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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Metacognition can be defined as an awareness and understanding of a person’s thought processes. In education, metacognition is the ability to think about one’s own learning, Playing a critical role in effective teaching and learning.

By helping students become more aware of their learning processes and strategies, metacognitive pedagogy can enhance academic performance and promote self-directed learning. Teaching practices that promote metacognition shares many similarities with those of Academic Mentorship.  

Academic Mentorship is a form of private tutoring that can be a powerful tool for promoting metacognitive development among A Level, Undergraduate and Master’s students, as they make the transition into ever more challenging academic realms.

Using a combination of pastoral, holistic and academic approaches, academic mentors support and guide a student’s understanding of critical and intentional thinking approaches to their studies. Read our guide on Academic mentorship. 

 

What research suggests 

The Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) is an independent charity, supporting educational institutions in helping reduce the trend between family income and attainment.

The EEFs’ work specifically aims at distilling the myriad of studies and research into concrete strategies and tactics for excellent teaching practice. 

It has produced extensive guidance for teachers on how to promote metacognition in the classroom. The guidance recommends a range of teaching strategies, including modelling, explicit instruction, questioning, and peer-to-peer learning.

These strategies are designed to help students become more aware of their own learning processes, and to develop the skills and strategies they need to learn effectively. 

Recent studies have provided strong evidence to support the effectiveness of metacognitive pedagogy.

A meta-analysis conducted by the EEF found that teaching metacognitive strategies had a positive impact on students’ academic performance across a range of subjects and age groups, claiming that metacognitive strategies “can be worth the equivalent of an additional +7 months’ progress when used well.”  

Other studies have shown that metacognitive strategies can be particularly effective for students who are from disadvantaged backgrounds, or struggling academically, be it in their mandatory GCSEs, or their undergraduate modules at top universities. 

 

Peer tutoring  

In recent years, several studies have highlighted the benefits of metacognitive pedagogy for student achievement. Recent studies have explored the potential benefits of using metacognitive pedagogy within the context of academic mentoring in university.  

For example, Backer and colleagues (2011) investigated the impact of reciprocal peer tutoring on higher education students’ metacognitive knowledge and regulation.

The study found that students who participated in peer tutoring showed improved metacognitive regulation skills, including self-evaluation and planning. 

In institutions in which peer tuition can be difficult to carry out, the role of an academic mentor, as both as an experienced alumnus and professional tutor, can be a peer, developing and modelling their own study skills, research and articulate their learning processes alongside the student in tailored tutorials.

To learn more on Academic mentors, read our Academic mentorship Q&A with Gabbitas’ Director of School Placements and Higher education.  

 

English Language Development  

Another study by Al-Jarrah and colleagues (2018) investigated the attitudes of ‘English as a Foreign Language’ (EFL) students when using metacognitive strategies in their writing. Download their study here. 

This study found that students who received explicit instruction in metacognitive strategies demonstrated greater motivation and engagement in their writing, as well as improved writing skills. This is particularly pertinent for students coming to the UK to study.  

English is the global lingua-franca for business, international relations, research and the arts. Having a native, bilingual or fluent mentor upon whom a student can lean on to check the nuances of English for Academic Purposes, is hugely beneficial and provides that ‘edge’ in essays and dissertations. 

 

Enhancing Performance, Engagement and Motivation  

Dunn and Mulvenon (2009) examined much of the research on the impact of metacognitive instruction on students’ ability.

For solving maths problems, they report that students who received explicit instruction in metacognitive strategies performed significantly better on problem-solving tasks than students who did not receive this instruction.  

Perhaps students who articulated the thoughts in approaching difficult problems triggered verbal memory to recollect previous similar problems? The research concluded that “metacognitive instruction is a powerful tool for enhancing student learning in mathematics.” 

In addition to improving academic performance, metacognitive pedagogy has also been shown to enhance students’ motivation and engagement.

A study by Yan and colleagues (2018) found that metacognitive instruction increased students’ intrinsic motivation to learn and their confidence in their ability to learn.

The researchers noted that “metacognitive strategies can help students feel more in control of their learning, which can lead to increased motivation and engagement.” 

 

Practical Applications of Metacognition  

Real studies have provided compelling evidence to support the effectiveness of metacognitive pedagogy for enhancing student achievement, motivation, and engagement.

Mentorship can be a powerful vessel for exploring metacognition in learners, providing the scaffolding for a student to implement this ‘thinking about thinking’ into a student’s learning process.  

