How The Pomodoro Technique Can Help You
In a recent article, I touched on the Pomodoro technique as a means of being productive when it comes to revision over the Easter break. But, such a fleeting mention doesn’t do justice to just how useful it can be.
The What
The Pomodoro Technique is a strategy aimed at helping people who struggle to focus for long periods and have a short attention span. If you get easily distracted, the Pomodoro is definitely for you. Developed in the 1980s by a University student who struggled to focus on his studies and assignments, the Pomodoro Technique is a strategy for doing work in short stretches. Twenty-five minutes of focus broken up by five-minute breaks, with a longer break of 15-30 minutes after every fourth stretch. It’s a technique that’s applicable beyond revision and can be applied to how you work, manage tasks, and helps you completely remove procrastination as a problem—which is an issue many of us deal with, especially when it comes to those things we just don’t want to do. By breaking tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks to deal with systematically, that mountain in front of you is reduced to a series of steps. It makes you more efficient, mitigates distraction and ultimately makes you much more accountable to yourself.
The How
The Pomodoro Technique is designed to get work done while preventing the chance of overwhelm or the temptation of distraction. It works best with a bit of preparation and with a timer beside you (that timer should not be your phone, we’re here to remove distractions not add them). To prepare, make a list of the tasks or a single large task broken down into smaller ones. Assemble everything you need and remove anything you don’t. What you’re going to do is flip your perspective from sitting down for the long haul and instead stack a series of small wins through short bursts of focused work with breaks in between.
Once you’re ready, the process is fairly straightforward:
STEP ONE: Choose the task.
STEP TWO: Set your timer and work ONLY on that singular task.
STEP THREE: Once the timer goes off take a five-minute break. Stretch your legs, grab a drink, or check your phone.
STEP FOUR: Repeat steps one to three FOUR times.
STEP FIVE: Take a longer break of between fifteen and thirty minutes. Have some lunch, walk the dog or meditate.
Keep working through the steps like a cycle as you progress through your to-do list, and you’ll soon find yourself racing through it. It may seem deceptively simple, but that’s why it works. The idea behind this method is that the timer instills a sense of urgency. Instead of sitting back with the whole day ahead of you, finding ways to put off the work, time is turned against you. The breaks are there to help you catch your breath and not burn out.
If a task overruns, simply pick it up on the next interval, while if you have tasks that you know won’t take long at all, group them. If you have a sudden revelation of something that needs doing, simply make a note and add it to the list to do later, don’t ruin your momentum by diving into that task immediately. And of course, there are always moments of unavoidable interruption. Whether it’s a knock at the door or being informed of an important phone call, it’s not the end of the world. Simply take that break there, and then start fresh with a new interval from there.
What if you finish that task before the timer is up? Don’t call it early, use your remaining time to brush up further on whatever that task is. Research it more or go over what you’ve done; you’re focused on that particular topic at that moment so it’s important to keep that focus.
Things To Note
This technique isn’t going to change your life and solve all your problems, but it can be a huge help if used properly. With that in mind, it’s important to note that it doesn’t apply to everything and has its limitations. Long-form writing isn’t always the best for this. To really get into the flow of a piece, you do need longer to get the thoughts out of your head, so save the Pomodoro technique for research, editing and planning. Timing-wise, while the windows are relatively short, as you adjust to the technique it’s important to consider lengthening the windows of focused work. As your attention span and working mind adjust to it, you’ll likely find that the short windows begin to hinder more than help and longer stints will be more beneficial. Indeed, with that in mind, you might just come to a point where one day, you may not need it.
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Exam Questions On The Horizon
It might only be March, and May may seem so far away, but two things are worth mentioning: it’s never too early to be exam-ready, and time moves faster than you think it does.
So while you’re stepping up your revision, one of the best and most effective approaches is getting stuck into past exam papers. You’ll have a lot of the fundamentals of whichever subject you’re tackling in your memory already, but these questions will test how you apply what you know. It’s not just about information retention, but how you can use it alongside your problem-solving skills to reach an answer. Don’t think of them as tests but as puzzles.
The Anatomy Of An Exam Question
First of all, let’s pull apart these questions, and typically how they’re put together and the big clues they contain that will tell you what kind of response examiners are looking for (unfortunately, it won’t outright tell you the answer, just how to structure it).
