Revising for GCSE Geography Using Your Past Papers

Revising for GCSE Geography Using Your Past Papers Geography Past Papers: The Basics for GCSE. ChaptersThe Joys of GeographyThe Benefits of Using Past Papers when RevisingWhere to find Geography GCSE past papers?The Other Little Bits: The Exam Boards’ Specifications, Mark Schemes, and Examiner’s ReportsUsing Other Revision Sources for Geography GCSE Past PapersCombine Your Geography Revision with a Private TutorConclusion.Preparing for exams is difficult. It’s academically challenging, emotionally testing, and often more than a little boring. But, as your teacher has certainly told you at one point or another, ‘the more you put into it, the more you are going to get out’. And if exam preparation remains one of those things that you are endlessly fighting, it’s time to find a different way.

Everything You Need to Know About B-School Admissions Rounds

Everything You Need to Know About B-School Admissions Rounds Most full-time MBA programs accept applications in three separate rounds: round one, round two, and round three. Its key to apply to business school when youre fully prepared, and this can take some planning. Which of these rounds should you apply in? What are the timelines for decisions? When applying to b-school, its important to be educated on the different rounds, as well as rolling admissions, in order to make the right admissions decision for you. Looking to plan your b-school admissions timeline? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about b-school admissions rounds. B-school admissions rounds one and two Round one deadlines typically fall in September or October, with decisions sent to applicants in December. (Certain programs may offer an Early Action round with an even earlier deadline.) Round two deadlines generally fall in November, December, or January, with decisions returned between January and March. For the best results, admissions officers often encourage MBA candidates to submit their applications in the first two rounds. In addition, students who are interested in scholarships, grants, fellowships, and other forms of financial aid should apply in round one or two, as most awards are allotted during these two rounds. Though round one does offer more opportunities for applicants, as most of the class seats are open, students applying to MBA programs should still make sure that their applications are at the highest quality to increase the likelihood of acceptance. Allow time to make improvements and submit your application in round two if the following points apply to you: Your application isnt quite complete during round one. You would like the retake your GMAT or GRE. [RELATED: 3 Ways to Prepare for a Business School Interview] The final b-school admissions rounds Some business schools have three admissions rounds, while others have more. These are the least advantageous of the rounds, as most seats at schools have been filled during the previous months. In the final rounds, including round three, admissions officers are looking to augment their classes with students who stand out from the crowded field. The individuals who have the greatest opportunities for success in these rounds are qualified candidates who have some combination of solid experience, high test scores, superb academic performance, and refined career focus. [RELATED: How to Make the Most of Your Business School Campus Visit] B-school rolling admissions While many MBA programs have separate, dedicated rounds for their applications, some offer rolling admissions. This means candidates for these programs can submit their applications throughout the year for the upcoming semester. Columbia Business School, for example, is a full-time MBA program that has a rolling admissions policy. Therefore, if youre applying to Columbia as a full-time MBA student, you can send in your application throughout the year. Note, though, that its still beneficial to submit your application as early as possible. [RELATED: 4 Steps to Take Today to Prepare for B-School] All in all, the best time to submit your MBA application is when its fully ready. This means your submission includes polished essays, glowing recommendations, and your highest GMAT or GRE score. Additionally, you should be ready for your MBA interview. Plan aheadyou should not apply to business school on a whim. Select the b-school admissions round that works best for your individual situation so that you have the greatest opportunity to attend your top choice business school. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Which UK Cities Offer the Best Photography Classes

Which UK Cities Offer the Best Photography Classes Where Can You Take Photography Courses? ChaptersWhere to Take Photography Classes in London?Photography Lessons in BirminghamTake a Photography Class in ManchesterFinding Photography Courses in LiverpoolLearn Photography in LeedsTake Photography Lessons in GlasgowPhotography Classes in Edinburgh.Photography Courses in Belfast.Photography Lessons in Cardiff.A good photographer is one who is able not to represent objective reality, but to translate the sensations and emotions felt at the moment of triggering the camera. - David DuCheminThe best photographers are those who know how to use technique to transcribe emotion.You may well have a photographer's skill and passion, but where can you turn to learn technique?Fortunately, our country has many avenues you can follow to gain photography skills: through lessons â€" either formal classes or with an established professional; in person or online.For amateurs wanting to understand depth of field, black and white photography, or photographic composition; for those weekend enthus iasts hoping to make the leap and go pro:Any amount of photographic knowledge and experience floating about the four corners of the hexagon is yours to seize.Let us now highlight a few cities where photography is massive!A night photography course would teach you how to create light trails