Saturday, March 21, 2020

Online Chemistry Tutors

Online Chemistry TutorsWhether you're working towards a degree in Organic Chemistry or if you're just looking to improve your Chemistry grades, you can find an online Chemistry tutor in the form of a website or a private tutor. However, you will need to consider which type of online Chemistry tutor will suit your learning style, their availability and the time that you have to spend with them.When you start to look for an online Chemistry tutor, it is important to check if they offer the format you're looking for. For example, if you are someone who wants to take Chemistry courses at the most convenient time possible, then you may want to check with them to see if they offer 'live' learning.For a teacher who is teaching a class of two students, this means that the student who is the instructor of record can actually talk with the students individually while the other student is taking their test or homework, so that they can watch what their students are doing and ensure that they're doing their homework correctly. It can also mean that the teacher can set up a time to take the students' test or assignments together, allowing you to take your test with your classmates.Another option that you may want to consider if you are looking for an online Organic Chemistry tutor is the possibility of taking 'homework lessons.' This can mean that you get to interact with the online tutors in the same way that you would with a real one and that you get to spend the rest of your day in class with the tutor and get feedback from them as well.Online tutors will usually work from home or from their own offices, so that you don't have to worry about travel time. However, it is always important to remember that in the long run, whether you choose online, a live online or a private tutor, the price that you pay will be based on the amount of work that you do each week, not whether or not you are able to afford the tutor.If you decide to use an online tutoring service, it is import ant to make sure that you have enough knowledge about the materials to which you are taking the classes, and that you have all the online experience you'll need to communicate effectively with the online tutors. If you have a good knowledge about the content of the course, then you should be able to communicate well with the online tutor, as you probably would face to face.Finally, when you are going to look for an online Organic Chemistry tutor, it is important to make sure that you take your time to decide on the best online option for you. You don't want to waste your time or money by taking an online chemistry tutor who isn't available.

Friday, March 6, 2020

Where to Find A Level Chemistry Past Papers

Where to Find A Level Chemistry Past Papers Discover the Power of Past Papers ChaptersDon’t Ignore the Mark SchemeRead the Chief Examiner’s ReportLearn the Structure of the Exam PaperPeer-AssessTest YourselfWhere to Find Past PapersPast papers are an essential Chemistry revision tool. They are a great way to find the gaps in your knowledge, what you need to improve on but also to give you a confidence boost finding out your revision is paying off. They are also the closest thing you’ll get to a practice run of the exam itself and will help you get to grips with exam technique.No matter if you’ve just started your course or your exams are fast approaching past papers are useful to everyone studying A level chemistry.Do every past paper you can find, as many times as you can. Getting used to the past papers will help you to understand the way your subject is structured. While simply going through past papers and answering the questions is useful in itself there is actually so much more you can get out of them to really improve your chemistry grades.With just a few tips you’ll be able to use past papers to really get on top of your subject and nail your exams.Use your papers as motivation; if you didn't get a great score on one, don't panic. Use this as motivation to go and revise and learn about the topics you struggled with in the paper. If you got a good score then don't hesitate to write your score on the front of the paper in bold pen. Keep it somewhere where you'll see it daily. It will serve as a great confidence booster if you're ever feeling overwhelmed by all of your revision.Where to Find Past PapersYou can find past papers and chief examiner reports on the website of your exam board.There you’ll find past papers from previous years and there will also usually be papers from summer exams and resit periods so there will be plenty to practice with.Your teachers at school will most likely give you past papers to practice in class and will read through the question structures with you so you’re best prepared.Other resou rces like student room and BBC bitesize are also great tools for finding past papers and other tips.Good luck and happy practising!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

