Making a Homemade Mix With a Mortar and Pestle

Making a Homemade Mix With a Mortar and PestleIt's probably the easiest thing to make at home. All you need is some basic materials, a mortar and pestle, a trowel, a mixing bowl, and your creativity. And all it takes is a lot of fun!How can you prepare a mortar? First you need to preheat your mortar and pestle to a simmer in your favorite pot, before stirring into the water. Allow it to slowly cool and put in the refrigerator.After that you are ready to start working with your mortar. Choose an appropriate size mix for your mortar and use a soft ladle to scrape the mortar and mix in any ingredients that you are not using right away. You could also add the ingredients to the mortar and stir until you have added them to the tumbler.To form the mixture you would then choose some small cups and pour the mix into each of them. Stir each cup for a minute or two to ensure that the mix is uniform and smooth. Fill each one with your choice of ingredients and then begin to sprinkle in the mixt ure evenly into the cups. Sprinkle in about an inch of flour to even out the mixture.To stop the mixture from sticking to the wire whisk you could spin the mixture on top of the tumbler and then, using the spatula, turn it upside down so that the tumbler rests in the middle of the mixture and gently shake the tumbler as the mixture comes together. Continue this until all the ingredients have been mixed and there is no more of the mix left.You can use the mix as is or if you like you can add your favorite spices. My favorite mix usually consists of cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, nut, or vanilla extract. Or you could add a variety of herbs to the mix, such as ginger, Rosemary, or rose water. That way you get the flavors you want in the mix and you can tailor the recipe to suit your tastes.A mortar and pestle are a handy tool to have around for both baking and cooking. Whether you're at the store or at home, you can whip up your own homemade mix and sprinkle it onto your pancakes, toast, or cookies.

A-Level Results Day Looms - Tutor Hunt Blog

A-Level Results Day Looms A-Level Results Day Looms A-Level Results Day LoomsSecondary SchoolsA-level Results day looms, but is the predicted grade system hopelessly out of date? All around the UK tens of thousands of students are eagerly awaiting the results of their A-Levels. After months of study, they are going to be presented with grades that will have a decisive impact upon the rest of their lives. I certainly don`t envy them - the trepidation they feel around this time must be overwhelming. For some the results will mean getting into their first choice university, and securing a place on a course, which will hopefully guide them towards their chosen career. For others who don`t achieve the required grades for their 2 preferred universities, results day may well be a time when they have to reappraise their options, and make different plans for the future. The `clearing` system is designed for students who don`t achieve their required grades, and are looking for another university to apply to. Clearing can be accessed via UCAS website, but students may find it easier to contact preferred universities directly, in order to see if they have any places, and will accept you with your grades. Many people advocate preparing in advance - before you receive your results you should have a contingency plan in place, with alternate universities and courses you would be interested in applying to if you don`t get your required grades. This will help save time when competing with many other students going through the clearing system. There are many teachers who support a radical change in the university application system, being of the opinion that predicted grades should not even be part of the process, and students should only decide where they wish to go after they get their results. Britain is actually the only nation that uses predicted grades as part of the university application system - as a UCU study, which investigated the processes in more than 30 countries revealed -and there are calls for this forecasting system to be scrapped completely. The University and College Union (UCU), a trade union that represents university staff, has said the UK is `out of step` with the rest of the world, and says an `urgent overhaul` of the application process is desperately needed. Research conduced by the UCU revelled an astonishing statistic: only 16 per cent of A-level grade predictions are correct. I can`t imagine any business would continue using a predictive system with such a low accuracy rate - and it may well be unduly stressful for students, not to mention an administration nightmare for universities, for degree applications to be based on such a fallible process. UCU general secretary Sally Hunt was quite clear in her disapproval of the predicted grades method of university application: `We are alone in the world in using a system where students are offered university places based on highly inaccurate predicted grades. Unconditional offers have made a mockery of exams and led to inflated grade predictions, while putting students under enormous pressure to make a snap decision about their future.` `The simplest and fairest way to deal with these problems is for us to adopt a system of post-qualification admissions, where offers are based on actual achievement rather than estimated potential, as the rest of the world does. It`s time for the government to give the system the urgent overhaul it needs.