Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders: Strategies to Nurture Critical Thinking & Self-Leadership Skills in Your Child

Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders: Strategies to Nurture Critical Thinking & Self-Leadership Skills in Your Child

Improving academic attainment Parents

In today’s rapidly changing world, it’s become increasingly important to equip our children with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. With the rising trend of companies adopting flexible workplaces, the demand for critical thinking and leadership skills as essential soft skills is increasing.

The Future of Jobs Report 2023 highlights the importance of workers’ ability to adapt to disrupted workplaces. Critical thinking and self-leadership skills are among the top core skills. Therefore, developing self-leadership skills and critical thinking is crucial for adolescents in preparation for adulthood to address the skills gap.

As technology advances and reshapes industries, employers increasingly seek individuals who can adapt, think independently, and take initiative. Therefore, cultivating these skills in your teen can help them become the leaders of tomorrow. 

Understanding Critical Thinking and Self-Leadership

Critical thinking is the ability to analyse, evaluate, and interpret information logically and objectively. It involves questioning assumptions, considering different perspectives, and making informed decisions based on evidence and reasoning. 

Critical thinking enhances understanding of complex issues, enabling effective problem-solving and sound judgment. It plays a crucial role in personal growth by fostering intellectual curiosity, expanding knowledge, and enhancing problem-solving skills. 

Furthermore, critical thinking promotes creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking – highly desired by employers who appreciate adaptable employees in dynamic work settings.

On the other hand, self-leadership refers to taking charge of one’s actions, thoughts, and emotions. It involves setting goals, managing time effectively, staying motivated, and taking responsibility for personal development. 

Self-leadership empowers individuals to identify their strengths and weaknesses, capitalise on growth opportunities, and overcome challenges proactively. 

Self-leadership skills empower teens to be proactive in personal growth and career pursuits through self-motivation, time management, and goal setting. By mastering effective task and responsibility management, they are more prepared for the challenges of the modern workplace.

Your teen can improve their employability by fostering self-leadership and critical thinking in adolescence. These skills enable personal growth, independence, resilience, and a continuous learning mindset, which are crucial for professional and adult success.

 

Creating a Supportive Environment

Creating a supportive environment is crucial in developing teenagers’ critical thinking and self-leadership skills. When teens feel supported, they are more likely to express their thoughts and opinions freely without fear of judgment or rejection. This freedom allows them to explore different perspectives, question assumptions, and develop critical thinking abilities. 

A supportive environment nurtures self-confidence and encourages ownership of choices and actions, fostering the development of essential self-leadership skills. Parents can empower teens to become independent thinkers and leaders by creating a safe space for growth.

Create a supportive environment to nurture your teen’s critical thinking and self-leadership skills. Encourage an inclusive atmosphere that values and respects diverse opinions to encourage open-mindedness. Encourage teenagers to engage in discussions, debates, and problem-solving activities that require them to consider different perspectives. Exposing them to various viewpoints helps broaden their thinking and develop their critical thinking skills.

To foster these skills, give teens autonomy with boundaries: let them make decisions and take responsibility within appropriate limits. This helps promote self-leadership skills as they learn to evaluate options, plan, and navigate through challenges independently. Allow them to explore their interests, set goals, and make choices while providing guidance when needed.

Creating a supportive environment that nurtures critical thinking and self-leadership skills requires consistent effort and involvement from parents, educators, and mentors. By implementing these tips, you can empower teens to develop these essential life skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. 

At GT Scholars, we have found that a supportive environment is one of the critical foundations to achieving success in school and beyond, and it is why it forms part of the GT Scholars Success Habits Framework. You can find out more about the 9 Scholar Success Habits by watching the free expert-led parent webinar here

 

Encouraging Curiosity and Exploration

Encouraging curiosity and exploration is vital in developing teenagers’ critical thinking and self-leadership skills. A curious teen will naturally ask questions, seek knowledge, and explore different perspectives. 

Leaders with a curious mindset will inquire about relevant matters, delve into novel theories, and uncover innovative solutions to long-standing issues. The world needs creative thinkers who can solve complex problems known as wicked problems such as poverty or environmental degradation. 

Cultivating curiosity empowers teens with essential life skills and helps them become self-directed leaders who can confidently navigate complexities. Curious leaders tend to learn from errors, be receptive to feedback, and be open to coaching.

Encouraging activities stimulating curiosity can significantly develop teenagers’ self-leadership and critical thinking skills. Encouraging diverse literature, reading challenges perspectives, broadens understanding, and fosters empathy.

Alternatively, engaging in scientific experiments or STEM-related activities allows teenagers to explore their interests, ask questions, and develop problem-solving skills. Additionally, encouraging them to explore new hobbies or pursue creative endeavours helps foster curiosity by allowing them to discover new passions and develop innovative thinking. 

Parents can support their teenagers in developing self-leadership, critical thinking, and curiosity by providing opportunities for these activities.

 

Developing Problem-Solving Skills

Effective problem-solving techniques can benefit teenagers by nurturing their critical thinking and self-leadership skills. One such technique is the “5 Whys” method, which encourages teenagers to dig deep into the root cause of a problem by repeatedly asking “why” until they reach the core issue. This approach promotes analytical thinking and helps them understand the situation more deeply.

Analytical thinking is regarded as the most sought-after skill by many companies compared to any other skill. On average, it makes up around 9% of the core skills that companies prioritise. 

In addition, brainstorming is a valuable problem-solving technique, where teenagers are encouraged to generate a wide range of ideas without judgment. By exploring different perspectives and possibilities, they enhance their creativity and expand their problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, encouraging teenagers to break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts through techniques like mind mapping or creating checklists can help them approach problem-solving in a structured manner.

Furthermore, teaching teenagers to apply logical reasoning and evaluate potential solutions based on pros and cons can contribute to their critical thinking development. By weighing different options against various criteria, they learn how to make informed decisions considering short-term and long-term consequences.

Lastly, fostering self-leadership skills involves empowering teenagers to take ownership of their problems and develop solutions independently.

Encouraging goal-setting, action planning, and progress reflection builds resilience and self-confidence in facing challenges directly.

By introducing these effective problem-solving techniques suitable for teenagers, we can help them nurture critical thinking skills and develop self-leadership abilities that will benefit them in solving problems and various aspects of their lives. We help scholars develop leadership abilities as a part of the GT Scholars Success Habits Masterclass. You can learn more about how we foster leadership skills in our scholars by watching the free expert-led parent webinar here.

Picture this scenario: your teenager encounters a conflict with a friend at school. Instead of seeking your intervention, they take a moment to assess the situation, consider different perspectives, and identify solutions. This process empowers them to think critically about their actions’ causes and consequences. 

