Finding a Good Chemistry Brainiac

Finding a Good Chemistry BrainiacWhat do you do when you want to find a good chemistry brainiac? If you are lucky enough to have several students and they are all in the same class, or at least in the same freshman class, you have the option of reading each others' work. Sometimes this works well but if your students have different opinions on most topics, it can be less effective. The only other alternative is to send out questionnaires in the hopes that the answers will reveal the chemistry genius in the other student.One of the challenges for all teachers, including chemistry professors, is that chemistry is such a broad subject that it is often hard to come up with an area where they really specialize. In fact, most of the time, it is only the chemistry major that has no prior experience teaching other subjects, and you need to ask them what their interests are in order to narrow down their list of possible subjects. Even then, you have to accept that they won't mention something that is really important to you in their questionnaire.Chemicals seem to get a bad rap. They are almost always associated with the word poison, and although this is not always the case, chemicals are often viewed as the enemy. This is usually because of one instance when a teacher needed to test the student's chemical knowledge; the subject is so easy to get wrong. When a student is asked about an example of an interesting chemical reaction, they may well claim that the student's answer was something that even a child could understand.Chemistry is a complicated subject and getting a chemistry brainiac in the classroom can be very difficult. Students do not hesitate to push through the material to get a higher grade, and they tend to view the subject as something that is boring, and too much effort is required to understand. There is some truth to this - chemicals are complicated, but in reality they don't have to be, and an excellent chemistry student can master them quickly, if it is taught correctly.Another factor to consider is that in order to be a good chemistry brainiac, you have to be a good student. Chemicals are pretty easy to understand, and even if you are not a gifted chemist, you can teach yourself some of the techniques that you need to master. Having a good teacher will help you study faster and show you how to apply the information you learn to real-life situations.Don't be scared to ask a lot of questions. In fact, it is better if you can get a chemistry brainiac to be your source of information. Although it may seem like a lot of work, asking lots of questions is a necessary skill for anyone trying to get ahead in any career. If you find out that a lot of the students in your junior year are not taking chemistry classes, you may have to change your approach, since you may not have had the time to concentrate on the subject.Overall, chemistry is not a difficult subject to learn, but it can take a long time before you are successful. You will want to keep learning and make sure that you know all of the information that you can, and if there is anything new coming out every day, make sure that you take the time to read it. A good chemistry brainiac is a resource that can be found in any high school classroom.

6 Steps to Enroll in Community College - Irvine College Tutor

6 Steps to Enroll in Community College - Irvine College Tutor Tips from an Irvine College Consultant: 6 Steps to Enroll in Community College Tips from an Irvine College Consultant: 6 Steps to Enroll in Community College California has an excellent community college system where students can get an AA/AS (associates) degree, an educational or professional certificate or transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelors degree. Many students will opt for the California community college system for any number of reasons. It offers high-quality professors and instructors, more affordable fees and tuition, and several campuses throughout the state. Many students dont know how to enroll in a community college, and it may prevent them from getting started on time. Students who will be choosing this path are encouraged to follow these tips to get signed up for fall term. 1. Enroll early Community College has continued to be a popular option for college freshmen for years. This means that spaces fill up fast, and many students get shut out if they sign up too late. In California, any student with a high school diploma will have the opportunity to attend a community college; however if they miss the deadline they will have to wait another semester or even a year. Enrollment doesn’t mean simply waiting in line to fill out a card so one can sign up for classes; rather its a multi-step process. Students are encouraged to visit the community college website of their choice under the prospective students tab and make sure they meet each deadline (READ: 5 things to do before you go away to college). . 2. Determine your desired workload At a community college students are not required to take a specific workload of classes. Students who work full or part time may only take a couple of classes each term while some students will take as many as five classes in an attempt to graduate or transfer on time or early. Most full time students will take four classes per term, however, its important for students to look at how many hours they will be working as well as any specific issues they may have so they can sign up for the desired number of classes. 3. Make an appointment with an academic or career counselor Probably the most important thing that the majority of community college students fail to do is make an appointment with an academic or career counselor ASAP. These career counselors are in high demand, and most of them have a months long waiting list. Students who dont make an appointment early on will have to choose their first semester classes unaided. This can lead students to take classes they didnt really need or take courses that only count for the university system they dont wish to attend. These are both great ways to spend more money and graduate late. Make that first appointment today! 4. Take any necessary matriculation exams Because California community colleges don’t require a specific admittance package, they require new students to take matriculation exams. These are exams in math and English to determine a students current skill level. If the student passes the matriculation exams, they can go straight into math and English courses that transfer to a four-year university. If they don’t pass these exams they will need to take a prerequisite course. Students who will be applying to a certificate or professional program are encouraged to investigate any exams needed for their specific program. Students who don’t take these exams on time will have to wait until the next semester or year thus delaying their transfer (READ: Orange County College Tutor: The Modern College Experience: One Size Doesnt Fit All). 5. Sign up for required prerequisites Students who need to take prerequisites (usually math, English, foreign language, or study skills) will need to sign up for these classes before taking transfer level courses. New students are encouraged to sign up for these classes as soon as they can so they can move on to courses that transfer to a four year university. 6. Familiarize yourself with your chosen campus In California, students are not required to attend the community college in the city they live in. Students who want to live independently or have a feeling of something new can attend any number of colleges within the CC system. However, it’s important that students familiarize themselves with the campus they have chosen. This is especially true for students who have moved up or down the state to a new city. Some community college campuses are just as big as a small university and can feel overwhelming the first time a student steps on campus. New students are encouraged to take a tour or visit the campus over the summer so theyre not overwhelmed the first day of fall term. Dont go it alone! Our experienced private Irvine college consultants are here to help. Call us today for details. All blog entries, with the exception of guest bloggers, are written by Tutor Nerds. Are you an education professional? If so, email us at pr@tutornerds.com for guest blogging and collaborations. We want to make this the best free education resource in SoCal, so feel free to suggest what you would like to see us write.

