Our Blog

Should there be a National Phone Ban in All Schools?

With news that St Richard Gwyn Catholic High School has joined the ranks of schools across the nation to successfully implement a phone ban, attention has now turned to the possibility of a nationwide policy of “phone free schools”. In such schools, phones are prohibited within school hours – with many adopting “phone lockers” where devices are locked between the hours of 9am and 3pm. Su...

How to make the best of the Festive Break

With the festive break upon us, students and learners can take a well-earned and needed break. The festive break however also offers a golden opportunity to gain a competitive advantage in upcoming assessments – particularly for A Level students. Whilst many students will take the next few weeks off, those who take the later period of the break to kickstart their studies are likely to see greate...

What is The Value of Tutoring?

What is the value of tutoring? The Department of Education (DfE) notes that tutoring consistently raises pupil attainment – particularly for those from under-privileged backgrounds. The value of these findings is reflected in DfE’s rollout of the National Tutoring Programme in 2020 to mitigate the impacts of the pandemic upon students – to great success! The Sutton Trust, an educational char...

Preparing for November GCSE Exams

As the November GCSE exams approach, many pupils across Wales are gearing up for a critical opportunity to improve their grades or sit their exams for the first time. Whether a pupil is retaking a subject or attempting to secure higher marks, it's essential they adopt a structured approach to revision. Here are some tips to help pupils revise. Create a Realistic Revision Plan A wel...

Screentime and Back-To-School Routines

September can be an exciting time for some, and a rather difficult time for others. Getting back into school routines can be tricky, therefore in this blog we will discuss ways you can support your child in getting back into the swing of school life. Prepare the Night Before School There is nothing worse than running late in the morning, trying to find the second trainer for P.E or...

Preparing for University

A-Level Results Day has just passed—a day filled with excitement, nerves, and often, significant decisions. It’s a milestone that marks the culmination of years of hard work and the beginning of a new chapter: university. Whether your results were what you hoped for or not, there are steps you can take to prepare for university and make the most of this transition. Here, we’ll guide you thro...

Making The Most of Summer

Many schools are breaking up for the summer holidays this week, and while most students are looking forward to a break – that will not be the case for everyone. Some parents too might be excited to spend more time with their children, whereas others might be struggling for childcare and can feel the pressure to make the six-weeks-holidays as fun as possible. In this blog, we will discuss a fe...

Supporting Your Child’s Transition from Primary to Secondary School

The move from Year 6 to Year 7 is a significant milestone in a child's educational journey. This transition can be both exciting and daunting for children and parents alike. At Cardiff & Vale Tutors, we understand the challenges that come with this change and are here to provide you with tips and support to ensure a smooth transition for your child. Transitioning to secondary school involve...

The Importance of Sleep and Nutrition for GCSE Students

The GCSE exam season is now well underway for our students in Years 10 and 11, and while it can be an exciting transition period as students are closer to completing their secondary school stage of education, equally, the pressure on students can be immense. The need to achieve good grades often leads to late-night study sessions and a disrupted lifestyle, however, maintaining a healthy balance ...

Summer 2024 GCSE Exam Preparation Tips

It’s that time of the year again when Year 10 and Year 11 students find themselves amidst a whirlwind of emotions and expectations. Preparing for GCSE exams for some comes easily, while for others, there could be nothing worse. In this blog, we delve into a couple key strategies for students to prepare effectively and how Cardiff & Vale Tutors can support young people in these final days pri...