marks:

→ 5 = high pass (high C).

→ 4 = low pass (low C).

→ Gaining all 4s means passing all exams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To test this new system, the new grades are slowly being eased in, with the letter grading system phased out from 2017-2019. In its first year in 2017, the new English and Maths curriculum were the only subjects to introduce the numerical grades. According to the Department of Education, this system is more challenging, especially maths. The amount of content has increased and there are concerns about the amount of pressure put on students.

In the GCSE curriculum, the amount of coursework has been reduced with a focus on exams. Another major change is the English Literature and Language syllabus.

The English Syllabus

→ English Literature: focuses on ‘classic texts,’ like Shakespeare, 19^thcentury novels, poetry from 1789 onwards, and prose from the British Isles from 1914. This means there are no more classic texts like Of Mice and Men.

→ English Language: no more set texts that students can revise, but rather a “wide range of texts” from the 19^th, 20^thand 21^stcentury. These will be unseen texts, both fiction and non-fiction. Students will analyse vocabulary, form and structure.

Additionally, all the exams are now sat in one summer, rather than across two years. This means that students do not have the option to resit exams in Year 11, that were sat in Year 10.

Worried about the new GCSE and SATs curriculum change? StudyBox offers tuition for this, teaching the new, current syllabus, in order to prepare students for their exams.

Book your free trial here. Alternatively, call StudyBox on 02086428884.

Top 10 Tips to Prevent Summer Learning Loss

The summer holidays are a well deserved break after a year of hard work. Key exams like SATs, the Eleven Plus and GCSEs are challenging and take months of preparation, so the 6-week break is certainly rewarding. Read on for StudyBox’s Top 10 Tips to prevent the Summer Learning Loss.

During this long break, it is easy to forget the work learnt throughout the past academic year. This means it can be easy to fall behind when starting primary and secondary school again in September.

Sometimes secondary schools set work for new year 7 students in order to prepare them for their new chapter. But often, primary schools are unable to assign tasks due to teachers and classrooms changing when moving up a year.

Keeping younger children engaged in learning is especially important to promote growth. They are not yet at the age where they can participate in activities during the summer holidays like work experience or volunteering.

This is why revisiting learning tasks is vital for promoting growth and keeping up to date during the summer break. Summer tuition at StudyBox is open throughout the summer holidays, providing maths and English activities to keep children’s brains engaged and prevent the summer learning loss. We also offer an exciting Kids Coding Course, for those interested in technology, or want to try something new! We believe tuition is important to keep building upon what was learnt in the previous school year, as well as learning new material. Follow our top tips to prevent the summer learning loss.

Top 10 Tips to Prevent the Summer Learning Loss:

1. Tuition

Try our English, maths and coding sessions during the summer with StudyBox.

2. Reading

Find a gripping book and read in the sun!

3. Creative Writing

Creative writing is fun and develops literacy skills. Design some fun storytelling tasks with your child.

4. Practice Papers

Put aside some time for completing mock exam papers. You can set the papers in exam conditions or go through the papers with your child.

5. Arts & Crafts

Encourage children to draw and make art this summer. You can even go on daytrips to art galleries, many of them are free!

6. Cooking & Baking

Get hands-on with the kids and bake muffins or involve them with cooking the dinner, cooking is a skill for life.

7. Educative Games

Brain games are fun and rewarding. Print out Sudoku puzzles or play a game of scrabble together.

8. Learning Apps

There are hundreds of educational apps for children, available on smart phones, tablets and computers. If you don’t have access to these, why not take a trip to your local library and use the computer for educational online games. While you’re there, borrow a book, too!

9. Learn a Language

Take the 6 weeks off as an opportunity to learn a new language, or improve on a language that your child is learning. There are many ways to do this: downloading apps (like Duolingo), using the internet for videos or interactive websites, or purchase children’s reading books in the desired language.

10. Fun activities

Despite the importance of keeping the brain active during the long break, don’t forget to have fun! Keep active and go on a bike ride, go swimming and  go on day trips, fly a kite – the activities are endless!

Sign up for summer tuition packages with StudyBox now!

Available from Monday 22^nd July – Saturday 31^st August 2019.

Book your free trial here.

Year 5: Summer Tuition Sessions for the Eleven Plus Exam

With just 63 days to go until the Eleven Plus exam, it is important to start preparation early in order for your child to achieve the best results.

At StudyBox, we are aware that preparing for the Eleven Plus can be a stressful time for students and their families.

That’s why StudyBox offers a Year 5 Eleven Plus mock package during the summer to prepare your child for their exam.

What is the Eleven Plus exam?

The Eleven Plus is taken by students to gain admission to a grammar school or secondary school that uses academic selection. Most students are aged 10 when they take the Eleven Plus. The exam is taken in the September of Year 6.