Studying Art at Secondary School

Studying Art at Secondary School How Can You Study Art in Secondary Schools? ChaptersArt and Design in Secondary SchoolStudying Art and Design at A LevelOther Further Education Art CoursesWhy Study Art and Design in Secondary School?“Every artist was first an amateur” - Ralph Waldo EmersonIf you're interested in going to university to study art, you're going to have to be interested in studying art during your GCSEs, getting good GCSE results, finishing secondary education, moving onto further education, and studying art at A Level, for example.Whether you're interested in art design, printmaking, studio art, ceramics, or other areas of study, you'll probably want to study art in school before going to university to continue your studies.In this article, we're going to look at how art is studied in secondary schools, how you can study art and design as one of your GCSE subjects, studying art as an A Level, and, ultimately, getting an arts education. FernandoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaDrawing Teacher 5.00 ( 5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidDrawing Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaDrawing Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenDrawing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Julia janeDrawing Teacher 5.00 (5) £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EvelinaDrawing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZangmoDrawing Teacher 5.00 (6) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsArt and Design in Secondary SchoolLearning to draw is a process that starts at nursery when children learn to express themselves with coloured pencils, crayons, felt tips, etc. This is when they'll start to learn the basics of art through shapes, colour mixing, and the necessary motor skills to manipulate pens and pencils on paper.This learning continues throughout their time at school and they'll be introduced to famous artists in their lessons, learn more about the different medi a, and be given the opportunity to practise drawing people, landscapes, and sculpting objects.Art and design are obligatory from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4 and once a student reaches their GCSEs, they should have a good understanding of various art techniques. At that point, they'll no longer be required to study art.English (English Literature and English Language or a single English GCSE), Maths, and Science (Combined Science or Physics, Chemistry, and Biology) all remain obligatory GCSE subjects but the arts, design and technology, humanities, and modern foreign languages all need to be optional choices at GCSE. This is the first moment where pupils will be required to choose art as a subject and this may mean having to drop another subject they like.Art and Design as an Optional SubjectFrom Year 10, students can choose to do Art and Design as a GCSE. Keep in mind that at this level, students are still learning techniques and not how to survive as an artist in later life.  They†™re learning artistic skills and more about the world of art. Students will learn about the history of art, the greats, current artists, and look at different pieces and analyse them.They’ll also cover architecture, painting, sculpture, etc. and have the opportunity to create their own works of art.  Artists need to apply their knowledge of art and apply it to create new things by working on shape and form, ideas, technique, etc.Studying Art and Design at GCSEIf you're interested in visual arts at school, you'll have to study art at GCSE and hope your school has a good art department. Art education in the UK is dwindling as the focus shifts away from art education, art schools, and the liberal arts in general and towards business and the sciences.An art GCSE will be your first formal qualification in the subject. (Source: bodobe)That said, if you're interested in attending a school of art, there are plenty of good art schools in the UK where you can get a degree in art and most of them require an A Level or BTEC in Art, which means you'll need a GCSE or equivalent in art first.If you're not in the UK, you might study IGCSE Art and Design. These are examinations based on the GCSE and considered to be the equivalent of them.These are operated by University of Cambridge International Examinations and the Edexcel and OxfordAQA exam boards. The exam board doesn't matter as all of them are considered equals when it comes to the admissions procedures.  