In the penultimate post in this series, Andrew looks at how the provenance of the source (including its author, and the time and place in which it was produced) can be used to examine a source’s reliability.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead9 minutes
In the third post in this series, we will look at how to show A Level examiners that you can assess the accuracy of sources. People in the past did not always give an impression consistent with the facts available to us. Good historians will compare the information presented by any source to what they already know of the period.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead6 minutes
This is the second post in a series that shows you how to approach source questions in History A Level, and hopefully also how exciting analysing primary source material can be. In this blog, Andrew sets out how to raise the quality of your answer to A* level by showing understanding of the source in context, and focusing on the question.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead5 minutes
Source questions are often the aspect of A-Level History that students find most difficult, but can also be one of the most exciting aspects of the course. Every source provides a window into the ideas, emotions, and thought processes of past human beings. Andrew covers the basics of writing about the information drawn from the source.
Applying to a university or college via UCAS is something most students in the UK will have to do. It can be challenging to navigate the process and this guide aims to help you to do so. Whether you are going for a Russell Group institution or another top class university, read on to unlock the secrets of UCAS.
AuthorHollyRead3 minutes
Creating a revision timetable has been shown to help with confidence and preparation for public exams. Here, we look at how to plan revision carefully for GCSEs, A-Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB). How can you make the most of your time and resources whilst also dealing with unexpected interruptions? Read on to find out.
Understanding the differences between the US GPA system and grades in the UK can be challenging. Whether you are hoping to study in the US, moving from one country to the other, or just curious, our guide will help you understand how your grades compare.
In this article, Micky, an experienced teacher and examiner examines five top reasons to incorporate past papers into your revision.
AuthorMickyRead3 minutes
AuthorKateRead3 minutes
Rugby School Online has asked us to share information regarding their A-Level Easter Revision courses in Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. "Sprint Finish" courses are designed to cover the whole syllabus in just two-days, and are a great option for students looking to boost their grades with some intensive revision!
AuthorOwl TutorsRead2 minutes
In this article, Ali, an experienced teacher and tutor, explains the difference good goal setting can make to a student. Her series of practical tips should be helpful to learners of all ages!
AuthorAlisonRead6 minutes
In the latest of a continuing series, Grace shares her thoughts and reflections as to why she believes teachers make the best tutors. Drawing on her experience as a classroom teacher in the independent sector, she provides a fascinating insight into the unique nature of teacher training and how it produces the best educators.
AuthorGraceRead5 minutes
In this article, Cecilia sets out her reasons why qualified teachers make excellent personal tutors. An experienced teacher and private tutor herself, she is well placed to set out the top reasons for working with an education professional.
In this article, Grace, an experienced headteacher, outlines alternative post-A level and IB options for students. While university entry is still the most popular choice for many, there are increasingly varied options for young people. Based on her extensive experience supporting student progression, Grace outlines some interesting options
AuthorGraceRead7 minutes
In this article, John, an experienced teacher, explores the pros and cons of using Wikipedia. Whether you are a student at school, college or university, you will find a range of practical points you will need to consider, as well as ethical considerations. So, can Wikipedia be considered a reliable source? Read on to find out!
AuthorJohnRead6 minutes
In this blog, Grace, an experienced teacher and tutor, takes us through a unique approach to tackling 'unseen' texts for A-Level and GCSE English. You will see that six simple questions can crack open even the toughest of texts. Read on if you need help with unseen texts. Or if you like eggs
AuthorGraceRead12 minutes
Simon continues his series on mock exam revision with this post on the role of past papers, and how they can help to bring focus and unity of purpose to revision in what has otherwise, for most students, been a very disjointed academic year.
With mock exams playing an especially important role this year, Simon (a qualified Maths teacher and Owl Tutor) offers some useful guidelines for students gearing up for mock exams in the next few months.
Raj, a qualified teacher and Maths examiner, offers tips on how to master Maths! Apart from the obvious answer (through a lot of hard work) here are some other ideas on how to keep on top of things.
AuthorRajRead6 minutes
If you are studying towards a qualification in Maths (be it GCSE or A-Level), it will pay off to get into the mind of your examiner. This blog offers insider intel into how examiners mark papers. You will also find a few hints from Raj on certain words you're likely to come across in Maths exams, and what they mean.
AuthorRajRead4 minutes
This is a guest post written by Maud from "Adapt", a free revision timetable app which helps you create and keep on top of your A-level & GCSE revision plan. With many students around the world currently experiencing homeschooling, the app can be a handy tool to help structure your day!
AuthorMaudRead2 minutes
In this article, Ana gives some tips on how to improve your Spanish listening and reading skills during lockdown through five different free online resources. If you can’t go to Spain, let Spain come to you!
A-Level, GCSE and IB exams set to take place in Spring/Summer 2020 have been cancelled due to the Coronavirus. In this blog, Jen sets out why all is not lost for affected students, who are understandably disappointed.
AuthorJenniferRead2 minutes
In this blog, Geography tutor Tim offers some great advice and free resources to any Geography students who will be continuing their GCSE or A-Level studies at home. Sticking to a routine and following the syllabus will keep you on track!
AuthorTimothyRead2 minutes
In this blog, Tolly suggests some excellent learning resources for students who are working towards their Maths A-Level whilst studying at home.