As they navigate challenges like these, their confidence grows, and they become more adept at taking charge of their lives. By encouraging problem-solving skills, you are fostering their self-leadership and enhancing their capacity to handle real-life situations with maturity and competence.

 

Nurturing Emotional Intelligence

Developing emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership. Nurturing emotional intelligence can enhance their self-leadership skills. By understanding and regulating their emotions, teenagers can make better decisions, manage stress, and maintain composure in challenging situations. 

Additionally, empathising with others allows them to build stronger relationships and resolve conflicts harmoniously. Developing emotional intelligence helps teenagers enhance their self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship-management skills – all crucial for effective self-leadership. According to The Future of Jobs, Report 2023, these are the basis of the attitudes in the top 10 core skills needed. Therefore, emotional intelligence is a great skill to develop in your teen. 

As parents, you can help cultivate emotional intelligence in your teens in several ways. One practical approach is through empathy-building exercises. Encourage your teens to engage in activities like volunteering or participating in community projects to promote understanding and compassion towards others.

Additionally, fostering self-awareness is vital. Encourage open communication with your teens, create a safe space to express their emotions, and help them reflect on their feelings and actions. By actively promoting empathy-building exercises and self-awareness, parents can play a significant role in enhancing emotional intelligence in their teenagers.

 

Building Resilience and Adaptability

Resilience plays a crucial role in developing leadership skills among teenagers. As they navigate the challenges and uncertainties of adolescence, cultivating resilience enables them to bounce back from setbacks effectively, adapt to change, and persevere in the face of adversity. 

By learning to overcome obstacles and handle stressful situations with resilience, teens can enhance their ability to lead confidently and responsibly. Fostering resilience in leadership development equips teenagers with the necessary tools to overcome challenges and persevere through failure. 

Encouraging your teen to embrace failure and see setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow can help build their resilience. Help them set realistic goals that challenge them and allow for progress and achievement. 

Foster a growth mindset by emphasising the power of effort, perseverance, and continuous learning. Celebrate their actions rather than just focusing on outcomes, and provide a supportive environment where they feel safe to take risks and explore new possibilities.

By practising these strategies, you can empower your teen to become resilient and adaptable, prepared to navigate life’s challenges confidently. Building Grit and Resilience are only one aspect of helping your teen succeed in school and beyond. Find out what other elements make up the secret to success in our blog here

 

Fostering Collaboration Skills,

Harvard Career Expert Heidi K. Gardner says collaboration is the most sought-after skill in the workplace. Brilliant collaborators are in high demand in the workforce. Their ability to produce superior outcomes, advance quickly within the organisation, attract the attention of senior management, and satisfy clients gives them a competitive advantage over others. 

Working together as a team fosters a sense of unity and promotes effective problem-solving. It allows different perspectives to come together, resulting in more innovative solutions and better decision-making.

Parents can empower their teens to become influential leaders who value collaboration and teamwork by creating a supportive environment where everyone’s strengths are recognized and utilized.

Encouraging teamwork and cooperation from a young age can benefit teenagers in various aspects of their lives. Teamwork and collaboration play a vital role in developing leadership skills, and parents can help their teens understand the significance of these qualities. 

For example, group projects are an effective way to encourage collaboration in your teen. These projects allow teens to work together, assigning tasks, sharing responsibilities, and brainstorming ideas collectively. By working towards a common goal, teenagers learn to respect different perspectives and value the contributions of others. 

Alternatively, you can foster collaboration through community involvement. Encouraging teens to participate in community service initiatives or volunteer work allows them to collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds while positively impacting society. Our blog on how to make your school a better place is a great way to develop these collaboration skills. Read more here

Furthermore, organising a charity event or participating in a local clean-up campaign help build teamwork skills while instilling empathy and social responsibility in teenagers. Group projects and community involvement activities empower teens to become effective collaborators who can academically and socially thrive.

As parents, you play a crucial role in shaping your teens’ lives and preparing them for adulthood. By teaching these skills to your teen, you empower them to flourish, shape, and make positive contributions to their communities and the world.

Moreover, by fostering your teen’s skill development and decision-making, you can empower them to become confident leaders of tomorrow. Developing these skills brings rewards such as confidence, academic and professional success, and personal growth.

Helping Your Child with Time Management: 5 Gentle Approach Techniques

Helping Your Child with Time Management: 5 Gentle Approach Techniques

Improving academic attainment Parents

As parents, we want to see our children succeed and thrive. But in today’s world of constant distractions and endless responsibilities, it can be challenging for teenagers to stay on top of their tasks. As a parent, you may be familiar with habits such as procrastination. It may seem your child lacks urgency when it comes to completing homework and other tasks. You may feel their time could be better spent on more important things. You may also believe their time management skills could use some improvement.

Time management is a critical skill that young people need to develop from a young age since it helps them become more organised, efficient, and better equipped to handle their responsibilities. It also ensures they complete school assignments on time, reducing the stress and anxiety of last-minute rushing.

However many young people struggle with time management, but like any other skill, there are ways to develop and improve your teen’s time management skills. Effective time management is a strategy that forms part of the 9 Scholar Success Habits at GT Scholars. If you are looking for ways to help your teen manage their time more effectively, this free expert-led webinar will show you how to do that! 

As a parent, you play a vital role in developing this skill in your child. However, it’s imperative to be mindful of your approach when teaching your child these skills. When introducing new skills to teens, it is essential to use a gentle approach. Teenagers are looking for autonomy and opportunities to express their independence. 

Therefore, teaching time management requires a gentle and supportive approach that encourages their growth rather than overwhelming them. This helps build their confidence and encourages them to take the initiative without feeling pressured or rushed. 

In this blog, we will explore five gentle approach techniques to help your teen master the art of time management and achieve their goals. 

Use These 5 Gentle Approach Techniques to Help Your Child With Time Management

1. Help Your Child Set Realistic Expectations and Goals

Age and abilities are essential factors to consider when setting expectations for your child. Young people often struggle with managing their time due to unrealistic expectations. Setting realistic goals and expectations is essential based on their age and abilities. 

Unreasonable expectations of parents often stem from a place of love and the desire to see their child succeed. However, even mindful parents can unintentionally fall into this trap. Expecting your children to excel in multiple areas, such as academics, sports, and art, simultaneously can create excessive stress and strain on them.

When setting expectations, it’s important to be specific and realistic. Start by breaking down the task or homework into manageable chunks, and communicate what you expect your child to accomplish each day or week. Be sure to provide clear guidelines on completing the task and any deadlines that may apply.