Much like the GCSEs, if you get an IGCSE, you can move onto A Levels or an international baccalaureate if you have good GCSE grades.Studying Art and Design at A LevelIf your GCSE exam results are good, you can move onto an A Level (advanced level) in art to help you get into art universities. Unsurprisingly, the entry requirements for most art and design degrees include some kind of further education in art, including A Level Art.An A Level art course is designed to help you learn the necessary creative and technical skills to improve as an artist. Additionally, you'll also learn about the history of art so that you can better understand art in context.  During your A Level, you'll also be regularly contributing to your portfolio, something you'll be working on as an artist throughout your entire career and you'll be given the opportunity to specialise in a particular field.A Levels in art usually involve both coursework and exams. However, unlike exams in other subjects that last a few hours, in art courses, they can last 15 hours. Of course, this isn't all in one session but rather across several days.An art A Level is often one of the entry requirements for art degrees. (Source: Pexels)Other Further Education Art CoursesThe international baccalaureate diploma in visual arts is also accepted by universities. This is, as the name would suggest, an international qualification.BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and DesignA Levels aren’t the only way to study art. Students can study a BTEC National Diploma in art, for example. The BTEC is a level 3 qualification (the same as the A Levels) which means it counts for your university application. In fact, there's only one university in the UK that doesn't accept any BTECs.A BTEC is the equivalent of 3 A Levels. (Source: sweetlouise)The main difference between the BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and an art A Level is that it'll probably be the only thing on your timetable as it's the equivalent of 3 A Levels. If you opt to study A Levels, you'll probably study between 2 and 3 other subjects alongside it.  Of course, this means that it's much more work than your coursework for GCSE art was! Additionally, BTECs are higher-level courses so they'll be more work than a single GCSE level course.Find out more about surviving art school.Why Study Art and Design in Secondary School?Choosing to study art in secondary school is a good idea for those who want to pursue a career in the arts.  While some may say that you can't teach a rt, you can learn about the theory behind art as well as techniques with graphite, gouache, charcoal, pastel, watercolours, etc. You'll be given opportunities to work with different materials that you mightn't be able to afford on your own.Additionally, having a better understanding of the history of art is useful for understanding art in context, what works, what doesn't, and serve as inspiration for what you could do in your next project.Make sure you have a portfolio if you're planning on going to university. (Source: Chun-San)You can also study art academically rather than creating your own pieces. Be it sculpture, modelling, art history, there are plenty of options for those who’ve studied art at secondary school or college. Most importantly, studying art and design at secondary school, sixth form, or college is the best way to get onto the best art and design degrees at university.While you can teach yourself how to become a designer, illustrator, concept artist, or art hist orian, formal education doesn’t hurt.You could also learn more with private tutorials from one of the many talented tutors on Superprof! The main types of tutorials are face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type of tutorial comes with its pros and cons in terms of learning and cost-effectiveness. What's right for one student may not be right for another so take your time to find the right kind of tutor and tutoring.Face-to-face tutorials are taught with one student and one tutor and they are usually the most cost-effective type since every minute in the lesson is spent focusing on you as the student. Additionally, the tutor will also spend time outside of the lessons finding resources and planning the time they'll spend with you.Online tutorials are similar to the face-to-face tutorials but take place either on a call or via webcam. Since the tutor won't have the travel costs to worry about and can fit more students into their schedule as a result, on line tutorials are usually cheaper than face-to-face tutorials.Finally, group tutorials are classes with one teacher or tutor and multiple students. However, with group tutorials, you and a group of friends could get in touch with a private tutor to plan lessons that you'll all attend together. Thanks to the students sharing the cost of the tutor's time, these tutorials tend to be the cheapest per student per hour.

