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.

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

Year 4 Eleven Plus Exam Course with StudyBox

The Eleven Plus exam can be daunting. Everyone wants to secure a spot at their secondary school of choice, which is why it is important to start preparing early. That’s how StudyBox can help.

We can help your child prepare in order to achieve the best results. The mock exam package for Year 4 pupils covers advanced Year 4 topics and foundations of Year 5 topics, in preparation for the Eleven Plus at the start of Year 6.

The Eleven Plus exam preparation teaches one hour of Maths and English per week, from September until the end of July. We believe it is important to set a revision timetable. Additionally, one hour per week in each subject disciplines children to revise at specific times in a learning environment.

This course is also beneficial for parents who may not have enough time to revise with their children at home. It gives parents more time to go through homework and other tasks with their children, so StudyBox can do the rest.

We cover the whole Eleven Plus specification:

English (Modules 1, 2, 3): adjectives, adverbs, nouns, tenses, punctuation, fiction, non-fiction, poetry, creative writing.

Maths (Modules 1, 2, 3): fractions, decimals, area, perimeter & volume of shapes, angles, problem solving, algebra.

Choose StudyBox to help your children be rewarded with a secure spot in their secondary school of choice, so they secure a good education to pave their future.

Grammar Schools we help your children prepare for:

Wallington County Grammar (boys)

Wallington High School for Girls

Sutton Grammar School (boys)

Nonsuch High School for Girls

Wilson’s School (boys)

Here are some other tips you can try outside of tuition: continuous revision of vocabulary and mental maths, purchasing a dictionary, practice essays, making flashcards.

Book your free trial here! https://studybox.london

National School Sports Week

This week is important because it celebrates schools all over the country participating in P.E. Since National School Sports Week was established in 2008, more than 5000 schools take part in physical activity, with more than 1.8 million pupils participating across the country!

Why is it important?

The 24th – 28th June highlights the importance of young people keeping active, especially during the long hours of learning whilst at school. That’s why it is important to have a lesson of at least one hour of physical activity per week, alongside studying.

Encouraging children to get active and participate in sports at school is what this week is all about, as well as keeping active in general. There are so many different types of sports to try, from swimming to gymnastics and tennis, there is something out there for everyone.

This week is also the women’s football world cup, so why not give football a go?

There are so many benefits of sports and exercise, including,  increasing the ability to focus; stimulating brain growth, improving mental health and communication, and boosting cognitive performance.

But how do we know all this?

A study conducted with mice (Van Pragg et al. 1999), compared inactive mice with mice that ran 3 miles per night on an exercise wheel. The physical mice showed dramatic brain growth. Learning and memory was doubled compared to the dormant mice. This goes to show that exercise is therefore good for both the brain and the body.

Physical activity is also known to improve mood by releasing endorphins to the brain. A positive mindset is certainly important for learning.

Mind and Body

As well as keeping the body in shape, it is vital to keep exercising the brain, too. Especially during the six week summer holidays, to keep children on-track with learning.

Students attending the Croydon StudyBox centre get one free hour of playtime, using the on-site facilities, before or after their tuition. What better time to make use of this than during National School Sports Week? There are also two other centres in Wallington and Sutton. Did we mention that new members get a free trial?

Sign up here!

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