‘Exam season’ is fast approaching. As a parent, it is a stressful time.

This summer, our GCSE aged students will sit between a whopping 18-25 examinations. And given that these exams are crammed into a 4 week period, it means that our children will sit at least 1 exam a day for a sustained period of time. Quite understandably, this is supremely stressful. And as a parent, managing their nerves is difficult.

Parents often share with me that they feel helpless at this time in their child’s life. They can help with making revision timetables, give encouraging words and provide regular cups of tea, but beyond that it is tricky to know what to do in a meaningful way. Schools are getting better at communicating with parents about how they can get involved, but this too often feels like a minefield of information.

This is one of the reasons why we started our online English teaching lessons. Please allow me to explain…

 After 25 years in the classroom, I know how overwhelmed our Y11 students feel as we approach the summer ‘exam season’. I also know that I will give them a plethora of revision tips and materials for them to complete at home. However, their 15 other teachers will also be doing the same thing. The student gets home after a full day of learning and often panics about where to begin.

By having a regular, weekly online slot with an experienced English teacher, students feel secure that their English revision is structured for them. They appreciate the guidance and it is one less thing for them to worry about (or 4 less things given there are 4 exams for English).

 As well as  revising content for the English exams, in our online English tutor lessons we also teach them tried and tested strategies for each question. We break each exam section down for them into manageable, bite-sized chunks. We give them specific ways they can approach each part of their English exams and we show them how to write their answers to each question. Psychologically, this concrete guidance is as important as anything else. We know what works and we know how children need to learn in their final few months before their GCSEs begin.

And that is why we started our English tutoring online business. We know we can help parents to help their son or daughter this summer. Just as we might employ a physiotherapist to help with a stubborn injury, why not employ an English tutor to help with 4 stubborn English examinations this summer!