Learning Maths at Secondary School

Learning Maths at Secondary School Get the Help You Need to Revise for Maths GCSE or A-Level Maths ChaptersWhat Can I Expect from Maths Classes During Key Stage 3?Tips for GCSE  Maths RevisionStudying for A-level MathsA level and GCSE Maths Past Papers What can I Study at University with a Maths GCSE or A-level?Maths at secondary school can be a pretty daunting thing, as you will start learning more complicated and challenging maths concepts as you progress.Secondary school in the UK starts at year 7 and finishes at year 11 with GCSE exams, so an age range of 11-16. This encompasses key stages 1, 2, 3 and 4.At the GCSE stage of your secondary school career, you will start thinking about where you will go afterwards and what kind of pathway you'd like to choose. This could range from starting A-levels or an international baccalaureate, doing a vocational course or an apprenticeship, for example.But what can you expect from maths at secondary school? Where can a maths GCSE qualification lead you to? And if you choose to carry it forward to post-16 study, where could A-level maths ta ke you?These are all questions frequently asked by students and parents alike, so have a look through our list of FAQs and answers to see what maths at secondary school has in store for you. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr parikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsWhat Can I Expect from Maths Classes During Key Stage 3?Key Stage 3 (commonly abbreviated to KS3) consists of years seven, eight and nine â€" so students aged 11 â€" 14 in secondary school in the UK. This is the section of secondary study before students start their GCSEs in year 10 and choose which subjects they will carry on with.Key Stage 3 maths can be a really exciting journey! Photo credit: CollegeDegrees360 via VisualHunt / CC BY-SAWebsites such as BBC Bitesize contain the entire syllabus for KS3 Maths, along with all other subjects.KS3 Maths SyllabusKS3 maths topics according to the UK national curriculum include:AlgebraShape, space and measuresNumbersHandling dataFunctional mathsWithin these topics are lots of subtopics, all of which are broken down in class and will usually have individual lessons. These topics can also be found online, for revision and extra study.KS3 maths lessons are where you’ll start seeing more difficult maths and mathematical theory.Subjects you might not be familiar with such as trigonometry, Pythagoras, equations, probability, coordinates, powers and roots, and angles are all examples of maths that you will start learning.These can be quit e tough sometimes, but your teachers will ease you in slowly and you’ll start noticing how these topics build on from your current maths knowledge.KS3 Maths AssessmentSchools in UK can have varying approaches to assessment at KS3. There will usually be a certain amount of formative assessment that support student progression throughout their courses. This could include coursework and tests.Maths lessons at KS3 will get more and more challenging as you progress, so it’s important to keep up as much as you can and try to do some extra work at home if possible as well to help you get your head around things.There are lots of maths games and quizzes available online to help with difficult concepts, which can make learning maths easier and more fun.One of the most crucial things to learn during KS3 â€" if you haven’t already! â€" is your times tables. All of the work covered will rely on basic maths knowledge, and knowing your multiplications will help you no end when it comes to t he trickier stuff.Tips for GCSE  Maths RevisionGCSE maths revision can get really tough, and you might come across hurdles you didn’t expect or problems you don’t know how to solve.GCSE revision getting you down? Photo via VisualhuntHire a Maths TutorOne of the best ways of overcoming problems during your maths revision GCSE is to ask for help. Some students get so caught up in trying to teach themselves topics they find tricky, and really all they need is someone to explain it to them.Maths tutors are a great opportunity to ask all your questions and fix any problems you’ve been having during your revision and exam preparation. You can easily find maths tutors online through platforms such as Superprof, or via social media sites. You can also keep an eye out in your school, library and local community for tutoring adverts.An experienced tutor can help you with your maths and work through challenges at a pace that suits you, honing in on the thing you find most difficult. Whet her it’s problems with specific topics such as algebra, trigonometry, probability, or geometry, or if you just need maths help for homework, there’s a tutor out there to help you through it.With online tutoring sites like Superprof you can also find online tutors who are able to teach you over a video call. This means you can study from the comfort of your own home, whilst receiving brilliant personal teaching tailored to you.Maths OnlineThe internet is such a great resource if you’re struggling with revision. With a few simple searches you’ll find games, quizzes and other revision aids to help you get your head round difficult maths GCSE topics.Websites such as BBC Bitesize, MyMaths and even just having a look through YouTube videos can help to simplify things a bit and make maths more fun and much easier to understand. MyriamMaths Teacher 5.00 (13) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MarkMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £200/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Dr p arikhMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors KamalMaths Teacher 5.00 (9) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PetarMaths Teacher 5.00 (8) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GowsikaMaths Teacher 5.00 (5) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors RubenMaths Teacher 5.00 (1) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ConorMaths Teacher 4.75 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsStudying for A-level MathsMaths A-level, starting with AS level in year 12, builds upon what you have been learning at GCSE. You will start cultivating the maths