What is UKiset, UKiset Prep and how can Gabbitas help?

If you’re reading this article now, you may already be contemplating UKiset and how it may benefit you or your child to take it. Furthermore, you may be wondering how you can possibly prepare for a test as challenging as UKiset. So, we have asked our Assessment Manager to break down our own UKiset preparation service and explain why you should be considering it if you’re taking the assessment.

 

Q: What is UKiset?

UKiset is a standardised test that efficiently compares international students to their peers who have been in British schools all their lives. It is a computerised test which is designed to adapt to the student as they answer questions. Anyone from the age of 9.5 to 18 years old can take the test.

After the student has taken the test, the UKiset team can send a UKiset report to schools which provides valuable information on a student’s current level, as well as their academic potential. This type of assessment tool is especially important for international students as it bolsters their application with credible evidence that they can compete within the system.

UKiset tests students on some of the fundamental skills required to thrive in the British independent school system. The skills tested are English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. UKiset uses various methods, including an essay question and comprehension tasks, to get a more well-rounded view of how a student may perform at their desired schools.

 

Q: What makes it so challenging to prepare for independently?

UKiset is notorious for being a well-guarded assessment tool. Sample papers are not issued and it can be hard to get to grips with unfamiliar styles of questions, such as the non-verbal reasoning questions. Many students will not have come across these types of questions in their daily schooling so may not completely understand what the question is asking. However, these questions are a reliable way of seeing a student’s problem-solving skills and logic.

My advice to those looking to prepare for the UKiset is to focus on the fundamental English and maths skills, vocabulary and grammar being very important, as well as knowing their times tables up to 12. I would also recommend taking the time to practice spatial reasoning questions, as the more familiar the student becomes with the style of questions, the easier it will be to recognise patterns.

 

Q: How can Gabbitas help you prepare to take UKiset?

Gabbitas has been offering high quality tuition for over a century in various subjects from the Sciences to the Arts. Our tutors are all DBS-checked and many hold more than one degree including doctorates, masters and even degrees in Medicine, all awarded by prestigious universities. Our most recent venture has been the UKiset preparation service, otherwise known as ‘UKiset Prep’.

 

Q: So what is UKiset Prep and how does it work?

Our UKiset Prep service provides one tutor for all aspects tested in UKiset. We aim to put the student at the centre of their own learning to fully engage them and encourage them to fulfil their potential. UKiset Prep has been designed to provide targeted tutoring to really focus on those areas where a student feels less confident or tends to score lower.

This targeted learning is established through a pre-assessment designed by our assessment team to reflect the actual test as much as possible. In summary, it has a non-verbal reasoning section, a maths section, and an English section that each vary in difficulty depending on the age of the student, as well as their initial English level.

The pre-assessment is analysed by the assessment team and the student is given areas to focus on. At Gabbitas, we involve the parents and student in their learning plan as much as possible to ensure that we are providing the most suitable tuition. For example, when a student is found to learn more efficiently from visual prompts, our tutors tailor their methods to engage the student and deliver outstanding results.

 

Q: What’s different about Gabbitas’ UKiset Prep service?

At Gabbitas we understand that the tutoring market is highly saturated. It can be a deeply confusing experience for parents and student to find the tutor or agency that is the perfect fit for them. We know that to produce the best results, communication is key.

Throughout the process of selecting the most suitable tutor and onwards during tuition, we aim to provide thorough, consistent feedback that puts client experience at the heart. Each student is unique and learns in their own way. Gabbitas listens to all concerns, queries and requests and works to deliver a bespoke learning experience that takes into account a student’s individual requirements.

We’re known for delivering exceptional results, with the vast majority of our students achieving their desired goal and beginning their exciting new journey into the British independent school system, with Gabbitas providing support every step of the way.

 

Q: How do I get in touch to receive UKiset preparation from Gabbitas and when can I start?

To register your interest in UKiset Prep, contact Lina Baubliene, our UKisetPrep Consultant, directly at linabaubliene@ukiset.com or call our mainline on +44 (0) 7767883914.

