At Prize Tuition we help children prepare for key tests such as SATS and the Kent Test. I often get calls from parents who are keen for their children to do well in these tests and feel they need some extra help.
The assessment
Firstly, it is important to understand where the student's learning is in relation to the test. How much do they already know? Are there any gaps in their knowledge? What are these gaps? At Prize Tuition we treat each child as an individual and an initial assessment is key to understanding what each child needs and how it is best to help them. The initial assessment is used to create a programme of study so that we can work together to achieve the best results.
Learning content first
In the first place, it is important to address any gaps in the student's knowledge. These are typically areas of the maths/English curriculum or test areas (content) which the student sill has to master. These gaps are covered through a mixture of class work at tutor sessions and homework done outside the class.
Some of these gaps may be areas which the student has met at school and other gaps may be new knowledge to be gained for success in the test. For example, in the Kent Test schools are not permitted to prepare children. In this case, students learn how to answer different question types.
Revision
After students become confident with the test content, they can start the revision process. Revision means to look at again. This process of recycling content is important to prevent the student from forgetting what they have learned. Reviewing work and practising questions related to what they have learned is essential. Revision should always involved active learning and not just reading or listening to the teacher.
Practice
tests
After students become confident with the test content, they should start to practice tests. All school related tests are timed. This means that students need to practise timed activities so that they can finish the test in the time allowed. Practising tests allows the student and the teacher to see if there are any areas which they need to revise and practice again. At Prize Tuition we practice tests and questions during our tutor sessions. We also provide Kent Test Mock Exam s so that students can practice under test conditions.
The
test preparation cycle
Test preparation is a lot more than just practising tests, although that is an important part of the process. Without learning and reviewing content, practising tests alone will not result in improved knowledge of the test content. We use tests as a diagnostic tool to understand what learning needs to take place next. If students take our Kent Test Mock Exams then we provide a diagnostic report so that you can see what areas of strength and weakness your child has and this can inform next learning steps.
At Prize Tuition, we can help your child to prepare thoroughly for key tests such as the Kent Test and SATS with English and maths tutor support at our Faversham centre.
If you think your child could do with some help in preparing for a test (SATS or the Kent TEST), contact us to see how we can help.