The Prompt: This is the stem, the important part of the question amongst all the jargon and other information you’re given. It’s here that you’ll find the core information and the context for the question. It’s also where the imperative verbs will be that will tell you how to answer it.
Imperative Verbs: pay attention to these, because they are the indicator of just how to go about it. ‘Describe’, ‘compare’, ‘evaluate’ and ‘justify’ will all demand different answers. ‘Describe’ simply wants you to explain, while ‘compare’ will want you to look at the differences between two sets of data/sources. ‘Evaluate’ is likely going to want to you point out the flaws and the strengths of a source and decide on its reliability, and ‘justify’ will be wanting you to back up your answer using evidence from the text. These are just a few examples, so be sure to make a note of all the different ones you run into when looking at past papers, you may just notice a trend.
Supplementary Materials: these will be your data sets/graphs/images/sources depending on the exam you’re taking. It’s important to take the time to give them a good read-through. Your impulse will be to do so quickly and the temptation will be there to skim. Don’t. You’ll run the risk of misreading the information and that can derail your entire answer.
Mark Allocation: Have a glance at the marks available for the question. While not applicable to all exams (those that require longer-form responses) these can be a good indicator of just how much time and effort is required. If there are only a couple of marks at stake and you’re scratching your head at the way to answer it, chances are you’re overthinking it.
Planning Makes Perfect
Be sure to spend a few minutes before writing your answer to plan out what you’re going to say. Jot down some key arguments and examples, and highlight anything you think could be relevant. Prioritise the points you think best fit the answer, and then write. Taking the time here will help focus your writing and stop you from meandering from your point. Plus, should you run out of time, that plan will point out where your answer is going. It may not have much of a bearing on your marks, but you can’t rule out the marker not taking it into account.
Timing
Spending too much time on one question has the consequence of leaving you considerably less time for any subsequent ones. If you’re struggling with a question, the next one you may find much easier—how you’ll kick yourself if you waste time on a lost cause when you could maximise your marks elsewhere on the paper! Two partially answered questions will net you more marks than one good one and one terrible one, bear that in mind.
Using your time wisely is very important, and while it’s understandable that exam situations can cause a bit of stress, and once you get momentum in a question you can lose track of that clock; discipline with your timing is one of the most valuable assets to have in an exam.
Cross Your ‘T’s, Dot Your ‘I’s
Keep in mind to leave yourself five minutes at the end to give your answers one last read-through to catch any errant spellings and missing punctuation. The amount of marks dropped for not adhering to the fundamentals of writing keeps teachers up at night, and you wouldn’t want to lose out on a grade because you misplaced too many commas.
Whatever You Do, Don’t Do Any Of These
Panic! Of course, that’s easier said than done, but keeping your cool will help you save precious time. You can help mitigate your angst by practicing exam papers under timed conditions. It won’t solve everything, but at least it will give you one less thing to be worried about.
Waffle! Keep in mind the points above, and don’t jump straight in to writing your answer, and you’ll do well to avoid this. Long answers that dance around the point don’t score as well as concise ones that are half the length.
Dwell on it. Coming out of the exam wondering what could have been and talking to your friends comparing answers is a great way to bring your mood down. Once time is up, there is nothing else you can do. Take a break, do something to take your mind off it—then on to the next one!
There’s plenty of time between now and the exam, so use it wisely. Just remember, whatever may come results day, if you can get to the end of May and tell yourself that you tried your very best, what else could you do? Nobody can ask more of you than that.
You’ve got this, good luck.
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How It Will Help You
How often do you think about the words you use in life? Not very often, probably. But subconsciously, your lexis (the words you choose to use) will change on the kind of discourse (the people and topic) you are having. This will affect the semantics (the meaning of the words you use) and these are words you likely haven’t heard of. Feel free to look them up and add them to your internal thesaurus, they might come in handy one day.
In simple terms, in every conversation you have, you will subconsciously change the words you will use to fit the people you’re talking to and the things you’re talking about. You’ll speak very differently to your friends than you do to a teacher. The same goes for writing. Why is this important? Well, depending on how good your vocabulary is, you could well be limiting yourself to who you talk to and the kinds of conversations you have. There are well-documented links about how people with higher vocabularies tend to do better academically, socially and in their careers.