9 Ways to CRUSH Any Math Class!

9 Ways to CRUSH Any Math Class! 9 Ways to CRUSH any Math Class1. Practice! Practice! PRACTICE!!! Like my middle school teacher used to always say, math is like a sport. If you don’t practice it daily, you’ll never get better at it! Do a couple practice problems daily as a sure way to improve with your skills. 2. Focus on the DIFFICULT. The satisfaction of getting one type of problem right is awesome, but if you keep doing easy problems that you are already comfortable doing, you won’t improve in other areas! Push yourself and try to tackle harder, more challenging math problems so that you gain the confidence to do ANYTHING! 3. DON’T wait to get help. Having trouble trying to understand a problem by yourself? Your tutor, your teachers, and your peers are here for a reason! Ask your teacher the MOMENT you are confused about something. Squash your doubts right then and there so you can move along to understanding the rest of the concepts. If you’re shy about talking to your teachers, and have friends who un derstand the material better than you do, ask them! If you have me as your tutor, I’m so happy to clarify things for you as I’m sure other tutors are as well. That’s what we’re here for! 4. WHITEBOARDS are your best friend. Buy yourself a lap whiteboard (I got mine on Amazon) and a whiteboard marker. Not only are they fun to write on, but you can correct your mistakes without scribbling and erasing all over your work. This makes for cleaner writing, and easier math practice. Just erase and start all over! 5. TALK yourself through problems. It sounds crazy, but it actually works. Don’t just tell yourself what you’re doing, also think about WHY you’re doing it. Sometimes, holding your own hand and echoing your thoughts out loud can clarify a lot. “I’m going to add this to the other side because...” Sometimes, you catch yourself doing things for the wrong reasons and this helps you catch your errors! “Wait a second...I can’t add this, I need to subtract!” 6. D ON’T study the day before a math test! The easiest mistake to make is to put off studying until the last minute, but if you have questions about a topic the day before, you won’t be able to get them answered. Give yourself a week in advance to study and understand your weak spots. 7. PACE yourself. It’s essential to know your limits when you’re practicing math. Sometimes doing a certain topic for too long causes you to overwork your brain, and make mistakes that you wouldn’t usually make. Sit back for a second, take a 5 minute break (preferably not using technology), eat a snack, take a lap around the room to stretch,etc...your brain will thank you for it! 8. REFRESH your mind on old topics. If you get bored studying a certain topic, try to revisit old ones. This way, you don’t forget how to do them when you have to recall them on an exam or quiz. 9. BELIEVE in yourself. I know that during my time taking math classes, (especially right now as I take Calculus 2) it’s r eally easy to give up and say “I’m never going to understand this stuff...” or “Maybe tomorrow I’ll try instead...”, but put MIND over MATTER and give yourself that push! You can do this. 10. BOOK me as your tutor!Live at or near the University of Maryland - Baltimore County? Book me as your tutor so I can help you with your math struggle! We'll get through this together!!GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR MATH STUDIES!

Diet Not Working Try These 5 Tips!

