Selective school entry test – To tutor or Not to tutor?

As a parent of a school student, you want the best for your child. One crucial decision many parents face is whether to send their child for tutoring to prepare for selective school entry tests. These tests are often seen as doorways to high-status schools that offer enriched educational opportunities. However, the debate about tutoring is many-sided, involving considerations of educational philosophy, financial investment, and the child’s overall well-being. What we have seen in the last few years is that it is highly unlikely to get an offer to selective schools without preparation. Preparation is not exclusively tutoring.  

In this blog, we will explore the pros and cons of tutoring, alternatives to traditional tutoring, and how to make the best decision for your child. 

Why Not to Do Tutoring 

Despite the potential benefits, there are compelling arguments against tutoring for selective school entry tests. Some parents and educators believe that tutoring can create unnecessary pressure and detract from a child’s natural learning process and thinking skills. Here are some points to consider: 

  • Stress and Burnout: If a child already has a busy schedule, the extra workload from tutoring may cause stress and burnout. The stress of having to do well on these exams can also lead to anxiety and negatively impact a child’s general well-being. 
  • Equity Issues: Tutoring can create a disparity between students who can afford private tutoring and those who cannot. This inequality raises questions about the fairness of the selective school entry process and whether it truly reflects a child’s potential. However since the department has created the equity scheme, this point has been moderated.  
  • Long-Term Impact: The skills and knowledge gained through intensive tutoring may not always translate to long-term academic success. A child might perform well in the entry test but struggle to keep up with the curriculum if the foundation isn’t solid. Yet, this depends on the type of tutoring they receive.  

Preparing Your Child at Home 

Helping your child to prepare at home can be effective. Here are some strategies to consider: 

  • Create a Study Schedule: Establish a regular study routine that balances study time with breaks and other activities. Consistency is key, but it’s important to avoid overloading your child. Remember that consistent small, easy-to-do study habits leads to better results than big chunks of study time.  
  • Encourage Reading: Promote a love of reading by providing a variety of books that interest your child. Reading widely can improve comprehension, vocabulary, and critical thinking skills. 
  • Encourage writing: promote a love for writing by setting a side parent-child time to do writing together (keep an eye for my next blog on how to write a book with my child) 
  • Practice Problem-Solving: Incorporate problem-solving activities into everyday life. Puzzles, games, and real-world scenarios can help your child develop analytical and reasoning skills.  
  • Foster a Positive Attitude: Encourage a growth mindset by praising effort and persistence rather than just results. Help your child see challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. 

Most parents are super busy or have many other reasons (such as life) to not being able to commit to all of the above.  

It is not the end of the world; you can still combine some of the activities at home with some external help.  

Alternatives to Traditional Tutoring 

If you’re hesitant about traditional tutoring, there are alternative ways to prepare your child for selective school entry tests that can be equally effective and less stressful. Here are some options: 

  • Enrichment Programs: Many schools and community centres offer enrichment programs that emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, and advanced literacy and numeracy skills. These programs provide preparation in a more engaging and relaxed environment. 
  • Innovative Tutoring Services: Look for tutoring services that prioritise teaching children how to think. These educators use methodologies that are backed by research and promote skills on how to think rather than what to think. This leads to long-term learning skills which will help your child to not only prepare for the test but rather do well in high school and beyond.  
  • Parental Involvement: Taking an active role in your child’s preparation courses can be very rewarding. This could involve monitoring their homework, participating as a family activity in critical thinking exercises, discussing problem-solving strategies, meeting their educator, or simply providing emotional support and encouragement. 

Making the Best Decision for Your Child 

Ultimately, your child’s unique needs and your family’s values should guide the decision of whether or not to tutor them for selective school entrance exams. To help you decide, consider these steps: 

  • Assess Your Child’s Needs: Consider your child’s academic strengths and weaknesses, learning style, and overall character. If your child thrives in a structured environment and needs targeted help, strategic tutoring might be beneficial. On the other hand, if your child is already performing well and is naturally gifted, other methods might be more appropriate. 

A diagnostic assessment might be a wise choice. 

  • Evaluate Your Resources: Reflect on your financial situation and the availability of quality tutors or alternative resources in your area. Ensure that any decision you make is sustainable and doesn’t create undue financial stress and that the investment is worthy.  
  • Prioritise Well-being: Your child’s mental and emotional health should be a priority. Choose a preparation method that supports a balanced lifestyle, allowing time for play, rest, and other interests. 
  • Stay Informed and Involved: Regularly communicate with your child about their progress and feelings towards the preparation process. Be open to adjusting your approach based on their feedback and well-being. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, the decision to tutor or not to tutor for selective school entry tests is a personal one that should be made thoughtfully. By considering the benefits of strategic selective school tutoring, exploring alternatives, and keeping your child’s best interests at heart, you can make a choice that supports their educational journey and overall well-being. 

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