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The benefits of establishing a growth mindset towards learning and self-improvement have been thoroughly researched and well documented.  Since Carol Dweck published her book, Mindset: The New Psychology of Success in 2006, educationalists have been discussing and dissecting the obvious advantages of maintaining a growth mindset.  From perseverance to curiosity, from an emphasis on learning and effort to a positive view of constructive feedback, a healthy growth mindset certainly enables pupils to thrive in an environment where challenges are opportunities and setbacks are moments to cherish rather than fear.  But how do exams fit into this model?  Is every moment a chance to learn and improve or are there some moments (as the patient said to their surgeon) when you just need to get it right? It leads to an interesting juxtaposition.  On one side, you have the virtues of growth mindset such as teaching children to see the word ‘fail’ as a ‘first attempt in learning’, or preaching about the merits of the word ‘yet’, as in ‘I’m not able to do xyz yet,’ or asking them to embrace difficulties as chances to grow and learn, viewing effort as a path to mastery and improvement and persisting in the face of setbacks and on the other side you have… standardised testing with grade boundaries, pass and fail and quantitative data to compare them to each other.  It doesn’t feel fair.  Children thrive in an environment where the success of others is applauded because it is inspirational and is seen as a learning opportunity rather than a threat, where they know it will all be okay because they are only ever competing with their ‘yesterday self’, where the first question is not ‘did you win?’ but ‘did you learn anything new?’.  And then we put them in a silent, stuffy hall full of thousands of their peers and ask them to compete directly with each other for the finite opportunities which lay ahead in their future like a pen and pencil version of The Hunger Games .  Dramatic? Probably.  But for most young people it must be perplexing and at least a bit daunting, leading to test anxiety and stress, fear and sleeplessness.  The answer is to develop a healthy balance between existing in the learning zone and in the performance zone.  Existing in the learning zone enables students to improve without fear, to embrace challenges and even mistakes and to view setbacks as an expected part of development.  To cheat while in the learning zone would be pointless, after all, the goal is to get some, if not most, of the questions wrong so that improvement can occur.  Being allowed to spend as much time as possible in the learning zone allows each learner to have autonomy over their learning, to get things incorrect, seek and value feedback and grow in a culture of experimentation which values improvement over performance. However, if students only ever exist in the learning zone, they miss out on the opportunity to demonstrate what they know and can do to the best of their ability.  They are not provided with chances to feel the pride of demonstrating their learning as flawlessly as possible, to feel the butterflies that come with a one off ‘performance’ or build up the strength and focus to thrive in high stakes testing environments which are the finish line of each of the key stages of learning in the UK.  Without ever spending time in the performance zone, students could lose the resilience required to face terminal examinations and the cutting-edge mindset needed to compete in the global marketplace of the future.    This is where private tutoring can help.  By practising, as accurately as possible, for moments in the future when students will be required to exist in the performance zone (even for hours or weeks at a time, as is the case with SATs, GCSE and A Level examinations) private tutors enable pupils to build a familiarity with formal, summative testing in a safe and personalised environment.  Tutors also enable pupils to spend most of their time in the learning zone – asking enquiries arising from exploration, getting questions incorrect and persevering to understand why, balancing challenge and improvement and working together as a collective partnership to build a positive, forward thinking growth mindset – which is the best way to create a platform for progress.  The best of both worlds. Jeremy Smith

We are so proud of our 8 GCSE pupils and our 5 Year 6 pupils about to embark on exam period - proving their hard work in a bid to achieve their best results. Jeremy and I cannot wish any harder for them all to do their very best and to come out the other side feeling proud of themselves - as well as relieved that the exams are over! Here's a few top tips we have prepared for our pupils. and indeed all pupils taking exams, and to their parents - to whom we can relate fully during this time, having guided our own 4 children through GCSEs and A Levels!: Preparation is Key Make sure you're ready for your exams. Use your study materials, chat with friends in study groups, and don't be shy about asking for help if you need it. Good prep not only boosts your memory and understanding, but also your confidence. Wellbeing Matters While you're aiming for those grades, don't forget to take care of yourself. Take breaks, eat well, try to squeeze in some time for exercise or meditation, and get enough sleep. Balancing study and self-care will help you do your best. Support for Parents Parents play a crucial role in helping their children navigate exam season. Here are some ways you can address your concerns and support your child: Open Communication: Encourage your child to share their feelings about the exams. Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance. Create a Study Environment: Help set up a quiet and organised study space at home where your child can focus and have a peaceful 'time out' Establish a Routine: Work with your child to create a study schedule that includes breaks and time for relaxation. Encourage Healthy Habits: Remind them to eat nutritious meals, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep to keep their energy levels up. Be Supportive: Celebrate their efforts and achievements, no matter how small. Your encouragement will boost their confidence. Final Thoughts To all our Grangewood Education pupils - this is your time to shine. Take on the challenge, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Grab this opportunity and go all out. We're massively proud of your hard work and it has been a privilege to help to guide each and every one of you. Wishing you every success, Rachel & Jeremy

