Growing up in the 80s, there was a real drive to teach children foreign languages at school. It’s something you can still see today with introductory lessons often taking place in primary schools. Although there are fewer students taking GCSEs in modern foreign languages than a decade ago; French, Spanish or German are still popular […]
There is an insta-perfect perception of remote schooling and revision. It’s the one where parents are casually teaching their children quadratic equations; while perfecting cold fusion as a side hustle. In this world parent and child move in some magical symbiotic harmony. And the kids probably even volunteer to put the bins out. Yeah right! The very […]
The idea that we have a ‘best way’ to learn; whether it’s visually, verbally, via touch or one of another 67 ways is not new. At the same time, neither is the research that debunks this theory. Odd then that not only do we as individuals and parents still hold on to this idea but […]
“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 […]
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 […]
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 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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]