skills that you started learning throughout your GCSE, but you will develop this further and fine-tune subject knowledge on your way to handling much more complicated mathematics.A-level Maths CurriculumAS and A2 maths consists of topics you will already be familiar with, as well as a few new concepts too. These are mainly outlined as:Algebra and functionsGeometrySequences and seri esTrigonometryExponentials and logarithmsDifferentiationIntegrationNumerical methodsVectorsStatistical samplingData presentation and interpretationProbabilityStatistical distribution and hypothesis testingQuantities and units in mechanicsKinematicsForces and Newton’s lawsMomentsSome of these will be built on in more detail and at a more difficult level if you opt for further maths.You will probably be familiar with the majority of these topics, and others might be completely new. You'll find that most of them will link back to topics you have seen at GCSE, and your teachers will show you how the maths you already know can be developed further.You might find that some of these topics are quite challenging, and you could face a few hurdles during the transition from GCSE maths to AS level maths, and even further along in your A-level course as well.A-level revision can be really tough, but there are lots of ways to tackle your problems! Photo credit: World Bank Photo Collection via Visualhunt.com / CC BY-NC-NDThe Jump from GCSE to A-level MathsPerhaps you are finding A-level maths especially difficult? Have you fallen behind in class and feel like you can’t catch up? Or maybe it’s just a specific concept that you can’t get your head around?The gap between GCSE and A-level can sometimes feel quite big, and you might feel as though you aren't finding your feet as quickly or as easily as you expected. The main difference between GCSE and A-level is that before you were given a clear structure of what you needed to know, whereas with A-level you are required to take a bit more initiative and do more study in your own time.With A-level maths - and all subjects for that matter - you will find that the biggest difference compared to GCSE is that you can't just get away with learning the content, you have to really understand  it too. This means putting in the extra hours of work outside of the classroom, and trying not to fall behind.You might want to consider hiring a private tutor for A-Level or International Baccalaureate maths revision to help you through the challenges you are facing.A tutor with experience and expertise can sit with you and work through the problems at your own pace, to suit your particular way of learning.As we've already said, it's less of a jump from GCSE, and more of a leap. You need to be able to understand the maths content you are learning, not just be able to regurgitate stuff in an exam. A home tutor can be the best way to make sure you're putting in the extra study time, and that you can keep up and feel confident with your maths learning.One of the best things about sixth form or college studies is that classes are generally much smaller than they were at GCSE. This means your teachers will have a better chance of spending time with you on a more individual basis, and you will have more chances to speak up and receive attention on problem areas.You might find, though, that you need a bit more of this ind ividual attention and teaching, which is where a private tutor would come in very handy indeed when faced with maths A-level problems.A level and GCSE Maths Past PapersBenefits of using Past PapersCopies of past exam papers can be a really excellent way of preparing for your exam. Practicing past papers will give you a clear idea of what you can expect in your upcoming exams, and will help you to:Familiarise yourself with the style of questions and formatRecognise the command terms usedKnow the length of the paper and how to manage your timeUnderstand how marks are allocatedPracticing past exam papers will prepare you for the real thing! Photo credit: Matti Mattila via VisualHunt.comMany students and teachers would argue that past papers are the best form of revision. They allow you to properly prepare and rehearse for your exam and get more comfortable with the questions and how you should go about answering them.How  to Use Maths Past Papers for GCSE and A-level?When sitting down to do a past paper, make sure you do it properly. Sit somewhere quiet with no distractions, and set a timer so that you don’t run over the allowed time. Don’t have anything present that you wouldn’t be allowed in the exam â€" so no phones, music, books or notes!Start by reading the paper from cover to cover. This will help you understand how the paper is laid out, and where the marks are being allocated. You will also see from doing this how much time you should roughly spend on each question.Make sure you read the information on the front of the exam. This will clarify exactly which paper you are doing, how much time you have, and the basic rules you need to know when taking the exam.Thoroughly check the format of the paper and the individual questions. You don’t want to answer too few or too many questions if you’re not supposed to! Read questions carefully, as some might have instructions such as ‘answer two questions from part one’ or ‘answer one question from ea ch section’, for example.It’s also really important that you pay close attention to the command words being used in the exam questions. These will indicate how you should answer the question. Words can vary between ‘explain’, ‘describe’, ‘compare’, ‘list’, for example.These words are huge hints as to how much you will need to write in your answer, and what exactly the question wants you to do.There are loads of different command words used in exams, so make sure you learn what each one means and is asking of you. Do this well ahead of time, you don’t want any surprises in the exam hall!Make sure you look at the marks on offer for each question, this is a big indicator of what you need to do and what the command word means as well. If the question says ‘list’, and it has a maximum of three marks, you can be pretty sure that you should list three things.Time management is absolutely key when sitting an exam. You can get a rough