It’s also helpful to involve your child in setting expectations, especially for older children. Encourage them to share their input on what they believe is reasonable and achievable while offering guidance where necessary.

Consider creating a visual chart or checklist to track progress towards completing tasks and responsibilities. This can help your child develop a sense of accomplishment as they work towards meeting their goals.

Finally, provide positive reinforcement when your child meets or exceeds expectations. This will encourage them to continue developing good time management habits and taking ownership of their responsibilities.

By doing so, your child can focus on one step at a time, reducing feelings of stress and increasing productivity. Setting realistic and attainable targets creates a positive environment that boosts their confidence and motivation.

 

2. Establish a Routine and Create a Visual Schedule

Establishing a consistent routine is important for time management because it helps create structure and predictability, making it easier to prioritise tasks and allocate time effectively. Work with your child to establish a daily routine with designated times for homework, chores, extracurricular activities, meals, and relaxation. 

Ensure that the routine is realistic and allows for flexibility when necessary. A well-established routine can help your child develop a sense of discipline and responsibility towards managing their time effectively. A consistent and well-planned routine can assist in maintaining children’s calm demeanour. Having a routine, they know what is expected of them next, promoting a sense of tranquillity. 

Furthermore, when they have a clear step-by-step plan to follow, this encourages productivity and goal achievement. Understanding their responsibilities and adhering to a structured routine can help children succeed in various areas. Help your child create a visual schedule using a whiteboard, a poster, or a digital calendar. Involve them in the process by allowing them to choose the preferred plan and let them help personalise and personalise it.

Visual schedules provide a clear overview of the day or week, helping your child develop a sense of structure and time awareness and work well with a routine. This schedule should be in your child’s study room so they can see it daily. Make sure to encourage your child to update it regularly.

 

3. Teach Your Child How to Prioritise Their Tasks 

Teaching your child how to prioritise tasks is an invaluable lesson in time management. Teach them to identify urgent tasks that require immediate attention and essential duties that must be completed within a specific timeframe. 

Teaching your child how to manage their time effectively, especially when completing multiple tasks, is important. They can avoid the stress and pressure of last-minute work by prioritising assignments due sooner. Encourage your child to list all their tasks and break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This will help them see the bigger picture and identify which tasks require immediate attention and which can be tackled over time. 

Additionally, it’s crucial to help your child understand the difference between urgent and important tasks. Urgent tasks have strict deadlines or consequences if not completed promptly, while important tasks may not have a deadline but are necessary for long-term success or well-being. Mastering the skills of task prioritisation and time management can bring lifelong benefits as they are closely related. It boosts efficiency and gives individuals the authority to manage their time as they desire.

Being able to prioritise tasks is crucial in accomplishing long-term objectives. By prioritising, we can work efficiently and fit multiple tasks quickly, bringing us closer to achieving our goals. Hence, teaching children how to prioritise tasks, set goals, focus, organise, and develop other related skills is imperative to help them in the long run. This quote by Paul J. Meyer summarises the benefits of time management: 

“Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort” – Paul J. Meyer. 

For instance, a child who wants to get into a top university should have a flawless resume that showcases academic excellence, enthusiasm, and extracurricular activities. Techniques for prioritising teach practical time management skills.

By empowering your child with these skills, they will develop valuable life skills that will serve them well in school and beyond. By guiding them in making thoughtful decisions about their priorities, you empower them to use their time efficiently.

 

4. Encourage Your Child to Take Breaks in Between Tasks

Taking breaks is essential to any effective study routine for young people. Understanding that the human brain can only focus on a task for a while before it starts to tire is crucial. Working in intervals of time is recommended, as research has shown that taking breaks between these intervals can improve focus. 

Regular breaks can help refresh your child’s mind and keep them motivated and productive throughout their study sessions. Neglecting to take breaks can lead to burnout, fatigue, and reduced concentration, ultimately affecting academic performance.

Notably, taking breaks also helps your child retain information better. When they take a break from studying, the brain has time to process what they have learned. This means that when they return to their books or notes, they are more likely to remember what they had previously studied. Also, breaks allow them to reflect on their learning and consider how different concepts connect.

It is essential to help your child find a time frame that works best for them since the length of each interval varies from person to person. Some studies have suggested it can be anywhere from 10 to 52 minutes.

By experimenting with different time frames, you can determine the optimal duration where your child’s attention and productivity are at their highest level. 

Moreover, taking breaks enhances creativity in young people. During these intervals, young people have free time to engage in creative activities like painting or drawing, allowing their brains to relax while still engaging in something productive. Such actions help them recharge their batteries while also stimulating creativity and imagination.

Finally, taking breaks is crucial for physical and mental health. Sitting down for prolonged periods has been linked with various health problems, such as obesity and poor posture. Taking short walks during study sessions promotes physical activity and allows them to stretch their muscles. This keeps them active and alerts them both physically and mentally.

While time management involves completing tasks promptly, it is equally vital to encourage breaks and downtime. Taking regular breaks during study sessions is integral for the overall well-being of your child’s mind, body, and academic performance. Parents should encourage their children to take short intervals between long hours of studying as it leads to increased productivity in the long run. Children need time to rest, play, and recharge their energy. Help your child understand the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid burnout. 

Encourage them to engage in activities they enjoy during these breaks, whether it’sit’s reading a book, playing outside, or pursuing a hobby. Including leisure time into their schedule will teach your child the significance of balance and self-care.

 

5. Remember to Be a Role Model For Your Child

Children learn best by observing and imitating their parents. Therefore, as a parent, it’s crucial to be mindful of your actions and set an excellent precedent for effective time management. One way to do this is by demonstrating good time management habits daily and involving your child in fun activities that can help develop these critical skills. You can also show them how you plan your day, prioritise tasks, and manage responsibilities effectively.

It’s essential to understand that leading by example is the most effective way to inspire your child to adopt similar habits. When they see you implementing these practices consistently, they are more likely to emulate them. This helps build a strong foundation for time management skills that will benefit them throughout their lives. 

Teens choose individuals to follow as examples, regardless of whether they are positive or negative, to imitate them. While trying to establish their own sense of identity and direction, role models play a crucial role in assisting young people in recognising the actions, mindsets, and attributes necessary for success in life.

As a parent, it’s vital to lead by example by demonstrating good habits daily and involving your child in development activities that can help develop these skills further. Doing so sets up your child for success while assisting them to become more confident in managing their responsibilities as they grow older.

 

Remember, Patience is Important When Teaching Time Management to Teens

Teaching your child time management is a gradual process that requires patience, understanding, and a gentle approach. By setting realistic expectations, creating visual schedules, teaching prioritisation skills, encouraging breaks, and being a role model, you can help your child become a pro at time management. 