Source: Pixabay Credit: Free-PhotosBut First, Why Take Photography Lessons?What is Photography?The strange thing about photography is that it is, in a way, many things at the same time. It’s a medium that is not really like something like painting, drawing, or sculpture â€" as these are things that, really, are limited, in our culture, to this sphere known as ‘art’.Photography, on the other hand, is different things to different people. Whilst, yes, it is absolutely an art â€" with photographers like Sebastiao Salgado, Eugene Atget, and Helmut Newton bringing the photo to its artistic potential â€" it isn’t just that.Rather its purposes and uses range from the political, the documentary, a nd the mnemonic to the mundane. It’s amazing to think, really, that the same sort of medium is used to take photos of a shopping list as it is to create an image, to document a revolution, or to remember a loved one. In this diversity, photography is a hugely rich discipline â€" something a bit like writing, which is used in similar ways.Discover the different photography courses on Superprof.So Many Photos!It’s potentially a little frustrating, then, to think that photography is used by the vast majority of people in the mundane rather than the artistic ways. A study suggested that humanity in general is taking over a trillion photos a year â€" a number that translates into a photo every other day taken by everyone on the planet. But these photos are of our cats, our meals, ourselves in the mirror or in front of the Houses of Parliament â€" and they don’t really amount to very much of value, not even for ourselves.This is particularly true when we take them on our smartphones , or have them deleted immediately through Snapchat. But the ease with which we take these images of ourselves and of our world is dramatically new â€" and may well be the defining feature of our age.So, Why Should We Take Photography Lessons?In a context in which we are all taking photos all of the time, why would we want to take a photography class?The answer to this refers to the first type of photography we mentioned in this section. Because some of us aren’t satisfied with the quality of the images that we take daily. We don’t get much pleasure out of taking a photo of a broken lightbulb so that we remember the type when we get to the shop to buy a replacement. Most of us don’t really think that this is what ‘photography’ is about. And we’d sort of be right.Because the thing about photography that excites people, that causes surprises people, causes pleasure, and incites gasps of wonder is not so much the thing it represents as much as the way in which it is represe nted.We mean here that it is the photo itself that becomes impressive â€" rather than the thing that the photo is of. It’s when the photo is most like a painting that it becomes interesting.And it’s this that takes an awful lot of skill: we have to get the right angle, the right light levels, the right exposure length and shutter speed. If you’re a nature photographer, you have to have the patience, the right location, to see exactly what it is that you are looking for. All of this is the product of learning, of training.So, it’s this that photography lessons are for. Teaching you the skill in the language of photography, rather than just pointing a camera at something and shooting.And for the Amateur?All of this is just as important for the amateur as it is for the professional. Because whilst professionals get paid to produce photos, amateurs don’t by definition â€" and so the beauty of the photo is the true motivation for those who do it for love.But amateurs need to le arn too. They need to continue to develop too. They need to keep learning and keep developing their skills to ensure that their passion remains their passion.Otherwise, the risk is that they will get bored â€" quite simply â€" that they will get stuck in a little rut, with no more motivation to keep producing the same sort of images over and over again.A teacher, a photography workshop or class, functions to keep this motivation going. They help you to find the different styles that push you, that keep you excited, that keep you wanting to keep producing the photos that you love.This is the reason why you should go to photography lessons. Because, whilst you might be the sort of person who manage just fine, many people think that they are this sort of person, but actually are not.furthering you intermediate film photography skills: London has plenty of  photography lessons for you!Starting with these fine establishments, among others, that offer a BA Honours degree after three years of study:University of WestminsterLondon Metropolitan UniversityLondon South Bank UniversityKingston UniversityLondon College of CommunicationMiddlesex UniversityUniversity of RoehamptonFair warning: most of these institutes require A levels, a personal statement and all other criteria endemic to matriculating at any tertiary education centre.They also demand relatively large sums; an average of £10,000 per year, not including books, camera  and other study materials, or lodging.If you are not in possession of those prized credentials â€" or large sums of cash, attending a photography school might serve you better.The Photo Academy London boasts an extensive range of courses, targeted to amateur photographers and advanced photographers alike, from which you could obtain a Level 3 certificate in photography.Amidst their catalogue, you will find specialised courses: in fashion photography, photojournalism, and even still life photography.They even have courses on digital image editi ng, post production, and using Adobe products!Enroling at this school will take you from fundamental camera operation all the way to darkroom developing.Are you interested in learning more about wedding photography or portraiture?For any  interest, there is a class within Photo Academy's curriculum!Prices vary according to the instruction you seek.A basic course in camera operation starts