We have all been there – “If the 3:13 passenger train leaves Coventry forty-two minutes late and Customer A pays £1.37 more for their ticket than Customer B and ¾ of the area of the westbound platform is covered in pigeon poo, what is the probability that the blue team will outscore the green and red teams by more than 67% of the number attending the summer festival rounded to the nearest hundredth?”  Say what? It is obvious that most of the exam boards hire ex Bond villains to write many of the questions for their exams.  These are people (possibly living in medieval castles high in the mountains beneath darkened skies lit only by the occasional fork of lightning) who are employed to befuddle and mesmerise with words and charts so vast and convoluted, they make the mathematics of their questions almost impossible to find.  Most students are left believing they could not possibly have the skills or knowhow to derive the correct answer, so they skip the question or leave on their answer sheet the sad, dejected mark of the exam weary … ‘?’. This is where private tuition comes in.  One of our roles is to pull back the curtain on questions like this and to show students they do have the skills to take on the multi point questions at the end of the papers.  In fact, once they get the correct guidance and focused repetition, they will recognise these questions for what they really are – a great opportunity to use the basic skills they have been practicing since they were five to gain a whole bunch of marks. Take this exam question as an example: Recently, I was working on this question with a tutee and I asked them if they would be inclined to skip this question in an exam.  They said they would skip it and I asked why.  They said it looked too hard.  So we worked on the question together.  I showed them how to rotate and redraw the larger triangle next to the smaller one so they were both facing the same way.  With this simple act, they were able to see the relationships between the sides of the two triangles.  I asked them how many times bigger was 25 than 10, in other words, what do you multiply 10 by to get 25?  And away they went.  They solved the rest of the question themselves using only multiplication and addition, skills with which they were more than confident. After that we practiced with several related past paper questions and the demystifying was complete.  I pointed out that the question was worth 4 marks and asked them if they would skip this type of question again.  They said they never knew how easy they were, just multiplication and addition, and they would never skip them again.  The confidence the student had gained was not in developing a revolutionary new skill, it was in discovering how to apply what they already knew to a question type which had always intimidated them in the past.  The ability they needed was already inside them and through one-to-one tuition, they were able to realise it. Jeremy Smith

Every student has the capacity to shine, but not everyone finds their spark in a traditional classroom. For shy or anxious students, the pressure of larger group settings can lead to anxiety and hinder their learning experience. This blog post dives into how one to one tutoring can empower these students, helping them build confidence and achieve their academic potential. Understanding the Impact of Shyness and Anxiety on Learning Shyness or anxiety affects more than just a student's social interactions; it can limit their academic achievements significantly. For example, shy students often hesitate to ask questions or share their insights during discussions. This reluctance can lead to gaps in understanding, making it difficult for them to keep up, or to disappear 'under the radar'. Traditional classrooms often reward vocal participation, creating additional pressure for those who may know the answers but are afraid to speak. For instance, a shy student might possess a firm grasp of a subject like maths, but feels too anxious to participate in a group problem-solving activity. Often senstive pupils are over stimulated and overwhelmed by a bustling classroom environment. We are proving with many current students learning with Grangewood Education, that personalised tutoring can provide a crucial lifeline, allowing these students to express their knowledge freely and effectively, and the progress is fast! Strategies for Building Confidence in Shy Students through Personalised Tutoring Personalised tutoring that caters to the unique needs of shy and anxious learners can yield remarkable results. Here are practical strategies that we and all provate tutors need to facilitate to provide a supportive learning environment: 1. Establishing Trust, understanding and a good rapport Building a trusting relationship is the foundation of effective tutoring for shy students. Tutors must approach sessions with empathy and patience. Encouraging students to voice their concerns fosters a secure space for communication. For example, a tutor who starts sessions by asking about the student's interests, creates a more relaxed atmosphere where the student feels valued. 