Question 1

What is the 11 Plus?

Accepted Answer

The 11+ is an examination used in areas that have retained state-funded grammar schools or for those seeking entrance to some selective private schools. It is taken towards the end of Year 5 or beginning of Year 6 of primary school and is used to identify the most academically-able children.  The content of the 11+ exam varies between different areas of the country but generally it will focus on a combination of the following four subjects:  Maths English Verbal reasoning Non-verbal reasoning/spatial awareness  Although the English and maths tests tend to follow the National Curriculum, the verbal and non-verbal reasoning/spatial awareness tests are not school-based subjects and will not be taught as part of the curriculum in state schools. Therefore your child is likely to need additional support and practice to familiarise themselves with verbal and non-verbal reasoning/spatial awareness exam question types.  There are two different formats for 11+ exam papers:  Standard format – where children write their answers on the test paper  Multiple-choice format – where answers are marked in a separate answer booklet  11+ exam papers are timed and usually last between 45-60 minutes.  Children should practise with timed 11+ mock test papers, as well as working through non-timed practice, so they can see what they are able to do within a given time frame.  There are two leading provider of formative assessments for the 11+ exam:  GL Assessment – previously known as NFER, GL Assessment develops and administers 11+ exams in the majority of grammar schools in the UK.  CEM – developed by the Centre for Evaluation & Monitoring at Durham University, the CEM 11+ exam was created in response to fears from some grammar schools that the existing 11+ exam system had become too predictable.  The CEM exam was designed to address concerns over question spotting and ‘teaching to the test’.  There are always more pupils applying for grammar schools than there are places available, (sometimes as many as 10 pupils for every one place) and so competition can be fierce.  It is therefore vital to find out how the 11+ exam is structured where you live and to prepare your child adequately.

Question 2

When’s the best time to begin extra tuition?

Accepted Answer

Year 4 is a great time to start so that children can do little and often to build up their skills over time. Don’t put too much pressure on them though.  From experience, seeing parents getting children to do test papers every week from Year 4, plus tuition, and extra reading leads to burnout. Spreading it out over time is ideal.  The ideal term to start in year 4 varies from child to child. It can be anywhere from the beginning of year 4 to no later than the beginning of the summer term in year 4.

Question 3

What are the benefits of personal tuition?

Accepted Answer

Even the best schools face enormous challenges in giving their pupils the levels of individual attention they need and deserve to fully develop their potential. This is why so many parents are taking active steps to support their children’s education through personal tuition, promoting the kind of positive experience of learning that builds confidence and motivation, and offers the greatest chance for academic success.   There are few second chances The attention of a personal tutor enables your children to make the most of every valuable opportunity to learn and develop their academic skills throughout their critical formative years – a time in their lives that provides for very few second chances.   … keep pace with the demands of the curriculum   A personal tutor can directly influence success   For children who are working toward the best possible exam grades the path of a successful academic career is determined by optimising the study time available and being able to keep pace with the demands of the curriculum.   The extra focus and tailored attention of specialised one-to-one personal tuition can be the decisive factor that will make the difference to successful learning and good exam grades, ensuring that you or your child is able to gain the most benefit from their mainstream educational activities and fulfil their academic potential.   Long term benefits   Moreover, the greater understanding and subject comprehension that comes from home or personal tutoring leads to a fuller and more rounded education, the springboard to a successful and fulfilling career in later life.   Building confidence & motivation   Personal tutoring can open up your children to an enthusiastic and engaging relationship with the subjects studied, promoting the kind of positive learning experience that builds confidence and motivation.

Question 4

What are your term times?

Accepted Answer

Summer 2021 break 02.08.2021 to 03.09.2021 Booster lessons subject to availability Year 5 students preparing for the 11+ continue tuition throughout the summer break and finish just prior to the South West Hertfordshire 11+ exam which is usually in September.  Spring 2022 Term 10.01.2022 to 02.04.2022 with a half term break 14.02.2022 to 19.02.2022  Summer 2022 Term 18.04.2022 to 23.07.2022 with a half term break 30.05.2022 to 04.06.2022

Question 5

What is Active Learning?

Accepted Answer

Active learning is a process that has student learning at its centre. Active learning focuses on how students learn, not just on what they learn. Students are encouraged to ‘think hard’, rather than passively receive information from the teacher. 
Research shows us that it is not possible to transmit understanding to students by simply telling them what they need to know. Instead, teachers need to make sure that they challenge their students’ thinking.   Active learning is about making the brain active, not the person. Active learning does not mean that students have to move around the room. While students can move around the classroom if appropriate, they can also remain seated at their desks.   With active learning, students play an important part in their own learning process. They build knowledge and understanding in response to opportunities provided by their teacher.   What is the theory behind active learning?   Active learning is based on a theory called constructivism. Constructivism emphasises the fact that learners construct or build their own understanding. Constructivists argue that learning is a process of 'making meaning'.   Learners develop their existing knowledge and understanding in order to achieve deeper levels of understanding. This means that learners are more able to analyse, evaluate and synthesise ideas.   Skilled teachers make these deeper levels of understanding more possible by providing learning environments, opportunities, interactions, tasks and instruction that foster deep learning.   The theory of 'social constructivism' says that learning happens mainly through social interaction with others, such as a teacher or other students.   One social constructivist, Lev Vygotsky (1896–1934), developed the idea of the Zone of Proximal Development. This zone lies between what a learner can achieve alone and what a learner can achieve with their teacher’s expert guidance.   Skilled teachers focus learning activities in this zone. Skilled teachers scaffold learning by providing guidance and support that challenges students based on their current ability. This helps students to develop their understanding in stages.   What are the benefits of active learning?   Active learning helps students to become 'lifelong learners' 
In an active learning approach, learning is not only about the content, but is also about the process. Active learning develops students’ autonomy and their ability to learn. Active learning gives students greater involvement and control over their learning. This means that students are better able to continue learning once they have left school and college.   Active learning is engaging and intellectually exciting   An active learning approach encourages all students to stay focused on their learning, which will often give them greater enthusiasm for their studies. Teachers also find that they enjoy the level of academic discussion with their students which an active learning approach encourages.

