JK Expert tips
What is the 7+ ?
The 7+ is the descriptive name given to the entrance exams set by an increasing number of independent schools for pupils wishing to gain admission into their Year 3. 7+ entrance exams may be simply for admission into a selective preparatory school, which will then prepare the child for Common Entrance exams to gain a Read More >
Assessing Academic Potential and Performance
Many parents remain confused about how their child is doing at school; with the best of intentions, a short appointment at a parents’ evening and a standard school report cannot give them the full picture. To make informed decisions about their child’s future, and to be sure they are aiming for the senior school that Read More >
Christmas and the gift of reading
The Christmas holidays are the ideal time for family fun, great food, party games and outings. The learning needn’t stop at this time, but it should be kept fun and festive, with classic board games helping improve word power, from Boggle to Scrabble to Articulate, and others such as Monopoly requiring a little numeracy (and Read More >
Parental Impact on Success at School
Our experience tells us that parental involvement is key to children performing to the best of their ability at school. It can really make the difference between under-performance and success. Nature vs. nurture Science has yet to identify the gene responsible for intelligence and there is disagreement about the amount of intelligence that is inherited. Read More >
THE IMPORTANCE OF READING – AND HOW TO ENCOURAGE IT
Reading is vitally important in the development of thinking, expressing ideas, expanding vocabulary, and communication skills. Of course, it’s also important for pure enjoyment! Some children are reluctant readers. They need encouragement and stimulation with whatever type of reading matter you can find that interests them. Other children would happily have their head in a Read More >
Summer Holiday Tutoring – Yes or No?
In previous blogs, we have covered the question of when you should and shouldn’t tutor your child and, if you decide to do so, what you should look for in a tutor. At this time of year, parents’ thoughts turn to the summer holidays and whether a child will need tutoring support during that long Read More >
How parents can reduce exam anxiety
At JK Educate we help families deal with every stage of education, from 7+ entrance exams and SATs to A levels and University applications. Entire families can get weighed down with the ongoing pressure for children to succeed, but there are many tactics parents can use to lighten the load. Here are a few simple Read More >
When should (and shouldn’t) you tutor your child?
When you should tutor your child In certain circumstances, tutoring can help a child reach their potential, but there always needs to be a justifiable reason to tutor. These reasons are likely to include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following situations. When achievement is consistently lower than apparent potential. Bespoke Read More >
Choosing a school – Making the most of school visits
In choosing a school for your child, there are many sources of information available, including: League tables GCSE and A level results and university places Ofsted or Independent Schools Council (ISC) inspection reports ‘Word of mouth’ The school prospectus and/or website The school visit (Open Days and private views) All of these can be valuable, Read More >
Top tips for moving on to senior school
Starting at a senior school can be hugely daunting, not least because it will often have bigger premises than a primary or prep school and students need to navigate their way around different departments between timetabled lessons. Here are some tips for helping them feel as prepared as possible for this transition: Identify and discuss Read More >
