As a prerequisite...
all new candidates are required to sit an entrance test during enrolment to ensure that they are placed with the right group to give them a ‘good’ start. We have developed our own system which is used to assess pupil’s ability to give a snapshot of a child's potential, what they could achieve and how they learn best. The results help our teachers to set the right learning pace for each child, monitor their progress and identify areas where they might need extra support.
The curriculum is designed to stretch and challenge pupils within a supportive environment so that each student is academically able to reach his or her potential.
Tuition is provided to pupils as an additional learning to boost their confidence in the core subjects of English and Mathematics. As such we ensure that the environment is a place where learning is exciting and stimulating; where children at all levels can feel inspired and challenged to learn.
Pupils are taught in groups of four and a maximum of six. In some circumstances ‘at risk’ pupils are offered one-to-one tuition. However, group tuition is mostly encouraged as a valuable way of stimulating learning and promoting interaction in class. As part of the school’s main objectives, all pupils are assessed at the end of each term and constructive feedback given to parents.
Key stage 1
Ephsol uses the National Curriculum content as a basis for programmes of study at Key Stage 1 to deliver the core subjects in English and Mathematics. At an early stage of their study, pupils are taught the art of story writing using different picture images to plan and structure Composition. English Language includes a range of practical and investigational activities to develop skills in reading, comprehension and grammar exercises. The school also encourages pupils to participate in trips to selected historical venues; where they are able to use architectural scenery to reinforce their skills in Creative Writing.
Key stage 2
Similarly, pupils at Key Stage 2 are taught the core subjects in English and Mathematics based on the National Curriculum but delivered in an inspiring and interactive atmosphere to motivate learning. Teaching is delivered in a small group setting to ensure that each pupil receives the maximum attention and support. We take pride in nurturing and working closely with each pupil to ensure we pursue the best outcomes that are possible for them.
We have qualified and knowledgeable teachers and tutors with a wealth of expertise from industry and education who work extensively with pupils to get them well prepared to sit the Common Entrance Examinations and succeeding into Grammar and Independent schools. The entrance examinations which in most tutor centres is a two to three year programme of study – is completed within a year. In the first two terms, all students take: Mathematics and English Language which comprise Composition, Comprehension and Grammar lessons.
Most of our new entrants have very minimal skills in planning and writing essays. We do not see this as a barrier but an ingenuity of our teachers’ expertise to help your child to achieve. Pupils who complete an academic year leave us with knowledgeable insight in all the three elements of Descriptive, Imaginative and Persuasive writing.
Subsidiary Subjects...
At the start of Key Stage 2, pupils are also introduced to Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning papers which they do not benefit from their mainstream schools. This is to help their analytical and logical thinking. Even though some of the Common Entrance Examinations into Grammar schools no longer include Verbal and Non-Verbal as part of their assessment criteria, there are a few Independent Schools whose eligibility criteria remains unchanged. Irrespective of the entry requirement, we find the inclusion of Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Aptitude a useful tool to have when applying for a school which uses CATs (Cognitive Abilities Tests ) to measure pupils’ abilities.
Key stage 3 & 4
Pupils in Key Stage 3 also receive tuition in both English and Mathematics. Subjects are tailored to encourage and stimulate learning. In Years 7–9 pupils are taught in form groups. In Year 10 students are set in Mathematics according to their ability.
We encourage...
Students are supported throughout their studies with us to ensure that they achieve a higher grade to progress on to a well renowned and reputable Sixth Form College. In Year 10 pupils are encouraged to begin a research and information gathering process for gaining entry into their preferred sixth form college. The school also supports individuals while providing parental guidance throughout the end-to-end progression route.
what is cats?
Most secondary schools use Cognitive Abilities Tests, CATs, to test general intelligence and to stream overall or set for certain subjects. They are designed to assess a pupil’s ability in three different areas: verbal (thinking with words); quantitative (thinking with numbers); and non-verbal (thinking with shapes and space).
While parents are busy chasing after the child succeeding and gaining entrance into grammar and independent school as well as achieving a higher score in SATs. They tend to lose sight of other ability tests.
This is what Ephsol Education is good at. We do not only preparing pupils to succeed in gaining admissions into schools of their first choice but enhance their ability to acquire new concepts and understanding new ideas across a range of subjects.
The introduction of Verbal and Quantitative Aptitudes enables our pupils to identify patterns, similarity and difference between words - above and beyond their formal literacy and numeracy abilities.