Your vocabulary is your word bank and it is well worth investing in.
Having a wider and more diverse set of words at your disposal will make you more confident, and there are links between the number of words people know and how successful they are academically and in their careers. It’ll boost your writing and communication skills, as well as your critical thinking. Think of it as boosting your intelligence and charisma stats. So if you want to sound more intelligent and articulate your thoughts better, give these strategies below a try. They don’t take much, but even incorporating just a couple into your daily routine will end up paying off for you in the long run.
Reading (Obviously)
Reading is the best way to get exposure to a wider range of words and phrases. Sampling a variety of genres, fiction and non-fiction, you’ll pick up plenty of new words to use. If you’re a reluctant reader, just focus on a story you’d enjoy at first, like the book your favourite TV show as based on, or the biography of a celebrity or personality you’re a fan of. Start off with as little as a page a day before you go to sleep. The habit will come. Time isn’t an excuse, you can even read while you’re on the loo.
Writing
You might think this an odd one, because how can you expand your vocab by writing? True, you’re not actively taking on board new words and phrases but the act of writing reinforces your reading. You’ll start to see the words you’ve read and taken on subconsciously appear in your writing as you’re actively engaging with them. You’ll be able to apply these words in different contexts, which will further cement them in your brain as you understand their meaning. But what kind of writing? Any! Keep a journal, take notes on whatever it is you’re studying and re-write them in your own words. Not only will that help your studies but you’ll also be building that vocabulary of yours at the same time!
Word Games
Worldle, Wordscapes, Word Collect, Words With Friends. The clue is in the names and these are just four of the hundreds of games available for FREE on the Android and Apple store. The first three are all variations on a simple game of figuring out a series of words from a jumble of letters. You can work on your vocabulary and your critical thinking skills at the same time, figure out the easy ones you know first and then make educated guesses at the ones you don’t. They’re easy to play and great for filling five minutes here or there when you might be scrolling on TikTok instead.
Words With Friends, however, is a different beast altogether. And it is one to bring out the competitive side in anyone. Download it and challenge your friends to a game that is suspiciously similar to Scrabble without actually infringing on copyright somehow. It’s a nice easy game to play at your leisure and another way to challenge your friends and get them in on the act of bettering their vocabulary too. Who said learning can’t be fun?
A Word A Day
Merriam-Webster have one. Dictionary.com has its own and so does Wordsmith. These are all websites you can bookmark which have a new word every single day. Simply open it up, take the couple of seconds to read it and that’s a brand new word to add to your vocabulary. Not only that but there are apps for it too. Just jump onto your phone of choice’s app store and search for WordPal or Vocabulary (Yes, they are free as well!) and get them downloaded. If you wanted to take things a bit further, take a leaf out of the writing strategy and write the new word down a few times, maybe try it out in a few sentences with different contexts to really get it stuck in your mind. Again, a couple of minutes of investment here a day will have massive benefits in a couple of years’ time.
Simply Talking Will Improve Vocabulary Too
Talking is a great way to help add to and consolidate your vocabulary. Talking to people gives you the opportunity to properly express yourself with the right words. You’ll get immediate feedback too; if you use the wrong word in that situation, somebody will put you right and you’ll know for next time. Take the chance to talk to different people and in different circles. It will allow you to learn new slang words and colloquialisms (informal words used by particular cultures or groups) and experience different cultures too. Seek out people more intelligent than you as well. If you’re the one with the lesser knowledge in the room, you’re likely to learn a fair few new words and a lot more on top of that as well.
TL;DR
In short, increasing your vocabulary is only going to help you with your studies, your social life and your career. By adopting these five strategies into your daily routine, you can become more eloquent, express yourself in better and more intelligent ways and open doors to you that may not have been available before. All that with just the power of words.
If you are interested in studying English or English Literature, Oxford Home Schooling offer the chance to so at a variety of levels. Each available course is listed below. Click on any of those you are interested in to find out more. You can also Contact us by following this link.
