In the first two parts of this series, we explored how iconic classics such as Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, A Christmas Carol etc.can enhance vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills—key components of the 11+ grammar school entrance exams. Yet, the treasure trove of Old English classics offers even more gems that can prepare Year 5 students for success. In this third part of the series, we delve into additional classic works that are equally valuable for their rich language, timeless themes, and literary mastery.
Must-Read Books for Year 5 Students Preparing for 11+ Grammar School Entrance Exams -For Year 5 students facing the challenge of grammar school entrance exams, Old English classics remain an untapped resource for boosting English skills. These books offer far more than captivating stories; they are rich in complex language, intricate sentence structures, and deep themes—all of which help improve vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension. With this in mind, we will explore some of the most iconic classics, each providing invaluable preparation for the 11+ exams.
As we reach Part III of our journey through foreign phrases, we’ll discover even more expressions that have made their way into everyday English, further enhancing its global character. Here are 15 more foreign phrases that demonstrate the richness of linguistic borrowing.
In Part I, we explored how English, a language constantly evolving, has welcomed a multitude of foreign phrases. In this part, we will continue our journey with 15 more phrases that have seamlessly become part of English vocabulary, bringing color and nuance to everyday conversations.
English, a language known for borrowing words from other tongues, has adopted countless foreign phrases over centuries. These terms and expressions have seamlessly blended into everyday speech, giving depth and variety to the language. Many of these phrases convey meanings or emotions that might take several English words to express, making them compact yet rich in context.
In the UK, Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) are an essential milestone in a child’s educational journey. These exams, administered in primary schools in Year 6 (ages 10-11), play a key role in assessing the progress of students in core subjects like English and Mathematics. SATs help both teachers and parents gauge a child’s academic development and readiness for the next stage of their education.
Poetry, often described as the purest form of art, is a playground for language, where words are not just tools but vibrant colours on the canvas of emotion and thought. Poets, like master craftsmen, use a variety of devices to create rhythms, evoke emotions, and bring their ideas to life. Some of these poetic devices, like metaphors and similes, are well-known (link for Part I and II) , while others are lesser-known yet equally powerful. Let's explore a mix of these must-know and lesser-known poetic devices: that can elevate a GCSE student’s appreciation of poetry.
Continuing from where we left off in the exploration of poetic devices (More Commonly Used Poetic Devices -Part I), we delve into a broader range of techniques that poets use to enrich their work. These devices help to create layers of meaning, add depth to themes, and captivate the reader's imagination.
The poetic devices are tools that poets use to enhance their language and convey deeper meanings. Whether it's through the subtle use of metaphor or the musicality of alliteration, these devices help transform simple words into powerful and memorable poetry. Understanding and recognising these techniques can greatly enhance one's appreciation of poetry and even inspire the creation of your own poetic works. A good article for GCSE students.
Ah, summer break! That magical time of year when school is out, and both children and parents can finally breathe a little easier.
Idiomatic phrases coined by Shakespeare that we still use today.
Uncovering the vivid world of idiomatic expressions - Part-III by Aashima
Uncovering the vivid world of idiomatic expressions. Idioms allow people to express ideas and emotions in a colourful, creative, and often figurative manner. They add depth and richness to language, making it more engaging and expressive.
Uncovering the vivid world of idiomatic expressions. Idioms allow people to express ideas and emotions in a colourful, creative, and often figurative manner. They add depth and richness to language, making it more engaging and expressive. A blog written by Aashima, faculty at Champs Learning and an Author.
Creative writing is a valuable skill for students and helps them immensely during their academic journey. Whether they want to become professional writers or simply want to improve their communication skills, fostering creativity is always beneficial for students. Here are a few important pointers that can help students improve their writing and unleash their creativity:
Language is a complex and ever-evolving entity. English too has its own idiosyncrasies. One such language phenomenon that perplexes the non-native English speakers is phrasal verbs. So, let’s explore this today and delve into the deep and mysterious world of Phrasal verbs in the English language.
To Be or Not to be Bored? Surprising relevance of studying Shakespeare for today’s students!
Language is a repository of culture. It is not merely a tool of communication; it is a profound treasure trove of the collective wisdom of a society. The importance of a good vocabulary cannot be emphasised enough as it plays a crucial role in various aspects of communication, learning, and personal development. Here are some key reasons why having a rich and varied vocabulary is essential for students:
It is commonly thought that getting into Cambridge is impossible- you must first do admissions tests for many subjects, and then be selected for interview. Interviews are rigorous tests of how you think and approach problems that are unfamiliar to you and beyond the curriculum and once you have done all these steps, the admissions team from each college will sit down and review all the information they have on you: your predicted grades, your teacher reference, your personal statement, your academic achievements such as GCSE’s and other qualifications, your admission test scores and your interview performance and will finally select the few people they give offers to. Indeed when put like that, it seems extremely difficult, but it is not impossible.
English literature has the power to enchant, inspire, and transform us. As high school students, embarking on a journey through the rich and diverse realm of literature requires a thoughtful and comprehensive approach. In this article, we will explore effective strategies for studying English literature, tailored specifically for high school students.