at £40 for a two-hour session; a five-month evening course on basics of photography costs £680.You could then go on to select a masterclass, either in photojournalism or fashion photography, for which the fees run more than £1,800If the cost of some of these courses slam the brakes on any ambitions of formal education in photography, you could direct yourself to photographic societies, to learn from members' collective experience.The Camera Club is a shining example of what you might be hoping for in a group of photography enthusiasts.Founded more than 130 years ago, at the dawn of photography's growing popularity, they host seminars, lectures and outings for anyone who wants to cultivate their skills  in any type of photography.Furthermore, members enjoy the use of the club's full amenities, which include: digital image processing software and equipment, photo printers, a darkroom and fully equipped studios.If your schedule is such that you cannot commit to formal lessons, or even membership in a club, you could still learn photography online.Digital Master Class is a fine example of a quality provider of photography lessons.If you received a digital SLR for Christmas and want to know how to use every feature and setting, DMC's accredited courses could help you achieve those goals.You could learn everything from basic composition and exposure to RAW conversions and building a portfolio, earning your certificate with your skill and artistry.If you think of yourself as a visual storyteller and want your talent behind the lens to take you to the next level â€" even if you do n't want to go pro, you could learn a lot from these masters of photography.And, of course, Superprof photography tutors are all standing by, waiting for you to reach out to them for one on one photography courses on any facet of photography training!In fact, Superprof tutors are accessible from anywhere in the country, including our second most-populated city!Photography Lessons in BirminghamIf your sincere desire is to progress in photography, getting yourself off of your camera's auto setting is job #1.Photography instructors in Birmingham know just how to help you master shutter speed, white balance and even long exposure.You could start your journey into photography lessons Cardiff through commercial concerns, such as:The Photo SchoolProfessional photographers Pete Ashton and Matt Murtagh were perplexed at the number of friends with nice cameras who steadfastly remained on auto to shoot everything from close ups to landscapes.Embracing Cartier-Bresson's philosophy for street ph otography, they formulated a quick'n'dirty lesson, priced for anyone interested in moving beyond auto-zoom.These days, Pete Ashton runs bunches of absolute beginners at photography around the streets of Birmingham most every Sunday.Booking yourself into a five-hour session costs £40 per person.Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!Participating in photography workshops can help you find which way to turn Source: Pixabay Credit: NezeplRed Cloud PhotographyAnyone, from beginner to advanced, is welcome to learn how to photograph with Red Cloud instructors!Commercial photography hopefuls, those intrigued by macro photography, and future nature photographers could all benefit from their tutorials, held in the botanical gardens.You could also attend their night photography seminars, for a cost of £35.Their day-long excursion runs at   £125, in exchange for which you would enjoy individual attention  from the professional photographers who teach the course.Count on learning about white balan ce, ISO, shutter speed and composition.Red Cloud is a good start for the fundamentals of digital photography, or honing your skill, if you are more advanced.For higher education in photography, you could earn your BA Honours degree through Birmingham City University.Unlike other schools around the country, this photography programme expects you to declare a specialty during your second year.Based on your chosen field of photography, advisors find you opportunities to apprentice with an established, working photographer.If you don't have three years and approximately £30,000 to invest in your development as a photographer, you might find courses to suit your needs online.UK Learning College is available to to teach you how to frame a shot, pose a subject and instruct live models.You can cultivate an eye for composition in the comfort of your own home!You are not required to have any prior knowledge of photography, take any exam, or show a portfolio to qualify for enrolment in this c ourse.All you need is a sincere desire to learn all about digital photography.Sorry, film photography buffs: no retouching or developing lessons for you!The fee for this course is but a fraction of what it would cost to attend university; only £399.The average per hour cost for a Superprof tutor is £15 and, depending on where you are, they might even come to your home!Take a Photography Class in ManchesterIf the right photography equipment â€" kit is important as you first engage in the art of photography, mastering technique is equally so.This is where droves of Mancunians seek out photography lessons!Of all the courses available, Alan Karl's tutelage is among the most sought out.For £105, you can retain his services at either Salford Quays or Goyt Valley â€" depending on whether the city beat has captivated you or you need the timelessness and healing quiet of nature.Nothing says you can't attend both workshops!You will be treated to tips on using tricks of light, and encourage ment to venture further than you ever thought it photographically possible. All of that and a sack lunch, too!You may need a tripod, but you should definitely bring a spare battery for your camera!Should you be inspired to follow in Mr. Karl's footsteps and seek formal development as a photographer...Manchester School of Art offers a practice-based course in photography.Part academia, part apprenticeship: you will spend most of your