school Archives - Gabbitas

Make The Most Of The School Holidays

Sarah Oshun-Williams — Tue, 10 Dec 2024 13:26:06 +0000

As the academic term draws to a close and we embrace the festive spirit, it’s also an excellent time to reflect on the year gone by and prepare for what lies ahead. This is the perfect opportunity for families to spend quality time together and take a breather from the academic bubble. Whether you’re a parent or a student, we have gathered some useful tips to ensure you continue to make time for learning.

Learning as a Game

Learning should be fun and exciting, especially for younger students. After a strong start to the academic year, it is important to give your child well-deserved merit and praise while still challenging them to strive for more. Our tutors advise keeping it simple and engaging in intellectual games to make learning enjoyable.

Here are a few ideas to encourage additional practice for your child:

Reading for Fun

Choose holiday-themed books or encourage your child to dive into a new novel. Reading stories together as a family can be a delightful shared activity.

Educational Games and Puzzles

Christmas board games, puzzles, or apps that focus on vocabulary or critical thinking can help keep skills active in a fun way.

Journaling or Creative Writing

Encourage students to write about their Christmas experiences or create short stories. For younger children, writing a letter to Santa Claus can be a helpful way to practise grammar, spelling, and vocabulary.

Learning as a Goal

Learning should also serve a purpose and, ultimately, a goal. Whether your child is revising for an exam or tackling a difficult topic at school, it’s essential to allocate time for revision.

For students preparing to apply to UK independent schools, the Christmas holidays are an ideal time to get ready for the UKiset exam.

You can find more information about the format and registration here.

Reach out to our team for further guidance; we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

If you are already familiar with the format or preparing for the exam, we offer bespoke UKiset preparation focused on expert tuition tailored to each student’s needs. Our tutors specialise in English, Reasoning, and Essay Writing, addressing common concerns in these areas and providing the best preparation tips.

Enquire about UKiset Prep Tuition.

Learning as a Process

Learning is a long-term process that requires time, dedication, and practice. The Christmas break is the perfect opportunity to balance schoolwork with family time. The journey to mastering new concepts, skills, or subjects can be challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

To make the most of any learning experience, students should remain consistent and focused on their goals. Taking an active approach to learning by involving everyone can benefit both parents and students. Taking notes, asking questions, and engaging in discussions about the material can reinforce understanding and foster an exchange of ideas.

If you’re seeking additional learning support, our tutors provide a safe space for students to ask questions, build confidence, and receive guidance with challenging topics. We offer tuition across all subjects and academic levels.

Image Credit: Charterhouse

The post Make The Most Of The School Holidays appeared first on Gabbitas.

How to Have a Successful and Productive Half-Term Break

Sarah Oshun-Williams — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 11:25:25 +0000

Half-term is a valuable time for both students and parents to reconnect, recharge, and refocus. By striking the right balance between relaxation, family time, and productivity, you can make this break both enjoyable and meaningful. Here are a few tips to help you support your child during the half-term break.

Create a Flexible Schedule

Help your child plan their half-term by creating a loose schedule that combines study time with downtime. A little structure will help them stay productive without making the break feel too rigid.

Our Expert Tip: Let your child take the lead on their schedule but offer gentle guidance. Use a calendar or family planner to make it visual and fun.

Encourage Short, Focused Study Sessions

If your child has homework or revision, encourage them to work in short bursts rather than long, overwhelming study marathons. This way, they’ll be productive without feeling under pressure.

Our Expert Tip: Our experts advise taking regular breaks between study sessions, typically around 5-10 minutes before moving on to the next task or subject. The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work followed by a 5-minute break) is highly effective for keeping students focused and motivated.

Credit: Walhampton School

Get a Head Start with Tuition

Gabbitas Tutoring offers a range of tuition services, including one-to-one or online tutoring sessions, along with personalised practice exercises that can help your child feel prepared and confident. Additionally, our tutors support students with exam preparation for tests such as CAT4, IELTS, UKiset, and Common Entrance Exams like the 11+ or 13+. We also provide general subject tuition, interview practice, and help with the application process.

Enquire about tuition now.

Start with UKiset Prep

If your child is considering entry to a UK independent school, half-term is a great time to begin preparing for the UKiset (UK Independent Schools Entry Test). This test assesses a child’s academic potential and English language proficiency, helping schools understand how your child will perform in their environment. Preparation is key to success, and using the half-term wisely can give your child a strong head start.

