Bouncebackability: Why Resilience Matters and How to HelpThis week I have spoken with two sets of worried parents who have teenage children with very different difficulties. On the face of it their situations bore no resemblance to each other, except for one important aspect: the parents were all engaged, well-meaning and desperate to help give their children...
10 Benefits of an Online Summer School for Primary-Aged Children10 Benefits of an Online Academic Summer School for Primary-Aged Children (7-11 Years) The advent of online learning has revolutionised education, making it more accessible, flexible, and inclusive than ever before. This transformation is especially beneficial for primary-aged children, a group that thrives on engaging, interactive, and carefully tailored educational...
Taking GCSEs As A Mature StudentHow To Take GCSEs As A Mature Student Returning to education to take GCSEs as a mature student can be a rewarding journey that opens new career paths and personal development opportunities. Whether you missed out on formal qualifications in your school years or need specific GCSEs to progress in...
The Secret Parent Playbook: How to Coach Your Teen Through Exams (Without Them Noticing!)As the parent of a teenager, you may have found that the days of your child hanging on your every word are long gone. Instead, you may now be met with the classic eyeroll, the exasperated sigh, or the dreaded door slamming when you try to offer advice. But with...
Maximise Your GCSE or A Level Exam Success with Easter Revision Courses at BTCAs GCSE and A-Level exams draw closer, the pressure to perform well can feel overwhelming. Students often find themselves struggling to consolidate months of learning, identify gaps in their knowledge, and develop effective exam techniques. If this sounds familiar, then an Easter Revision Course at Bristol Tutorial College (BTC) is...
Alternative Pathways for Post-16 Students in the UK: Exploring Options Beyond A LevelsFor many students in the UK, the traditional A Level route is the most common post-16 pathway. Many parents, and their teenage children, assume that the A Level option is ‘best’. But what happens if your son or daughter isn’t engaged with their A Levels, finds the subject choices too...
A Complete Guide to Retaking A-Levels: Succeed in Maths and MoreA-levels are a key milestone in a student’s academic journey, influencing future opportunities in higher education and beyond. If you don’t achieve your desired results the first time, retaking your A-levels gives you a second chance to reach your full potential. Why Retake A-Levels? Retaking A-levels can open doors to...
Exploring How Teenage Students Find Effective Ways to LearnExploring How Today’s Teenagers Find Effective Ways to Learn How to Help, Not Hinder 20th January 2025 Introduction Teenagers today are navigating a rapidly changing educational landscape influenced by technology, social expectations, and evolving teaching and learning approaches. In this blog I will explore how our Gen Z children discover...
Teenage Anxiety and Its Impact on School Attendance, Reluctance, and Refusal3rd January 2025 Teenage Wellbeing is a Hot Topic There have been a number of reports and articles about teenage wellbeing recently published which could, understandably, raise concerns in parents. Does my child show signs of anxiety? How will I know? Is it my fault? What can I do about...
Can I Retake My Maths A Level?If your Maths A Level results weren’t what you’d hoped for – don’t panic! You’re not alone, and retaking the exam is an option. Whether you need a higher grade for university entrance or simply want to improve your knowledge, this guide will walk you through everything you need to...
Revision Top Tip #4 How to Revise Effectively and Remember it the Next Day!12th December 2024 There’s nothing more demotivating than spending hours learning something, feeling really accomplished, and then discovering that you have forgotten every bit of content by the next day, and knowing you must start all over again. By thinking about your learning style, you can revise effectively and remember...
Revision Top Tip #3 Motivation, Accountability and Rewards7th December 2024 How do you motivate your teenager to stick to their revision schedule? Once the initial burst of enthusiasm has worn off, do you turn to pleading, bribery, punishments or switching off yourself? Getting your child’s buy-in on any strategies is the key to implementing a successful revision...
What is Executive Functioning and Why Does it Matter?Why is it that sometimes we understand and learn well, and other times our brains don’t seem to work properly? It could be that poor executive functioning is to blame. So what is executive functioning? What affects it? And how can I ensure I function efficiently when needed? Last week,...
Revision Top Tips #2 – Learning Styles and Effective Revision Strategies1st December 2024 How can understanding your learning style help with revision? I used to roll my eyes when my children came home from school with spellings homework, and non-negotiable instructions to learn them with the ‘look, say, cover, write, check’ method. Now maybe that method works for some children,...
Revision Top Tips #1 – Setting a Realistic Schedule26th November 2024 This is the first of a series of blogs about how to revise most effectively for exams. Specifically, I am thinking about mock exams, but they are equally as applicable for the main summer exams, and for instilling good revision habits in children of all ages. #1...
Looking in the rear-view mirror: a review of online teaching and learningA perspective by BTC teacher, Lucy Wayman I have taught and learned in the online space for over a decade. The developments that have taken place over this time have been phenomenal. I don’t know whether to laugh or cry when I think back on some lessons I have delivered....
MomentumHere at Bristol Tutorial College, we’ve received a growing number of enquiries from parents whose teenagers have disengaged from traditional school pathways and who do not show enthusiasm for school and learning. We have been building and delivering bespoke programmes for these teenagers, to rebuild their confidence, develop their skills,...
Square Pegs and Round Holes – Surely There’s An Alternative?Half term is upon us. The school year is well and truly underway, and the rest of the academic year feels mapped out and predictable. The teething problems of settling into a new year group have abated, and children are in a routine of school, homework, sport and leisure time....
How To Study A-Levels As A Mature StudentEmbarking on your journey to study A-levels as a mature student is an exciting if slightly daunting adventure. Whether you want to switch careers, gain new qualifications or enrich your knowledge and explore your passions, Bristol Tutorial College will help you navigate the world of A-levels with confidence in your...
Starting A-Levels: Essential Tips for StudentsStarting your A-Level adventure might feel like walking into a completely new universe. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed when you have more independence, more courses, and a higher level of education. A-Levels represent a watershed moment in your academic journey, frequently influencing your future chances and professional choices. While textbooks...