 

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E-learning brings a new pedagogy to the world of education, one where the classroom is re-confined to the pixels of a laptop, computer, phone or tablet. Courses conducted digitally via electronic media also means teachings and learning are not bound to a certain locale, or a traditional syllabus.

Learning methods and practices can take a new direction thanks to interdisciplinary technological advancements in communication, programs and internet cultures. Learn more about the advantages of e-learning here.

 

EdTech  

Even before the COVID-19 restrictions, the physical classroom was already being restructured around technology in order to help teachers and students alike improve the quality of education. ‘Edtech’ has helped classrooms and teachers develop a new form of learning architecture.

One where the internet becomes a powerful research and personalised tool as a means to gain more information whilst developing soft, independent research skills.  

More recently, new models of E-learning in the form of AI, AR and VR have been creeping into both social and educational spaces. With the near introduction of Mark Zuckerberg’s Metaverse and the debate around OpenAI’s ChatGPT, the way education is shaped around people’s lives is changing in unanticipated ways. 

The World Bank notes that learning by these means can help build interpersonal relationships, improve accessibility for people with disabilities, and increase data capture on learning performances. These elements have always been on the forefront in education – where technology is now a vessel for increased progress.   

These concepts on paper provide an optimistic lens in the introduction of technology heavy alternatives in education.  But how do they translate, in real time, for the average young person in education right now?

 

Charterhouse Online

We spoke to Karen Davies, the Principal of Charterhouse Online and the Director of International Education at Charterhouse School, to find out how the launch of their one year online A-level course is helping students connect with some of the best UK education, globally.

 

 

Davies has years of experience in education under her belt, having worked with a number of British Independent Schools include Millfield School, Cheltenham College and Amesbury Prep School. Her mission at Charterhouse Online, prevails her experience and dedication in the early developments of e-learning within educational spaces.  

Charterhouse has historically been a valuable force of providing some of the best academic and rigorous self-development approaches in education. They have always been an innovative institution both with their pedagogy and syllabus. So, it seems only right that they have introduced a new way to study. One that is not tied to the shackles of the locale nor the physical ability of a student.  

E-learning through models such as Charterhouse Online have changed the scope of studying online and its ability to be classed with the same credibility as a traditional course. Davies explains that by  “Using a unique combination of accelerated learning approaches, Charterhouse Online offers an A Level programme that can be completed in only one academic year.

Backed by the expertise of one of the UK’s leading schools we offer a choice of six A Level subjects and intensive support, including two on-site modules, that enables students to apply to some of the world’s top universities.” Find out more here.  

Developed e-learning models such as Charterhouse Online are seen to want to challenge the traditional, ‘one size fits all’ approach of learning. This has also been seen within the wider education sector, where 2022 saw an increase of 27% in home education. 

Charterhouse Online does not discredit traditional classroom-based learning. They have achieved quite the opposite – by introducing an anticipated progression to education – bring educators, classrooms and their teachings to the forefront of a global student audience. It is through this mission that the recognition of circumstance rather than choice is also validly apparent.  

With or without the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic, many parents and students feel that they have been left dislocated within the architecture of traditional education.

The ADCS reported that in 2022, the top three reasons provided by parents or carers for choosing to home educate their children are as follows (in the correct order): 1) Health concerns relating specifically to COVID-19, 2) Philosophical or lifestyle choice, and 3) Health/ emotional health.   

An increase in home education is therefore a by-product of a changing socio-political landscape that can be worrisome regarding trust or accessibility of traditional avenues of education.

To combat this, the intersection between technology and education has seen to have a positive impact in the teachings and educational ability of young people. One that takes a world stage, for an increasingly online student audience – and one that is geopolitically set up to serve a globalised community.

 

Who is E-learning for?

The traditional classroom is rooted in a pedagogy of interpersonal relationships in the form of teacher-to-student and student-to-student. The syllabus and teachings are shaped through group work, participations and the physical proximity of conversation.