2. Setting Achievable Goals Setting small, attainable goals is crucial for shy and anxious learners. Breaking larger tasks into bite-sized steps can lead to success and motivation. For instance, instead of aiming for an overall grade improvement, a tutor might focus on completing a specific chapter with the student. Celebrating these achievements, even if they seem minor, can reinforce a sense of accomplishment and encourage further participation. 3. Using Engaging, Interactive Techniques Interactive activities can significantly enhance a shy student's learning experience. Incorporating educational games, quizzes, or hands-on projects can make lessons fun and engaging. For instance, a tutor might use fun maths games that require teamwork yet remain low-pressure, helping to build confidence while enhancing a student’s skills. 4. Encouraging Self-Expression Students often find it difficult to articulate their thoughts. Encouraging various outlets for self-expression, such as journaling, can assist shy students in conveying their ideas comfortably. Positive reinforcement when they share their thoughts promotes their self-esteem. A tutor could set up a rewards system for completed expressions to ensure students feel recognised for their efforts. 5. Gradual Exposure to Group Settings Although one-on-one tutoring is essential, carefully introducing shy students to group settings can also be beneficial. We run small study sessions where students can discuss topics in a supportive environment. Research shows that students who engage in collaborative learning feel less isolated and are more likely to take intelligent risks in their academic journeys. Embracing Every Student's Journey Empowering shy students through personalised tutoring is a powerful approach for overcoming anxiety and building confidence. By implementing strategies like establishing trust, setting achievable goals, and utilising engaging techniques, tutors create nurturing environments that foster growth and self-expression. The incredible journeys of our shy or anxious students show that successful learning is not just about academics; it is about unlocking their potential and helping them find their voices in both educational and personal contexts. In a world that often favors extroversion, join us in celebrating the unique challenges and strengths of every learner, ensuring that shyness and anxiety is seen as an integral part of the rich diversity in our educational landscape. By investing in personalised learning for shy or anxious children and young people, we contribute to a more inclusive and supportive future.

As a parent, you strive for your child to not only excel academically but also to grow in confidence and skills that will pave the way for success. Understanding the crucial role of a solid educational foundation, we are thrilled to announce the launch of two new group tuition sessions tailored to primary-age children. Our mission is clear: to instill confidence, nurture skills, and equip young learners with the tools they need to thrive academically and beyond. Embracing Confidence: The Key to Success Confidence is the cornerstone upon which success is built. The ability to believe in oneself, tackle challenges head-on, and persist in the face of difficulties sets the stage for remarkable achievements. In our group tuition sessions, we cultivate a supportive environment where children can explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Through interactive activities, engaging lessons, and personalized attention, we empower young minds to take on new challenges and reach their full potential. Unlocking Potential: What Sets Us Apart Our group tuition sessions are designed to go beyond traditional teaching methods. By fostering a sense of community and collaboration, children not only enhance their academic skills but also develop essential soft skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. Our experienced tutors, well-versed in primary education subjects like English and Maths, provide the guidance and support needed to boost academic performance and ignite a passion for learning. Limited Availability: Secure Your Spot Today The demand for our group tuition sessions is high, and with limited availability, now is the time to reserve your child's spot. Located in Northampton and Milton Keynes, our convenient locations make it easy to access quality tuition near you. Whether your child needs extra support in a specific subject or is looking to enhance their overall learning experience, our group sessions offer a dynamic and enriching learning environment. Join Us in Empowering Young Minds Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a transformative educational experience. Our group tuition sessions are more than just academic support; they are a springboard for confidence, skills, and success. Let's embark on this journey together, shaping a brighter future for the young learners of today and the leaders of tomorrow. In conclusion, our group tuition sessions are not just about teaching; they are about inspiring, empowering, and guiding children towards a future filled with possibilities. Together, let's build a foundation of confidence and skills that will propel your child towards success in academics and beyond. Contact Us Today to Secure Your Child's Future! The blog post should captivate parents and guardians looking to boost their child's confidence and academic performance through group tuition sessions. By highlighting the transformative effects of our approach, the post aims to inspire families to take action and secure a spot for their child in our limited availability sessions.