By analysing a student’s unique learning methods, and drawing upon a wealth of experience in tuition and academic study, Gabbitas Academic Mentors will provide tailored guidance and support to help students develop the skills and strategies they need to become self-directed learners and achieve their academic goals. Enquire to speak to our mentors and tutors here.  

 

To find out more on how specific metacognitive strategies tailored to an individual student can help their learning in exponential ways, email our experts info@gabbitas.com, or call +44 (0) 203 026 7443.  

 

 

This article was written by Gabbitas’ Head of Tuition, Johnny Reynolds, and is part of Gabbitas, a section providing in-depth, first-hand coverage of the UK education landscape and global market trends.    

1. We’re looking to place my daughter in a UK boarding school next September, but as we are living overseas, we’re not really sure how to manage the process of shortlisting and visiting schools. What would you advise?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

One of the first things you need to establish before you start looking at new schools is your daughter’s academic level. You want a school where your daughter will sit comfortably amongst her peers. Prospective boarding schools will also want to know what your daughter can offer to them — both in terms of academics and extracurricular.

At boarding schools, children become totally immersed in their surroundings, and what they give, they get back tenfold. With this in mind, look at the school and see what they offer to the child: will your daughter be able to get involved with school life?

As you’re abroad, I’d advise you to look at full-boarding options, as everyone tends to stay in during the weekends. Even if there is the occasional quiet weekend, Saturdays will still comprise of lessons in the morning and sports fixtures in the afternoon, and many schools are keen to keep weekends as busy and as purposeful as weekdays.

Visits and open days are imperative. Do go on these if you are able to, as they are the best way to gauge a school’s atmosphere and ethos. You’ll also get to see how pupils interact with one another and engage with their teachers, and in turn see how the staff interact with parents.

Many schools are now offering in-person tours, so try and go for an open day, and then after schedule a private visit. Having said this, Zoom is still a very good way to view a school and there are plenty of excellent virtual open days.

Look at reviews, listen to word of mouth, but most importantly have confidence in yourself as a parent — you will know in your gut if a school is right for your daughter.

 

2. Is it a good idea to move my daughter to a new school for sixth form – she’s mentioned that she might like a ‘change of scene’ but we’re not sure how easy it is to make the transition and how this might impact her academically and socially?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

If you’re looking to move your daughter for sixth form, ideally you need to have started shortlisting schools by the end of year 10. Many schools tend to have closed their registrations by the end of September, and by the very latest, the end of October, as many of their candidate assessments take place during October.

Many children — whether they joined their current school at 11 or 13 — can find the change refreshing, but please bear in mind that this needs to be a very considered decision as she is at a critical age. The process will not only take up valuable time that she could use for GCSE revision, but she will also be leaving behind friends and a structure that she has been used to for at least three years.

Remember that competition is often tough for sixth form places, and some schools will have a limited number of spaces; rejection can be disheartening.

Your daughter’s current teachers and pastoral staff know her academic ability and level of wellbeing, so be sure to consult them for their thoughts on the matter. Ask your daughter her reasons for a scene change; for example, is she looking for a change in curriculum, or is she looking for a better cultural fit?

If you’re thinking of moving her from a day to a boarding school, this is often an excellent steppingstone for higher education. She’s likely to develop better organisational skills and grow in independence, all in the comfort of school’s safety net therefore meaning moving to university won’t come as such a shock.

Alternatively, she may be wanting to move closer to home with less school structure. Many children grow out of the school bubble before higher education, and flourish when working more independently.

Overall, I would urge you to research what is out there and bring your daughter on board the decision-making process. She will be able to give you a better idea of what she believes she is missing which should help shape the final decision.

 

3. My son has his heart set on going to veterinary school but knows it’s highly competitive and he needs to prove aptitude as well as academic ability. What can he do to improve his chances of acceptance?

Answered by Sarah Oshun-Williams, Client Account Manager

The methods of improving your chances of acceptance to veterinary school are very similar to those of getting into professions like medicine or law; work experience is essential.

Besides academic ability, he will need to prove his knowledge of the field and enthusiasm to pursue this route. Therefore, he should try to volunteer or shadow as many vets and animal practices as he can, as this will allow your son to showcase his motivation and interest in the field when writing his personal statement. Many universities do however understand that at times it’s hard for candidates to gain experience, so they do not demand months of work under candidates’ belts, instead just enough to show an interest and an aptitude for veterinary.

Work experience will also help your son to be sure that this is the field he’d like to pursue, as it can be a gruelling process. His time at university will be comprised of a lot of exams, laboratory-based anatomy and a lot of contact hours, so it is imperative that he is prepared for the training.

