Tutor on the Hill

12/09/2020

EXAMS 2021-CURRENT YEAR 11s
Ofqual have decided that the 2021 English Literature exam should have reduced content. Students will only have to answer questions on three out of four content areas. The compulsory areas will be Poetry (both anthology and unseen) and Shakespeare. Students will also have to answer a question on ONLY ONE of the two remaining content areas, choosing between:
Option A-19th Century novel
OR
Option B-Modern text
Schools will have to inform their exam board beforehand which option their students will be choosing, which should mean they won’t teach one of the ones above, 19th century novel or the Modern text.

30/08/2020

From the week beginning Monday 7th September, I will start tutoring again. I have been in touch with everyone booked in with me, but here are some of the precautions I will be taking to try to keep my students safe.
1. All surfaces thoroughly cleaned between students. This will include desk, chair, door handles and bathroom.
2. Students will be provided with a named pencil case that is solely for their use, to avoid sharing of equipment.
3. I will ask students to wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds on arrival.
4. Students should arrive at their lesson via the front door and will be asked to leave through the back door. For students under the age of 10, I will es**rt them around to the front to be collected.
5. I will be sitting one metre + away from my students whenever possible.
6. If clients have any comments/concerns/questions about the above, please feel free to contact me.
7. Please, if you or anyone in your family has symptoms, please do not send your child to their lesson with me. There will be no charge for cancelled lessons due to sickness. I never have and never will charge when a child is sick.
Finally, I’m so looking forward to teaching all my lovely students again! 😊

15/07/2020

The coronavirus restrictions mean that transport - getting all pupils into the classroom - will be a major challenge when schools open fully in September after the lockdown, writes Heidi Drake

02/07/2020

May be of interest to parents of students taking exams next academic year. Let's hope decisions are taken swiftly, with the views of classroom teachers taken into account!

Our proposals for assessing general qualifications in 2021 and the direction ahead for vocational and technical qualifications.

20/06/2020

Looks like KCC may delay the 11+ this year for one month and parents may be able to increase school choices from 4 to 6.

Council says change of date will give pupils more time to settle back into the classroom

20/06/2020

Interesting read, based on the experience of teachers in countries where students have now returned to full-time education. Children from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, who may have been struggling academically already, are more likely to be affected by school closures. However, all young people will be adversely affected by missing out on social interactions that take place in school, as well as the daily routine and expectations school provides.

Has children's time away from school really widened the learning gap? Tes speaks to some international heads and teachers to find out

07/06/2020

I am keeping a close eye on government advice on COVID-19 and will use their recommendations to help me decide when to start tutoring again. At the moment, it’s not possible for me to have people in my home, or visit anyone else’s. As soon as it’s safe to do so, I’ll be back up and running, with safety procedures in place. Keep safe xx

03/04/2020

Information released by the government today. Hope this helps parents of current Year 11s and 13s, worried about their sons/daughters results xx

Ofqual sets out details for schools, colleges, students, parents & carers on how GCSEs and A levels will be awarded following the cancellation of this year's exams.

30/03/2020

Really struggling to get my 7 year old son to enjoy reading. I'm trying to encourage him to choose what he enjoys and to read in only short bursts, as part of our daily routine, but it's still hard work!! Found this particular list of ideas a bit different ❤

Bestselling author, mom, and one-time struggling reader Jean Reagan shares some great ideas for how to make reading fun for kids.

21/03/2020

To all my clients,
I‘ve decided, with a heavy heart, to stop tutoring until further notice, due to the Coronavirus. At this point, it seems like the sensible and responsible decision to make, to help keep everyone safe and well.
As soon as it’s safe to start up again, I will and am available until then to support my students in any way I can. So, don’t hesitate to get in touch if your son/daughter is struggling with English during this time.
I will miss tutoring all your lovely children and can’t wait to see them all again soon.
In the meantime, stay safe and well.
Lots of love,
Hazel

18/03/2020

Following the latest government statement regarding closure of all schools, I would like to reassure my clients that I am still tutoring on a 1:1 basis. Until there is official advice which makes it difficult for me to do so, or I or my family have to isolate, I will endeavour to provide the same service I usually do.
At such a time of uncertainty, it’s even more important for children and young people to have some predictability and routine, so I’ll try to make everything as normal as possible for all my students.
Obviously, I understand clients may need to cancel lessons at short notice at the moment. This is not a problem.
Please don’t hesitate to message me privately if you have any concerns/questions.
Hazel x