Future Routes Open to You
“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
That’s a question we’ve all been asked more than once in our lives, and the answer often changes as we get older. But as you near the end of your education, you’re older and wiser, it comes down to either of two answers:
“I know exactly what I want to be!”
“I have no idea what I want to be!”
It’s important to stress that both of these answers are perfectly normal. There are plenty of people who don’t figure out what kind of career they want until they’re into their 30s—some even later than that. What you have right now is time. And so much of it. Right now, you may feel a lot of pressure to make a decision, like there is some unseen and foreboding clock counting down to a decision you feel massively unprepared to make. It’s not. Whether you know exactly where you want to go, haven’t given it much thought, or are currently panicked into choice paralysis, here are a few of your options explained to help you decide which one is best for you. The best for you right now, not necessarily forever.
16+
You’ve gotten through your GCSEs, but there’s still learning to do. Fortunately, you have a lot more choice in what you want to learn about and can shift your focus to the subjects or skills that you enjoy.
A-Levels are the most traditional route for pupils after their GCSEs. Each course is two years long and you’ll need to pick three of them to study. There is some wiggle room, as you can combine them with other qualifications too, depending on what you’re looking to study. A-levels are the next step for those looking to go to University.
T-Levels were brought about in 2020, with more and more subjects becoming available in colleges year on year. A T-Level is a two-year course that focuses on technical skills instead of academics. A T-Level pupil will spend most of their time in college, learning skills and developing their knowledge, and then spending a small part of their time on placement within their industry, getting valuable experience. After your T-levels, you can either choose to continue your employment or seek out further qualifications with technical courses or a degree. This is an option for those who prefer to be more hands-on in what they do.
Apprenticeships are on-the-job training. You’ll be paid while you learn and spend most of your time at work with a small amount of your time spent in an educational setting developing your knowledge and earning a qualification. These qualifications come in levels, with Level 2 being the same as a GCSE, and Level 3 equal to A- and T-Levels. You can find information about firms looking for apprentices locally, but your education provider should be able to support you in your search as well. This is perfect for those who never really felt like an academic environment was for them or just feel ready to get out into the working world.
18+
Congratulations, you’re free! You are no longer required by law to stay in education or training and as a result, your options are much broader. That can be a blessing or a curse, depending on which way you look at it. So let’s take a look at what you can do now:
Higher Education
Higher Education comes in the form of bachelor’s degrees and higher technical qualifications like Higher National Certificates and Higher National Diplomas. In most cases, these are offered by Universities on 3+ year courses. The delivery of these courses varies depending on what you choose. Some are purely lecture/seminar-based while others will have placements. What’s great about universities or further education colleges is that the courses they offer are often very flexible in their delivery. From full-time to part-time and even combined with a job in some cases. Yes, Higher Education can be expensive, but student loans are available and there is plenty of financial support available for those who need it. It’s well worth visiting these places when they have open days so that you can speak to students and staff and get a feel for the environment. It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions about the course (and any advice on getting financial support such as bursaries etc.).
Entry-Level Work
With your A-Levels, you’re set to apply for entry-level jobs and start your career. There’s a lot to choose from, but it’s important to note that what’s available to you will vary depending on where you live. Don’t let that limit you though. If you’re willing to brave a commute, you can save on rail fares with a 16-25 Rail Card. Take a look at this explore careers section on the National Careers Service website. It has a pretty extensive list of categories of work and the jobs they entail. It’s always good to know just how many options there are out there.
Gap Year
Find yourself. Travel a bit. Volunteer. Shadow people in areas you are interested in. These are all things you can do in a gap year. It’s a choice that is becoming more popular as young people are seeing the value in taking a gap year. It provides a unique opportunity for personal growth and allows young people to gain a bit more ‘real-world’ experience, get a bit of independence, and develop some resilience. Plus, it can be a nice break after 13 years in education, so why rush straight into a few more?
The Choice Is Yours
Hopefully, this has helped clear away a bit of the fog surrounding what you can do next. But remember, regardless of how sure you are of where you want to go or what you want to do, there’s no need to rush. Take the time you need to be as prepared as you can for whatever is to come—and don’t forget to take a moment to appreciate what you’ve already achieved. If you’re looking for more information, head over to Talking Futures, a great website with plenty of information and resources for young adults (and their parents too) looking at their next steps.