idea of how much time you shoul d spend on each question by comparing their marks. For example, you shouldn’t spend ten minutes on a one-mark question, and then only leave yourself three minutes for a five-mark question.A great way of managing your time is to add up all the marks in your paper and divide that by how many minutes you have to complete the exam. You will get a basic idea of how many minutes you should spend per mark, which will show you roughly how much time you have for each question.Where Can I Find Maths Past Papers?Past papers can usually be supplied by your teacher or subject department at school. They might have copies ready to hand from previous years, or they might be stored on an online database that you can access yourself.It is also important that you get a copy of the mark scheme to go with the exam if you can, so that you can mark your work and see where you did well and where you might need to put a bit more work in.The papers you need will depend on the exam board that your school is using. Check with your school who the exam board is so that you can find the right past exam and mark scheme to work from.The most common exam boards for the UK national curriculum are AQA, Edexcel and WJEC.For most examination board websites, you will need to be a teacher or education professional to access the past papers and any information. Your school will have access to the appropriate past papers for your revision, so don’t hesitate to ask for some.Maths Made Easy is a brilliant website that not only gives you access to revision notes, presentations, guides and support, but also lets you download past papers to practise.This site is aimed at years 1 to 13, so it includes all keys stages 1 to 4, and A-Level too. Simply click on your age level you need and have a browse of what the site has to offer.You can also specify which exam board you need between Edexcel and AQA to make sure you are practising the right stuff!If you have a private tutor, they might be able to find you some past papers to work through in your lessons at home, but they can usually be found directly through your school.The most important part of doing past exam papers is understanding how you can improve for the real exam. This means you will need to mark the paper as accurately as possible according to the mark scheme, or ask a teacher or tutor to do it for you.Going through practice exams with your tutor is a great idea, as they can give you individual feedback and guidance on how to improve for the real thing. Your tutor will be able to notice any weak spots and where you need to put in some more practice.If you don’t have a private tutor, you can see if your teacher will mark your past paper or go through your results to see where your revision might need a bit more attention and fine-tuning.Was there anything in the practise paper that was particularly challenging? Or something that just completely stumped you? These are the things that you should make more room for in your study plan so that you are ready to answer them in the real exam.What can I Study at University with a Maths GCSE or A-level?Maths is a really important subject for so many courses at college and university. It is usually needed if you want to pursue subjects in the sciences, medicine and engineering to name a few.Maths can lead to all sorts of academic and professional opportunities! Photo credit: trindade.joao via Visual huntMaths can open up so many doorsIt’s important to think about what you might like to do after your GCSEs or A-levels so that you have the right grades and preparation you need to continue with certain studies.With a GCSE in maths you could continue your maths study through to post-16 education. This could be A-levels, an international baccalaureate, BTEC, or an apprenticeship, for example.If you choose do to a course such as maths or further maths, you will need a GCSE or equivalent, usually with a B-grade or higher. Some courses might accept a C-grade, but y ou will need to check this.If you plan to do an international baccalaureate, it will be compulsory to take a maths subject. This could be maths at either higher or standard level, or maths studies which is a more basic maths course. You can also opt for further maths alongside your chosen maths pathway if you like, but access to this will depend on your GCSE maths grade.If you’re unsure what post-16 courses your GCSEs will suit, or which university courses you’re A-levels or IB studies will suit, there are lots of helpful guides available, both online and on paper, to give you some direction.Speak to your school’s careers and further education advice centre, or visit the Prospects website  for help.The most obvious choice for what maths can allow you to study is more maths!If you really love the stuff and can’t get enough of it, you might consider taking it further for A-Level, including the possibility of further maths, and you might even think about a degree in the subjec t too.The most common courses that maths A-level students go on to take are:MathsFurther mathsNatural science (physics, chemistry, biology)Medicine, dentistryVeterinary scienceEngineeringBiomedical sciencesPharmacology, physiotherapyIT or computingEconomicsBusinessAccountancyMaths isn’t always necessary for certain courses, but it will help no end when it comes to subjects such as economics, business or accounting. You might need a minimum of a C grade for most courses like these, so make sure you do the right research if you want to apply for something.For some subjects, it is compulsory to have a GCSE and A-level or equivalent in maths. For courses such as maths, medicine, sciences (including biomedical) and engineering, for example, you will most likely need a qualification in maths.For a degree in maths you will need a high grade in your post-16 course, and a higher level maths course if you take the IB. You will usually need further maths too as part of you’re a-level or IB course.You can check all the necessary requirements for different courses on their online specification pages, or in the course directories at the sixth form, college or university. Make sure you carefully check what is required to apply for the course so that you can be considered.