Remember to provide constant support, praise their efforts, and adjust your approach as your child grows and develops. With your guidance, they will gain the necessary skills to navigate their responsibilities and lead a balanced and productive life. 

At the end of it all, teach your child the importance of self-reflection and evaluation in their time management journey. This will help them assess their progress, identify areas where they struggle, and make necessary adjustments.

Encourage them to reflect on their daily routines, habits, and time allocation to identify patterns and areas for improvement. By fostering self-awareness, your child can become more proactive in managing their time and develop strategies to overcome challenges they may face.

 

Here Are The Top 7 Things You Can Do To Create The Perfect Study Environment For Your Child

Here Are The Top 7 Things You Can Do To Create The Perfect Study Environment For Your Child

Improving academic attainment Parents

As a parent, you play a vital role in supporting your child’s educational journey at school. Not only should you encourage your child to study hard and improve their grades, but you also need to ensure that they complete their homework and prepare for upcoming tests and exams. 

You might wonder how to help your child complete homework and study after school hours. This task can be daunting, mainly if your child requires extra time to focus on homework. One of the best ways to achieve this is by creating a conducive home environment that promotes studying and learning.

An organised and comfortable study area creates a calming effect that promotes a positive mindset to manage workload efficiently and approach studies productively. Understanding the benefits of a good study environment, let us explore seven things you can do to create the perfect environment!

1. Find a Quiet and Distraction-Free Area to Set up a Study Space

Finding a peaceful area within your home where you can establish a comfortable and practical study space for your child is crucial. Avoid high-traffic areas, like the kitchen or living room, and search for a location free of loud noises and disruptions. If you create their study space in their bedroom, ensure it’s far away from their bed to prevent any temptation to rest rather than work. Also, if there is a television in their room, try to position their study area so that it faces away from the TV. Doing this can reduce potential distractions and optimise their studying environment.

2. Make Sure the Study Space Has Good Lighting

Having proper lighting in a study space is crucial for many reasons. Adequate natural lighting helps maintain focus, prevent eye strain, and provide various health benefits. Exposure to natural light can help regulate sleep patterns, boost mood, and enhance academic performance. Therefore, choosing a location with ample natural light is essential when setting up your child’s study space.

Instead of positioning the desk against a wall, consider locating it near a window with plenty of sunlight. A poorly lit or dull room can make studying challenging and lead to decreased information retention. According to research, dimly lit study areas can cause the brain to store less information while studying.

A desk lamp is a must-have tool for any teenager’s study area as it improves the lighting quality and helps reduce eye strain and fatigue, allowing them to focus better on their studies. If natural lighting isn’t sufficient for the study space’s needs, adding a side lamp to the desk is an excellent option. By providing appropriate lighting in your child’s study area, you’ll be helping them establish good habits and set them up for success in their academic endeavours.

3. Invest in a Comfortable Chair and a Suitable Desk

Ensuring your child has comfortable seating during long study sessions is essential for their physical well-being, concentration, and productivity. Proper posture support can prevent discomfort and strain on the back and neck muscles, while a cushioned seat can reduce pressure points and promote good blood circulation. 

Investing in a high-quality ergonomic chair or adding cushions to an existing seat can significantly impact your child’s studying experience. If getting a new chair isn’t an option, you can use a chair cushion to help with comfort and allow your child to study longer. However, taking breaks every hour to stand up, stretch, and move around is essential to alleviate discomfort from prolonged sitting.

4. De-clutter and Organise the Study Area for Better Productivity

Ensuring your child’s study space is well-equipped with the appropriate resources and kept clean and organised is essential. A messy and chaotic workspace can be detrimental to their ability to focus, leading to feelings of discomfort, frustration, and stress. These negative emotions can make it difficult for them to retain information or complete assignments efficiently.

Research has shown that clutter can impact our brain’s information processing and focus. A study by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute found that physical clutter competes for our attention, resulting in decreased performance and increased stress levels. On the other hand, a clutter-free environment promotes a clear mind and heightened productivity. 

Additionally, a 2011 study published in the Journal of Neuroscience found that visual stimuli, such as clutter, can increase activity in the part of the brain associated with processing emotions, leading to heightened anxiety and stress. Furthermore, another study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that working in a clean and organised environment can improve productivity and creativity. 

These studies suggest that minimising clutter is not just a matter of aesthetics; it can also significantly impact our cognitive functioning. Encouraging your child to take just five to ten minutes each day to tidy up their study area and arrange their materials in specific places can help minimise distractions and save time that would otherwise be wasted searching for items. You can provide them with drawers, baskets, or organiser trays to help keep their resources together in one place.

A neat and well-organised study space provides a sense of calmness that can translate into improved concentration levels, resulting in better academic performance. Help your child develop good habits by emphasising the importance of maintaining an orderly workspace.

5. Reduce Distractions in the Study Areas, Especially Electronic Devices

It is essential to prioritise minimising distractions electronic devices could cause when studying. With their bright screens, constant notifications, and alerts, it can be challenging for children to focus on tasks. 

To tackle this, it’s best to keep smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices in separate rooms during study time. Alternatively, they could be turned off or switched to “Do not Disturb” mode to avoid any temptations that may arise from notifications. Another way to limit access to distracting websites or social media platforms is by using website-blocking apps or browser extensions. These measures could help students stay focused on their studies.

Several apps could also help in reducing distractions and boosting focus. For instance, the app Forest offers an innovative way of improving concentration by allowing students and adults alike to “grow” trees while focusing on their tasks and avoiding distractions. If they exit the app before completing the task, the tree they grew withers away! Use technology to your advantage and as a tool to help keep your teen accountable and manage their time effectively.

Establishing clear boundaries around study time is crucial for effective studying. This involves communicating with your child about what hours are strictly dedicated to studying and ensuring minimal interruptions or compromises unless necessary. Following these tips will no doubt contribute positively towards increasing productivity when studying.

6. Create a Study Routine to Stay Consistent

Learning to be consistent in tasks and study habits is a valuable skill your child will carry. Establish a regular study routine that coincides with your child’s natural energy levels and concentration peaks.

Your child’s study routine should include dedicated study time, breaks in between and other activities. It’s important to remember to involve your child in planning and setting up their study routine. That way, they can give their input and ideas on what they think would work best, and you can agree on study times and activities.

Discuss short-term and long-term goals for studying with your child. This will help your teen clearly understand what they want to achieve and make it easier to allocate their time effectively and identify areas requiring extra focus.

You can then list all the subjects or exams your child needs to study for. Once you list the subjects or exams, discuss what tasks are required for each and how your child will manage the tasks.

