EDUC ATION
Q&A S
ince 2004, Holland Park Tuition & Education Consultants has been a leading source of private tutors and educational guidance. Over the years, they have cultivated strong relationships with, and secured places at, the top nurseries, schools and universities in London and around the world. Their tutors and consultants are committed to bringing the best out of students as well as helping families to understand and navigate the range of educational options available to them. Holland Park’s Director of Consulting, Camilla Smiley, answers some of the key questions that parents ask about their children’s education.
SESSION WITH HOLLAND PARK EDUCATION
Camilla Smiley, Director of Consulting
Question: Should my child be doing fewer ‘extra-curriculars’ in the
run-up to 11+?
Answer: The balance between extra-curricular activities and preparing for
exams in English and Maths can be hard to find. On the one hand, you’re probably looking to raise a happy and rounded child – and that’s what schools look for too. Back in the day extra-curriculars were just hobbies! Sports, music and drama allow children to let off steam and discover new passions. Playing football or starring in ‘Bugsy Malone’ will develop confidence and teamwork. Most importantly, they show that there is life beyond fractions and decimals. That said, your son has important exams approaching. How academically competitive are the schools you are looking at? Some schools place emphasis on exam scores whilst others interview every child to find the right ‘fit’. Whatever you decide, do not allow him to make the ultimate 11+ interview faux pas: ‘I used to play the drums but Mum cancelled my lessons so I could practise my Reasoning!’
Question:
Our daughter is in Year 12 and has decided to apply for PPE at Oxford. How can we best support her?
Answer: Oxbridge applications are demanding; your daughter will need to
show genuine interest in Politics, Philosophy and Economics beyond what she’s done in the classroom. Preparing for the Admissions Tests in November and the interviews in December requires time and commitment, so you should think carefully about how to approach both stages. The Admissions Test is designed to stretch her beyond the curriculum. She will need to apply logic to answer a series of Multiple-Choice Questions before writing a short essay. If she does well enough she will be invited to interview, where admissions tutors will look for aptitude and ‘teachability’. We recommend completing two mock TSA papers to familiarise herself with the format. Your daughter will probably be offered a Mock Interview at school, but having a further session with an Oxbridge admissions expert who she does not know is excellent training for the real thing. Holland Park work with current and former Oxbridge admissions staff and teachers from London’s top schools, who know exactly how to replicate the interview itself; working with these professionals will build her confidence and help her feel on top of this daunting process.
“Some schools place emphasis on exam scores whilst others interview every child to find the right ‘fit’”
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If you would like to speak to the Holland Park team about your educational requirements, please contact the London office on 020 7034 0800 or enquiries@ hollandparkeducation.com.