Self-Conscious About Your Singing Try These 3 Tips

Self-Conscious About Your Singing Try These 3 Tips Suzy S. Wondering how to get over stage fright when singing? Or even just feeling comfortable with singing in front of a small group? Check out these helpful tips from North Hollywood, CA teacher Jackie B... As a lifelong musical theater performer â€" and owner of a big, brassy voice â€" I often hear people complain to me that “they wish they had talent” or lament the fact that they are “tone deaf” and therefore unable to enjoy singing. While I can appreciate the fact that people are born with varying degrees of musical ability, I firmly and truly believe that everyone can put together a winning performance and find a way to love singing. Think about it: how many times have you been bored to tears hearing someone with a beautiful voice give a limp or perhaps overly self-indulgent performance? And how many times have you leapt to your feet over a pitchy-but-rousing karaoke number? The honest truth is that confidence and preparation trump lifeless but talented any day. So the real trick is knowing how to get over stage fright when singing and overcoming your self-consciousness enough to give the performance of a lifetime every time. While they may not substitute for a Juilliard education, here are three key tips to get you out of your shell and onto the stage: 1. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others I cannot stress this enough. If you are so focused on Julie’s vibrato or Karen’s comic timing, you are missing out on the important opportunity to find your own value and strengths. I often tell students that pretty blonde girls with killer voices are a dime a dozen. In fact, I think these talented bombshells actually have more competition despite their genetic gifts. Instead, focus on what makes you special. Maybe you arent the next Julie Andrews, but would being a Patti LuPone, Elaine Stritch, or Bea Arthur be so bad? 2. Find A Personal Connection The best antidote to a dull performance is a connection to the material.  I once had a student who wanted to sing a classic Disney song for a cabaret performance, but was struggling with nerves. I asked her what the song meant, and she dutifully paraphrased the lyrics. When I asked her instead what the song meant to her and asked her “Why would you sing this to someone? How would these lyrics change someone’s mind about something important?”, tears began to stream down her face as she found an immediate connection to a beloved family member in crisis. When she sang the song again it was personal, confident, and beautiful. 3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare Notice I did not use the standard p-word (“Practice”) as it implies a more rote and repetitious exercise. By “prepare,” I mean: focus on delving into the story and the performance. Where are there opportunities for a varied dynamic? Are there places that can offer unexpected comic relief? Of course you should always take the time to memorize the lyrics and work on vocal technique, but a strong performance requires work outside of your class time where you can really let the story sink in. Practice and repetition are also important â€" once you have the story down, try it out in front of as many people as you can. It is one thing to sing a song confidently in the shower, and another to sing with the same enthusiasm in front of your mom and her reading club, but I urge you to do it. We only have one life, and it is such a shame to waste our passion on an unresponsive showerhead, don’t you think? If you use these tools in combination with a technique and a coaching-oriented vocal instructor, you are well on your way to giving an honest, unique, and fantastic performance. Now get out there and sing! Jackie B. teaches singing and acting in North Hollywood, CA. She has worked with singers of all ages and experience levels who want to improve performance, vocal expression, and range. Learn more about Jackie here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  Boelseye Lisa Boels

How is the MCAT Scored

How is the MCAT Scored An MCAT score report consists of three portions: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Verbal Reasoning. These sections are marked on a scale of 1-15, for a total of 45. In 2013, the average applicant scored a 28.4 overall, while the average matriculant (accepted student) earned a 31.3. An explanation of what each result means in regard to percentiles can be found here. It is important to note that the examination is not curved against others who sit for the same assessment. The AAMC utilizes a formula, which is not public, to project the percentage of test-takers who will answer a question correctly. They then assign numerical ranges to the test based upon this data. This can prove frustrating, as the percentage needed to earn a specific numeral score varies from MCAT to MCAT. However, it is relatively consistent across tests and accounts for the difficulty of different versions of the examination. When completing practice tests, a detailed score report with ample information about performance on specific types of passages, question types, and subjects is provided, but a score report from a true test contains just the 1-15 score for each section. Here are five strategies for MCAT practice teststhat you may want to use. Biological Sciences consists of biology and organic chemistry, but it is typically geared heavily toward biology. Physical Sciences consists of general chemistry and physics. When individuals discuss the science portion of the test, they are referring to these two sections. Both contain 52 questions that must be answered within 70 minutes. Both also contain stand-alone questions and passages. The passages frequently involve analyzing experimental data, while the standalone questions are generally fact-based. This portion of the MCAT essentially covers the 100-level biology, general chemistry, and physics courses, as well as the 200-level organic chemistry classes that are typically required for applying to medical schools. Exam content differs significantly from the finals generally assigned in those classes, in that it is more concept-oriented than detail-oriented. Calculators are neither permitted nor useful for this portion of the test, as any calculation that is required to arriv e at an answer will be very basic. The Verbal Reasoning portion involves no outside knowledge, but requires a significant amount of time practicing techniques in order to feel comfortable with it. There are 40 questions from seven passages, which must be answered in 60 minutes. The passages vary drastically in terms of content, requiring analysis of historical, persuasive, philosophical, and scientific writing. It is impossible to predict what type of passages will be presented. Certain selections are simple in nature, while others utilize elaborate vocabulary and complex sentence structures. They can thus be difficult to comprehend. A number of strategies exist for addressing these passages, but one key to understand is that no outside knowledge should ever be used to answer the questions. The MCAT requires the test-taker to analyze the text itself for all responses. The MCAT can only be completed at specific testing centers, must be registered for well in advance, and utilizes rather stringent security protocols that are explained in detail on the day of the assessment. It is a computerized testand breaks are permitted between portions of it. However, test-takers may not leave the testing center or use their cellphones during these breaks. While studyingfor the test, you may want to consider an MCAT tutor.