` Her opinion chimes with my own: courses should be chosen, and universities selected and applied for only after students have received their results. It seems plainly obvious that you should only make decisions based on what is available to you - predicted grades do just that, they predict what will be available to the student; as UCU`s research has shown though, the predictions they make rarely come true. The deputy general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders Malcolm Trobe voiced a similar opinion, citing the archaic nature of the predicted grades system: `Out of date and no longer fit for purpose, it is a historical quirk which is not mirrored in other countries and creates unnecessary problems. In particular, we are extremely concerned about the rising number of unconditional offers made to students before they have taken their A-levels.` A-Level results will be released on the 16th of august. Long gone are the days when the whole family would wait expectantly for the postman to deliver the letter containing the grades - nowadays students can `track` their university status in real time on the UCAS website. This will inform them if they have got into their university of choice - but it won`t actually tell them their grades. For this information they will need to travel into their school or college. By this time of course they will already know if the results are good or bad. 18 months ago0Add a Comment

The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages

The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning Languages Textbooks only contain what can fit between two covers.Videos come to an end.Even your favorite language teacher eventually runs out of breath and stops talking.All your standard learning resources are finite.But realizing the limitations of your language learning tools doesnt have to fill you with existential dread.You can enjoy unlimited learning resources forever! Because language learning blogs exist.Blogs offer a huge array of material for anyone learning any language at any proficiency level, making them a flexible and awesome learning option.Below, well look at more than 25 diverse blogs for language learning. Well also link you to additional resources depending on what language youre learningâ€"all in all, were talking well over a hundred blog recommendations with something for everyone.So bookmark, get comfortable and enjoy. Why Use Blogs to Learn a Language?Blogs often offer  huge amounts of learning material in their archives. This means that even if the latest posts don t suit your learning needs, all you have to do is peruse the archives to find lots of material that might be more appropriate for your current level or goals.Plus, since new posts usually are added often, blogs are a self-replenishing resource. Youll never run out of material again!Finally, blogs are typically  free.  You can use as many as you like, mix and match or just look around to see which you like best without spending a dime. Some of the content offered by blogs is just as high-quality as textbooks and courses. This makes blogs the deal of the century.Types of Blogs You Can Use to Learn a LanguageGeneral Learner/Multilingual BlogsGeneral learner and/or multilingual blogs usually focus on learning languages in general. Common posts include information like learning tips and tricks, general resources and information on different languages.Language-specific Learner BlogsLanguage-specific learner blogs focus on helping you learn one particular language. These typically offer vo cabulary lists, posts on specific grammar rules and information on resources to learn the target language.Authentic BlogsAuthentic blogs are those blogs that are intended for native speakers of the language in which theyre written. For language learners, authentic blogs serve as terrific real-world reading practice.For best results, mix and match using all of the above. In the list below, well cover all three of these blog types, including learner and authentic blogs for 10 different languages.The Ultimate List of Blogs for Learning LanguagesGeneral and Multilingual Learning BlogsLanguage TsarLanguage Tsar is run by a world traveler who has studied 10 languages.   As such, posts cover travel, general language learning tips, differences between languages and more. For instance, any language student can benefit from How to learn better pronunciation in 7 steps!  while some will benefit from more specific posts like  How different is Russian from Ukrainian?Plus, if youre looking for re ading practice in your target language, Language Tsar also offers posts in Catalan, Dutch, French, German, Irish, Italian, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish and Ukrainian.FluentU Language and Culture BlogsYes, youre reading a language learning blog right now! Pretty meta, when you think about it. And FluentU blogs have a lot to offer language learners. There are frequently new posts on topics ranging from resources to learning tips to the latest language learning technology. For instance, you might enjoy our  post on virtual reality language learning.In addition to the General Learner blog, which youre currently reading, FluentU offers a number of other blogs dedicated to specific languages, including Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. An