Good luck!
If you are taking your GCSE exams this year and wondering about doing an A level afterwards, Oxford Home Schooling offer the opportunity to attain one in a number of subjects. You can see which by following the link here. You can also speak to a student adviser for ,ore information, in which case you can do so via the following web page: Contact Us.
Here we are again, in the month of love – February.
For many, the 14th of this month is synonymous with Valentine’s Day. It’s hard to avoid it, to be honest, with the shiny red displays in supermarkets, with glossy hearts and cuddling teddy bears – as soon as Christmas is out of the way, the shelves are full of all things love-related. But wait. Is the most important thing about February Valentine’s Day? No, actually, it isn’t. This year, we even have an extra day, with 2024 being a leap year. However, this blog isn’t about the 29th – it’s about International Book-Giving Day, which is also celebrated on 14th February.
International B00k-Giving Day
I love giving books as gifts just as much as I love receiving them. I love sharing a favourite read with a friend, or adding to someone’s coffee table collection of beautiful hard-backs. There are so many books out there – literally, something for everyone – that gifting them is a wonderful thing to do. And if you are averse to everything that Valentine’s Day promises, it could be a perfect alternative to celebrate midway through it. Of course, you could even combine your love for someone with a gift of a book – probably much better than a red rose or a satin heart. Didn’t Carol Ann Duffy make similar claims in her poem ‘Valentine’?
And or Or
International Book-Giving Day came about because a group of passionate individuals wanted reading to be celebrated. Now, it is recognised around the globe and people participate in different ways. Yes, you can go to your local book shop and buy your favourite read to give to someone else – but it’s not just this. You could donate some books to a charity shop or your local library. You might choose to leave a book or two in secret spots around your town – perhaps posting about it on social media to generate more interest. We have many other book events which celebrate reading in various forms, but this particular day focuses on giving book(s) to someone else, be it an individual or an organisation. Sharing a book equates to sharing a love of reading.
So, when February 14th rolls around, don’t think it’s all about sickly-sweet cards and stuffed fabric hearts. Think about books, and what they can offer, and how they can change someone’s life. If you love reading, share this passion with someone else. Reading is, without a doubt, a brilliant way of taking someone on a different journey.
If you are interested in studying English or English Literature as a subject with Oxford Home Schooling, we offer a number of courses at a variety of levels. You can click on any of those listed below to find out more. You can also find our Contact Us page here.
You will know what I mean when I say time flies. It probably seems only a couple of weeks ago that we were back in the lighter, sunnier days of early summer, and you had just sat your GCSE exams. Yet it was several months, and suddenly the time has come to resit them. Doing so is nothing to be ashamed of – you are just having another go in November – and hopefully the results, which won’t be published until early 2024, will be what you are wanting.
Don’t Reflect On Resits
For many, though, the period between these exams and results day can be painful. It’s a waiting game that you’d rather not be part of. One piece of advice I think is crucial is this: as soon as you have completed the resits, try to forget about them. Now, I know this is easier said than done – often, we dissect what we have written and talk to others about responses. We try to ascertain how many marks we might have got and hope, obviously, that a good pass is on the cards.
Adopting this retrospective approach, however, isn’t that helpful. It doesn’t change what has been done, what has been written in the examinations, so it is better to move on without dwelling too much on what you have written. You may, for example, over-think what you did with that work on algebra; or maybe you think your creative writing could have been more imaginative, or the spellings more ambitious. Again, the main thing to remember is that this won’t change anything. All it does is take up unnecessary brain space and make you tired and stressed. It is better to wait until exam results are released and deal with anything important then.
Compartmentalise
After the November resits, you may have a little more free time, depending on your own educational situation. Use this wisely. Perhaps you can invest time in studying for other subjects that might previously have been neglected. With the end of the year approaching, you will likely have other things on your mind, too, such as seasonal festivities. You don’t want to spoil any good times by worrying about examination results. Promise yourself you won’t deal with any results day anxiety until nearer the time. Put any doubt ‘to bed’, so to speak. Compartmentalising your thoughts in this way can be useful.