After identifying all the subjects or exams and their respective tasks, discuss which subjects need the most attention. Prioritise them in terms of importance. Then you can help your child prioritise the list.

Additionally, you can read our blog here for more tips to help your child start studying.

7. Let Your Child Personalise Their Study Area

One way to encourage your child to personalise their study area is by involving them in the design process. They may have a favourite colour or hobby that they would like to incorporate into their space. Allow them to choose the colours and decorations that they feel are most inspiring. 

Allowing your teenager to customise their study area can positively impact their motivation. When students feel like they have ownership over their space, they tend to be more invested in the work that they’re doing. 

By giving your teen the freedom to choose things like desk décor, lighting, and even furniture placement, they’ll feel empowered to create a learning environment that works best for them. This sense of control can help them stay focused and engaged, ultimately leading to improved academic performance. 

Additionally, having a personalised study space can make studying feel less like a chore and more enjoyable. Allowing your teenager to customise their study area is a simple but effective way to encourage them to take ownership of their education and develop good study habits.

The Importance of a Good Study Environment and Ways It Can Help Your Child

A conducive study environment is essential for your child’s practical academic success. It significantly impacts their ability to focus, concentrate, and study productively. A good study environment eliminates distractions like loud noise, clutter, and digital devices that can lead to a loss of concentration and focus. 

Without distractions, your child can concentrate better on their studies, engage in critical thinking, and retain information effectively. Well-organised study space can also increase productivity by providing quick access to study materials and necessary resources. This reduces stress and anxiety levels while studying. 

Creating a Study Environment for Your Child Is an Investment in Their Academic Success

Studying is a fundamental aspect of education that cannot be overlooked. Creating a conducive environment and an effective study routine for your child can significantly impact their academic success. 

Besides excelling academically, establishing great study habits will teach your child critical life skills such as discipline, responsibility, and prioritisation. These are essential skills that your child can use throughout their life to accomplish both personal and professional goals.

At GT Scholars, we understand the importance of unlocking every child’s full potential. We have many years of experience providing tailored support to help children achieve academic excellence. 

GT Scholars aims to ensure that every child gets the opportunity to succeed academically. We believe that students need to be given the right strategies, skills and support to unlock their full potential and achieve greatness. Find out more in the expert-led parent webinar and discover the 9 Scholar Success Habits to help your teen succeed at school and beyond! 

Top 9 Tips For Parents To Help Your Teen Achieve Academic Success

Top 9 Tips For Parents To Help Your Teen Achieve Academic Success

Improving academic attainment

Parents, do you want your teen to succeed in school and beyond? Achieving student success in high school takes a lot of effort. It also takes a lot of patience, motivation and determination. It can be challenging for your teen to balance school work, social life and extracurricular activities, all while trying to reach their goals.

The secret to student success is a combination of skills, strategies and support. These 3 things are the most important things students need to achieve their academic and personal goals. As a parent, it is important that you ensure your teen has enough support and is taught the right skills and strategies needed to help them reach their goals and achieve high academic attainment.

You, as a parent, can do different things to help them along the way. In this blog, we’ll look at the different techniques and tips you can teach your child. It doesn’t matter what level your child’s academic grades are at; if you teach your child the secret to success, you’ll set them up for success.   

Here are a few tips your teen can use to start their journey to academic success. You can try introducing these tips and see which works best for your child: 

1. Remember, Each Student Is Unique

As a parent, you have to remember that each student is unique. This means you should never compare your teen to another student, especially their academic attainment. Doing this can add stress and worry to your teen’s mind, and they could lose focus on their goals. Students learn differently from each other and use different skills and strategies that work best for them. Therefore, as a parent, you should help your teen identify and nurture their strengths while encouraging them to work on their weaknesses by using positive, supportive language to help them improve. 

2. Be Involved

Getting involved in your teen’s life is so important. Although they may not want to share everything with you (and that’s okay), you should allow your teen some privacy. However, you should always take an interest in your teen and try to talk with your teen about their day. Ask them about school and life in general. It doesn’t always have to be a long talk, but a quick daily chat can help determine if they are doing okay or need extra support from you. 

Communication is a two-way street; how you talk and listen to your teen can influence how well they listen and respond. It’s essential to listen carefully and make eye contact. Remember to speak with your teen, not at them. 

This can also let your teen know that you are someone they can talk to if they need help with something. It’s also important to communicate with school teachers if you notice any sudden change in your teen’s behaviour or attitude.

3. Motivate Your Teen

It’s common for teens to lack motivation in school. This sometimes happens if they don’t have the proper support. Most teens need a supportive environment to help raise their aspirations and increase focus and ongoing motivation for learning. So creating an environment of support is essential to their success.

Make a habit of praising your teen for completing a challenging assignment or taking a class that might be difficult. No one is perfect, so ensure your teen knows you don’t expect perfection but simply want them to try and put in the effort. 

Empower your teen to not be afraid of failure and instead help them see value in doing their best. This helps your teen understand the importance of grit and resilience. By following through when things get complicated and making a sustained effort, they can overcome obstacles that may prevent them from succeeding. 

4. Invest in a Mentor or Coach

Mentors and coaches are good sources of support and guidance for your teen. Studies have shown that students with mentors are more likely to succeed in school and university. 

A mentor or coach can empower your teen to recognise and build on their strengths and potential. Having the guidance and support of a mentor or coach can help your teen improve their academic attainment by showing them the right strategies to help them achieve their goals. 

Mentors and coaches serve as role models and instil good qualities and habits in your teen. You can read our blog here if you’d like to read more about why every young person needs a mentor.

5. Encourage them to do the difficult things first! 

Most teens think they have enough time and leave things until the last minute. Studying the night before a big test is not a good idea. Completing homework the morning that it’s due is also a bad habit to develop. 

Therefore, you should always encourage your teen to do the work ahead of time and plan for tests, homework and assignments. Teach them to prioritise their time, do the difficult things first, and not leave things until the last minute. This important skill will not only help them achieve student success but will help them become responsible adults later on. 

However, be careful with putting too much pressure on them. Instead, encourage them to make small positive changes that will eventually make a big difference. You can find out more about the 9 Scholar Success Habits by watching the free expert-led parent webinar here

6. A Designated Homework and Study Space

Student success involves a lot of studying. Ensuring your teen has a distraction-free and comfortable area for homework and studying is essential. 

You could set up their desk with everything they need to complete their work, such as:

  • A desk that is comfortable and has enough space to fit a laptop and notepad, so your teen can write comfortably.
  • A bookshelf where they can store all their important textbooks.
  • Desk lamp to ensure they can clearly see while working without damaging their eyes. 
  • Stationary such as paper, pens, highlighters and sticky notes to ensure they have all the tools required to help them study. 

