Foreign Phrases in English Part II
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.
Foreign Phrases in English
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.
SATs in the UK: Year 6 Explained
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.
Unlocking the Magic of Language: Lesser-Known Poetic Devices
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.
More Commonly Used Poetic Devices -Part II
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.
Most Commonly Used Poetic Devices
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.
How to Survive Summer Holidays with Children: Fun, Learning, and Keeping Your Sanity Intact
Ah, summer break! That magical time of year when school is out, and both children and parents can finally breathe a little easier.
Simply Shakespeare!
Idiomatic phrases coined by Shakespeare that we still use today.
Bet you haven't heard these expressions! Idioms with a Heart!
Uncovering the vivid world of idiomatic expressions - Part-III by Aashima
Bet you haven't heard these expressions! Idioms gone wild! Part 2
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.
Bet you haven't heard these expressions!
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.
Unleash the power of Creativity : Tips on creative writing for students
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:
The Mysterious world of Phrasal Verbs
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?
To Be or Not to be Bored? Surprising relevance of studying Shakespeare for today’s students!
Importance of having an Extensive Vocabulary
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:
Is getting into Cambridge and Oxford as hard as you think?
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.
How to study English Literature
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.
Strategies for Reading Comprehension
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.
Slough Consortium – New changes in 11 Plus exam and process
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.
Advantages and Challenges of Using Online Assessment
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?
Why experienced teachers are important?
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.
How To Ace 11 Plus Exam for Grammar School Admissions?
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.
Boosting your child's creativity
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.
Meaningful discussion with a child
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.
5 ways to retain what you study
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.
Preparing your study plan for a year
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.
Education Process in UK from Primary to A levels
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.
Be a specialist
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.
Homework is it necessary?
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.
Broaden your life circumference
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.
Should school teacher take private tuitions?
An attempt to discuss whether a school teacher should take private tuition as it may conflict with his interest, attention and dedication and efforts.
How to teach your children academic subjects at home?
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.
Helping your child to choose a creative career
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.
Closer to nature- How can education help?
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.
Tiffin Girls or Henrietta Barnett
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.
Secondary School Transition - A phase after 11 Plus
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.
Tiffin School or Queen Elizabeth Barnet
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.
Teach your child how to think, not what to think!
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'.
Your Child & Covid!
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.
Grammar Schools vs State Schools
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.
Group Tuitions vs One to One Tutoring
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.
Online Learning Vs Face to Face Learning
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 your vocabulary
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.
How To Score Well in 11 Plus Examination For Grammar Schools
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.
How to prepare for Math Section in 11 PLUS
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.
Reading Comprehension and types of questions
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.
Online learning for 11 Plus preparation
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 for 11 Plus 2020
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.
Manage Exam.. Manage Stress
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.
Time and Work Concept
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.
How to build good vocabulary - few tips
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.
Last minute tips for 11 Plus Exam
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..
11 Plus preparation tips for beginners
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.
Grammar Schools - who will make it?
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...
What if your child did not pass 11 plus exams!
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...
One month strategy for 11 plus exam
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...
11 plus - classroom or eLearning?
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.
Parents role in 11 Plus exam preparation
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...
Preparing your child for education
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...
Difficult child
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...
2nd Stage for Grammar School
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...
Making an intelligent child
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...
Creative Writing for 11 Plus
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...
11 Plus exams - overview
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...
11 Plus - Reading Comprehension Techniques
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