Results Day
Results day will likely be early-mid January. At least then you should be refreshed and ready for what that email or envelope says. If you’re inclined to over-worry about your resit results, just remember: having done well is great, but if not, it isn’t the end of the world. You can still resit in the summer – even though this might not be ideal, it is certainly possible. Concentrate on enjoying your life and hold on to the positive thought that you will get there eventually.
Learning Another Language
Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s a gateway to new cultures, opportunities, and perspectives. Today, September 26th, we celebrate the European Day of Languages, a day dedicated to recognising the value of multilingualism and language diversity.
In a world so connected, any country on the globe is no more than a few clicks away. With that in mind, the ability to speak multiple languages is a valuable asset that can open doors to personal growth and career success. In this blog post, we’ll explore the numerous benefits of being multilingual and where it can take you in your career.
Enhanced Communication Skills
Learning another language is a journey that sharpens your communication skills. Whether you’re conversing with native speakers, navigating through a foreign country, or collaborating with international colleagues, multilingualism enables you to express yourself more effectively and build deeper connections. You not only learn words and grammar but also gain insight into the nuances of culture and social norms, allowing you to communicate more sensitively and persuasively.
Cultural Awareness And Sensitivity
Language and culture are intertwined, and learning a new language often involves immersing yourself in the traditions, values, and customs of a particular community. This exposure fosters cultural awareness and sensitivity, which are invaluable in our globalised world. Being attuned to cultural differences can help you avoid misunderstandings and miscommunications and make a positive impression when interacting with people from diverse backgrounds.
Increased Cognitive Abilities
Studies have shown that multilingualism can boost cognitive abilities. Learning and using multiple languages stimulates the brain, improving problem-solving skills, multitasking abilities, and even delaying age-related cognitive decline. It’s like giving your brain a regular workout, keeping it agile and adaptable.
Career Mobility
Being multilingual can enhance your career mobility. In some industries, opportunities for advancement and leadership positions may be more readily available to those who can communicate with a broader range of people and cultures. Multilingual employees are often considered for international assignments and can work in various regions around the world.
Knowing multiple languages can be a game-changer in the business world. It facilitates effective negotiation, market research, and relationship-building with international clients and partners. Companies often seek multilingual professionals to expand their global reach and compete in international markets.
In a job interview, having proficiency in a second or third language can set you apart from other candidates. Employers see it as a sign of adaptability, dedication, and an ability to take on challenges. It can be the differentiating factor that lands you the job.
Personal Enrichment
Beyond the career benefits, being multilingual is personally enriching. It allows you to enjoy literature, films, music, and art from different cultures in their original forms. It also enables you to connect with people on a deeper level when travelling or engaging in cultural exchanges. Learning another language can be a fulfilling and lifelong pursuit.
Making A Positive Impact
Being multilingual can empower you to make a positive impact on the world. You can volunteer or work for organisations that focus on international development, humanitarian aid, or refugee assistance. Your language skills can be a lifeline for those in need, and you can contribute to bridging linguistic and cultural gaps.
Where You Can Make That Impact
It’s all well and good talking about what you can do but where can you actually put that second (or third) language to good use? As it turns out, there are a fair few places where such a skill is invaluable:
Multinational Corporations: Tech giants, international banks, and automotive companies value employees who can communicate with international clients and partners.
Government Agencies: Foreign ministries, embassies, and customs and border protection agencies require bilingual professionals for international affairs and diplomacy.
International Organisations: The United Nations, WHO, and EU employ multilingual staff to carry out global missions.
Healthcare Institutions: Hospitals, clinics and medical facilities need bilingual medical staff and interpreters.
Educational Institutions: Schools, universities, and language institutes hire bilingual teachers and coordinators for language programs.
Translation and Localisation Companies: Firms specialising in translation and localisation actively seek bilingual professionals.
Nonprofit Organisations: NGOs involved in international development and humanitarian aid rely on bilingual professionals.
Media and Broadcasting: News organisations and media companies seek bilingual journalists and content creators for global coverage.
Start Your Journey Today
The European Day of Languages is a reminder of the rich tapestry of languages that make up our world. Embracing multilingualism is not just about learning words; it’s about embracing the richness of human culture and enhancing your own life in the process.