7. Get Your Teen a Planner

A planner is a great start to organising your teen and keeping track of school work and due dates. You can invest in a digital planner they can use on their laptop or phone or get a paper planner they could fill out daily. 

Planners are an essential tool for keeping track of test dates, assignments, homework and daily responsibilities. Your teen can also add their extracurricular activities to their planner. 

8. Focus on the Prize

Even if times get tough or your teen struggles in a subject, always remind and encourage them to keep their chin up and push on. If they get a bad test result, let them know it’s okay, and they should identify where they made mistakes and focus on improving. Encourage them to change their perspective and see failure as an opportunity to learn. Encourage your teen to stay focused on what they want to achieve and why. 

The pressure to keep grades up, be involved in extracurricular activities, and maintain their social life can be daunting and a lot to handle. It’s easy for them to lose focus of the prize and get side-tracked. 

Therefore, you should help set up ongoing accountability systems for your teen. Such as setting study sessions with other students to help keep them accountable and stick to their goals. 

There are so many values and skills that we want to instil in our teens, but sometimes we need help figuring out where to start. At GT Scholars, we have specially designed programmes that can help your child get the right skills, strategies and support to help them succeed. You can watch the free expert-led parent webinar here to find out more. 

9. The Importance of Self-Care

Teens often don’t get enough sleep; some think that’s okay, but it is an unhealthy habit to develop. Whether they’re studying long hours or using their phones till the early hours of the morning, a lack of sleep is not healthy for your teen. A teen’s brain needs rest to function at its best and help them achieve success at school. 

Studies show that teenagers need 8 to 10 hours of sleep a night to function optimally, so help your teen develop a routine that provides enough time for rest.

Additionally, your teen’s mind and body cannot function well when hungry. Along with the right amount of sleep, your teen needs to eat healthily and have a good breakfast before school. A nutritious breakfast refuels teens and gets them ready for the day. Teens who eat breakfast have more energy throughout the day and concentrate better at school.

You can help boost your teen’s concentration, memory and attention span by ensuring they have nutritious foods rich in protein, fibre and whole grains. So you may want to avoid sugary breakfast cereals that will impact their energy levels negatively. 

But sometimes, your teen may skip breakfast because they are running late. If this happens often, it is important to create a morning routine that is time efficient and ensure they have enough time to eat breakfast. You can also pack them a quick healthy to-go breakfast such as a high-fibre cereal bar or fruit.

Here are some focus areas when helping your teen to create healthy habits:

  • Create a good morning routine that prepares your teen for daily success! 
  • Ensure your teen gets enough regular exercise to keep them healthy and focused.
  • Get your teen in the habit of putting their electronic devices on sleep mode an hour before bed. 
  • Ensure your teen is eating a well-balanced, healthy diet. 

Remember, as a parent, if you model self-care, your teen will be more likely to lead a balanced life too. You can read more in our blog about the 7 Traits of Parents with Successful Children.

Why We Need More Personalised Learning At School

Why We Need More Personalised Learning At School

Educational inequality Improving academic attainment Narrowing the gap Parents What's new?

The concept of personalised learning is centred on providing a more tailored education programme for each learner. It starts by examining and understanding each learner’s needs and then it looks to provide the necessary and challenging educational opportunities to assist them in their learning and overall development. 

In more practical terms, personalised learning is based on the belief that all young people have the right to receive support and challenges that are tailored to meet their individual needs, abilities and interests. For this concept to prosper it needs commitment from the pupil, responsiveness from teachers and engagement from their parents or carers 

How does current learning at schools take place?
In most schools, pupils are taught the curriculum in a classroom setting where there is one teacher engaging with a number of pupils at the same time. On average, there are about 20 pupils in each classroom in the UK. In this classroom setting, the teacher shares the same information with the whole class and the class is then assessed on that information in the form of tests, assignments, group work, engagement and eventually exams. 

The above method has been and continues to be the current functioning method in most schools. However, this learning method can be problematic for many pupils for a number of reasons. These include:

  • Some pupils may be over-talkative or disruptive which makes it difficult for other learners to concentrate and to engage with the teacher and other pupils
  • Some pupils may be intimidated to speak in front of their peers which hinders their participation during the lesson
  • Some pupils may not be able to understand the way the teacher presents the information as everyone learns differently or may be afraid to ask the teacher for help
  • The teacher has to hold the attention of the entire classroom which can be difficult and this can lower the amount of teaching time

Personalised learning at schools is the solution to most, if not all, of these challenges as each learner would have individual attention and supervision from a teacher and which will allow them to easily learn and understand topics.

Benefits of personalised learning

  • Increased engagement from pupil – This method of learning ensures that each pupil engages for longer which means they will spend more time learning and taking in the information being taught to them. Their engagement can also be further ignited by the pupil taking an active role in choosing their learning methods such as choosing the font and colours that they want to use, choosing the specific subject topics they want to study and the manner in which they wish to study. 
  • Increased motivation – Increased engagement results in increased motivation for the learner to choose a learning path that best suits them, making them much more invested in their studies. This is an important factor because unmotivated learners are known to be disruptive in class and missing important information which results in overall poor performance. Motivated learners, on the other hand, are known to focus and perform better in class.
  • Less time wasted – Teachers only have a specific amount of time to teach each subject topic, while pupils learn and take in information at different rates. Personalised learning can make the most use out of the pupil’s time by either getting straight to the point during a lesson or allowing more time for a teacher to go over any topics that a pupil struggles with. This method allows for teachers to assess the educational needs of a pupil before the course even begins, so as to avoid the traditional way of reading large chunks of information they may already be familiar with before they can begin with the course.
  • Better understanding and better results – A personalised learning system encourages pupils to share their individual concerns and ask for assistance on topics they may not understand without feeling intimidated by other pupils. This will strengthen their ability to handle any tasks the teacher gives to them to do which guarantees better results from the learner. In addition, pupils will complete tasks not just because they have to pass but because they actually understand the information and instructions provided.
  • Learning on your own time – The personalised learning method is much more flexible which allows pupils to take their learning wherever they go. This allows pupils to be in a comfortable environment when learning and it enables them to focus, learn for a longer time and absorb more learning material than they would in a traditional classroom setting.
  • The school also wins – The impact of personalised learning in schools is that of improved academic results, a superior learning culture and more efficient allocation of teaching resources. 

Although personalised learning is the most effective way to learn at schools, it needs more financial support and resources to be able to be implemented at all schools. It can also be difficult to ensure that schools meet their targets in terms of time management and ensuring that all pupils are taught all the information in their curriculum by the end of each year.

