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11+ Grammar School Tuition

Why is Exercise important in a busy Exam Period?

19 June 2020 / 11+ Admissions, 11+ English Tuition, 11+ Grammar School Tuition, 11+ Maths Tuition, 11+ Mock Tests, 11+ Prep Courses, 11+ Prep Exams, A levels, GCSE exams

Exam time is pressurising. Late nights, last minute preparation, irregular sleeping patterns and eating times are characteristic of exam period. Exam stress can result in anxiety and increased chances of succumbing to illnesses. Getting unwell can undermine your efforts and so maintaining good health and a positive attitude to study is key. Physical activity (PA) is a fantastic adjunct to help relieve stress during exams, whether its KS2 SATs, 11+, GCSEs or A-levels! In addition, PA actually has multiple benefits on brain function, helping you to study efficiently.

Cognition is the process through which an individual acquires knowledge and develops understanding via thought processes, experiences and study. Research on the effects of physical activity (PA) on the cognitive function of children shows improvements in attention; thinking capability; articulation as well as learning and memory.

 

Attention

Kubesch et al. (1) have shown that regularity of PA in children is positively correlated with their ability to focus within the classroom. Interestingly, those children who exercised were able to maintain their attention even through the third hour of lessons, which is usually the time when attentional processes start to deteriorate.

 

Thinking Capability

‘Thinking’ is defined in this context as the cognitive functions involved in abstract thinking, planning, creative thinking and assessing cause and effect. PA helps to develop creativity in children. Research has demonstrated that unorganised PA, such as going to the park, improves thinking capability more than organised sports activities, such as drills and circuits (2). However, it is important to note, that any physical exercise is better than none at all.

 

Articulation and Language

Scudder et al. (3) showed that there was a positive relationship between PA and lexical networks in children, allowing them to comprehend text, spell and detect grammar and syntax errors with greater accuracy.

 

Learning and Memory

Working memory is the type of memory used for short-term to middle-term retention of information and is important in reasoning and decision making. PA has been shown to improve working memory in 8-12-year olds as well as 12-14-year olds (1,4). Learning and cognitive flexibility also increases with PA, enhancing visuospatial memory as well.

 

 

All in all, it is clear that exercise has a plethora of benefits in cognition. In addition to these advantages, dopamine (the ‘feel-good’ hormone) increases in the body during and after exercise, helping you to maintain a positive outlook despite exams! In fact, as a result of the extensive research in PA, the UK Government and the NHS has issued the following guidelines for Physical Activity in children (5):

  1. All children and young people should engage in moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity for at least 60 minutes and up to several hours every day.
  2. Vigorous intensity activities, including those that strengthen muscle and bone, should be incorporated at least three days a week.
  3. All children and young people should minimise the amount of time spent being sedentary (sitting) for extended periods.

 

Incorporating PA is just one way in which you can uphold balance during exam time; getting enough sleep and nutrition are also key to the equilibrium.

Here are a few tips to help you obtain a healthy balance:

Good luck!

– Esha Dandekar

  1. Kubesch S., Walk L., Spitzer M., Kammer T., Lainburg A., Heim R., Hille K. A 30-min physical education program improves students’ executive attention. Mind Brain Educ. 2009;3:235–242
  2. Bowers M.T., Green B.C., Hemme F., Chalip L. Assessing the Relationship between Youth Sport Participation Settings and Creativity in Adulthood.  Res. J. 2014;26:314–327
  3. Scudder MR, Lambourne K, Drollette ES, Herrmann SD, Washburn RA, Donnelly JE, Hillman CH. Aerobic capacity and cognitive control in elementary school-age children. Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2014; 46(5):1025-35
  4. Verburgh L., Scherder E.J.A., van Lange P.A.M., Oosterlaan J. The key to success in elite athletes? Explicit and implicit motor learning in youth elite and non-elite soccer players.  Sports Sci. 2016;34:1782–1790
  5. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/832861/2-physical-activity-for-children-and-young-people-5-to-18-years.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

