Author Archives: Christine McLaughlin

Toolkit for improving extended writing

Posted on 08/11/2011 by

One of the questions parents most frequently ask at the Better Tuition Centre is: how can my child improve his/ her extended writing?  Indeed we are asked so often that we have come up with a little toolkit for improving … Continue reading →

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For top grades in school, you’ve got to be in it to win it!

Posted on 07/11/2011 by

If you’re reading this blog you are more than likely a parent or an educator.  Either way your main concern is ensuring that the young people in your care reach their full potential.  There are many factors the affect performance … Continue reading →

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Does an August birthday disadvantage your child?

Posted on 03/11/2011 by

A report published by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) this week found that August-born children in England and Wales are educationally disadvantaged throughout their education and are far less likely to attend a Russell-group University.  IFS researchers examined whether … Continue reading →

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Introducing a new quality mark in professional tuition centres

Posted on 02/11/2011 by

Exciting times are ahead at Better Tuition.  Months, years, even decades of hard work have come together in our professionally equipped tuition centre.  We are completely dedicated to providing professional tuition that gets great results for young people.  We have … Continue reading →

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A Poem

Posted on 01/11/2011 by

It’s World Vegan Day today and to mark the occasion, here’s a poem written by Christine McLaughlin, Director of Teaching and Learning at Better Tuition.  We use it for teaching about onomatopoeia (words that sound like their meaning): how many … Continue reading →

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Do stereotypes hold young learners back?

Posted on 31/10/2011 by

Over one hundred happy students come to the Better Tuition Centre every week and they all start off with a FREE assessment.  Over the years, particular issues with learning come up time and again. If I had a penny for … Continue reading →

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Here’s a cost-cutting measure we can all agree with…

Posted on 28/10/2011 by

We have a proposition for Trafford Council that will save them money, reduce congestion on roads across the borough and help young people sitting their entrance examinations for Trafford’s grammar schools.  Sounds interesting?  Read our letter to the Stretford and … Continue reading →

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Decoding the Year 1 phonics screening check

Posted on 27/10/2011 by

  The Year 1 phonics screening check (not test!) will be run by all schools beginning in June of 2012 until such times as decoding phonics is no longer fashionable at the Department for Education. The introduction of the screening … Continue reading →

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What to do in Manchester and Trafford at half term

Posted on 22/10/2011 by

  The Better Tuition centre will be closed for rest, recuperation and relaxation over half term (23rd – 30th October 2011) – even Urmston’s top tutors need the occasional rest – but before we go we’d like to leave you with … Continue reading →

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Entrance exams: what you need to know (part 3 of an occasional series)

Posted on 18/10/2011 by

Verbal Reasoning (VR) is a key component in all of Trafford’s state grammar school entrance examinations, bar one (Urmston Grammar).  VR tests understanding, and ability to reason through words.  Question types include: 1.  Identifying opposites, e.g. Choose the word which is most … Continue reading →

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