Developing effective strategies for solving unseen reading comprehensions is crucial for high school students. By focusing on vocabulary development, active reading techniques, question analysis, understanding text structure, practising skimming and scanning, justifying answers with evidence, managing time efficiently, and engaging in reflection and review, students can enhance their reading comprehension abilities and overall academic performance.
This year onwards, as CEM Cambridge board has stopped paper Pencil Test and switched to computer-based assessment. As an effect of that Slough Consortium has shifted to GL assessment and announced few changes.
Recently the news of CEM shifting to online assessment is becoming viral and every parent and student wish to know about the online assessment and what CEM is going to offer. Will the schools shift their exam board or will adapt online assessment offered by CE? If yes then how, when, where?
Easy as it may seem, teaching as a profession entails a great responsibility in imparting the right knowledge, in inspiring and motivating students, and in dedicating time to make students better individuals. An experienced teacher can make all the difference to a child’s cognitive development.
With all the schools declaring the results of selected students for the year 2022 admissions in next three months, aspirants who are planning to give 11 Plus exam in 2022 are now in the forefront. At the cutting edge towards acing the most coveted grammar school entrance exam, students need to pull up their socks. For all the prospective 11 Plus students, it is indispensable to prepare and plan their preparation strategy accordingly. 11 Plus exam preparation calls for planning and endurance! In this article Champs Learning brings forth the mindful tips to ace 11Plus Exam for 2022 in order to flatten the path for all the test takers. In this exam, apart from the academic sections, time management is of equal importance. Hence, while preparing for 11 Plus Exams students need to ensure that they utilise their time efficiently and maximise their potential in optimum manner.
Creativity, what a cliché term it is. Every single person wants to be creative. In school, every child is asked to be creative. You move to college, you need to find creative ways to fit into a certain social group. You go for a job interview and you are asked to creatively answer the questions so you can stand out from the crowd. Isn’t it very tiring, to always be running your brains to be more creative. Is it easy to be creative? I believe, creativity is the most difficult thing to do. Creativity is nothing but innovation. Innovating every single day, every single minute, can be tiring. But when a person enjoys it, it’s a beautiful process. Every small thing that has been innovated to every basic need that came out as a result of innovation, is creativity in its bloom. If someone did not have a crazy idea about being able to see the person you talk to, even when they are miles away, video calling would have not been invented. Creativity is bold, it requires a crazy thought. It requires the mind to be so out of track that when a new idea is presented it has to be considered bonkers by everyone who hears it.
I am sure as parents you would know a thousand more things that you want to speak to your child about. Do share your feedback and your ideas and help every child bloom into an amazing human being.
How cool would it be to actually have an elephant`s memory! Elephants are known to have amazing memory power. Not that you or I would ever know that personally, but let us believe the scientists for saying that. On the other hand, nobody wants to have the memory of the starfish when it comes to studying.
Feedback is always important. Once you check out your plan for a month you ask yourself what was easy and which parts of your plan didn’t work. Modify the plan accordingly and finalise it. Make copies of your plan and stick it in all the places that can remind you.
The education process in United Kingdom is very structured and is divided into five main stages. Many parents who are new to UK or at the edge of their child starting academic journey, look forward to more information about this structure, process, milestones and requirements.
Being a Jack of all trades is good, but now its good only at an individual level. When it comes to progressing your career to the next level it’s this expertise that becomes crucial. Be the Master of one, and create your own unique space.
Student lives, are already highly complex with multiple things to study. There is academics and there is extra-curricular activities which are equally important now. Adding homework to it, might not be the best idea.
No two people are alike. Even in the same house, two siblings are not alike. Two identical twins are not alike either. Identical twins who share the same DNA patterns are also different in their thoughts, their opinions and their philosophies. It’s practically impossible to find a human being who is exactly like you and has the same belief systems as you do.
An attempt to discuss whether a school teacher should take private tuition as it may conflict with his interest, attention and dedication and efforts.
An author's view on how to make a plan and ways to teach academic subjects to a child at home. This is a critical topic as it needs to be effective for a child's education.
Creativity and academic talent are not the same. Education process has to support a student to be creative and pave a way to his/her interests areas.
Often the simplest things are taken for granted, aren't they? The simpler the solution, the more unbelievable it is. Often as adults, we ponder 'How can the solution to such a complicated problem be so simple?' but actually, it is.
Both Tiffin Girl's (TGS) and Henrietta Barnett (HBS) are heavily sought-after schools for girls and continue to be oversubscribed year after year. They have consistently featured in top 10 secondary schools in London for their performance across GCSE and A levels.
By this time, each student in Year 6. will have received an admission confirmation for their secondary schools. Most of them should have secured an admission in a school from the choices they have given in the CAF form.
The two most sought-after grammar schools in London for boys are Tiffin School and Queen Elizabeth Barnet. The highly meritocratic environment that encourages the full realization of a child’s potential, helps in creating highly successful, confident and able men.
When I read this quote, it instantly intrigued me and put me in a spot. Margaret Mead, who was a very famous Anthropologist quoted 'Children must be taught how to think, not what to think'.