time in workshops, individual study or out in the field.You will have the chance to enter your work in competition with your fellow students; your best shots can then become a part of your portfolio!Building a portfolio is equally easy through online photography courses.Digital Master Class is a fine example of excellence in online teaching.Their modular curriculum addresses aspects of going pro behind the lens, even sponsoring summer meet-ups with tutors, free of charge.The best part of learning photography with Digital MasterClass is their professional photography diploma, which includes modules on how to run a photography business.It is possible to earn your certification as a professional photographer entirely via webcam, and Superprof photography tutors are available to help with any extracurricular work!So are the mentors at University of Manchester Photographic Society.If you are a purist â€" believing that film photography is the only way to express oneself through  photography, you might be astounded to learn that their club favours film over digital cameras.With your lifetime membership of £20, you can attend meetings and workshops, toddle after those more advanced in photography and learn how to develop and retouch images in the club's darkroom.Liverpudlians should be so lucky!Do Liverpool tourists know how to use every feature of their camera? Source: Pixabay Credit: Mani300Finding Photography Courses in LiverpoolThe Pool is not to be discounted with regard to photography  course offerings.Whether you want to learn abo ut your camera's features or editing digital images; or even getting started  in portraiture, possibilities for professional and amateur photographers abound.Where do they all learn photography skills from?The City of Liverpool College offers a Level 1 photography course Edinburgh to anyone who wishes to learn about:Composition and the rule of thirdsISOHow to set aperture and time exposurean introduction to PhotoshopThis is a ten-week course, during which you will learn everything about your compact or SLR camera.The course culminates in your submitting a major photographic project in lieu of a final exam.Photography being a visual art, what is the point of any school requiring high marks on a written test to prove aptitude?The cost for these evening lessons is £220, not including course materials, and you must provide your own camera.If you are not yet sure whether Canon or Kodak cameras are best, perhaps engaging a Superprof tutor could help you decide!Any Superprof tutor you con tact could also discuss with you the various types of photography:Portrait photographyfamily, seniors and babies are all subspecialties of the blanket term portraithead shot photography â€" meant for actors or anyone building a portfoliofashion photographycommercial photographyadvertising photography and graphic design fall under this general termWildlife and nature photographyLandscape photography â€" more of a panoramic expression than nature photographyphotojournalismmacro photography â€" imaging small particles or organismsa macro photographer shoots fine detail in jewellery, food and machineryEven if there is no Superprof tutor in Liverpool, any one of them would be happy to discuss your future career in photography via webcam.You could earn a Level 3 certificate entirely online, too!The University of Creative Arts ranks high among the Guardian University League tables, both for satisfaction with teaching materials and quality of instruction.These courses are designed with the idea that everyone must be a novice digital photographer.The course starts out learning camera basics, progresses through technical and analytical skills needed to compose and shoot subject matter, and finishes with an accredited certification that will start you on the path to a lucrative career.To round out your studies, why not join a photography club?South Liverpool Photographic Society is steeped in tradition and history, and their calendar reveals a variety of planned activities, all relevant to the ardent amateur and passionate professional photographer.They welcome both film and digital photographers to their more than 160 years of excellence in photography.Photographers in Leeds have a comparable organisation through which to display their talent behind the lens!With the right tutelage, you too could learn such photography tricks Source: Pixabay Credit: James Lunnuse them for maximum effect.It costs only £40 for a year's membership, and you would be entitled to join them o n outings and submit your photos for critique and competition.A bit of friendly competition is a good thing!But not when looking for quality instruction on your future career.That is why Superprof  photography tutors are always ready to assist and advise you on choosing subject matter, framing your scene, lighting techniques and how to use Photoshop and Lightroom!Glasgow has quite a reputation for street art! Source: Pixabay Credit: CalardTake Photography Lessons in GlasgowDid you know that Glesga hosts a biannual International Festival of Visual Art?Can you see your work â€" maybe a shot of the River Clyde shrouded in fog, on display? Maybe even winning a prize?If you have an eye for composition, a knack for being in the right place at the right time and the technical skills to tie everything together, nothing says you don't have a shot at being recognised as a photographer of merit.We can think of no better place to start learning advanced photography techniques than through a wor kshop with Going Digital.If you sign up for both their beginner photography course Belfast the second phase, Developing Skills, you can enjoy a price discount, all while gaining the most knowledge of how to use your camera.There is no studio time included in this double class. However, there is a lot to be said for learning how to photograph using natural light and filters.In all, these workshops are well worth the £155 you would spend for both portions.If you are looking for something more formal, you