The entrance examinations are really not as difficult as they seem. We demystify these exams for you here and explain where they fit in the grander scheme of your child’s progress in the world.
Navigating the British fee-paying school system is a daunting journey, filled with numerous assessments that begin almost as soon as your child can crawl. First, there’s the 4+ assessment. Before you know it, you’re on the hunt for a 7+ tutor. If that doesn’t work out, there’s another shot at the 8+ or 9+. Then, your child faces the crucial entrance exams for senior schools, the 11+ or the 13+. And this is just the beginning. As if that’s not enough, GCSEs and A-levels loom on the horizon, promising to shape your child’s future.
The tutoring industry is booming, estimated at £2 billion in 2016 and only growing since. One might think that once your child gets into a good school or university, the need for extra help diminishes. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. University students often struggle with language courses, essay writing, and other academic challenges, necessitating further tutoring.
As a former Senior Teaching Fellow at SOAS, University of London, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles of students who have been over-reliant on tutors. These students often learn the wrong lesson: that they cannot succeed on their own.
At 360+ Learning, we believe in empowering students to become independent learners.
Learning strategies and executive functioning skills are far more important that rote learning. As more emphasis is placed on teamwork and leadership skills in the workplace, schools are forced to supply students which fullfil this demand.
Instead of spoon-feeding information, we teach students how to learn and how to memorise effectively. These strategies foster self-reliance and resilience, crucial skills for thriving in the future workplace.
Consider your own workplace. How many colleagues seem incapable of completing tasks independently? How many leave work early or submit sloppy, late work? These issues often stem from a lack of essential learning skills, not intelligence or ability.
Our education system needs to shift its focus from merely teaching content to cultivating learning strategies. Understanding why some students excel and providing them with the tools to succeed can create a ripple effect, benefiting all subjects and extending well into university and professional life.
At 360+ Learning, we take a holistic approach. We prioritise teaching core learning strategies before diving into content, giving students the skills they need to learn on their own terms.
Whilst the entrance examinations test your child’s numerical, verbal and logical thinking, we take things a step further and give your child what they need to succeed in both the exams and in the wider world.
Join us at 360+ Learning and see the difference for yourself. Sign up for a free preview of our courses by visiting www.360pluslearning.com.