However, personalised learning methods can still be implemented through after-school programmes such as private and one-to-one tutoring. GT Scholars runs after-school programmes that include one-to-one tutoring in Maths or English for young people between the ages of 11 to 16. Contact us if you would like to know more about any of our programmes and courses.

The Importance Of Tutoring For Your Child

The Importance Of Tutoring For Your Child

Improving academic attainment Parents

Accessing university or an apprenticeship has become a very competitive process. This means that young people will need to stand out from the crowd, which means going over and beyond just getting good grades. 

To make their CV stand out, they need to have widespread experience, from sporting activities to music lessons, to work experience and volunteer programmes. With this, they also need to ensure that they find some down time to relax and develop strong friendships. 

They are now often kept busy with so many extracurricular activities that keeping track of their school work can become increasingly difficult, especially since they only spend a limited time at school. So how can they cope with their school load and be able to keep up with the rest of the class or even become the top achievers of their class?

This is even more important when we factor our own busy lives into the equation. You have a busy lifestyle of your own, so you may not have adequate time or knowledge on the subject to assist your child. You will need someone who can help your child with all their learning needs.

A tutor can be a valuable asset to ensure that your child gets the best professional assistance for their school work. As a tutor, their only job is to ensure that your child gets the attention they deserve for all their learning needs. Here are some reasons why it is so important to have this extra-curricular learning.

One-to-one interaction
Sometimes classes are so full that a child can get lost in the crowd. Generally, the teacher goes at a pace that accommodates the average of the class. But what if your child is just behind the average and has a difficult time catching up, or what if they cannot grasp an area of the subject that most of the class understands. The teacher may pause to explain but then they will have to go on. Large classes can also cause distractions which is not conducive for learning. 

On the other hand, tutoring can be one-to-one. The tutor will be wholly focused on your child’s individual needs and will tailor the lessons specifically for your child. They will also be able to spend more time on more difficult concepts to ensure that your child understands. 

Working at their pace
Each student learns and grasps concepts at a different pace. Some learn faster while others can be slower. This does not mean that the slower student is unable to understand the subject being taught but it merely means that they require more attention in a certain area. Tutoring can help your child to learn at a pace that is comfortable for them. Since it is tailored to their pace, they will also feel more relaxed and they will not feel anxious or stressed that they may be left behind. This is conducive to better learning. The tutor can also ensure that your child is able to fully understand a section and can even go over that section again until your child is ready to move on to a new section.

Balancing strengths and weaknesses
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and this also applies to subject areas. Some areas or subjects may seem easy to some students, while others may seem more difficult. This is because we all think and process information differently. With tutoring, your child can make it clear what they need more help in and what they don’t need extra help in. This will give them more time to focus on addressing and understanding difficult topics. 

This can also be applied to whole subjects. For example, some students may find a specific subject such as maths difficult to grasp. Other students may find maths easy, but then they may struggle with languages. With tutoring, you can find someone to help your child with specific subjects so that they can spend more time on getting better at that subject.

Homework and revision for tests
In a class setting, the teacher will allocate a certain amount of time for revision but some students may require more time than others. This is a great area for a tutor to assist in. They can set mock papers and quizzes for the student to go over. The tutor will also be able to give the student useful tips on how to go about completing their tests or examinations that a teacher may not always have the time to discuss. Students that complete more mock tests in preparation for their exams have a greater chance of understanding a problem or question in their final exams or tests.

We all want the best for our children, to see them succeed and to be happy. If they are able to get their good grades and do all of their extracurricular activities, they will definitely be able to reach their academic and career aspirations.

GT Scholars is a not-for-profit social enterprise and registered charity. We run after-school and weekend programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations. Our programmes include tutoring, mentoring and enrichment sessions for young people aged 11-18. Contact us if you would like to know more about any of our programmes and courses.

The True Cost of Private Tutoring, Mentoring, and Enrichment: How we are able to reduce this cost

The True Cost of Private Tutoring, Mentoring, and Enrichment: How we are able to reduce this cost

Educational inequality Exams & Revision Improving academic attainment Parents What's new?

Why does tutoring, mentoring and enrichment matter? 
Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that private tutoring can accelerate learning by up to 5 months within a year. Mentoring and enrichment add further value as it is able to provide young people with the right strategies and tools to reach their career aspirations and personal development goals.

What are the barriers? 
However, many young people from low-income homes are not able to access these valuable services due to financial constraints. The reality is that high-quality private tutoring, mentoring, and enrichment programmes are simply not affordable. This means that young people from low-income homes are not able to achieve the same as their peers from higher-income homes. The Education Policy Institute reported that just 1 in 10 pupils from low-income homes in England were able to achieve top grades in GCSE Maths in 2018, with similar results for English.

How much does this cost?
In London, the average costs of these programmes per term are:

  • Tutoring for 12 hours x £40/hour = £480
  • Mentoring for 6 hours x £60/hour = £360
  • Enrichment for 3 days x £120/day = £360
  • Residential enrichment for 5 days x £200/day = £1,000
  • Coding workshops for 1 day = £190

This means that if you want to access a full programme of academic and mentoring support which includes private tutoring, mentoring and enrichment, it will cost you £1,200 per term! This, of course, is far too expensive for most parents.

How are we tackling this? 
GT Scholars is a not-for-profit social enterprise, so our goal is to provide high-quality private tutoring, mentoring and enrichment programmes that ensure that ambitious young people have the support they need to achieve their full potential in life, regardless of their background.

We do this by working with DBS checked volunteer tutors and mentors who are dedicated to helping young people to achieve their aspirations.

Our goal is to ensure that ambitious young people from all backgrounds can access our high-quality learning and development programmes and this we charge means-tested fees which range from £9-£26 per hour.

Our means-tested fee model
By using a means-tested fee model, parents from low-income homes can enrol their child in one of our programmes at a substantially reduced cost. And for parents from relatively middle-income homes, paying full fees, the cost of the programme is still considerably less than what they would pay elsewhere.

Making a difference
We’re passionate about social mobility and we know that even at a reduced cost, some parents will simply not be able to afford this due to huge financial constraints. This is why we provide a limited number of free places for young people on Free School Meals. This is all done through our existing funding from previous terms but also thanks to funding from a range of organisations who are also passionate about improving social mobility for young people from low-income homes.

The GT Scholars Programme is a not-for-profit social enterprise that tackles educational inequality and improves social mobility by helping young people aged 11-18 gain access to selective universities and competitive careers. Our tutoring, mentoring and enrichment programmes are designed to give young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their ambitions. Contact us to find out more.

