Correcting feedback: How parents can provide supportive direction to teens with Michael Chiles.
“Could try harder.” “See me after class.” These kinds of phrases epitomised school for a great number of us. And that’s not to say that it was all red pen and crosses, because at the other end of the spectrum there was always “well done”. It could just be me, but I don’t remember there […]
On top of your GCSE studies? Check ✔
The combination of remote learning and many months of disruption means that many GCSE year students aren’t sure where they are with their studies. To help students – and parents – keep an eye on how they are doing, we are introducing personalised Study Summaries. These electronic documents are a single source of all of […]
Going the distance: Making the most of remote learning with Tom Rose
It’s quite incredible how quickly our teens adapt to their environment. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly they can cotton on to a great excuse: “Sorry, my laptop is glitching”. I’m not sure that’s much of a technical term! But it seems to cover all manner of ills to justify not putting the […]
How you’ll get a grade for GCSE and A Levels in 2021
Ofqual has announced its proposals for how students will receive their grades in their GCSE, AS and A Levels, after exams were cancelled. The consultation document sets out what Ofqual considers to be the fairest way to award grades to students so that they “have an equal opportunity to progress. Ofqual is also keen that […]
The Exam Question: The impact of cancelled exams and learning with Zoe Enser
Who knew unprecedented times could still give you a sense of deja vu? The cancellation of GCSE and A Level exams in the summer 2021 sitting has divided people: those who think the exams should have gone ahead as the fairest way to grade students; and those who have long held that exams should have […]
Remote chance: Digital learning and learning digital with our teens with Jane Basnet
Remote learning isn’t a phrase we used very much before 2020. It was either classwork or it was homework. Of course, Covid-19 and lockdown brought with it the need to adapt. Fortunately, we have the technology nowadays to deliver classroom content to pupils in their homes. But it can all be a bit bewildering, can’t […]
GCSE and A Level exams Cancelled in 2021
Students in England will no longer sit formal exams in GCSEs, A Levels or AS Levels in the Summer 2021 sitting, following the announcement from Government. Instead of these summer exams, teacher judgement will be used to grade students, in a similar way to 2020’s grades. However the detail of what will be involved in […]
Taught parenting: The role parents can and do play in teaching teens, with Sam Twiselton
All too often when faced with a studying teen we’re reminded just how long ago our own school days were! Not only can the content be hazy at best, but the texts, technology and even approaches have changed. How many parents looked perplexed when they were told there was a new way of doing taking […]
The Learning Parent: Applying principles of retrieval practice at home, with Patrice Bain
We want our children to do well. Naturally. We parents have been through school, done homework and revised for exams. Even if that can feel like a dim and distant lifetime ago. AS a result, you’d think we’d be amply qualified to do our bit and help our children through this stage. Afterall the human […]
Reaching your STEPS: Coaching, motivation and goal setting with Prof Damian Hughes
Hardly a fortnight goes by without some stone being thrown into the 2020 pond to causes ripples. And few have felt it more than those students taking their exams in 2021. As well as fairly significant disruption to schooling and probable isolation and remote learning, there have been regular questions over whether exams will take […]