 

 

Arising questions are answered immediately and are heard by everyone. Teachers are also able to closely monitor students on both their academic progress and mental/ physical wellbeing.  

E-learning might seem like it takes a different approach but, this is far from truth. Learning online takes the same pedagogy of the traditional classroom – and restructures it through a digital screen.

Communication technologies such as Zoom have enabled the ability for a classroom to operate fully online. This online classroom has the potential to facilitate the same traditional pedagogy of interpersonal relationships and engagement. The only difference is the location of students and teachers. Proximity of the teachings or the conversation also holds the same weight.  

E-learning can also help develop self-resilient skills that are much harder to explore in the classroom. Davies notes that E-learning suits students that prefer an independent approach to learning. But highlights that this does not dimmish support and guidance by teachers, nor the credibility to use an online A-Level program to apply to university.  

“Charterhouse Online will suit academically ambitious, hard-working and motivated students looking to open the doors to some of the top universities in the world and who will benefit from an accelerated A Level programme.”  

These Independent and self-reliance skills that students build through an online course, provides invaluable skills that can better prepare students in their next stages at university, and career, thereafter. Building these skills early on, will only help young people’s self-confidence and self-resilience, a skill that can be harder to gain through traditional education.  

 

Is an online A-level course credible for university applications?  

Charterhouse has historically had a holistic approach to education, where student examination results are some of the best in the sector. With this in mind, students can expect the same level of support from an online course, as they would from a traditional classroom. 

Davies told Gabbitas that contrary to the belief that online courses do not offer the same credibility in the eyes of universities, Charterhouse Online offers a specialised support system for their Oxbridge applicants. Contact Gabbitas for more information on this.  

“Charterhouse Online is superbly well-placed to support each of our students in their applications to top universities, building on the vast experience of Charterhouse School’s success in preparing generations of sixth form students for the next stage of their academic careers.”  

Thinking of applying to Charterhouse Online or want more information? Speak to our team of highly experienced education consultants by emailing info@gabbitas.com or call +44 (0) 203 026 7443.

What is UKiset, UKiset Prep and how can Gabbitas help?

If you’re reading this article now, you may already be contemplating UKiset and how it may benefit you or your child to take it. Furthermore, you may be wondering how you can possibly prepare for a test as challenging as UKiset. So, we have asked our Assessment Manager to break down our own UKiset preparation service and explain why you should be considering it if you’re taking the assessment.

 

Q: What is UKiset?

UKiset is a standardised test that efficiently compares international students to their peers who have been in British schools all their lives. It is a computerised test which is designed to adapt to the student as they answer questions. Anyone from the age of 9.5 to 18 years old can take the test.

After the student has taken the test, the UKiset team can send a UKiset report to schools which provides valuable information on a student’s current level, as well as their academic potential. This type of assessment tool is especially important for international students as it bolsters their application with credible evidence that they can compete within the system.

UKiset tests students on some of the fundamental skills required to thrive in the British independent school system. The skills tested are English, maths, and verbal and non-verbal reasoning. UKiset uses various methods, including an essay question and comprehension tasks, to get a more well-rounded view of how a student may perform at their desired schools.

 

Q: What makes it so challenging to prepare for independently?

UKiset is notorious for being a well-guarded assessment tool. Sample papers are not issued and it can be hard to get to grips with unfamiliar styles of questions, such as the non-verbal reasoning questions. Many students will not have come across these types of questions in their daily schooling so may not completely understand what the question is asking. However, these questions are a reliable way of seeing a student’s problem-solving skills and logic.

My advice to those looking to prepare for the UKiset is to focus on the fundamental English and maths skills, vocabulary and grammar being very important, as well as knowing their times tables up to 12. I would also recommend taking the time to practice spatial reasoning questions, as the more familiar the student becomes with the style of questions, the easier it will be to recognise patterns.

 

Q: How can Gabbitas help you prepare to take UKiset?