Diet Not Working Try These 5 Tips! pexels.com 1. “Counting calories, but not eating real food” Many individuals (especially younger individuals, i.e. college students) tend to think that so long as you’re under a certain amount of calories every day, you’re eating healthy. This is not the case. You can count calories all you want, but if you aren’t eating what your body needs, and if you’re still filling it with junk, your diet is not going to work. In other words, processed foods aren’t going to cut it. You need fiber, healthy fats, protein, fruits, and veggies, etc. If you’re eating refined carbs and sugar, you’re not going to see the results that you want. Think the healthier you eat, the better you’ll look. 2. “Starting the day with carbohydrates” It sounds counterproductive, but it isn’t. That morning bowl of cereal isn’t actually helping you (especially if you’re eating Cookie Crisp or other unhealthy options) and neither are the orange juice or jelly covered toast. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and, for the most part, we waste it on unhealthy foods that are defeating our health streak before we can even begin. Basically, you should be targeting 15 grams of protein in the morning. So what would this mean in terms of breakfast foods? You should be eating yogurt and granola, protein shakes, eggs, etc. Anything that you can classify as healthy and that has that protein that you need to kick-start your day. 3. “Not getting enough sleep” This is probably going to be our biggest battle if you aren’t sleeping well, your body isn’t doing well. So stop with the all-nighters or the late night parties every weekday because this is going to make you more susceptible when the flu runs around your campus and it’s going to completely diminish your health productivity as well. You need sleep, your diet needs sleep, and your health needs sleep. If you aren’t sleeping well (or just refuse to go to bed), you’re more likely to overeat. You’re also more likely to gain weight. So what is a healthy sleeping routine? 8 hours minimum. That doesn’t mean skip your 9 a.m. class, that means go to bed before 1 a.m. Adjust your schedule to accommodate and you will feel and look better, guaranteed! 4. “Eating when not hungry” We’re all far too guilty of it, and we know that we’re doing it as it happens, but it’s an unconscious habit that’s hard to kick. Basically, when you’re feeling bored, or stressed, or tired, or thirsty, or you’re sitting there doing nothing, your body will believe that it’s hungry. Stop feeding it! If you’re finding yourself snacking for no reason throughout the day, you need to make some changes. There are, luckily, a few ways to correct this. For one thing, utilize a hunger scale, ranked 1-10 (1 being starving and 10 being overly full). If you are below a 4 on the hunger scale, you can eat. If you are above a 4, don’t. If that’s too difficult to master, you can make note of the times you’re watching TV and feeling hungry, determine if you’re just bored or if you’re actually ready to eat, and do something to keep yourself busy if you aren’t actually hungry. Basically, you can use your hunger as a bored-ometer if you’re hungry but you shouldn’t be, you’re probably bored and trying to fill some time. So do something more productive and come back to the TV a little later! 5. “Hanging with the wrong crowd” Most often, this is going to be your friends and family that aren’t supportive of your weight-loss efforts. In these circumstances, individuals are more likely to regain the weight or to stop their diets altogether. A new study also revealed that individuals are the most likely to cheat on their diets when they’re out with friends and family, as it’s very easy to be manipulated into having a “cheat day,” etc. Basically, don’t accept where you are. If you want to continue to eat healthy, don’t let others talk you out of it. Stick to your diet, and if you’re worried about cheating when you go out, don’t eat out. Invite friends over for some healthy snacks or for a home-cooked meal. Don’t let them manipulate your diet you’re in charge. Start implementing these diet tips into your everyday routine and you’ll be back in that swimsuit and ready for summer in no time!