Research is equally as important. There are currently only 10 veterinary schools in the UK, of which you can only apply to 4, so researching the benefits and structure of each course is key to ensure you’re aware of the different requirements, entry procedures and to select the options that are most suitable.

Regarding how he might improve his academic ability, it’s worth considering tutoring. Many agencies — like Gabbitas — have tutors who are experts in their chosen field and some who specialise in veterinary school applications. This will help your son to prepare for any interviews, additional admissions tests, and to know what to expect from the course. A tutor can also be useful in helping him revise for his exams, to ensure that he meets his offer requirements.

If you would like to find out more about our tutors, please contact us at info@gabbitas.com, or head to our tutoring page to see some of the services we offer.

 

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This article was originally published in the Autumn/Winter 2021 edition of Absolutely Education

Helping your child to prepare for an online academic assessment like the ISEB or the UKiset is often a difficult and daunting task. Quality sample papers can be hard to come by and some students will be unfamiliar with the format of the questions, which means that they won’t be completely sure of what they are being asked, risking the chance of answering incorrectly and not being able to show off their skills and academic ability effectively.

However, despite preparation being hard for some, it is undoubtedly an advantage to know how to answer the types of question asked, as it will give students valuable transferable skills that will help them going forward in their lives.

For instance, many online assessments include an essay section where the student is asked to elaborate on a current, age-appropriate topic. Through practicing essay technique, or receiving guidance from a tutor, not only will they be able to answer the assessment’s question to the best of their ability, but they will also find secondary school, university homework, and exams far easier as they will know how to properly structure and plan an essay, as well as have the confidence to do so.

Partially as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, many top British independent schools have begun to rely more heavily on assessment tools to assist them with admissions. One reason for this is that candidates obviously do not have to be physically present at the school in order to take the test, therefore making conditions ‘Covid-friendly’. It has also meant there is less need for schools’ admissions teams to have to take the time to set and mark each paper as many of the online assessments are adaptive and auto-marking. This is beneficial to both school and student, as it cuts down the time on the decision-making process, and also eradicates any risk of discrepancies between markers.

The UK Independent Schools’ Entry test (UKiset) is one of the most widely-used online academic assessment tools by British independent schools. In the past its main candidates have tended to be international students coming from overseas schools into the British curriculum, as a means of assessing their skills in English, Maths, and non-verbal reasoning, as well as providing a method of comparison to their peers in top British independent schools. But, with growing awareness of the challenges facing young people today, and the damage that school closures have done to many a child’s confidence, it is of great benefit to understand your child’s capabilities, in order to allow them to freely develop their skills without any added stresses, even if they have been in the British curriculum all of their lives.

 

So how can one prepare? For something like the UKiset, one of the best places to start is to focus on fundamental English and Maths skills. Vocabulary and grammar are imperative, and students should practice verbal and spatial reasoning, as the more familiar they become with the style of the question, the easier they will find it to recognise patterns when it comes to taking the assessment.

At Gabbitas, we understand that communication is key when it comes to productive and effective preparation. Throughout the process of choosing the right tutor for your child, it is important that you take note of how they adapt to your child’s way of learning, and whether they involve your child and you in the planning of each session. This way, everyone is on the same page and your child can feel that they are in control of their own work, whilst also having the support of an expert during their sessions, and gaining the confidence to do their own out-of-session work.

For more information on academic assessment tools like UKiset and how Gabbitas can help those taking them prepare, check out this UKiset Prep FAQ with our assessment manager or get in touch with us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

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This article from Isabel Sheehan at Gabbitas first appeared in the Summer 2021 edition of School Report 

1. Our two sons are close in age and also very competitive. Teachers have suggested it might be a good idea to choose separate senior schools so they each thrive as individuals. Can your school placement team advise on what we need to consider in making the decision and the pros and cons of splitting them up?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany, Senior Education Consultant and SEN Specialist

It is lovely for siblings to have a ‘shared education’, being able to reminisce over the breakfast table about the funny mannerisms of the Latin teacher, or the quality of the food in the canteen, but unfortunately sometimes the same school is not the right option. Children have a great sense of identity and fundamental ‘fairness’, meaning that rivalry can easily be started when one may be performing better than the other academically (or socially). This is obviously not healthy and should be avoided to the best of everyone’s ability.

When choosing different schools for siblings, it is important that parents keep in mind that it should be a considered and sensitive decision. It is imperative to analyse the schools properly, so that both are on level ground to avoid any potential issues of unfairness that might arise.