How can StudyBox help with Eleven Plus tuition?

This year the Eleven Plus exam takes place on Tuesday 17^thSeptember 2019.

StudyBox works with Year 4 and 5 students in order to help them to secure a spot and their secondary school of choice.

The Year 5 mock package is a 3 hour session, available from Monday 22^nd July until Saturday 31^st August 2019.

The course:

● 1st hour: Completing a maths or English mock test.

● 2nd hour: Marking the paper with pupils, going over incorrect answers.

● 3rd hour: Revising and teaching new topics.

Our Eleven Plus course is based on the exams used by the schools in Sutton, Wallington, Croydon and Kingston.

Grammar schools that we prepare your child for:

Wallington County Grammar (boys)

Wallington High School for Girls

Sutton Grammar School (boys)

Nonsuch High School for Girls

Wilson’s School (boys)

We focus on the following areas:

Comprehension techniques:

• Reading for meaning
• Interpreting questions
• Long and short written answers
• Answers using short quotations

Grammar and Writing:

• Creative writing
• Common spelling errors & punctuation
• Common grammatical errors
• Vocabulary development

Maths:

• Problem solving
• Multi-step questions
• Handling data
• Multiple choice skills

 

Book your Eleven Plus package here.

Contact us for a free trial

You can request a free StudyBox trial and assessment any day after school or Saturday mornings. For a no-obligation chat, contact us at our Sutton Tuition Centre on 0208 642 8884, or at our Wallington Tuition Centre on 0208 669 4343.

Alternatively, book a free trial here.

World Youth Skills Day

Today is World Youth Skills Day, bringing to light the importance of youth development in their education and abilities.

Starting to think about your child’s future?

The job market is extremely competitive in today’s generation. Young people are three times more likely to be unemployed than in previous years, despite possessing developed skills.

School-to-work transitions are becoming more and more challenging for the youth of today, so what is the solution?

That’s how StudyBox can help.

StudyBox offers one-on-one tuition in maths, English and science. Not to mention, a kids coding course. Additional tuition outside of school will boost your child’s confidence, as well as equipping them with the learning skills to be the top of their class.

“Education and training are key determinants for the job market.”

Globally, unemployment and lower quality of jobs is currently one of the most crucial issues. According to the United Nations, “education and training are key determinants” for the job market. Through private tuition, your child can get a head start in their education.

If you’re looking to send your child to their secondary school of choice, StudyBox also offers Eleven Plus courses in preparation for the Eleven Plus exams. A good education is vital for a successful future.

According to the Department for Education and Employment, today’s society are seeing lower levels of achievement in basic English and maths skills. Moreover, existing systems are failing to address young people’s learning needs. At StudyBox, our tutors provide tailored lessons to each child, focusing on the areas they find the most challenging. This will help to pave their education from primary school to secondary school, and their way from higher education into the job market.

“Today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow.”

It is key to encourage children’s potential through their own skilled abilities. This will “promote lifelong learning opportunities for all” (United Nations).

Consequently, it is important to start thinking about your child’s future early on. According to United Nations, developing technical and vocational education early on prepares children for future workplace skills. StudyBox’s Kids Coding course not only helps with maths and writing skills, but is also a great addition to a CV and for enhancing job opportunities.

Sign up for tuition with StudyBox on World Youth Skills Day to give your child a head start with their future!

After all, today’s youth are the leaders of tomorrow.

Book your free trial here.

Kids Coding Lab

Did you know that StudyBox offers a Kids Coding Lab?

This course will introduce your child to coding concepts. They will use a variety of techniques and be introduced to new tools. This will enhance their knowledge of coding.

Why learn coding?

In our digital generation, coding is the future. It is the source of websites, apps and video games. Coding not only helps with maths and writing skills, but will look good on a CV and eventually enhance job opportunities.

The Kids Coding Lab will include:

Creating a game using software

Curriculum-oriented activities

Learning to input commands

Programming a robot through learning sensors and control

Course Details:

5-7 year olds:

(1 hour lessons)

• Fun introduction to coding
• Screen-free, hands-on activities
• Programming a robot to perform a sequence of steps
• Setting up cause and effect sequences

8-9 year olds:

(1-2 hour lessons)

• Progress from off-screen to on-screen activities
• Team-based projects
• Create and program a vehicle to move and complete tasks
• Introduction to Python coding language

10-12 year olds

(2-4 hour lessons)

• Learn how coding languages work
• Create your own code
• Linking software with hardware
• Learn how to continue working on their project after the lesson has finished

Come and visit our centres:

• Battersea
• Croydon
• Sutton
• Wallington

Don’t forget to book a free trial! https://studybox.london