additional blog helps anyone learning business English.There are even blogs designed to help speakers of Japanese, Korean,  Portuguese, Russian, Spanish  and Turkish learn Engl ish. And, if you happen to be a teacher, you might like the General Educator blog  or blogs dedicated to educators of specific languages.Why, yes, that is a lot of helpful language blogs. Thank you for noticing!Subscribe to our weekly newsletter using the field at the bottom of the page and well send you free weekly updates with links to all the latest posts, along with information about exciting new FluentU features.If youre a FluentU user, its even better, because we make flashcard sets that correspond to blog posts for our video learning program. FluentU takes real-world videos (think news, commercials, movie trailers, music videos and vlogs) and turns them into personalized language learning lessons. Flashcard sets from vocabulary-based posts are focused around specific themes, but pull material from videos all across the platform so you can see words and phrases in authentic contexts.Start using  FluentU on the website  with your computer or tablet  or, better yet,  download th e FluentU app from  the iTunes store  or from the  Google Play store  to access material on your Android and iOS devices.The LinguistThe Linguist is run by Steve Kaufmann, who claims to speak a jealousy-inducing 16 languages. While the website also promotes some learning products you can buy, the blog routinely posts helpful free information. Some posts focus on providing guidance for learning specific languages, but most focus on tips that you can apply when studying any language. For instance, the post on how to learn vocabulary fast  offers some helpful personal insight on vocabulary acquisition.Many of the posts mention LingQ, Steves own program, a platform that focuses on bringing authentic materials into the language learning experience. LingQ also offers tracking features and ways to socialize with a language learning community for support and information.Lindsay Does LanguagesLindsay Does Languages is targeted at inspiring independent language learners + online teachers. And with so much great material out there, who wouldnt want to be an independent language learner? Lindsay herself is an avid language learner and teacher.There are usually a few new blog posts each month. Most posts focus on lessons you can apply across languages, like how to stay motivated. However, there are also a number of beginner-level posts for specific languages, such as 9 Reasons to Learn Swedish  (spoiler alert: for greater ease in acquiring pickled herring did not make the list).Fluent LanguageFounded by a native German speaker who has studied at least six languages, Fluent Language offers courses, toolkits and a podcast. But lets get to the good stuff: the blog.New posts are added about once a week. Some posts focus on specific language advice, like 9 of the Best Podcasts for Learning German,  but most focus on more general topics that can apply to any language learner, such as Network Your Way to Better Language Skills and a Better Life.In addition to the blogs above and below, you can find more general blogs for language learning here, and more general, multilingual and language-specific blogs here.ArabicThe Arabic LearnerIf youre looking for a great Arabic blog, The Arabic Learner is a good place to start. While it sadly hasnt been updated in a while, there are plenty of older posts to help you learn Arabic. Topics include resources (like apps and classes) and tips and tricks for interacting, maintaining your enthusiasm and learning effectively. For instance, Arabic vocabulary how to increase it will give you tips for learning more words.7iber7iber is an Arabic organization based out of Jordan that focuses on multimedia journalism. Because different laws apply to news organizations and blogs, there has been some debate as to 7ibers status, but whatever you call it, its a great tool for Arabic students.7iber produces original content covering news and current events, so reading the blog is a helpful way to learn about culture along with practicing your language skills. Plus, some articles are also available in English. For instance, this Arabic article about cyber crime law  is  also available in English.Looking for more Arabic reading material? Heres a list of 15 Arabic blogs that starts with bilingual blogs and increases in difficulty.ChineseHacking ChineseThe Hacking Chinese  blog is terrific for anyone looking to learn the language. The blog features challenges, games, resources and learning strategies to help students get the most out of their study time. There are even some particularly unique posts that you wont find elsewhere, like this one in which the narrator plays a Chinese video game  while describing it in English to help viewers understand whats going on.If youre learning Chinese, there are more great Chinese learning blogs out there.Sina blogSina blog is a Chinese blogging service run by a large Chinese technology company. A number of different bloggers use this platform, so blogs cover a huge array of topics , including entertainment, sports, history, food, education, fashion, parenting and so much more.One blogger Chinese students might want to follow is Chinese actress/director  Xu Jinglei, who  China Daily  once reported was the worlds most popular blogger, though shes no longer adding new posts. Astrologically-minded