For instance, if one school has family ties — perhaps a parent or grandparent attended — but the other does not, it would be perhaps best to avoid.
Logistics are another factor to keep in mind. The first person your sons will look for when they score a try or take a bow is you, so it is important that both schools are within similar distance to home so that one can easily get there. This is also something to keep in mind if you are looking at boarding: you do not want one son feeling that he has been sent further away than his brother and therefore sees you less.

I would advise that you try to make sure that both schools are also on a similar level regarding academics, sport, drama, and co-curricular activities. Children should be proud of their school. If a child is happy, they are confident, and when confident they will thrive as an individual and reach their academic potential.

 

2. I’ve been told that as my daughter wants to attend a UK independent school, it would be a good idea to take UKiset so her knowledge and potential can be accurately assessed. Can you explain more about the UKiset process and how schools use it?

Answered by Xanthe Lynden, Assessment Manager

The UK Independent School Entry Test (UKiset), is a standardised assessment that effectively compares international students with their counterparts who have been in the British curriculum all their lives. As well as helping schools understand a student’s level of English, the resulting report generated by the assessment provides credible information on how a student like your daughter may perform within the school environment, as well as her aptitude for certain subjects.

Many people like UKiset as the process is a relatively simple one. Registration is quick and easy, and once the test has been taken, students can choose to send their report to up to 5 different British independent schools (or if they prefer, to none at all).

As well as having test centres across the globe, UKiset are now offering online invigilation, meaning that your daughter can take the test without having to organise travel, which of course has been made difficult due to the pandemic.

Note that there is more to the UKiset than just testing a student’s aptitude. When preparing to take the test, your daughter will learn valuable skills which will help ready her for other school entrance exams, as well as give her those skills required for academic success in the independent school system.

It is important to remember that each school will have different requirements and benchmarks for their applicants, however it is undoubtable that a UKiset report will only serve to strengthen your daughter’s applications. It will also give you a good insight as to where she is at currently in her academic career, which give you the chance to help her improve in any areas needed.

At Gabbitas we have recently launched our accredited UKiset Prep service, if you’d like to find out more, please don’t hesitate to contact me via info@gabbitas.com

 

3. My daughter is unhappy at school and this is now reflected in her behaviour and progress. We’re looking to move her but are concerned about how current school reports will impact future school choices. How best should we go about finding a school where she will be welcomed and also have a chance to thrive?

Answered by Paul Kelly, Senior Education Consultant

Unfavourable school reports are an issue that many parents face, and it can be daunting to get to the bottom of the reasons why. It is especially frustrating when they can interfere with attempts to enter a new school, where one’s child may perform better. It is important to treat this as an opportunity to use the problem to your advantage, and consequently help your daughter achieve her academic potential whilst also being happy.

My advice is to first talk to your daughter in an effort to establish why this is happening. Tell her that you recognise that she is unhappy, and you are thinking of changing her school. It could encourage her to talk about the issues she faces. Knowing these issues is beneficial for you too, as it will allow you to approach new schools more easily.

In some cases, it can be better to get an objective outsider — such as a family friend or education consultant — to talk to her, as conversations between parent and child, especially relating to this subject matter, can be emotionally charged and therefore inconclusive.

Regarding finding the best school for your daughter, you should undoubtedly look for somewhere with great pastoral care, as your daughter may be entering at an unusual point of entry. It’s also a case of analysing current issues; is the current school boarding? Maybe try looking at Day schools closer to home. Is it a big school? Perhaps your daughter may prefer a smaller, more intimate learning space.

Think about her subjects. If your daughter is sitting her A-levels, schools understand that sometimes the wrong subjects are chosen, or perhaps she might be better suited to the IB? If she is studying GCSEs, there may be a subject she is more passionate about — use this to your advantage when approaching schools.

Approaching the next school can be a tricky process, so if you’d like some impartial advice on next steps or help liaising with schools, please contact us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

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This article was originally published in the Summer 2021 edition of Absolutely Education

1. My daughter’s primary school has suggested she may fall into the ‘gifted and talented’ category. I’m a bit uncertain as to what this means, so would it be a good idea to get further advice and/or look for a school that has expertise in managing her academic and pastoral needs?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany — Senior Schools Consultant and SEN Specialist

The Department of Education and Skills defines those supported by the national programme for gifted and talented education as those with abilities at a significantly higher level to their peers.