Teach Away Telegram - June 2011

Teach Away Telegram - June 2011 In this month's issue, we look at mandatory subjects in different countries, and discuss the importance of integrating technology in the classroom. One teacher shares his experience applying for a position overseas, and why he knows that going to Japan is the ideal move for him.Whether you are in the middle of or wrapping up the current school year, already well into your much-deserved summer break, or starting a new position soon, we hope you are doing well â€" and that you are ready to dive in to the latest Teach Away Telegram.Happy reading! - The Teach Away TeamIn this issue:Mandatory School Subjects Around the WorldTechnology in the ClassroomStarting a New Adventure: A Teacher StoryMandatory School Subjects Around the WorldThe debate over which school subjects should be compulsory for students is nothing new. Curriculum and school programs are often caught in the middle of opposing sides â€" whether to update the courses offered to reflect new requirements and the demands of our modern world, or to return to a ‘back to basics’ approach with the core subjects of Math, Science, and English taking precedence.Math and Science are almost always an essential component of any curriculum. Indeed, our modern world places more and more emphasis on skills typically associated with these subjects, stressing the importance of numeracy, analytical and problem-solving skills. But while some subjects seem to be a given part of the curriculum for all grade levels, and in nearly every country worldwide, some subjects are struggling to maintain ‘required’ status.The arts, physical education, and social studies classes are not always compulsory subjects, depending on where it is one is studying. As well, while English education is on the rise in developing countries, and most countries in Europe mandate that students learn a second or third language throughout their formative years, language education in North America is not as advanced. Though French education is mand atory in Canada and Spanish education is required in the US, the number of modern language courses available outside of French and Spanish in public schools is often dismal.Curriculum design is conducted by school boards and governing bodies. With strains on funding and budget cuts the reality in some countries, and widespread educational reform and a stronger emphasis on improving education in others, it is easy to see how curriculum can be affected by policy and current events.Ultimately, curriculum will continue to change, both due to and regardless of budget concerns and the challenges of our modern world. The challenge is to ensure that despite the constant modifications, the curriculum is meeting students’ needs, both now and for the future.Technology in the ClassroomAs computer labs and internet access become more commonplace in schools, educators are seeking out more interactive and assistive technologies in order to advance student learning. One of the most significant co mponents of any school improvement or educational reform program is an emphasis on integrating technology into the classroom.Large-scale education reform programs like the ones currently underway in Abu Dhabi and Malaysia are not the only examples of how the integration of technology is becoming a large part of the curriculum. Teachers worldwide are making use of technology in order to provide a more dynamic approach.In addition to basic word processors and digital information (such as online encyclopaedias), technology can help teachers maximize the effectiveness of teaching strategies through providing more ways to present a lesson. It also widens the variety of learning activities students can choose, enabling them to express themselves in more current modes of communication.In addition to using technology as a teaching tool, integrating it into the classroom allows students to gain more exposure to new ideas, other cultures, and perhaps most importantly, resources available from all over the world. Students have unprecedented access to educational games, visual and auditory learning tools, and interactive learning software. Teachers are also able to implement assistive technologies that can make adapting or modifying a lesson or assessment method that much easier, and thus, that much more accessible to students with different needs.The creation and expansion of these technologies is not only changing how teachers teach, how students learn, and how students are assessed, but it is also affecting where students learn. Interactive programming enables students to learn from home in an effective and immersive way that does not involve poring over a textbook with no additional information or resources for support. As well, more schools are offering distance and e-learning courses.Not surprisingly, instruction on technology integration is becoming a requirement for many teacher training programs. In addition to better training for teachers, the availability of mo re grants and funding for technology programs, and with more teaching and learning tools being developed regularly, it is a very exciting time for teachers integrating technology into their classroom.Starting A New Adventure: A Teacher StoryThis month, we spoke with Ryan Patterson, a California native who recently accepted a job offer to teach in Japan. We asked Ryan about why he wants to teach overseas, why he is heading to Japan, and what anyone considering a position abroad should know when applying.When asked about why he is interested in teaching overseas and why he wants to work in Japan in particular, it is evident that for Ryan Patterson, the choice was obvious. “I have been to Japan three times,” he explains. “And I absolutely love it.” Ryan visited Japan twice prior to university; he took part in a program during high school where he had the opportunity to stay with a host family and attend a local high school with the family’s children. During these two visits, he learned a lot about Japanese culture, explaining that he really began to appreciate the way of life in Japan. While at university, Ryan decided to return to Japan to spend a year living and studying in Tokyo.“I wanted to gain even more understanding. I was exposed to more culture and more language in a more in-depth and comprehensive way. I took classes alongside other Japanese students, and I loved it. I was learning a lot,” he says, sounding cheerful at the thought of his year abroad.“While studying in Tokyo, I got the chance to teach English to friends and the family I was staying with, and I realized that I really enjoyed it. I decided that teaching English was something I wanted to pursue. Before I even returned home, I knew I wanted to return to Japan to teach English.”Although he has already spent time in Japan, Ryan knows that he will gain a lot from the experience. “I’m hoping to see Japan in a new way,” he explains. “I’ve seen it from a tourist’s per spective, I’ve seen it from a student’s perspective, and now I will see it in a new way. I want to be exposed to more of the culture, to have the chance to improve my language skills â€" and I’m excited to see how that turns out.”Ryan is looking forward to being able to speak Japanese 24 hours a day, which will give him a chance to practice his skills. He is hoping to gain enough Japanese language fluency to allow him to go to graduate school in Japan.Despite the challenge of moving one’s life to a new country, and despite knowing he will miss certain things about home (“Mexican food!”), Ryan’s words of advice for anyone thinking about applying are encouraging: “Definitely do it! It’s worth it. Don’t panic.” He says the being flexible is the key to having a positive experience. “You can’t expect things to be the way you want them to be. You need to know that things will be completely different from what you might expect, and that it’s going to be alrigh t. It’s supposed to be foreign to you. If you have an open mind, you’ll love the experience.”Ryan departs for Japan this August.

