In the current social and economic climate, competition to gain entry into what may be classed as a ‘good school’ is becoming increasingly difficult and people are going to various lengths in order to secure their child’s future. The main approach that parents are pursuing is private tuition. However, there is much debate as to whether this is fair on those who cannot afford it and whether it actually has any benefit on the child for the purpose of their entrance exams.

Children whose parents wish them to go to Grammar or Independent schools have to sit what is known as the 11 plus entrance exam. These schools are already highly sought after because of their academic status, but due to rising birth rates, places are becoming increasingly over subscribed. As a result, minimum qualifying scores may rise in some parts of the country, putting more pressure on both parents and their children to prepare in every way possible.

Francis and Hutchings have noted in a recent report for the Sutton Trust (2015), that the majority of parents in Britain support their child’s school work using private tutors. And why not? Teachers are rarely able to provide the attention they need to individuals in a class of 30+ students. So if a child needs additional support outside of school, further tuition will certainly benefit their school career and enhance their knowledge in preparation for the rest of their life. Nevertheless, examples are popping up in the media displaying those who go overboard: for example, using multiple tutors and creating timetables for children that are nothing short of overwhelming.

Overloading a child with prolonged periods of study or using multiple tutors (who in turn may teach different methods of approaching their work) can be highly detrimental to a child and actually be counter productive to their progress. Private tuition should not function this way.
Aron Dhunna, Managing Director of KSOL believes that if private tuition is to be effective, then it should follow these three important rules:

1. A child’s best interests should be at the forefront of your mind; the main aim should be to bring a family together, making it a shared experience so that the child does not feel alone or face the pressure of failure or disappointment. It is important that every child has some understanding of what their hard work, focus and dedication is helping them achieve; recognition and praise will also go a long way in keeping them motivated.

2. Study and homework quantities should be kept relatively short and systematic; children are more likely to stay focused and absorb information in short bursts than if they are sat trying to concentrate hours at a time. Research conducted by Henry L. Roediger at Washington University found that “studies spaced over intervals tend to result in better long-term retention” (Everding, 2006). Remember: schools usually include group work, with regular playtimes and physical activities, to keep children engaged throughout the day.

3. Finally, the tuition should be structured and personalised to enhance a child’s abilities; it needs to target the areas that they need help in as well as provide a routine that children can enjoy and quickly get into the habit of.

One way of doing this is to perform regular tests or sit mock exams. In fact, further research by Roediger explored how repeated testing can be more effective even than repeated study as it ‘not only assesses what one knows, but also enhances later retention, a phenomenon known as the ‘testing effect.” This is why KSOL use their unique TargetTeach ® system to provide effective tuition that allows children and their parents to gain a realistic perspective of what is being retained, enabling them to practice the necessary material until they are confident with it. Doing mock exams throughout the year is also a valuable tool. Senior tutor at KSOL, Paul White, explains why:

It is important to benchmark a child’s progress so that you can move forward with their preparation. It is also essential to help them prepare psychologically for the real exam; being prepared for the exam experience is just as important as revising the content”

At such a young age, many children will not have the experience of taking an exam outside of school. Some may not even have the experience from inside school, so not only will they lack exam technique but find that this new atmosphere is incredibly daunting. Just think about the sight of the hundreds of strange children who will turn up on the day. Seeing the sheer volume of the competition can be completely unnerving for children and parents alike so it is crucial for children to sit mock exams to help eradicate any fears and to know what to expect on the real day.

Over 10 years of success and experience at KSOL has proven that systematic study and appropriate testing can make the world of difference to a child’s education. Private tuition is worth it and can be effective if it is structured correctly and provided by honest and experienced tutors. A child will benefit from the right tuition, whether it is to help secure a place at Grammar or Independent school or even to build their skills for life.

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Sources:

Everding, G. 2006. Repeated test-taking better for retention than repeated studying. Washington University. [Online] [Accessed: 20/2/2015] Available at: http://news.wustl.edu/news/Pages/6715.aspx

Francis, B and Hutchings, M. 2013. Parent Power. Sutton Trust. [Online] [Accessed: 20/2/2015] Available at: http://www.suttontrust.com/research-category/schools/