Covid- 19. This can be a trigger word for various reasons for each individual. Everyone has had a different story to tell, everyone has lost something or sadly someone and all of us have learnt something new.
Transition from primary to secondary school can be a time of anxiety for parents. Determining ideal secondary school between grammar and state schools; which one is right for your child, can be daunting. It helps to be clearer on the available options to determine a better choice for education.
According to a survey, more than a quarter school-going-children in England receive private tuitions. There are many benefits to private tutoring – from providing well researched study material to tutors committed to teaching and helping in exam preparation.
It has been several months since the severe outbreak of COVID-19. It has had significant impact on industries around the globe. Since then, we have all witnessed how this has also impacted our businesses, communities, families and our way of life.
How to expand vocabulary – Enhanced vocabulary always help us to write more effectively and understand the text with proper context. Learn the ways to expand your vocabulary.
Scoring well in your 11+ examinations is essential if you aspire to be in one of the top grammar schools. Some students opt for a safer route and start prepping for their exams even before their year 4 in school.
Reading Comprehension is an integral part of English and also an important component of 11 Plus exams. Louise, faculty at Champs Learning explains the different types of question on this area.
Till date, the 11 PLUS exam (Grammar School Entrance Test) is a paper pencil tests for students wanting to secure the coveted year 7 seats in various grammar schools or independent schools of the country.
In the current scenario, when the entire world is under lockdown and is advised to self-quarantine due to COVID-19 outbreak, there is no better option than utilising the available time effectively, especially for the ones who are preparing for 11 Plus exams this year.
9 months are enough for you to fetch good marks in your 11 Plus exam. First of all decide which school you want an admission.
GCSEs exams and also SATs are just couple of days away. And stress or anxiety to many students is a common phenoMemon. Some are capable of handling exam fear and exam stress in their own way. Some fall prey to effects of exam stress and perform not so well in the same.
Most of the competitive exams like 11 plus have seen the trend of testing students’ ability to apply concepts to real problems. This is very evident from the question with situation from daily life. One of such categories of questions is on time and work concept.
Vocabulary is an integral part of most of 11 Plus exams, and sometimes it is a nightmare for most students who are giving these exams. It can be in the form of comprehension, cloze passage, fill in the blanks etc. The main problem with learning vocabulary is our ability to retain all the meanings of words, and to also use them as per the requirement.
The countdown for 11 Plus exam for 2018 has begun. The performance on the D-Day will decide whether an aspirant will or will not make it to any of the desired grammar or independent schools. With the clock ticking by, all aspirants and their parents are getting extreme..
New academic year started and aspirants for 11 Plus exams who started their academic year 5 in the school started or preparing to start their preparation towards their desired school exam in the next year.
With BBC’s current episode on the subject, it has re-framed the same big question to every parent and possibly every aspirant’s mind. Who will make it? As we witness, every child is different and possesses different skills. So when the entrance exams for the grammar sch...
The 11 plus results for 2018 entry into year 7 are coming out and the whole social media platforms and phones have been working without pause. Every mom and dad wants to know who has done better? Who is getting admission where? What’s the cut off ? Will my child secure...
The most frequently asked question by students at this point of time is "What should be done in terms of preparation for the next four weeks to pass 11 plus exam for the desired grammar school?" We need a strategy/plan that needs to...
There has been always a debate about the effectiveness of classroom and eLearning. We can not say which one is more effective across all age groups. But certainly few strong parameters influence the effectiveness at some age groups.
11 Plus exams….a transition of an aspirant from stress free primary education to a competitive world. Most of the students at that age don’t even understand the importance or aftereffects of 11 plus exams for Grammar Schools or Independent schools. (In some cases paren...
Sarah turned 3. Her parents started preparing for her education. Enrolling Sarah to school, buying those little bags, pencils, scented erasers, lunch boxes with cartoons, uniforms made exciting parts of the venture. Her innocent queries about...
Mrs. Roberts, 63, lives alone and spends her day doing her daily chores and meeting her friends. She loves to spend time in her backyard tending her kitchen garden. Except for the season when her plum and pear trees keep her busy distributing...
The 2nd stage exam for some of the Grammar Schools like Tiffin consists of three papers. 1. Mathematics 2. English Reading 3. English Writing After screening through the first stage of Maths and English with some questions on VR which no...
Which parents don’t want their children to be intelligent? Or who does not like to be called intelligent? The answers are obvious! It is an unwritten law that intelligence is the strength in the competitive world where the law is ‘survival of the fittest’! Animals survi...
Most grammar schools choose a paper on Creative Writing for their selection criteria for the 11 Plus. Does that mean that these schools are looking for the next William Shakespeare? Absolutely not. The main purpose of the creative writing pa...
For those parents who would like their children to prepare for 11 Plus exams for secondary school entrance, it is often hard to know what to use for exam preparation, what to study and when and how much to study? It is often...
Mrs. Roberts, 63, lives alone and spends her day doing her daily chores and meeting her friends. She loves to spend time in her backyard tending her kitchen garden. Except for the season when her plum and pear trees keep her busy distributing and fru