Should You Hire a Tutor TV Program or Not?

Should You Hire a Tutor TV Program or Not?In the past I've written a few articles on different aspects of whether a tutor TV program is right for your child. Today, I'll be talking about whether you should hire a tutor TV program or not.First, I think there are two major benefits to hiring private tutors. One is that they are typically much more affordable than what you'd pay if you were paying a public or school teacher. Private tutors can often have lower rates than in-home teachers, which means you'll save a lot of money over the long run.Another reason why I believe hiring a private tutor is better is because there's usually no discrimination involved. Whereas when you're dealing with a teacher at school, there is always some type of bias against certain groups, a private tutor will never discriminate because they don't want to offend anybody. That's nice because it ensures that everybody gets a fair shake regardless of their ability.However, I also think the benefits of an onlin e tutor TV program are much more important. Online tutors are typically much more expensive than teachers you'd find at your local library or school. They're also much more mobile, meaning that they could go from one place to another, work with kids who might not be able to afford their own tuition.In other words, the fact that they're so much more affordable, the fact that they're mobile, and the fact that they're working with kids who can't otherwise afford their own tuition puts them at a much higher price than a tutor TV program. There's a big difference between hiring a tutor TV program and hiring a private tutor.In my opinion, if you're looking for cheaper tuition, a tutor TV program is usually the way to go. However, if you looking for the best quality education and you can't afford a private tutor, you need to consider an online tutor.Overall, I think the best decision for you is whether you'd rather spend the money on a tutor TV program or not. After all, if you can't affor d a private tutor to teach your kid, it doesn't make sense to pay a ridiculous price for a tutor TV program.

Where to Find Your Chemistry Class

Where to Find Your Chemistry ClassThere are many different types of courses that can be completed within your Chemistry org. As you begin to understand these, you can begin to see how each will make you a better scientist and ultimately, an effective and productive chemist.A Chemistry course will be tailored to your individual learning style. You may need a more formal course to have everything in writing, while other courses will be designed to include less paperwork. The more you learn the more you will appreciate your progress and your ability to apply what you learn.To succeed you will need to understand the concepts involved with the actual laboratory work. Knowing the chemistry and being able to perform experiments will make all the difference in your research and the people you turn into successful chemists. Experiments will help you understand how the properties of various chemicals react. Also you will be able to understand the differences between compounds.It is also import ant to understand that there are two types of chemistry, analytical and descriptive. The descriptive chemistry you will learn will cover things like coloration, aromas, and the components of a chemical, as well as techniques to identify what your sample is made of. Analytical chemists will continue on with the actual laboratory work.The important aspect of any chemistry course is learning how to explain and analyze things. This will determine whether or not you are able to present your results in a way that makes sense. This means that you will need to have good writing skills to be able to communicate what you know to your classmates. This way you will be able to accurately describe things, make connections and find the details that need to be understood.You can also take a chemistry course to help you with your undergraduate major. One of the most common is an introductory course that will give you the knowledge that you need to succeed at the college level.If you would like to co mplete a common organic chemistry course, you should consider enrolling in an Intro to Organic Chemistry course. This will give you the background that you need to start on your path to becoming a quality Chemist. In order to get the best results possible, you will need to understand the fundamentals, as well as the specific chemicals and techniques used in the laboratory.