The word ‘gifted’, is usually associated with academic level, and ‘talented’ refers to other areas such as sport, drama, art or music.

At Gabbitas, we are often contacted by anxious parents who say, “my daughter came out of school in tears today as she was asked to put her hand down and give the other children a chance to answer in class.” It is any wonder that a bright child may become disengaged from classwork and start to either switch off or become disheartened.

Many primary schools have an excellent provision for G&T children, but parents may like to consider the private school option where class sizes are smaller and, as such, the academic pace is a little faster.

If finances are an issue — as they are for so many in the current climate — many private schools offer scholarships in different disciplines such as academic, music, the arts, and sport to pupils who are particularly gifted and talented. Furthermore, these scholarships can also be supplemented with a means tested bursary, with some schools offering extremely generous bursaries of up to 100% for a particularly talented young person.

Every school has a different procedure for scholarships — whether that be attaining the best marks at the academic assessment, an excellent reference from their current school and an impressive interview or more specific assessments for music, all-rounder or sport.

Applying for a scholarship is the easy part, applying for a bursary can take considerably longer — and not everyone will be successful — but if your child is happy and thriving at school, the hard work and form filling is a necessary evil.

It would be a good idea to seek further advice and explore the options available to ensure that your child achieves their potential. If you decide you would like more advice on finding a suitable school for your daughter to excel at, please do get in touch with us at info@gabbitas.com.

 

 

2. Our child’s self-assurance and academic motivation seem at a really low ebb after remote school. We are wondering if a tutor could give the support they need to help boost both learning approach and confidence. What are your thoughts?

Answered by Anastasia Hatvany– Senior Schools Consultant and SEN Specialist

In a report by The Lancet, June 2020 the opening paragraph states: ‘Adolescence (the stage between 10 and 24 years) is a period of life characterised by heightened sensitivity to social stimuli and the increased need for peer interaction.’

Is it any wonder that many teenagers and children have found distance learning extremely challenging? Schools have gone above and beyond to try and engage pupils with their learning and make lessons more accessible and enjoyable but, when much of the fun has been taken out of day to day living, sitting in front of a computer can be rather a dry experience.

Feeling isolated and lonely is horrible at any age but even more so as a teenager — and these feelings can be exacerbated when learning online is difficult. It is all too easy to fall behind in class and become demotivated — it becomes a vicious cycle.

We have suggested to many families during this difficult time to engage a tutor or a mentor. A tutor/mentor is the best of both worlds. The best tend to be young people, with energy, motivation, leadership qualities, teaching ability and an engaging personality. A good role model can have an extraordinary impact on a teenager’s confidence and wellbeing.

Tutors can help pupils revisit topics and talk through areas that they are unsure about, thereby increasing pupils’ confidence and ensuring they have full understanding of a subject, but also helping them enjoy learning once more.

Agencies like Gabbitas can help you find suitable tutors, please do get in touch with us if you’d like to hear more.

 

 

3. We’ve been put on watch that my job may require a spell overseas in about 12-18 months’ time. This would be a bad time to move our older son out of UK education. We don’t have a big family support network, so would guardianship be an option and how does this work?

Answered by Diana Gwynn — Guardianship Manager

Guardianship (to cover exeat weekends and sometimes half terms for boarders) is obviously a big decision. Schools will normally insist that a guardian be within a maximum journey time from the school of around two hours.

Obviously, many would choose family, but when they do not have any like yourselves, or feel the responsibility may be an unfair burden to place on family and friends, guardianship agencies (such as Gabbitas) are set up to fill that gap.

The agency itself is the ‘guardian’ and can give support and advice on a whole range of issues and act as a central point of contact between the school and parents. Agencies vet and recruit a network of host families to provide support and accommodation to students whose parents are based overseas.

The profile of these families varies from those whose own children have flown the nest to those who still have school aged children but perhaps want to broaden the family’s horizons. Good agencies visit all applicant host families and carry out vigorous checks and take up several references.

To ensure that you are happy with the regular host family for your child, you will usually be sent details of a couple of families for you to choose from and there may also be the chance to visit them and form a direct contact before you depart overseas.

As well as linking you up with a host family, the agency will assign a named consultant to your child who can provide ongoing support to you and your child throughout their time at school on a myriad of issues such as buying school uniform, setting up a bank account for pocket money and liaising with boarding and academic staff at the school.

Having an agency and a host family support your child also means that there is also always 24/7 cover in an emergency and a reserve host can be found too if necessary.

Bonds made between host families and students can last long after school life finishes!