Whether you’re a student, a professional, or someone passionate about lifelong learning, consider the multitude of benefits that come with being multilingual. It’s a journey that opens doors, fosters understanding, and empowers you to navigate our diverse and interconnected global community with confidence and grace.
So, on this special day, take a moment to celebrate the languages you know and to consider the languages you’d like to explore in the future. Each language you learn is a new world waiting to be discovered, and the journey is as rewarding as the destination. Happy European Day of Languages!
The Exciting Next Stage Of Your Education
Back to school isn’t easy for anyone. It often brings a sense of dread, knowing that the summer has come to an end and the new school year is about to start. This applies to teachers, too! It’s like having the Sunday night feeling but a lot worse. So, if you are feeling anxious about the start of a new school year, don’t fret – you are certainly not alone. Still, the jump from Primary to secondary level education can inspire a lot more trepidation.
For those leaving their primary education behind, it is likely to be more daunting. Up until the end of Year 6, there is an element of comfort: generally, if you have been in school, you will have had one main teacher, for example. If you have been home-schooled, you might have been used to studying at a different pace. One thing you might be pleased about is saying goodbye to the Year 6 SATs!
Starting secondary-level work in Year 7 can be a worry for some. It is likely to mean moving on to the next stage of your life with subject content that is different and often more challenging. Of course, this is very exciting, although it might not always feel like that.
Things That Change At Secondary Level
Studying a secondary-level course as a home-schooled pupil might mean you will have a very different sort of timetable – perhaps you will have 5 or 6 different subjects, and teachers to communicate with, regularly. You might even be learning things you have never thought about before, depending on your own situation. For example, in English, you might be working on a module about Shakespeare, or studying a novel you have never heard of. Whatever your personal circumstances, you are likely to rise to the challenge and move forward on your journey successfully.
Of course, for some of you, you might be extending the next stage of your home-school journey. Perhaps you are enrolling in different Year 7 courses, and having contact with different teachers. The content of what you are learning will be more challenging and this can be hard, particularly at the beginning when everything is very new. But give it time and things you will soon settle in with the changes. Remember: you are not alone. Your teachers will help you to settle in and will be available if you have any queries or questions.
So, if you are about to embark on the move from Year 6 to Year 7, enjoy it. I won’t say ‘good luck’ because it isn’t about luck – it’s more about embracing a new situation and enjoying the next stage of your learning experience.
A CV Guide for A-Level Students
Crafting an effective curriculum vitae (CV) is essential when applying for a job. While it’s important to include relevant information that highlights your skills and qualifications, it is equally so to know what to exclude. By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can ensure your CV remains focused, professional, and impactful.
Enough About You
When it comes to personal information in your CV, less is more. Avoid including irrelevant details such as your social media handles, hobbies and interests, etc. Focus on the essentials.
• A brief and concise statement summarising your skills, experiences, and career aspirations is appropriate. However, avoid overly personal or subjective statements that do not directly relate to the position you’re applying for. Keep it brief and consider the impact, e.g., during my time at X, I did Y which resulted in Z.
• Unless explicitly requested, refrain from including a photograph. In some countries it is mandatory, but not in the UK.
• Hobbies and interests: While it is acceptable to include relevant hobbies and interests that showcase transferable skills or highlight your personality, be selective. Avoid listing generic or unrelated activities that do not add value to your application. Only include those that have a direct relation to the role.
Achievements
As an A-Level student, your CV won’t exactly be full of achievements, so there can be the temptation to pad it out with everything right down to Primary school. Don’t. Again, less is more. Minimise the emphasis on anything below GCSE, unless they directly relate to the position or course you are applying for.
Coursework can be useful. If you have a particular piece or project that relates to a role you’re going for, absolutely incorporate it. But, avoid listing every single coursework or assignment completed. Employers care about what you can do not what you have done. Keep that in mind when picking accomplishments that best showcase your skillset.
Every Word Counts
Using generic statements and buzzwords can dilute the impact of your CV and make it less memorable. Avoid the following:
• Clichéd phrases: Phrases such as “team player,” “good communication skills,” or “detail-oriented” have become overused and lack specificity. Instead, provide concrete examples and accomplishments that demonstrate these qualities.