might hit your mark with enrolment at Glasgow School of Art.Their four-year Bachelor of Arts programme was the first of its kind in all of Europe, and many GSofA alumni are now considered leaders in their respective fields of photography.To be sure, it can be quite pricey to matriculate at university, especially one of such high merit. And four years is a substantial chunk of time to devote to academic learning of an artistic subject.Is there no better way to learn photography in  Gl asgow? Of course there is!Earning a Level 3 certificate from an accredited programme online will get you on the career track much faster than even through a university job placement office.With less of a cash outlay, at that!For instance, the Institute of Photography offers a fully accredited diploma in street photography for £250.A more lucrative, marketable skill, such as wedding photography, would be just over twice that amount.IoP has tutors available to help you understand difficult concepts of photo editing and post processing, but you are limited to two hours of chat time per week.Superprof would never limit your access to your tutor!Nor would you find many barriers to communication with more experienced photographers at Eastwood Photographic SocietyThis club is for anyone interested in photography: young and old, DSLR owners and 35mm Canon cradlers alike.The best feature of this organisation is that they foster  a mentoring environment.Before pulling your hair out over an u nruly histogram, why not ask a digital camera expert at the club how to tame it?The bottom line is: no matter where you live in our picturesque land, there will always be something worth turning a camera lens to.Wouldn't it be worth your while to learn how to capture such sights to the best of your ability?Photography Classes in Edinburgh.Edinburgh is a city that is a delight for literally anyone interested in the arts. That’s anyone interested in cinema, literature, theatre (obviously), painting, comedy, and photography. Most of these are covered fairly by the numerous festivals that the city is known for: the Edinburgh International Festival, the Edinburgh International Book Festival, and the biggest arts festival in the world, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.Photography, as we are here, is probably the medium which the ‘official’ side of Edinburgh has overlooked â€" yet, the city is alive with workshops, small festivals, commercial photography studios, and public exhibitions. And, of course, nature photographers flock to the city to then wing it up north to the Highlands, which may well be a competitor for the most photographed natural space on Earth.Overall, Edinburgh is just an incredibly picturesque city â€" in the sense that it’s not hard to imagine that its designers created it so that people would come to take photos. It’s just an incredibly beautiful city.In terms of opportunities to learn the art of photography, there are plenty to choose from. Here’s a little selection:The Edinburgh College of Art has prestigious programmes for undergraduate and graduate photography. These courses are the pick of the bunch in terms of both the professional skills and assets that they’ll provide you â€" for an entrance into the commercial world of photography â€" and the technical skills that you’ll need to excel in your field. The undergraduate courses are four years long, with the opportunity to study for a year abroad.The Edinburgh Photography Works hop, down in Bonnington, is a great place to take casual photography classes, with likeminded people from across the city. The teacher has been a professional photographer for years, and the courses specialise in everything from night photography to seascapesPhotography Courses in Belfast.Every year, Belfast gets taken over by the Belfast Photo Festival, the annual event for international photography. It’s a great opportunity to see some of the work of the best contemporary photographers and to get some ideas to use in your own photographs. And it’s brilliant that it happens, because the culture of Northern Ireland is more than just the images of the Troubles â€" those images that are still the most famous images of the nation.Beyond all this, Belfast has plenty of wonderful places to develop your interest in photography. From its prestigious Belfast School of Art â€" which has been rated one of the best photography institutions in Europe â€" to the little community arts centres , such as Crescent Arts and Belfast Exposed.All of these will give you the training you need in which photography style you want to develop. And, whilst the first in that list is for the committed photographers, the latter two will welcome photographers of any level, from beginner to advanced.Photography Lessons in Cardiff.Most people who don’t live in the city write Cardiff off a little. But we know as well as you how much the city has to offer. With the buzzing university scene and the festivals popping up all year round, Wales’s little capital actually punches above its weight.In terms of the opportunities for learning photography on offer, there are plenty to choose from â€" ranging from the community centres to the big international universities.Find a photography course in Cardiff!So, let’s have a look at what you’ve got to play with:Cardiff Met’s nice photography degree is a winner for those of you intending to take your photography all the way. Here you’ll learn the ins-and-outs of studio work and photography on location. You’ll also be instilled with the practical wisdom you need to thrive in the cut-throat world of commercial photography beyond.Sarah J. Evans is more for the person looking for a bit of fun. Based outside of Cowbridge, she is an experienced professional photographer who gives lessons outdoors around her studio. If you are based in Cardiff and are looking for professional experience in outdoor photography, she’s the person to talk to.Learn photography in Edinburgh too, or join a photography class in Belfast.