If you’d like to find out more about how guardianship works, get in touch with us at guardian@gabbitas.com

 

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This article was originally published in the Spring 2021 edition of Absolutely Education

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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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

A recent report by The Daily Telegraph revealed that 72% of students in the UK used private tutoring to better prepare for their Common Entrance Exam.

Another survey by the Sutton Trust revealed that 24% of all students in Britain have used or benefited from private one on one tutoring, remote or online tutoring during their academic life.

The percentage increases to 40% for London alone!

To provide a better insight into how remote tutoring works, our experts at Gabbitas have put together some frequently asked questions and asked our highly experienced tutors to answer them.

If you are considering remote tutoring during these tough days of ‘home schooling’ do get in touch with us so we can help you choose the best solution.

 

Q

What is the difference between remote or online tutoring?

A

Remote and online tutoring both facilitate tuition using the latest computer technology.

Even though the terms online and remote are often used interchangeably, in the education world we define online tutoring to be when educational software is used to provide educational support. It is often tailored to the specific needs of a student. It is often used for teaching languages, verbal and non-verbal comprehension practice.

Remote tuition is a ‘live’ albeit a remote activity with screen sharing between a tutor and a student using an online video chat service such as Skype and Zoom. It is essentially ‘one on one’ tutoring done remotely through the delivery channel.

Whilst online tuition can be beneficial for a student’s improvement in understanding a particluar subject, remote tuition, in our experience, gives better results in the long term.

 

Q

Why do I need remote tuition?

A

Tuition has always been an important part of the British education system. We know this, as our business began with tuition and we have been working with high quality tutors for close to 150 years.

Gabbitas has tutored a wide range of international students from the young actors in the Harry Potter films to members of the Royal Family. We work with tutors who have a passion for education plus a strong academic background. Our tutors include qualified teachers and Oxbridge graduates.

Given the current circumstances as a result of Covid-19, social distancing and uncertainty on exam procedures, remote tuition has become even more important in helping towards academic success.

What GCSE students are currently facing is great uncertainty –  when will teachers have to submit GCSE grades, which grades will be given based on the work students provided so far? Tough questions indeed at this important stage

Some of the grades will be awarded with work that students will need to submit from a distance if schools do not reopen.

That is why it is important for students to continue working hard and have a point of contact that they can consult if a subject isn’t understood.

Remote tutoring is also important for students whose predicted grades have not reflected their true potential.

These students need to study especially hard in the time between now and when final grades are submitted.

With the help of a remote tutor, families can consolidate the work a student has been doing via distant learning and bridge any gaps that might occur.

A qualified and experienced tutor will also be able to identify points of improvements for students which they can work on together.

Finally, with students being at home and having more time, remote tutoring can also open up new subject areas for students such as Greek Mythology, Creative Writing, Public Speaking, Problem Solving, Languages, Coding etc.

 

Q

What are the benefits of remote tutoring?

A

Academic success

It is not a secret that most students who receive tuition perform better in course work or exams than if they hadn’t received tutoring.

Remote tutoring increases the responsibility a student needs to take as exercises cannot be copied or shared with peers.

As a result, students have to work on tasks themselves and therefore  increase their understanding of the subject at hand, ultimately leading to better grades.

Individual attention

Every person has a different learning style including children. A qualified tutor will work to accommodate a student’s  own learning style so they can  build confidence and help them become  less intimidated by exams.

It is a great way to offer students more support on subjects in which they might not be as confident, as well as giving them an opportunity to ask questions they were not able to do in class.

An experienced tutor will create a stress-free environment where students can learn and express themselves without the fear of failure.

Ease of accessibility

Provided both the student and the tutor have a stable internet connection, remote tuition can take place from anywhere and by agreement with the tutor at any time.

Tutor availability

The majority of tutors hold academic degrees in the field they tutor and have an in depth knowledge of their subject.

In face-to-face tutoring a student might need to wait for the next time to ask questions, but with the use of technology they can message, e-mail or call tutors as and when it is needed.

This of course needs to be arranged with tutors individually, but in general it is common practice.

Regular feedback on Academic Progress

A remote tutor can provide parents regular feedback on the performance of their children as well as areas that need to be improved.

Some parents find this service crucial to the relationship between a tutor and the family. It not only gives a closer and more in depth indication on how their child is performing but also helps to evaluate the effectiveness of remote tuition.

If you need more information on remote tutoring and how it can benefit you or your child don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. You can always email us at info@gabbitas.com or call +44(0) 203 026 7443.