Gabbitas has been offering high quality tuition for over a century in various subjects from the Sciences to the Arts. Our tutors are all DBS-checked and many hold more than one degree including doctorates, masters and even degrees in Medicine, all awarded by prestigious universities. Our most recent venture has been the UKiset preparation service, otherwise known as ‘UKiset Prep’.

 

Q: So what is UKiset Prep and how does it work?

Our UKiset Prep service provides one tutor for all aspects tested in UKiset. We aim to put the student at the centre of their own learning to fully engage them and encourage them to fulfil their potential. UKiset Prep has been designed to provide targeted tutoring to really focus on those areas where a student feels less confident or tends to score lower.

This targeted learning is established through a pre-assessment designed by our assessment team to reflect the actual test as much as possible. In summary, it has a non-verbal reasoning section, a maths section, and an English section that each vary in difficulty depending on the age of the student, as well as their initial English level.

The pre-assessment is analysed by the assessment team and the student is given areas to focus on. At Gabbitas, we involve the parents and student in their learning plan as much as possible to ensure that we are providing the most suitable tuition. For example, when a student is found to learn more efficiently from visual prompts, our tutors tailor their methods to engage the student and deliver outstanding results.

 

Q: What’s different about Gabbitas’ UKiset Prep service?

At Gabbitas we understand that the tutoring market is highly saturated. It can be a deeply confusing experience for parents and student to find the tutor or agency that is the perfect fit for them. We know that to produce the best results, communication is key.

Throughout the process of selecting the most suitable tutor and onwards during tuition, we aim to provide thorough, consistent feedback that puts client experience at the heart. Each student is unique and learns in their own way. Gabbitas listens to all concerns, queries and requests and works to deliver a bespoke learning experience that takes into account a student’s individual requirements.

We’re known for delivering exceptional results, with the vast majority of our students achieving their desired goal and beginning their exciting new journey into the British independent school system, with Gabbitas providing support every step of the way.

 

Q: How do I get in touch to receive UKiset preparation from Gabbitas and when can I start?

To register your interest in UKiset Prep, contact Lina Baubliene, our UKisetPrep Consultant, directly at linabaubliene@ukiset.com or call our mainline on +44 (0) 7767883914.

 

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In one of our previous blogs we explored what remote learning is and how it works, whilst here we discuss the advantages of remote learning.

 

What are the advantages of remote learning?

Studies have shown that remote learning can be of an educational benefit when delivered in an efficient manner, utilising a mixture of synchronous (when the teacher and pupils are all present at the same time), and asynchronous learning (take-away work or individual activities), and when the pupil is able to receive it in a stable and secure environment. Here are 5 advantages below:

 

1. Remote learning enables pupils to catch up and revisit a topic with ease

When utilising the educational technology available, one of the most obvious benefits of remote learning is the ability for a pupil to catch up or revisit a topic with ease, especially for those with mild learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD.

To be able to pause and rewind lessons means that pupils can take a subject at their own pace, are not overwhelmed with information, and so do not panic if at first they don’t understand something as they have the time to go over it and ask questions separately if needed.

Additionally, remote learning helps solve the issues faced by pupils who are less likely to put their hand up and ask questions in a physical lesson. Many teachers organise short 1:1 calls after or during a lesson, so that they can go over any issues or answer any questions, meaning that children do not fear being overheard asking a question they think the rest of the class might make fun of.

 

2. Remote learning can help promote flexible timetables

Remote learning allows a flexible timetable, and therefore those pupils who might not suit a rigid, unchanging regime are able to embrace the freedom and the creativity of a more adaptable timetable.

This, of course, depends on age group and the school’s timetabling of lessons, but if given take-away work to do by themselves, a child can decide when he or she goes outside or has their lunch, instead of being forced into a tight schedule.

Flexible timetabling also allows for extra tutoring which, in today’s independent school landscape, is fundamental for some children getting into more selective schools, as well as the case of catch-up after the first lockdown.

Extra tutoring can help pupils regain confidence they might have lost, as well help them understand a topic better as a tutor might have a different method of explaining it. Have a look at the tutoring section of our website for more information on how we might be able to help.