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject The Evolution Of Learning Biology from GCSE Biology and Beyond ChaptersAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsResources For The Reformed ExamsJust like the evolution of the science, Biology as a GCSE subject has evolved over the years to reflect the many new discoveries found and research methods used by biologists. It is a fantastic subject to learn about.For instance, the current GCSE Biology syllabi teach students about Dolly the sheep, the first ever cloned animal, who marks a scientific breakthrough that wouldn't have been believed possible prior to 1996.Some of the ways the content has advanced with the times is with the addition of new modules covering things like growing crops, which we now know much more about thanks to developments in the research of cultivation, breeding and harvesting of crops.Not only has our knowledge widened, but our outlook has too and the subject is taught with a whole-world economic focus.In addition, as biotechnology moves forward, teachers now c onsider the use of larger-scale bio-fermenters and how enzymes are now used commercially. That said, technology now plays a very big part in the life of scientists, so are these small additions to the course content enough to reflect just how much Biology has evolved in the contemporary world? MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?As we’ve mentioned in other posts concerning GC SE Biology, the subject naturally has close links to the other Sciences,  but also with Mathematics. However, have you ever considered how inter-related Biology and Information Technology are too?Advances in technology are forever changing what we are capable of doing and finding out, not just in the world of science, so it is inevitable that this modern technological era has has a huge influence on Biology in recent years, not to mention the impact it has had on how Biology affects us in our daily lives.In fact, modern molecular Biology relies very heavily on new technologies. However, the technological components of Biology courses at this level have scarcely changed over the last few decades.Scientists believe that modern Biology courses, if they want to really encourage young biologists and give them a real insight into the live science as it exists today, should bring courses up to date and make them more relevant to the discipline.Select an esteemed A level biology tutor here. Biologists believe that courses need to reflect the importance of Technology and Mathematics to contemporary Biology. Photo credit: allispossible.org.uk via VisualHunt / CC BYWhile it seems that Physics is growing with the times, professionals from the Biology sector do not feel that their subject field is given the same level of sophistication within education and therefore aren’t given the basics needed to truly understand things like DNA sequence alignment or gene prediction algorithms.These concepts, which are described as bioinformatics, are important to contemporary biologists and it is thought by the scientific community that these statistical techniques should be taught as part of national curriculums to give an-all round teaching approach to the branch of science.This pedagogical argument is still on many people’s lips, however young biologists can feel confident in the knowledge that the new AQA Biology GCSE, for example, has been produced in conjunction with Mathemat ics and Physics experts.Find an online biology tutor here.The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsThe History Of GCSE Science ExamsWhile the Sciences have been studied for generations as part of what was known as the CSE, and then the O Level, the qualification that we know today has only been around since 1988. That, however, does not mean to say that the course has stayed the same since the 80s. Far from it.Firstly, we have seen some changes to the content covered, which we have exemplified above, but also in the way that the GCSE course is marked.For instance, between 1988 and 1994, GCSE grades were awarded from A-G (with the possibility of getting a U mark, even back then). Since the mid 90s, however, an A* grade has been in place to distinguish the highest scoring pupils from the rest of the A category.Science exams, in particular, have been given special attention in recent years and have moved away from the traditional structure, whereby students would study th ree scientific components (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and receive a final grade which encompassed all three of these in equal measures.Now, pupils have the choice to study one single Science (otherwise known as Core science) and then select one of two complementary GCSEs, distinguished as Additional Science (with a more academic focus) and  Applied Science (with a more vocational approach). To reflect these significant changes, pupils are now given separate grades for each of the subjects.The previous modular approach to learning has also been altered and many linear courses introduced to offer more straightforward goals for students.With these changes, coursework has been abolished from the grading system (although homework and coursework can still be set to encourage learning) and students' performance over the two years is solely based on how they do during their written, marked exam.This is seen as a positive move forward as it means that pupils can no longer swindle the ex am boards by getting lots of help with their coursework, thus bringing their grade up.Biology GCSE exams are now marked solely on exams. Photo credit: c_H via Visual hunt / CC BYFurthermore, GCSEs have undergone a government-led reform in recent years, which has been introduced in four phases. We are now part of the way through Phase 2, which affects how Biology (among many other GCSE subjects) is taught and assessed.Right now, teachers and students alike are currently experiencing the amendments, so only time will tell if this reform is an improvement on the old GCSE structure or not.How Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?One very important thing to note as you enter your first or second year of GCSE is that this course has undergone many changes in just the last two years alone. This means that the structure of courses may be quite different than before, as well as how you are assessed.As such, any revision tools or advice  passed down from peers and siblings having taken the older version of the GCSE exam might not be as directly beneficial to you.Keep reading to find out how the changes affect you, as this could help you to feel more confident in the approach to the exams.Most GCSE pupils will be familiar with the historical grading system, which awarded marks ranging from A*-G, with A* being the highest attainable and G being the lowest (not forgetting the U grade for a set of very poor exam answers). However, a new grade system is in the process of being phased in to the UK education system whereby pupils are marked against a 9-1 system instead.Conservatives pushed for a GCSE reform and Biology is mid-way through the transitional phase. Photo credit: ** Maurice ** via Visualhunt.com / CC BYThis new grading method will be applied for the first time on this academic year’s Year 11 Biology students. English Literature, English Language and Mathematics subjects have already seen this amended GCSE grading structure put into place, as the summer's exams were given this treatment for the very first time in the UK.Although it sounds reasonably straightforward, the familiar  letters do not translate seamlessly into the scale of digits. Ofqual, the exams watchdog, has advised educators not to make direct comparisons between the two because the boundaries do differ, so you will have to do a bit of reading up in order to understand where you currently sit on the scale and where you need to be.While there is still a U, or ungraded, mark, grades 9, 8 and 7 are roughly equivalent to A* and A. Grades 6, 5 and 4 can be likened to a B-C, meanwhile a 3 is said to be similar to a current D. Finally, 2 and 1 are close to E, F and G grades.Resources For The Reformed ExamsWhile the exam boards still provide information on their older specifications and offer pre-reform past papers for you to download, you should be aware that your 2018 exam may not be the same in structure. However, a big part of revision in any subject is exam technique, so there is n o harm in using these outdated resources to work towards building your confidence ahead of your final exam.If anything, familiarising yourself with the older structure might make you appreciate the changes that have come about as a result of the reform!For up to date revision materials directly related to your new specification, look out for online materials produced in the last year as well as new publications and releases in book shops, which are sure to reflect the changes.To check out some of the biggest breakthroughs in Biology, see here.Alternatively, if you want to brush up on your Biology vocabulary, check out this blog.Or, look for 'biology tutors near me'.Finally, to learn about the links between Art and Biology, visit our blog on the artistic links.