Question 6

What are SATs?

Accepted Answer

Standard Assessment Task (SAT) exams test the student’s performance in English, Maths & Science and the results are measured against the national standard.  They are taken at the end of Year 2 (Key Stage 1), Year 6 (Key Stage 2), and Year 9 (Key Stage 3).  The results at Key Stage 1 can be an early indication of potential problems, while Key Stage 2 results may be used for setting in the senior school at Year 7, and at Key Stage 3 results for setting in GCSE classes at Year 10.

Question 7

What year groups do you teach?

Accepted Answer

We support students from year groups 3 to year 9. Within this range, the full spectrum of services is covered.   Subject to availability, lessons are available for students up to year 11 who require exam techniques and strategies for coping with timed tests and exams.

Question 8

What benefits can online tutoring provide?

Accepted Answer

Online tuition offers the following additional benefits:  A wider selection of tutors since geographical barriers have been knocked down. Some parents consider online lessons to be much safer for both tutors and students. It’s more convenient and frictionless. There’s no travel time and it fits in with the busiest of schedules. The ability to pull in web based content and make lessons more interactive Unlock the power of online tutoring using bespoke teaching platforms  We use Bramble, a platform designed to unlock the power of online tutoring.  https://about.bramble.io/

Question 9

What abilities do you cater for?

Accepted Answer

ASKE Tuition isn’t just for students who aren’t performing well in their studies; we also work with high achievers. Whatever level your child is at, our individualised approach to learning needs will bring out true potential.

Question 10

How do I go about getting a consultation at ASKE Tuition?

Accepted Answer

Please fill in this form and a ASKE Tuition representative will be back to you shortly.  https://www.asketuition.com/contact

Question 11

What happens if my child is sick and can't make it?

Accepted Answer

Let us know as soon as possible. We’ll cancel your child’s tutoring session for that day and you may ask us to schedule a make-up session during the term.

Question 12

How long do we need to come for?

Accepted Answer

The length of time each student attends ASKE Tuition depends on the goals they set for themselves and the level of achievement they want to attain. Some stay for a couple of terms, and others choose to stay longer, setting new goals and striving for further challenges.

Question 13

What is your location?

Accepted Answer

For the time being, lessons are delivered online.   When face to face lessons are available there is parking space for drop-offs/collections, convenient transport links and the location of the teaching venue is close to Pinner, Eastcote and Northwood Hills.  The facilities are beautiful and modern, with a state-of-the-art, well-equipped classroom.

Question 14

What is Singapore Maths?

Accepted Answer

Singapore maths is a teaching method based on the national mathematics curriculum used for kindergarten through sixth grade in Singapore.  The term was coined in the United States to describe an approach originally developed in Singapore to teach students to learn and master fewer mathematical concepts at greater detail as well as having them learn these concepts using a three-step learning process: concrete, pictorial, and abstract.   In the concrete step, students engage in hands-on learning experiences using concrete objects such as chips, dice, or paper clips. This is followed by drawing pictorial representations of mathematical concepts.   Students then solve mathematical problems in an abstract way by using numbers and symbols.

Question 15

Is there homework?

Accepted Answer

Yes there’s homework, although it’s not time consuming. Homework sheets match the topic your child is working on and help new facts and skills to move from short-term memory to long-term memory.   For best results, we recommend you encourage your child to complete homework sheets within 48 hours of receiving it.

ASKE Tuition

Private Tutor for 11+ and Mathematics

FAQs

Private tuition for the 11 plus, private school exams and Mathematics Key Stage 2 SATs.

Specifically targeting SW Herts Consortium Schools and Bucks County Grammar schools.

Serving Pinner, Northwood, Harrow, Watford and the surrounding areas.

Private Tutor for 11+ and Mathematics

FAQs

Private tuition for the 11 plus, private school exams and Mathematics Key Stage 2 SATs. Specifically targeting SW Herts Consortium Schools and Bucks County Grammar schools. Serving Pinner, Northwood, Harrow, Watford and the surrounding areas.

Private tuition for the 11 plus, private school exams and Mathematics Key Stage 2 SATs.

Specifically targeting SW Herts Consortium Schools and Bucks County Grammar schools.

Serving Pinner, Northwood, Harrow, Watford and the surrounding areas.