You can find more information about UKiset here.

Our UKiset team is here to answer any questions you might have.

Contact us to learn more.

Set Goals for the New Term

Before the break ends, sit down with your child to reflect on the past term and set goals for the next. Whether it’s academic improvement, better time management, or personal growth, helping them identify their goals will set a positive tone for the rest of the school year.

Our Expert Tip: Make goal-setting a collaborative process. Ask your child what they feel they need to work on and encourage them to express their own ideas. This empowers them to take ownership of their goals, making them more motivated to follow through. While offering support and guidance, allowing them to lead the conversation fosters independence and self-awareness.

At Gabbitas, we help students set clear, actionable goals and create personalised plans to achieve them. Our expert tutors work with students to identify their strengths and areas for growth, ensuring they stay on track for success throughout the school year.

Contact our experts directly to learn how we can support your child’s learning during half-term.

(Front Image Credit: Tonbridge School)

The post How to Have a Successful and Productive Half-Term Break appeared first on Gabbitas.

Back to school tips for parents and students

Sarah Oshun-Williams — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 15:31:36 +0000

As the new school year begins, both parents and students are preparing for a fresh start with new goals and challenges. With expert tutoring services and comprehensive exam preparation, including support for UKiset, Gabbitas helps both students and parents achieve their academic goals. In this blog, we have gathered back-to-school tips and tools for families to kick-start the academic year with confidence.

Tips for Parents

1. Establish a Routine

A consistent daily routine helps children feel secure and manage their time effectively. Set specific times for homework, extracurricular activities, and relaxation to create a balanced schedule. Time blockers work very well mixed with study breaks in-between.

2. Communicate with Teachers

Maintain open communication with your child’s teachers to stay informed about their progress and any areas where they may need additional support. As education advisors, it is important for us to understand and work on areas for improvement and carry on following and applying any relevant advice from teachers and academic staff.

3. Encourage Reading

Reading regularly enhances vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Encourage your child to read a variety of books, both for school and leisure. Most of the schools, both state and private, offer extensive reading lists for each year group – this can be a great starting point for establishing a reading routine.

4. Support Exam Preparation

If your child is preparing for exams like the UKiset, provide them with the resources and time they need to study effectively. UKiset is widely used entry exam for British boarding schools accessing international candidates on their academic aptitude and abilities.

You can find more information about UKiset here.

Our UKiset team is here to answer any questions you might have.

NB! UKiset Prep is the only official method to prepare for the exam. UKiset Prep is specialised tuition focusing on the UKiset exam, tackling cognitive, conversational and writing tasks.

If you are unsure how many hours of tuition would the candidate need, we advise you to access our initial assessment service, available with full report from our UKiset Prep consultants after completion.

Credit: Cheltenham Ladies College

Tips for Students

1.Set Clear Goals

Identify your academic and personal goals for the school year. Break them down into manageable steps and plan ahead, if possible.

Our tutors help students set realistic goals and develop action plans to achieve them, providing ongoing motivation and support. Whether you are looking to improve your reasoning or problem-solving skills, ace your upcoming mid-term exam, A-levels, GCSE, or looking to become fluent in a foreign language, our tutors can support your learning journey accordingly.

2. Stay Organised

Use planners, calendars, or digital apps to keep track of assignments, test dates, and deadlines. Exam material can pile up, so don’t leave it for last minute and manage your study time.

3.Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is key to mastering any subject. Dedicate time each day to review what you’ve learned and practice new concepts. Whether homework from school or your tutor, revise carefully and take notes with questions you don’t understand. This way you can work on weaker areas and demonstrate your teacher you are serious about improving your work.

Looking for extra boost with your studies?

Our services include:

Personalised Tutoring: Tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, covering all subjects and levels.
Exam Preparation: Specialized courses for standardized tests such as the UKiset, GCSEs, A-levels, and more.
Study Skills: Teaching essential skills like time management, organization, and effective studying techniques.
Ongoing Support: Regular check-ins and progress reports to keep students and parents informed and engaged.

(Front Image Credit: Eton College)

The post Back to school tips for parents and students appeared first on Gabbitas.

Gabbitas: A Trusted Guardianship Provider

Sarah Oshun-Williams — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 14:37:53 +0000

Finding the right host family and/or guardian to look after your child when they are studying abroad is crucial. Gabbitas Guardianship offers you peace of mind, ensuring your child’s well-being, no matter the circumstances. Our dedicated team is here to provide swift, efficient, and professional care, ensuring that your child is safe and well-cared-for during times of unexpected need.