A Guide to A Level English Past Papers

A Guide to A Level English Past Papers Get the Most from OCR, WJEC AQA English A Level Past Papers ChaptersHow To Revise Using Past PapersWhat Are Mark Schemes And Examiner’s Reports?Where To Find Past Papers For Your Exam BoardIf you are studying towards an English A Level qualification then knowing the kinds of questions you will be asked, and how best to answer them, at the assessment stage is perhaps the best form of revision you can do.By consulting past papers, you will be familiarising yourself with the structure of questions that you will soon be faced with and which sections of the exam could gain you the most points. It will also help to clarify the variety of options you will be faced with on the day, and therefore the scope of work you will be required to know and cover.Find A level and GCSE english past exam papers online. (Photo credit: David Feltkamp via VisualHuntUnderstanding Exam QuestionsYou may not realise in advance that you must write about not only one, but two texts to display your understanding of a given module or theme. Having taken this on board, you might approach your revision differently and analyse texts in pairs, coming up with relevant links and arguments, rather than independently.Other sections might conversely limit your response to focusing on a particular genre that you are not as comfortable with as others. Getting to know what students like yourself have been asked to write about in the last couple of years is a huge eye opener and will help you to build your confidence in interpreting those scary exam questions.How Using Past Papers Effectively Can Impact On Your WritingNot only will the study of past papers help you to prepare for assessment in regards to interpreting questions and planning responses, it will also aid in complementing what and how you write.Past papers and, even better, sample responses, provide an opportunity for you to examine what types of responses gain the top marks. Use this as an indicator of where your strengths and weaknesses lie, so that you can be more aware of areas in which you need t o put in the extra effort and those which you do not. Knowing where to focus your revision will ultimately save you time and give you more confidence in your ability to write a top response.Finally, when looking at past papers, you might come across some daunting documents. Do not worry! If mark schemes and examiners' reports sound a bit unnerving, we will put your mind at rest by helping to break these down and making sure that you know how to use these to your advantage during your revision.Learn more about English A levels and the English Literature course. 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It is no good picking and choosing the questions you like the look of, nor is it a good idea to set yourself the task of answering questions if you aren’t putting yourself under the same types of conditions as you would be in an exam.If you want to get the most out of a past paper, set aside a few hours when you know that you won’t be disturbed. If you are at home, ensure that any family members know not to interrupt you. If you are at school, ask one of your English tutors if there might be a classroom free at a time when you have a string of free periods in which you can can revise and practice.Are you in need of some extra English tuition?Be sure to set yourself a time limit, and only have with you what you would be allowed in an exam hall (a pencil, a couple of pens, a highlighter and your texts â€" though ONLY if doing an open book assessment).Be sure to set yourself a time limit when using past papers for exam practice. Photo via Visualhunt.comSpend the first 5-10 minutes calmly reading the questions through and working out how to divide your time across the sections (exam questions should make it clear how long you are recommended to spend on each section by stating how much each question or set of questions is worth towards your total score).Understand The Structure Of ExamsMany students make the mistake of answering more questions than they need to in exams, which eats away at their time. Remember to read the instructions carefully and take note of if it states to answer one question ‘AND’ / ‘OR’ another. The major benefit of using this exam-style practise effectively is that you will learn how to manage your time when under pressure.Get Into The Habit Of Formulating ResponsesFurthermore, it is pointless looking at dozens of past paper questions but not attempting to answer them yourself. Although you might thin k it is useful to see sample questions, actually formulating responses allows you to fine tune your exam technique. This, and the confidence you will build, will go a long way in helping you to reach a higher final grade.Take a moment to study this guide to A Level English Language!When To Start Using Past Papers?Whether you are given past papers by your English tutor or not, it is up to you to be proactive and to source as many revision tools as you can. Ask your teacher if they can offer you any past papers to