Self-Determination in the Classroom

1 June 2020 / 11+ Admissions, 11+ English Tuition, 11+ Grammar School Tuition, 11+ Maths Tuition, 11+ Mock Tests, 11+ Non Verbal Reasoning Tuition, 11+ Prep Courses, 11+ Prep Exams, 11+ Verbal Reasoning Tuition

Achievers’ Academy focusses on providing students with a structured form of education, creating an environment that allows them to flourish. Our student intake is non-selective, yet we achieve outstanding results due to our holistic approach towards education. We teach them ‘how to learn’ rather than spoon-feeding them with merely what is needed to pass exams. Our students become motivated, self-determined and confident young adults as they navigate through life, beyond their education.

 

The Self-Determination Theory (SDT) has been considered in an educational context in the past. It attempts to uncover the degree to which activities are self-determined versus controlled by external or internal influences.

 

The model theorises that 3 ‘needs’ should be fulfilled to ensure the longevity of self-determined human motivation.

 

Autonomy

Research by Kasser and Ryan (references below) has shown that performance is enhanced when someone engages in self-governed behaviours or actions. In the classroom, this means  encouraging independent thinking and taking accountability for one’s actions. In addition, autonomy involves allowing students to set their own goals based on their perceived strengths and weaknesses. It is a crucial intrinsic factor that allows students take the reins, instilling confidence.

 

Relatedness

This concept refers to the feeling of acceptance and belonging, especially in a new environment. Taking the time to learn students’ names and facilitating learning in a group setting such that all students feel comfortable. In an educational context, this means practicing active learning, with questions and mistakes being recognised as crucial to the educational journey.

 

Competence

Self-efficacy is essential in maintaining motivation during challenging tasks. In teaching,  this means empowering students by giving them access to an arsenal of resources, including videos, exam papers and handouts. Additionally, competence involves equipping students with long-term study skills, such as note-taking and goal setting. These are valuable tools not only for immediate examinations, but even beyond them.

 

At Achievers’ Academy, we recognise that education and study should not feel like an imposition or a chore. Our intention is to inspire  students and help them develop as independent learners as opposed to academic machines.

 

 

References

Kasser T, Ryan RM. Further examining the American dream: Differential correlates of intrinsic and extrinsic goals. Personal Soc Psychol Bull. 1996.

 

Patrick H, Williams GC. Self-determination theory: Its application to health behavior and complementarity with motivational interviewing. International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2012.

 

 

11 plus grammar school tuition near me

11+ Exam Prep: Group Tutoring vs One-to-One Tutoring

28 May 2020 / 11+ Admissions, 11+ Grammar School Tuition, 11+ Prep Courses

Why does Achievers’ Academy provide 11+ grammar school group tuition rather than just 11+ private tutoring?

 

In a world driven by international competition, it is extremely critical to hone the skills and knowledge to be able to compete in the game. There is no doubt that giving a child the best education provides them the tools to climb the ladder, endowing them a lifetime of success.

 

At Achievers’ Academy, we offer 11+ grammar school exams tuition where children learn in a small group setting. All our 11+ exam tuition courses embed a competitive nature and empower our 11+ students to strive for excellence. In addition, our 11+ grammar school group tuition allows your child to go above and beyond others. Hence, pushing the child’s capabilities and enhancing their skills for the future.

 

11+ group tutoring vs 11+ private tutoring: Which one is better?

Here we will discuss the facets of the argument between 11+ grammar school group tuition vs 11+ private tuition or 11+ private one to one tutoring. Let us share how we are able to provide both to help your child with 11+ grammar school exams and 11+ admissions.

 

11+ Private Tutoring

For some, 11+ private one to one tutoring is attractive due to the attention that the child might not otherwise get in 11+ group tuition. 11+ private tutoring allows personalised 11+ exams preparation and teaching for students so they can learn at their own pace. This will enable the child to grasp the topics, improving their understanding and knowledge. However, due to the one-to-one nature of 11+ private tuition, the pace of the learning could be slower as the student is not pushed to excel by the peers around them. As a result, having a customised 11+ private tuition approach may result in missing out vital topics that the child needs to cover for a broad and in depth understanding of the course.