10 Study Habits That Actually Make a Difference

10 Study Habits That Actually Make a Difference Suzy S. The middle and high school years are the best time for you to form study habits that will guide you through a great academic career! Your parents and teachers might be able to encourage and push you further, but staying on top of things ultimately falls on you. If you start practicing effective study habits now, you will discover later that it was well worth the effort. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Set up a schedule. One of the most effective study habits is to make sure you do your homework at a specific time every day. Allow for a few hours when there is nothing else you need to do, so nothing is stressing you out or keeping your mind off of the work. Decide how much time you’re going to give to each class, and put aside more time for harder classes. Create a workspace. Set up your study space so that it caters to your individual learning style, whether thats completely quiet, or perhaps with a bit a background music. Also, keep everything organized and clean, as well; if your workspace is pleasant, this will make studying a lot easier! Avoid distractions. Don’t fall into the trap of leaving the TV on while working or being constantly interrupted by Facebook notifications. Switch everything off and only use the Internet for research. These kinds of seemingly harmless disturbances can end up taking hours from your work without you even realizing it, so remain focused and stay on schedule. Use a planner. For most students, this is the best way to keep track of tasks, manage your time, and remember important dates for upcoming tests and assignments. Not the planner type? Find another method that works for you whatever helps you keep everything organized! Take breaks. Always take breaks when doing your homework. Although you may be in a hurry and desperate to finish, the truth is that the more you cram, the less you really learn. Try splitting the work into manageable parts and take regular breaks after you finish a task. This way, you’ll stay rested, you’ll remember everything you read, and you won’t get burned out. Reward yourself. When you finish a difficult or time-consuming project, reward yourself! If you have a huge test coming up, plan to go to a movie with your friends that night. Do something that allows you to unwind and have fun so that you have the motivation to get started on something new again soon. Determine your learning style. If you’re finding it difficult to remember things, then perhaps you are not making the most of your particular learning style. Some students learn more effectively through visual aids, while others learn by hearing someone explain it to them. Some need to write the information in order to memorize it, while others feel the need to physically engage in a project and learn through experience. Determine your style, and make the most of your strengths. Take care of yourself. Just because you’re busy and have a test coming up doesn’t mean that you should forget about what comes first â€" which is you being well-rested, healthy, and happy. Take care of your body and mind by sleeping well, eating healthy, and exercising the rest will follow. Take advantage of resources.Use the local library. Dont forget youre not expected to know all of the answers right away! Take advantage of the resources at your fingertips, such as your local library. Incorporating outside resources like images and documentaries can add life to your school projects. Ask for support. If you feel that a particular topic is too difficult for you or your teacher at school is not explaining it well, dont be afraid to ask for extra help. Private tutors  are a great option for support; not only will he or she help you understand the material, but they can help you develop good study habits and stay organized. Study groups with friends in your classes can also work as long as you stay on task! Establishing solid study habits now will prove to be a great asset in your life. So stay concentrated and motivated; invest some time and effort now and you will be glad you did! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by Steven S.

A Day in the Life at The University of Chicago

A Day in the Life at The University of Chicago The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Jonathan is a Los Angeles tutor specializing in SAT prep tutoring, History tutoring, AP English tutoring, and more. He is a 2013 graduate of The University of Chicago with a Bachelors degree in Political Science. Check out his review of his alma mater: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Jonathan: The University of Chicago is located in the Hyde Park neighborhood on the South Side of the city of Chicago, about a 10-minute walk away from Lake Michigan. Hyde Park has a sleepy college town vibe with lots of old houses and large trees. The campus itself is rather compact with the medical school, the business school, the law school, and all other academics all within a five minute walk of each other. Because of this, you dont need buses or a bike to get between classes. However, dormitories and off-campus housing are more spread out in the neighborhood, such that the school does provide a comprehensive shuttle system that runs throughout Hyde Park. Enough valuable amenities such as drug stores, grocery stores, and fun restaurants are far enough away that if you dont want to have to rely on the shuttle schedule, it is very convenient to have a bike, and cars provide the luxury of easily accessing downtown at a moments notice since we are remarkably close to Lake Shore Driv e. The campus is very secure considering its location, but nonetheless, there is some local urban crime that does occur on campus and in the neighborhood. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Jonathan: Instructor and adviser availability depends on the class and the department. Generally speaking, almost everyone is available and wants to help. However, there are some high profile professors who teach large classes who are much less available. Luckily, they almost always come with TAs who do their best to be there for every student. I never had a class where I felt I did not receive support that I was asking for. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Jonathan: Dorm life at Chicago depends greatly on where you end up housing. There are a lot of different dorms on campus in very different locations and with very different cultures. Some of them are apartment-style, some of them exclusively doubles, some of them tiny singles, some of them very close to campus, others rather far. Generally speaking, there is a dorm for everyone on campus, whether you are looking for a wide social circle, night-life, a quiet study space, or an intimate residential community. The dorms are varied enough that if you read the materials provided by the school during the housing process, you should easily be able to determine which dorm is right for you. The dining halls are not great. Food is all you can eat and is not very high quality. However, the food is consistent and amenities like the salad bar, a sandwich station, and a cereal bar are always present and very nice. Students generally lament the meal plans and try to get off them as soon as they are allowed. Food on campus other than dining halls is generally good; there are a lot of nice student-run coffee shops that have prepared meals from local restaurants, as well as one nice food court that has multiple good options. VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Jonathan: Economics, Political Science, English, Math, and Physics are all programs with a lot of support and representation on campus, Economics being the most popular major. However, almost every area of study has a variety of course listings and programs on campus. I did not encounter anyone at Chicago that felt like their major was neglected. If anything most people found their programs to be rather demanding and to have a variety of options to the point that it could be difficult to know which of a host of good professors one should take a certain class in. I studied Political Science at Chicago because the variety and depth of courses offered let me craft a program of study that was suited directly to my interests. Chicago was very supportive of my desire to take a wide variety of classes and their graduation requirements were designed to allow me to do so. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Jonathan: Chicago gets hard for many people as early as their first midterms in their first quarter. Because of this, making friends is easy, but keeping friends is harder as peoples schedules swell up with classes, work, clubs, and internships. Luckily, the student body is diverse enough that it is not hard to find a community that shares your interests. The main thing is to be willing to get involved. Many people at Chicago dont leave much time free to do nothing, so the easiest way to meet people and make friends is to become active in a variety of activities and find the culture that best includes you. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Jonathan: There is a lot of recruiting on campus. Every kind of company you can think of recruits during our career fairs and through the school. However, full-time employment does not seem to be the focus of the Career Center; instead, they primarily focus on getting people summer internships, so if you want to get a great job, your best bet is to watch those internship job boards closely and apply to a lot of them. They are all decently competitive but there are so many that you will likely find one you like, and it is those experiences and connections that will give you a better picture of how to get employed. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Jonathan: The libraries and dorm lounges are almost universally comfortable, spacious, and easily available. There are tons of students who need to study, but also two giant libraries on campus where they can do so, as well as multiple other lounges and reading rooms on campus and in dorms. Chicago has spent a lot of time and money making sure people are able to study comfortably, and it shows. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Jonathan: The local town is pretty basic. There are some nice sandwich shops, some pharmacies, some takeout places, a couple of nice dinner restaurants, etc. Generally, Hyde Park has a lot of basic amenities but it is not very exciting. However, we are on a bus line that connects to the L-train system and the other buses, both of which are easy methods to get to downtown Chicago in about half an hour to 45 minutes. Between the hip North Side neighborhoods and the beautiful and well developed downtown, if there is something you want to do, you can find it in Chicago. You just need to make the time while doing lots of schoolwork, something the majority of Chicago students rarely do. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Jonathan: The student body is around 5,000 undergraduates, which is enough that there are always new people to meet, but not so many people that services are clogged up and it is impossible to distinguish yourself. Class sizes are usually less than 20 people, even if they are science or math classes, such that it is possible to get personal attention from incredible and famous professors. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Jonathan: I took an English class with 40 other people in which we close-read Lolita for an entire quarter. Our professor, Malynne Sternstein, was incredibly passionate and funny for the duration, and the class developed in to an exciting free-form discussion with an immense amount of participation. There were moments in that class when Malynne really gave her all, emotionally and intellectually, and made us think in ways we never had before. That class singularly validated the rest of my experience at Chicago. Check out Jonathans tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

GET YOUR CHILD ON TRACK FOR READING SUCCESS

GET YOUR CHILD ON TRACK FOR READING SUCCESS Fortunately, many schools are now emphasizing phonemic awareness in their reading instruction, particularly for young children. Yet parents should still be highly alert for signs that their children are struggling. As noted in Why Kids Can't Read: Challenging the Status Quo in Education, by Phyllis Blaunstein and Reid Lyon, here are some signs that a child may be in trouble: Great difficulty in understanding that words are made up of individual sounds that can be pulled apart and combined to make words: for example, that batboy can be pulled apart into bat and boy and that the word bat can be broken down still further and sounded out as: b aaaa t; Struggling to read and sound-out common, one-syllable words, such as dog, cat, hop, nap. Frequently mispronouncing complicated words, leaving out parts of words or confusing the order of the parts of words, saying amulium instead of aluminum, for example; Stumbling when reading multi-syllable words, without coming close when trying to sound out the full word; Omitting parts of words when reading, so that it sounds as if there's a hole in the word, reading convertible as conible, for example; Poor performance on multiple choice tests, and an inability to finish tests on time; Disastrous spelling skills. Signs of Effective Reading Instruction If your child is experiencing these problems, it's important to look closely at the reading instruction he or she is receiving. Here are the qualities of sound, proven instruction for phonemic awareness: Children are learning the sounds of language, and teachers are helping them practice with sounds that make up words. Children are learning how to put sounds together to make up words, and how to break words apart into separate sounds. Children are learning the letters of the alphabet, and can recognize the names and shapes of letters. Children's teachers are reading to the class and talking about what the students are reading. Children are learning phonics - how sounds and letters are related - and practicing phonics by reading books that focus on the letter-sound relationships they're learning. Children are being asked questions to help them think about the meaning of what they're reading, and are learning the meanings of new words. Children are learning to expand their vocabulary by using the dictionary, using known words and word parts to figure out words, and using clues from the rest of a sentence to better understand the meaning of words. Teachers are checking to see if students understand what they're reading by asking questions about the story or the material.