4 Ways to Prepare for Business School During Your Last Undergrad Semester

4 Ways to Prepare for Business School During Your Last Undergrad Semester Your final semester of college is a busy time. Most college seniors are looking for jobs, spending quality moments with friends, and trying to finish strong in their major. If you are also thinking about business school in the future, this is a great juncture to formulate an MBA plan. Even if you arent applying to business school immediatelywhich is usually not encouraged, unless you have significant work experienceyou can use this time to prepare your applications. Here are four ways to prepare for business school during your last undergrad semester. 1. Take the GMAT or GRE Most business schools accept either the GMAT or the GRE as an admissions exam. Your GMAT and GRE scores are valid for five years, so why not take the test now and get it out of the way? It might be easier to take these exams while still in college, rather than to wait until after youre in the working world, because as a current student you are still familiar with your best study strategies. Take both a GMAT practice test and a GRE practice test first to determine which exam you perform better on. Then, study for the exam and schedule your test date so you have a specific goal to work toward in your prep. Consider making this the first step in your journey to business school, and give yourself time to look into extra test prep assistance if you need it, such as online tutoring. 2. Research business schools you are interested in Would you like to study finance, marketing, or consulting? Would you like to attend school in New York, Washington, D.C., France, or Spain? Choose which factors are important to you when applying to MBA programs, and do research on those schools that fit in your scope. Look at their incoming class profiles. Note which companies their students come from and go to. Find out what these programs are looking for in their applicants. Then, with this information, evaluate how you can use this semester to make yourself a more appealing MBA candidate. Find alumni from the schools in your networkincluding faculty and staff at your current collegewith whom you can connect. Keep up your GPA by performing well in your classes. Assess organizations and projects you would like to participate in before you apply to business school. Look for ways to boost your resume with quality volunteer and leadership opportunities before and after graduation. 3. Visit business schools in your area If there is a business school in your vicinity that you would like to attend, definitely visit the campus. Take a tour and sit in on classes if you can. Observe the environment. Meet the faculty and staff. Consider what you would gain from the program and what you would bring to your MBA class, so that you can incorporate these insights into your application. If there is a business school in your area that doesnt quite meet all of your qualifications, consider taking a tour anyway simply to learn more. Even if you dont want to attend the particular MBA program, talking with admissions officers, current students, and other business school applicants can help give you an idea of the general process and will provide you with good practice for interacting with colleagues at this level. 4. Talk with potential recommenders You will need people to provide you with recommendations for business school, and you will need to speak with these people ahead of time. This requires preparation on your part. Set up meetings with professors, supervisors, and colleagues whom you trust and respect. Have your resume and portfolio ready to discuss incase they request more information. Tell them what you want to do, where you want to go, and how they can help you get there. Also, know what the policies and procedures are for submitting the recommendations so that your recommenders have an idea of what to expect. Most importantly, keep in touch with these people after you graduate. Maintaining these relationships will benefit you throughout your career beyond business school. The last semester of college is a conclusion of your undergrad experience, but it is also a good time to set yourself up for the first semester of business school. Although you may not apply to an MBA program for a few years, you can chart the direction in which you would like to go so that your bases are covered once you get there. Laying the groundwork now can help give you an advantage over many of your fellow MBA applicants. So, use this opportunity to both enjoy your last months of college and prepare yourself for the future.

Summer 2013 SAT class schedule is now available

Summer 2013 SAT class schedule is now available Even though the summer is still several months away, AJ Tutorings summer 2013 schedule of SAT group classes is now available!  SAT group classes will take place at our Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose locations.AJ Tutorings summer 2013 SAT classes offer intense, focused SAT preparation, meeting 3 times per week for several weeks.  Group classes begin in June, July, and August, so theres sure to be a class that works for your familys summer schedule.  For detailed summer SAT course schedules, please refer to our website.AJ Tutorings group SAT classes are known for their friendly, collaborative learning environment, limited size of 8 students per class, rigorous SAT preparation, and affordable price of $990.  As part of the course, students receive 18 hours of classroom instruction and take 3-4 SAT practice tests in an environment that closely resembles the actual test day.  SAT classes fill up several months in advance, so please email info@ajtutoring.com or call (650) 331-325 1 to register your student today!