What to do with those exam results? Tutors International founder, Adam Caller, made a statement this week with guidance for parents on the next steps for students, whether their results were better or worse than expected.
With all exam results for 2017 now revealed, many students will be celebrating, while others may be worrying and wondering 'what if?'. Adam Caller, an independent education consultant, who founded the international private tutoring firm Tutors International, expressed his empathy with the uncertainty facing some families.
Mr Caller commented: "In recent years there have been changes to standard academic curricula in the UK that have baffled even the teachers, and the switch towards a single paper for all in some GCSE subjects that has left some students disappointed in their results and lacking self-esteem. Add to this recent reports that UK universities are starting to devise their own entrance criteria, instead of relying on traditional A-Levels as their benchmark, it is no wonder that students - and their families - may be confused about their future, and what their next steps should be."
Despite this, Mr Caller urged families not to panic if results were not as they had hoped, and adamantly expressed that there is assistance available, and steps that can be taken to improve the situation for many concerned students:
Talk to the school - "You may need to ask some hard questions, but always insist upon an answer. Schools should never just sit back and allow a student to underperform, or even fail. If a student gets a grade just a few points below a grade boundary then it’s always worth asking for a re-mark – 2 or 3 more points may improve the grade; 2 or 3 less won’t affect it.
Consider resits carefully - "Resits are a safety net for many, but be aware that it will remain on academic record. Resitting an exam immediately is tempting, but if the student is still reeling from disappointment and lacking confidence, it could be a case of history repeating. A better option to explore would be for the student to spend time with a private tutor during the summer holidays, to rebuild their confidence, address their individual struggles with a subject, and to ensure they perform to their full potential.
Take time out - "Reconsider A-Level or University options. Let your child recover from their experience. Re-evaluate, play to their academic strengths, and come up with an action plan. At Tutors International, we don't put children forward for subjects that they aren't going to do well in. This is one of the benefits of one-to-one education – we can take the time to get to know the individual student and identify where they will excel and where they need to put in extra work. There is no timeframe that is set in stone – the best time to proceed is when the child is fully prepared and confident."
Consider a private tutor - "This also relates to the above. Instead of plunging ahead with AS or A-Levels, consider taking a year out for one-to-one learning time with a talented private tutor, who can identify the child's individual needs, and devise curriculum and learning activities to ensure that their talents are identified and nurtured."
Tutors International has placed private tutors with families all over the world, with a variety of circumstances and educational needs, including SEN. Mr Caller has seen children’s confidence and abilities flourish with even a short amount of time spent with an exceptional private tutor. Tutors International invites concerned parents to get in touch to discuss the individual needs of their child, whatever the stage of their academic journey.
To find out more about Tutors International, the services it provides, and its commitment to finding the perfect tutoring match for each individual client, visit www.tutors-international.com.