Huntington Learning Center Joins the Coalition for the Homeless to Collect 5,000 Filled Backpacks for NYC Students in Need

Huntington Learning Center Joins the Coalition for the Homeless to Collect 5,000 Filled Backpacks for NYC Students in Need Annual Drive Aims to Better Prepare Students and Alleviate Constraints for Homeless Families Oradell, NJ, August 8, 2018 For the third year in a row, Huntington Learning Center has partnered with the Coalition for the Homeless for its annual drive, Project: Back to School, to provide homeless children with the supplies they need to be successful in the classroom. Together, the organizations and additional partners, hope to collect and distribute more than 5,000 new backpacks filled with supplies for students in kindergarten to 12th grade prior to the start of the new school year. Through August 22, select Huntington Learning Center locations will serve as collection centers. Interested participants are encouraged to bring backpacks and school supplies to any of the following drop-off locations: Wish List #2 Pencils Pocket Folders Ruler Markers, Crayons Glue Sticks, and More! Participating Locations Bronx - 1807 Williamsbridge Road Brooklyn (Park Slope) - 808 Union Street Brooklyn (Bay Ridge) - 514 86th Street Queens (Flushing) - 35-30 Francis Lewis Blvd #205 Staten Island - 2791 Richmond Ave, Suite 200 According to the Coalition for the Homeless, over 115,000 NYC students experienced homelessness in 2017. At this rate, 1 in 7 elementary students will face homelessness before their elementary school graduation. With many resources scarce or nonexistent for homeless families, students often show up to school empty handed. Project: Back to School was established to change that. We believe every student has the right to the best education possible, said Anne Huntington, Vice President of Huntington Learning Center. We are proud to join the Coalition for the Homeless again and come together with our community to make sure NYC students have the tools they need to thrive in the classroom. For so many kids whose families simply cant afford to buy school supplies, the start of the school year can bring feelings of stress and shame, said Dave Giffen, Executive Director of the Coalition for the Homeless. We are so happy that Huntington Learning Center has been so committed to helping us ensure that every homeless child can walk into school on that first day feeling proud, prepared, and ready for whatever lays ahead. To learn more about Project: Back to School, visit: http://www.coalitionforthehomeless.org/event/2018-project-back-to-school/. About the Coalition for the Homeless Established in 1981, the Coalition for the Homeless is the nation's oldest advocacy and direct service organization helping homeless men, women and children. The Coalition helps more than 3,500 homeless New Yorkers each day living in extreme poverty, offering a variety of programs that address immediate needs and help men, women and families overcome long-term barriers to employment and stability. For more information about the Coalition for the Homeless, visit www.coalitionforthehomeless.org. About Huntington Learning Center Huntington is the nations leading tutoring and test prep provider.Its certified teachers provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. Huntington preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Huntington is accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Western Association of Schools and Colleges. Founded in 1977, Huntingtons mission is to give every student the best education possible. Learn how Huntington can help at www.huntingtonhelps.com. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. Contact Information: Kim JaffeJaffeK@HLCmail.com

New World Language School

New World Language School New World Language School Welcome to NEW WORLD LANGUAGE SCHOOL. We are a Foreign Language school situated in Northern China, Hohhot. We focus on adult based education and operate small classes, usually 1 or 2 students to a teacher. We predominately teach IETLS and TOEFL, however, we also focus on other programs such as SAT, GRE etc. The benefit of this is that the teacher doesn't have a stressful work environment nor does he or she have to spend a great deal of energy overexerting themselves to entertain children. The majority of the classes are held during regular working hours 8am -6pm.Hohhot is the Capital of Inner Mongolia Province located in the grasslands of Northern China, with a large Mongolian population and many other cultures mixed in too, with blue skies and much cleaner air than most cities in China. It’s a great chance to experience a new culture and save some money as the cost of living is much, much lower and much more affordable than other large cities such as Shanghai or Beijing.We have an international team of staff from all over the world, and are looking to expand our team further. Furthermore, we are completely owned and run by foreign management, which is quite different to other schools in China. There is no real dress code or requirements on tattoos or hair, apart from clothing being neat and presentable. We are more concerned with teaching quality than the teacher's image.We are looking qualified English teachers that are either native English or are highly skilled in it as a second language. We currently have 3 positions open.We hope to see you soon.The applicant should preferably be or have:A university degree23-38 years oldA TESOL or TEFL qualificationFluent in EnglishA years teaching experienceAble to work immediatelyComfortable teaching adultsNot a heaver drinker or smoker or have any other serious addictions(social drinking and so on is, of course, acceptable)The package for teachers is as follows:8000-10000 rmb salary30+ hours of teaching a week2 days off a week of the teacher’s choice8000RMB annual flight allowanceAll major Chinese and foreign holidays off10 days of annual leaveZ visaShared Accommodation with other foreign staffSend your CV and letter of introduction to: joesoapdurban@hotmail.comOr whatsapp or wechat to: +86155474120442