use or if they can point you in the right direction for getting hold of such resources. If they can’t help for any reason, ask another member of staff within the department who may have more knowledge on the subject.Past papers are useful for the duration of your course, so start using them early on to practise exam skills. The more papers you do, the better your technique will be, but you can also answer the same question multiple times to check up on your progress.If you find that your result is not what you had hoped, don’t despair. Use this as an opportunity to learn your weaknesses and set out a revision schedule which focuses on these areas.Incorporate these steps to effective A Level English study into your revisions!What Are Mark Schemes And Examiner’s Reports?Mark schemes are useful in showing you where you gained marks and, more importantly, where you lost them.By consulting the mark scheme, you can identify the questions which you answered particularly well.The document will also set out the key terms that you should aim to target in your response, so are particularly helpful in assuring you get the tactics right and maximise your scores  in the places where you are already doing well,  as well as those weaker areas.Examiners' reports additionally point out common mistakes that tripped students up in the particular set of exams. This makes areas of collective difficulty more transparent and provides a good lesson in what not to do your self. The most valuable thing to take away is what the examiners are looking for, and what it is that does not impress them.Have you already found in-depth knowledge about grading schemes and timetables?Where To Find Past Papers For Your Exam BoardGet Set Past Papers In Class Or As HomeworkIf you are at school or college, your teacher or English tutor London may have a selection of relevant past papers to give you. If you are in a position whereby you can do a practice exam paper during class, for instance if you have a double lesson, then you could find that the outcome is very rewarding.The benefit of doing past papers in a classroom setting is that you will be more focused on the task at hand. Having  your tutor supervise will also ensure that you don’t deviate from any of the strict rules that you put upon yourself.If you are a more mature learner, you might need a different guide to mastering A Levels English!Find a quiet spot to practice with past papers undisturbed. Photo v ia Visual huntIn addition, when it comes to having your paper marked professionally, your English tutors can offer you constructive feedback relating to your planning and responses. From the tiniest pieces of advice, like bringing an extra pen with you (if you happened to be unlucky enough to run out of ink during your mock exam!) to some highly influential suggestions, like how best to structure your essay plans, the process can highlight some key things that will make you think twice in the actual exam.Your educational establishment’s website or intranet pages may also have past exam papers listed for reference. Many schools offering A Levels keep records of past exams which can be accessed online by past, current or even keen prospective pupils. You may also come across some previous assessment questions on a range of websites or forums, but don’t rely too heavily on sources that are not deemed official.Practice with a private English tutor.Visit Exam Board Websites For Past PapersAlternatively, exam boards tend to upload past papers from a range of subjects. It is of course recommended to look at the most recent of exam papers to get an idea of what the current expectations are in terms of assessment, yet viewing a string of papers from the past few years can be useful too to see the most common types of questions that occur.If you consult AQA’s website, you will notice that they not only offer question papers from previous years broken down into units (dating back six years), but they also showcase the mark schemes linked to those questions along with examiners' reports for each.As previously stated, examiners’ reports are useful because they comment on the general ability of English students as a whole during that specific  academic year, and pinpoint where particular questions caused confusion or difficulties.OCR has a very similar set up on its website, with examiners’ reports equally readily available. The only difference is that the most re cent papers are limited to schools and must be downloaded by signing into Interchange. The remaining texts are available in .pdf format directly from the website.Meanwhile, WJEC provides a list of past papers to download, which are classed separately from the mark schemes found before them. Scroll down to access past English papers from 2012 onwards.If you require Braille versions, or have any past paper queries for that matter, you can easily contact the exam board of your choice to request this information. As well as providing email addresses, the boards are each active on social media so you can reach out to them with ease using your preferred method of contact.