 

Why equality in education and private tutoring is a realistic and worthwhile pursuit

Why equality in education and private tutoring is a realistic and worthwhile pursuit

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Imagine a world where every student is able to reach their full academic potential,  it would be an incredibly amazing world. A good education is one of the most important keys to achieve success in life. A population that is educated is needed for a prosperous nation.  Education develops foundation skills such as reading, writing and numeracy, which are essential for further learning. Ideally, all students all over the world should be learning in small classes, under the direction of dedicated, skilled and motivated teachers.  But the reality of the world is quite different.

Even the most democratic countries in the world do not provide equal education. The unfortunate truth is that money gives a student access to a  better-quality education. Students from financially stable and secure backgrounds have access to top-notch schools with state of the art laboratories, libraries and technology. Students from a disadvantaged background are left at the mercy of state schools. Even the very best state school cannot compete with the lowest ranking private school. State school classrooms are more often than not overcrowded and manned by overburdened, overwhelmed and stressed educators who must deal with bureaucracy and poor teaching environments. Even the brightest and most motivated students battle to achieve their full potential in these circumstances.  In many of these situations, students who need extra support are likely to fail and eventually drop out of school. The future is bleak for these kids who will either end up doing lowly paid, menial jobs or worst- case scenario, end up in a life of crime with the cycle continuing when they have their own children one day.

The negative impact educational inequality has does not stop at the students. It sets off a chain reaction of events.

Inflated costs to society
Failure to provide equal access to educational opportunities imposes inflated costs on society. A poorly educated population limits a country’s capability to produce, grow and innovate. It damages social cohesion and enforces additional costs on public budgets to deal with the consequences such as higher spending on public health and social support and greater criminality. The study found that students who have enriching school experiences will be more likely to pursue further education and successfully transition into the labour market.

Increases National Interest
Giving more students access to better education can increase national interest.  Students that receive quality education gain better reasoning intelligence and learn to form their own conclusions from facts that they are given. Educated people work towards the common good of the country and understands the importance thereof and works towards protecting the national interest.

‘’The children of today are the future of tomorrow’’
With more and more children gaining access to better schooling they also become well-cultured.  Good schooling can motivate and provide for higher quality education. If someone can learn to be a good student, they will learn to be good citizens one day. Imagine if we could measure the loss we’ve endured as the human race due to exceptionally talented students who could not reach their full potential because of educational inequality. What could they have possibly invented or contributed to society?

A nation that works together
It is possible to improve educational equality as a nation. Everyone can contribute to making equal education for all a reality. Governments can manage school choice to avoid segregation and increased inequities. They could also develop an incentive system to make disadvantaged students attracted to high-quality schools. Governments can also find a way to improve the access that disadvantaged families’ have to information about schools and give them the necessary support to help them make informed choices. To ensure equity and quality, the government can also promise  access to quality, early-childhood education.  The main focus should be to recruit and support good teachers. Teacher education is vital to ensure that teachers receive the requisite skills and knowledge to do their best. Creating mentoring programmes for novice teachers and developing supportive working environment will help retain good teachers.

It is not only up to the government to promote educational equality. It is just as much the communities responsibility to uplift the youth to ensure a better future awaits them. Communities members should become more involved in mentoring the children in their community. Local business, community and political leaders can play a key role in providing recreational and tutorial support to encourage learners to study rather than to become involved in anti-social activities.  They can also give financial support to improve school facilities.

Teachers also play an important role in promoting educational equality.  A good teacher can be a great influence on a student. A teacher can inspire, educate and motivate learners to give their best. However disadvantaged schools are not fertile grounds to bring out the best in a teacher. It is therefore important for teachers in these schools to come together with government support, to create a platform to motivate and help each other give their best.

Early intervention from a young age is needed to prevent educational equality gaps from widening. Whilst achieving educational equality may elude some governments, there are some organizations and social enterprises which have picked up the baton to close the gaps in educational inequality.  Society, therefore, has a moral obligation to make sure that all children receive equal access to education to give them the vital skills needed to become contributing adults in society. Educational equality ensures that all learners irrespective of their race, religion, gender and socio-economic standing have access to the same learning resources and educational opportunities.

GT scholars provides high-quality individualised tuition by tutors who are passionate about academic success. They match students with mentors who can assist them to set and achieve academic, career and personal development goals. They also run enrichment programmes to help build confidence and make students aware of the academic and career opportunities available to them. These programmes are provided at a low price or free of charge to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds. The aim of these programmes is to address educational inequality by giving children, particularly those from lower-income households, the strategies, skills and support required to achieve their academic and career goals. To find out more about GT Scholars, register your interest here or give us a call on 020 881 68066.

Seven ways to improve yourself academically

Seven ways to improve yourself academically

Improving academic attainment

Studying for a qualification or degree was never meant to be easy. Many students may find themselves underachieving academically at some point. If you’re looking to improve yourself academically, below are seven ways that might help.

1. Positive attitude

Poor results can trigger several things. From depression to feeling defeated, looking on the bright side can be tricky. Adopting a positive mental attitude beats most challenges in life. Going into that exam, for example, with a can-do attitude will go a long way to achieving your desired results.

2. Where are you falling short?

Take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Address those areas where you’re struggling and set out a plan on how you can improve. Look at your grades over the last few months and try to find patterns. Do you have one subject that is always a problem? You may already have an idea, but by writing things down, you’ll be able to see more clearly.

3. Ask questions

Never be afraid to ask questions if there is something you don’t understand. We’re all taught to ask questions at a young age. Teachers and parents are there to help you; their assistance shouldn’t be overlooked or ignored if you need clarification.

4. Improve your writing skills

Not everyone possesses proficient writing skills; some may struggle to construct sentences. It can be frustrating if you know what you want to say but cannot get it onto paper. Understanding what makes up an excellent essay-writing technique will do wonders. Techniques such as writing a great opening paragraph, grammar and proofreading are all essential skills.

5. Don’t procrastinate

This is a problem for most people, not just students. Sometimes it can be hard to focus on a particular task if there are too many distractions. By procrastinating, you’re only delaying the inevitable. The work is still going to be there waiting. An excellent way to beat procrastination is to set yourself small goals. When these goals are achieved, reward yourself.

6. Time management

At the start of the academic year, you will know when assignments must be handed in or when the exams are. Plan your time efficiently, and whatever you do, don’t leave everything until the last minute. The best way to address time management is to create a work calendar. This should list the dates and times of exams, etc. You can also use it to break down revision times for each subject. Make sure to plan in time for yourself.

7. Private tuition

Finally, there is the option of private education or after-school tuition. If you still find yourself struggling, then a private tutor may be able to help you improve your grades for a complex subject. A little bit of extra tuition might just be what you need to give you that final push towards the end goal.

If you would like to register for the GT Scholars programme, you can do so here.