 

3. Higher accessibility and retention levels for those who do not learn solely through sight or sound using educational technology

For children who do not learn by merely listening or watching a teacher go through a topic, teachers and educators can make use of other methods like Games-Based learning (GBL) which has been proven to help especially at-risk school groups to learn, as it promotes creativity and exploration.

Much of the educational technology available today provides educators with the opportunity to make lessons more collaborative and innovative, introducing mini competitions with leader boards, as well as using the multitude of online resources at pupils’ fingertips, all of which have been proven to significantly increase levels of engagement and retention.

 

4. Enhances knowledge of technology

Remote learning not only helps pupils understand the educational technology available, but when used correctly can also help prepare them for life after school, at university and in the working world.

Although young people tend to be surrounded by screens far more and appear to be more tech-savvy than older generations, this does not mean that they are used to troubleshooting any technical issues they may encounter – which is a valuable skill in the work place, especially in a world that is currently working from home indefinitely.

Understanding meeting technology platforms like Zoom and Teams is also useful, not only promoting community when learning remotely, but also increasing understanding of the platforms available so that when pupils eventually come up against them in the working world, they won’t be phased.

Additionally, testing for schools, university and recruitment is increasingly online, therefore those who are more used to researching and composing work online will arguably perform better than someone who is not used to an online interface.

 

5. Important skills for the future are learnt through remote learning

As well as teaching technology skills for the future, remote learning also helps to promote certain life skills, especially for older pupils who are set more solitary work.

When remote learning is delivered in an efficient way and received in a secure and stable environment, children stand to learn time management, multi-tasking, responsibility and independent learning skills, all of which are arguably crucial to exam and later life success.

They learn these skills as there is more of an impetus on pupils to log-in when needed, as opposed to being directed into a classroom, and to do the work set without the same ‘hand-holding’ they receive when physically at school.

 

Gabbitas are always on hand to help with any remote or online learning needs through our dedicated team of tutors and consultants. Please feel free to give us a call on +44 (0) 203 026 7443 or send us an email at info@gabbitas.com to find out more.

 

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With a prolonged period at home, studying remotely can start to become more difficult as routines start to wane and boredom takes a hold. Students start to lose their focus and parents find it harder to keep them motivated. Schools are doing their best to provide online learning modules with many new to this format. The teachers are doing a great job in very difficult circumstances, but it is hard to ensure that online learning is sustainable and meaningful when you are trying to run a household and, in many instances, keep working on the day job!

Now could be time to consider enlisting some extra support. Taking on a tutor has several benefits aside from the specialist knowledge they can impart. It is an opportunity to create some structure and help get students back on track with their studies and give some direction in preparing for the next academic year. Helping them fill gaps in their knowledge can act as an opportunity to re-engage with learning.

Pupils who are working towards Pre-Test, 11+ or Common Entrance need to be focused. Just one tutorial a week can help consolidate course work from school, energise and stimulate whilst helping them delve deeper into a subject. It can give the week some structure and purpose with a good tutor acting as a positive role model

September is several months away. The time available now is an opportunity to help improve and expand your child’s knowledge.

Gabbitas has a long history of providing some of the very best tutors and we have been able to enlist the support of our excellent team to put together some Remote Tutoring Packages to help parents during this challenging time.

Remote tutoring delivered to Gabbitas standards

Gabbitas is offering the following bespoke packages to ensure continuity of learning during our lockdown:

• An initial discussion with our Head of Tutoring to understand your individual criteria.
• £400 for five 60 minute Skype lessons in either English or maths or a combination of both.
• £480 for five 60 minute Skype lessons in any of the following subjects: English, maths, science, modern language, NVR and VR, drama, geography, history, Latin (Latin has an extra cost)
• £720 for ten 60 minute Skype lessons in any subject.

We are available to discuss your specific needs so do contact us on tutoring@gabbitas.com or call one of our consultants on +44(0) 203 026 7443