AuthorTollyRead4 minutes
Applying to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Science at University can be incredibly competitive. Chemistry tutor Carl sets out how best to showcase your relevant skills and experiences in your Personal Statement, and how to justify exactly why you want to study that particular course and why you should be offered a place.
AuthorCarlRead6 minutes
In this blog, Maggie will discuss the importance of regular language revision - even when school is out! She will give some tips on how to implement language revision throughout your school holidays in a fun, quick and easy way.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead4 minutes
Want to ace the long answer questions in your A-level and IB economics paper? Follow these simple guidelines to ensure you make a compelling argument and achieve full marks.
In this blog Sobia discusses the steps to take in the event that you don't perform quite as well as you wanted to in your exams. Whilst the experience can be very disappointing, it is important to stay calm, reflect and seek advice.
AuthorSobiaRead3 minutes
To secure top grades in A-Level politics, it is vital that students confidently engage with contemporary political debates and themes. In this blog, Politics tutor Eddie sets out four great ways of accessing current political events, knowledge of which can then be applied to the course.
AuthorEddieRead3 minutes
Alan is an experienced tutor specialising in A-level, GCSE and IB tuition in Mathematics and Physics. Here he offers some suggestions on how to keep your teenager motivated and some specific advice in studying mathematics and physics.
AuthorAlanRead4 minutes
In this post, rather than take a single event and examine it in relation to various topics, Andrew looks at the issue of presidentialism across Theresa May’s time as Prime Minister and explores how it may provide examples relevant to A Level politics.
In the fourth post in his series, Andrew looks at the violence that took place in Charlottesville, USA during August 2017 and investigates how these events may provide examples relevant to A Level politics exam questions on ideology and political ideas.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead8 minutes
‘To be or not to be: that is the question.’ (Hamlet, III:i, 1) Every year, thousands of students sit down to analyse Hamlet’s famous soliloquy, which begs another question: is it still possible to say anything new about Shakespeare? If so, where and how does one begin? Read on for answers and five tips to become a successful Shakespeare scholar.
AuthorMichaelRead5 minutes
When you write an essay or answer an exam question, it’s not enough merely to know the answer. Knowing the answer is certainly important, but you also have to be able to write the answer down in a way that will convince the examiner that you know the answer. Most people find this difficult. Follow these top tips for success.
AuthorJohnRead4 minutes
A Level Politics requires students to use examples to prove their points, but textbooks cannot cover recent events. In the third post in his series detailing how to use recent events in the exam, Andrew looks again at the EU referendum, this time thinking about how it is relevant to the ‘Political ideas’ topic.
A Level Politics requires students to use examples to prove their points, but textbooks cannot cover recent events. In the second post in his series detailing how to use recent events in the exam, Andrew looks again at the EU referendum, this time thinking about how it can be used in the UK Politics side of the course.
A Level Politics requires students to use examples to prove their points. Textbooks include some examples, but cannot cover recent events. In this post, Andrew shows how the EU referendum can be used as an example in the UK government section of the exam. A second blog covers the same topic in relation to the UK Politics part of the course.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead7 minutes
In this Blog, Maggie discusses the difficulties of moving from the I/GCSE to the IB or A-Level German course. Lots of students find the switch quite challenging but with some tricks and tips students can make a smooth (and successful) transition.
When learning a foreign language, mastering the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing is key. In this blog, we set out some top tips to improve your listening skills. Find something you enjoy listening to - whether it's TV, radio, film or music - and let your understanding of the language improve and develop.
In this blog, top English tutor Isabel demystifies the unseen text and sets out 5 simple steps that will help you to demonstrate how you have mastered the art of practical criticism. As obvious as it sounds, reading the text is a great place to start! Students can often panic and put pen to paper before really understanding the text in question.
If you decide to study English literature beyond GCSE, it is important that you ask yourself "why" and justify your choice. Whether you are a bookworm wanting to pursue your love of literature, or see the subject as a way to develop your communication skills, there really is no right answer.
Physics can be a particularly difficult subject to master. To get that top grade, organisation and reading around the topic are key. Most importantly, never be afraid to ask for help - the only stupid question is the one you didn't ask!
AuthorNickRead5 minutes
To paraphrase an old joke, “you gotta practice”. There are no shortcuts to getting an A-Star in any subject, and this article doesn't offer any. Rather, the intention is to share some things I’ve learnt in my time tutoring A-Level Maths. The only way to the top grades is hard work, and this will need to be started well before exam season.
Facing exam resits? This blog - written by our Business and Economics tutor, Dan - sets out how taking a new approach and putting past exam results behind you can lead to success second time around.
AuthorDanRead3 minutes
Of course you aren't a lazy student, but throughout your busy school day, how can you keep yourself up-to-date with the latest goings-on in the business world?
Starting to think about your UCAS application? Lawrence shares his wisdom on how to write a personal statement that is coherent and showcases your talents and achievements. The key is in the planning.
AuthorOwl TutorsRead3 minutes
Do you have a child in Year 11 (or equivalent) who is currently trying to decide what to study next year? If so, you may have heard of the International Baccalaureate (IB). Many schools in the UK are now offering the IB as an alternative or replacement for the A-Level. We often get asked which is the better qualification - here we give our opinion!
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