 

11+ Group Tutoring

Our 11+ grammar school group tuition allows the child to strive to be the best amongst like-minded people, installing a competitive streak within, which is vital for them to achieve their goals. Whether the child is preparing for 11+ or higher levels such as SATS, 13+, GCSEs or A-Levels, the presence of other people in a classroom allows for peer group discussion and provides a natural push and encouragement for each student to perform better at 11+ exams. At Achievers’ Academy, we have groups of maximum 10 -12 children that is optimum for 11+ grammar school tuition. This 11+ small group tuition setting maintains a formality and enables us to keep good teacher-student relationship at the same time. In this 11+ small group tuition setting,  the child can be open and need not be afraid of making mistakes. Moreover, 11+ group tutoring also provides an opportunity for the child to broaden their circle of peers, creating friendships with people that also want to strive for success.

 

11+ Group Tutoring Course Benefits for 11+ Exam Prep

During the child’s education journey there comes a time when they must start to learn to be self-sufficient and have control over their own path and education. 11+ one-one private tuition can deter children from the discipline over their journey and lead to overindulgence from both tutor and parents.

 

At Achievers’ Academy, we teach 11+ students how to develop their skillset to be independent and guide each child on their way to success. Our 11+ grammar courses and teaching aims to challenge the students, whilst best preparing them for 11+ exams. Our 11+ grammar school tuition in small group setting provides the optimal outcomes for the child to prosper.

 

11+ grammar school exams tuition: What’s right for you?

Children are constantly growing and being exposed to different environments and issues which allows them to grow as individuals. We want our students to become accustomed with various topics that develop understanding and their worldly view. An analysis by the Education Endowment Foundation suggests that this way of teaching enables ‘benefits on attainment… in addition to improvements on behaviour and attitudes’,[1] strengthening the argument for group study.

 

Hence, we provide a wide range of texts in 11+ English Tuition and real-life problems in 11+ Maths Tuition to show the importance of outside the classroom knowledge. Piaget’s theory of cognitive development is founded upon the belief that children have great cognitive abilities,[2] which are enhanced when they are pushed and given opportunities to excel. Classrooms and formal schooling are a direct application of his theory,[3] proving that children become more experienced individuals when surrounded by like-minded people. Our 11+ prep classes allow for wide discussion, which allows children to reason with others, think logically and form succinct arguments, which builds their cognitive skills to be better equipped in the world.

 

Though 11+ group tuition has many benefits, sometimes students do prosper with one-to-one attention and 11+ private tutoring may be better for their needs. The child can understand a particular topic better when not under the pressure of a classroom. To combat this issue, Achievers’ Academy provides additional 1-to-1 aid to our 11+ students, where we go through individual topics in detail to make them proficient and up to speed with the rest of the group.

 

Furthermore, we take pride in our system that can be tailored to each child, as we know them personally and can give our best support to enable them to reach their goals. Parents of our 11+ students are self-assured in our ability of this as we produce growth in students’ year in year out, providing quality teaching and astute, able students.

 

To conclude, Achievers’ Academy provides 11+ grammar school exam group tuition in High Wycombe for the 11+ preparation. We believe 11+ group tutoring is beneficial for students academically and socially. It develops not only knowledge and depth of understanding but soft skills such as discussion and reasoning, which is the most important tool to carry in life. Though 11+ private tuition and one-to-one tutoring has its strengths, and we are able to provide this where children fall behind the class, group tuition advantages outweigh those of private tuition, as we believe that it is vital to be encouraged by others in class to strive for excellence.

Wondering what is better for your child? Please get in touch with us at contact_hwyc@achieversacademy.co.uk

 

References:

[1] Education Endowment Foundation, https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/evidence-summaries/teaching-learning-toolkit/reducing-class-size, 2018

 

[2] A spotlight on the stages of child development, https://www.superprof.co.uk/blog/tutoring-for-young-children/, 2018

 

[3] Piaget’s theory of cognitive development on children, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piaget%27s_theory_of_cognitive_development

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