Here’s how our last-minute guardianship service can support your family needs:

Swift Response and Reliable Care

When time is of the essence, you need a service that can respond quickly and efficiently. Gabbitas has a network of experienced guardians who are ready to step in at a moment’s notice. Our team works to match your child with a suitable guardian, ensuring minimal disruption to their routine.

Experienced and Trusted Professionals

Gabbitas has been a trusted name in guardianship services for years, and our last-minute service is no exception. Our guardians are thoroughly vetted, highly experienced, and dedicated to providing the best care possible. You can rest assured that your child is in capable and caring hands, even at short notice.

Tailored to Your Child’s Needs

Every child is unique, and so are their needs. Our last-minute guardianship service is tailored to accommodate your child’s specific requirements, whether it’s their school schedule, extracurricular activities, or personal preferences. Gabbitas provides regular updates and open communication, keeping you informed and reassured throughout the guardianship period

How to Access Our Last-Minute Guardianship Service:

If you find yourself in need of last-minute guardianship, simply reach out to our team via phone or email. We’ll guide you through the process, gather necessary information about your child’s needs, and promptly arrange for a guardian to step in. Our streamlined process ensures that help is on the way as quickly as possible.

For more information or to request our last-minute guardianship service, contact Gabbitas today.

Front Image Credit: Shrewsbury School

The post Gabbitas: A Trusted Guardianship Provider appeared first on Gabbitas.

Top Tips for Revision

Gabbitas Dubai Rep — Sun, 09 Dec 2018 08:16:46 +0000

It’s that time of the year again – mocks exams are looming after the winter break. So the upcoming holiday will require some time spent on revision…But what is the best way to survive the rigours of revision and how do you make sure your child is making the best of their time? In this blog, we share our top tips for revision and how you can help your child.

Draw up a revision timetable

Plan what you are going to do each day and how much time you are going to spend on it. This way you won’t waste time pottering around thinking about what to do and finding the right books, you can hit the decks running. Don’t waste lots of time making this look pretty – tempting but that does not count as revision.

Plan your time well

No-one can focus for longer than 30 minutes effectively, so allow yourself 45 minute slots. This will give you time to get set up , to have 30 minutes of effective revision and then 10 minutes at the end to review what you have done or test yourself.

Factor in short breaks

5-10 minutes is ample, longer than that and you will start getting distracted by other things and lose momentum. Use this time for fixing a drink, grabbing a healthy snack or running around the garden to get some fresh air and exercise.

Don’t let revision take up your whole day

If you have planned to do 4 hours a day get up early and get it over and done with by lunch time. Then you have the whole of the rest of the day free. Or split it with 2 hours in the morning and 2 hours in the evening. It’s important you keep a balance and you will resent the revision far less if you have other things to look forward to in the day.

Find a quiet place to work

Once located, make sure it is set up with all the pens, paper books etc you need. Ask other people to respect this space and recognise that you are working and not to be disturbed. Try to eliminate as many distractions from this space as possible, keep your phone turned off when you are revising and turn off email alerts on your computer too!

Make summary notes

This has proved to be the most successful way of memorising information. Summarise the information from your original notes, then summarise the summary. See if you can get each topic down to one side of A4 or try using index cards for revision notes.

Use colours and mind maps in your revision notes

Colourful notes are more easily absorbed by the brain than black and white ones! Write key points on coloured post it notes and stick them around the house – the bathroom mirror is a particularly good place!

Remember, revision is only part of the equation

You also need to master exam technique to score the really good grades. Do plenty of past papers in each subject so that you are thoroughly familiar with the style of questions and what is expected. Do some of these in timed conditions to get a feel for what it will be like to complete a whole paper in one sitting.

Start your revision early

The longer you have the more prepared you can be. Cramming might create a feel-good factor when a subject is covered in a single afternoon, however, the study of ‘spaced repetition’ demonstrates that studying a subject for one hour a day every day for a week results in greater recall, as the brain can only remember five to seven bits of new information at a time.

Finally – try to relax!

Feeling stressed about revision? Try practicing mindfulness to help manage anxiety and tension. Focus on the moment and allow feelings to come and go. Use breathing exercises to slow down the heart and reduce tension.

The post Top Tips for Revision appeared first on Gabbitas.