• Industry jargon: While it is essential to demonstrate your familiarity with the industry, avoid excessive use of technical jargon, especially when there’s a good chance you’re not going to know that much about the industry given your level of experience at your age. Keep things simple and use clear and concise language that can be easily understood.
• Empty buzzwords: Avoid using buzzwords or trendy phrases that do not add substance to your CV. Instead, focus on conveying your unique strengths and accomplishments in a meaningful way.
It is vital to know what NOT to include in your CV. By omitting irrelevant personal information and avoiding generic statements and buzzwords, you can create a focused and impactful CV. Remember, your CV should highlight your relevant qualifications and experiences, enabling employers or admissions committees to assess your suitability for the position or course. Following these tips will give you an advantage over other applicants.
Best of luck in the job hunt!
Asteroids Have Long Fascinated Us
Have you ever wanted to discover more about asteroids? These rocky objects which orbit the Sun are frequently mentioned in the news, with sightings of expected ‘near’ approaches to Earth eagerly tracked by scientists. You may wonder what asteroids are and where they come from. And even how you can track them, if you’re an eager stargazer. This article helps to get you started.
What Is An Asteroid?
They are small rocky objects which orbit the Sun, believed to be amongst the most ancient matter in our solar system, the result of its early formation about 4.6 billion years ago. By comparison, most dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago, which itself is often attributed to an asteroid strike, specifically a six-mile-wide asteroid called Chicxulub, which went hurtling into the sea off the east coast of what is now Mexico.
Where Can They Be Found?
Most reside in the aptly named asteroid belt, which is a region of space populated by millions of asteroids, located between the inner and outer planets. The main belt is situated between Mars’s and Jupiter’s orbits.
What Are They Made Of?
According to NASA, asteroids are believed to be dark in appearance and made of clay and silicate rocks. They have been classified into three types:
- C-Type (carbonaceous) asteroids. These make up the majority of asteroids and are in the outer belt.
- S-type. The Bright S (silicaceous) asteroids in the inner belt.
- M-type. Metallic asteroids situated in the middle of the asteroid belt and mostly made up of metallic iron.
How Is An Asteroid Different From A Meteor?
A meteor is the result of a small piece of an asteroid or comet, called a meteoroid, burning up upon entering Earth’s atmosphere. If a piece of a meteoroid manages to hit the earth without burning up entirely, the piece that remains after doeing so is called a meteorite. There is an article on meteors and meteorites which you can also read on our site here.
Can Asteroids Be Seen With The Naked Eye?
Asteroids reflect sunlight just like the planets do, which means that yes, if you have a suitable telescope then you can observe them from Earth.
How Many Asteroids Are There?
According to NASA, the main asteroid belt is estimated to contain between 1.1 and 1.9 million asteroids larger than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles) in diameter, and millions of smaller ones.
Are There Any Near Earth?
According to online sources, there are believed to be over 30,503 known near-Earth asteroids (NEAs).
Do We Have Any Coming Close to Earth?
The most recent asteroid pass was by one named 2023 LZ, which flew inside the moon’s orbit on the 14th of June this year. It had a span of about 10 to 32 metres and at its nearest point was about 197,000 miles (317,000 km) from Earth’s surface, which was considered relatively close. In truth, we can only see how close an asteroid is as our current technology can allow – we can see a lot from a distance, but not all. When considering the speed at which they travel and that there are so many of them to watch, this question is a difficult one to answer.
What Are The Largest Asteroids In Our Solar System?
In order, the largest are believed to be Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, Hygiea and Interamnia. Ceres is 583.7 miles and was first discovered by Giuseppe Piazzi on January 1, 1801 and was named in honour of the Roman goddess of agriculture. The top four make up about half of the mass of the entire asteroid belt.
Can An Asteroid Become A Dwarf Planet?
This has happened. For example, Ceres was classed as an asteroid but is very different and so much bigger from nearby asteroids that it was given classification as a dwarf planet in 2006 by scientists. Other dwarf planets include Pluto, Eris and Makemake.
If you’d like to find out more, The NASA website has an excellent asteroid tracker ‘Eyes on Asteroids’ for avid space watchers. You can learn more about asteroids and check the ‘Asteroid Watch’ section which shows which asteroids will have the closest approaches to Earth.