learners might also enjoy reading their daily horoscope in Chinese.There are plenty more authentic Chinese blogs available for learners, including some that are conveniently bilingual.FrenchFrench TodayIn addition to their French audiobooks and audio lessons for learners, French Today offers a variety of articles on both French vocab and grammar as well as French culture. Posts are divided into helpful categories for easy navigation. The blog is updated every week and you can subscribe to a newsletter to be notified of new articles.While posts are written by multiple bloggers, a good number are by Camille and Olivier, the founders of the French Today products and site, so there are sometimes tie-ins with specific lessons or books. You can access the blog and peruse their collection of audiobooks here.And dont worry about running out of material. More great French learning blogs  are readily available for learners.Le Monde  (The World)There are lots of great authentic French blogs  out there, but if youre looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news, Le Mondes blogs might be your blog soulmate.Le Monde  is a daily newspaper based out of Paris. There website offers a section specifically dedicated to blogs. Every day, several posts related to news and culture appear on this page. For instance, science-minded French students might like this article about an astronomical event.Here are some more incredible blogs on a variety of subjects for advanced learners, and learners of all levels can benefit from checking out more French news resources.GermanGerman is easy!If you love yourself some German blogs, this is one youll want to add to your arsenal (pe rhaps daily, even).The website address might be a bit misleading because it isnt updated daily, but new posts do appear every few days. Most of these posts are word of the day-style posts. But dont be fooled! You wont get a new vocabulary word and a simple definition. Instead, each post offers plenty of information on the word, its possible meanings, related words, several example sentences and even audio examples. For instance, this post on treten  (to tread) will provide you with an in-depth discussion of the verb.You can check out more blogs for German learners here.Mit Vergnügen (My Pleasure)If authentic German blogs  are more your speed,  Mit Vergnügen  may, in fact, be your pleasure.Mit Vergnügen  focuses on events and culture in Berlin, including nightlife, restaurants, theater, music and more. This gives you the opportunity to practice your German while learning about all the coolest things and places in Berlin. For instance, German students traveling solo to Berlin might like this post on bars where you can drink alone.And this is just the tip of the iceberg. There are lots more blogs in German that are perfect for learners.ItalianCyber ItalianItalian blogs  and gelato are impossible to resist. And while gelato may taste better, Italian blogs offer way more learning opportunities. Take, for instance, Cyber Italian.Cyber Italian  is updated about once a week, providing listening exercises, dual-language readings, cultural information, grammar rules and more. For instance, this post  offers some brief geographic information, maps and a quiz in Italian.Csaba dalla Zorza  (Csaba from Zorza)Csaba dalla Zorza  is a lifestyle blog dedicated to food. Italian food is amazing, so reading about Italian food in Italian is next-level awesome.Blog posts cover travel, kitchen items, food trends and recipesâ€"yes, recipes. For instance, you might want to read this post on New Years recipes for festive treats that youll want to enjoy way more than once a year (with a side of language learning, of course).Here are some more cool Italian blogs (both authentic and learning-based) for your enjoyment.JapaneseTofuguIn the world of Japanese learning blogs, Tofugu reigns supreme. Tofugu is dedicated to discussing the Japanese language and culture.Language-related posts cover topics like resources, translators, study techniques and more. One helpful post for independent learners is 12 Ways to Answer Your Own Questions About Japanese, which provides some helpful ideas for how to find answers if you dont have a teacher.Check out more top-rated Japanese learning blogs, and youll be well on your way to fluency.??????? (Doing Nothing)Authentic Japanese blogs are a great way to strengthen your reading skills like youre in training for a language sumo match.??????? is a personal blog that focuses on the writers life in a small, rural town. Not only will this help you practice your reading skills, it will familiarize you with everyday vocabulary and teach you about small-town life in Japan. For instance, this post  discusses the weather and the writers work, lunch and cat.More Japanese blogs about travel, food, culture and lifestyle await you.KoreanLearn Korean through K-POPWhen you need a fun  Korean blog, Learn Korean through K-POP will always fit the bill.Learn Korean through K-POP is a blog dedicated entirely to helping you learn a language with the international music phenomenon. Each post contains a video of a song and then breaks down the lyrics one line at a time, sharing the Korean and its English translation. Theres even a quiz at the end to help you see how much you learned. For instance, if you want to improve your Korean with a danceable beat, you might look at the post on Bad Boy by Red Velvet.If and when you decide to venture outside of K-pop in your learning experience, there are a variety of quality Korean learning blogs available to teach you the language.?? (Heopop)Authentic Korean bloggers also provide a great learni ng tool to Korean learners.  ?? is one addicting option.?? is most known for antics and stunts. Posts often relate to general topics. The blog also contains video content, so you can get both reading and listening practice. Do note, however, that you need to log in to access this content.PortugueseStreet Smart BrazilPortuguese blogs  like Street Smart Brazil  are just the thing you need to take your Portuguese skills to the next level.Street Smart Brazils main focus is Portuguese lessons, but their blog offers up some unbeatable free learning content. There are usually one or two posts per month, and they focus on useful topics like vocabulary, phrases and culture. For instance, if you enjoy a good beverage, you might want to read the post Heres How to Order Your Soft Drink in Brazil.Check out other Portuguese learning blogs to cover even more of the language.O Antagonista (The Antagonist)If you like your Brazilian bloggers  to teach you language skills while serving up the latest n ews,  O Antagonista  has your back.O Antagonista  is a news blog created by two journalists from Brazil. The blog covers current events, politics, culture and more. For instance, Portuguese students might like to read this brief article  about a politician saying that Rio de Janeiro wasnt ready for Carnival.Best of all, there are several new posts each day, so youll never run out of content (unless youre a super fast reader).Check out more excellent Brazilian bloggers here.RussianExplore RussianRussian learning blogs  are as beautiful as new fallen snow, and Explore Russian is no exception.Explore Russian combines video and text for a well-rounded learning experience.  While it hasnt been updated recently, its archives are home to plenty of great learning material. Posts include on-location videos, word lists, grammar lessons and more. For instance, in Russian Cases on the Street,  the host asks everyday Russians to explain Russian cases. The blog post also comes with a helpful list of examples.If you want more of the crème de la Kremlin of Russian learning blogs, look no further than this list.??????? ?????????  (Alexei Navalny)Though controversial, Alexei Navalny is one of the most well-known  Russian bloggers. Navalny is a prominent lawyer and political activist who has been critical of Putin. His blog, to which new posts are added almost daily, focuses primarily on politics and corruption, so its a helpful way to learn more about political conflict in Russia while you brush up on your reading skills. One article Russian students may enjoy is this one that discusses a historical photo  and how it relates to current situations.Heres a variety of blogs for further reading to teach you about the Russian language and culture.SpanishLearn Spanish a little at a time!This is one of the most approachable  Spanish learning blogs  out there.Its a Tumblr that focuses primarily on resharing brief posts that will be useful to Spanish learners. These include posts on vo cabulary, expressions, learning tips and more. While its updated less consistently, youll find some great posts if you scroll through the archives. For instance, the post New Years Resolutions in Spanish  is a fun and festive way to learn vocabulary related to changes you might want to make in your life.If you think this blog looks pretty awesome for your Spanish studies, theres plenty more where that came from.Vivir al Máximo (Live to the Limit)Sure, there are plenty of authentic Spanish blogs, but few are quite like  Vivir al Máximo.  Vivir al Máximo  is a blog out of Spain dedicated to living life to the fullest. Posts cover entrepreneurship, travel, work, self-help topics and more. For instance, Spanish learners might enjoy a post that discusses some of the adventures the author has enjoyed along with why hes tired of traveling.Here are a few more blogs in Spanish for your reading practice and enjoyment.These 25 blogs will keep you rolling in language learning resources!

Canadian International School Amman

Canadian International School Amman Canadian International School Amman Canadian International School Amman is a private school located in Amman, Jordan offering a bilingual English/Arabic learning environment to students. The curriculum used comes from Alberta, Canada and is ranked among the top 5 in the world. CIS Amman is a new facility and offers SMART Boards in classrooms, wifi, a school gymnasium, a school cafeteria, a new playground to students. CIS Amman focuses on the development of literacy and numeracy skills for students, and has capped class sizes at 20 per class. CIS Amman offers a positive working environment to teachers as school staff are friendly and supportive. The school, located in an upscale neighbourhood in Amman, is in a very safe area close to Embassies and services. Amman is an extremely safe city, as is Jordan as a country. Jordan offers many tourist sites to visit including: The Dead Sea, Petra, Wadi Rum and Jeresh. Jordan is also well situated to benefit from travel to other countries during school vacations. Expatriate teachers are offered: A competitive salary furnished accommodation or a housing allowance a return ticket from point of residence medical benefits

AP Chemistry High School - What Is It?

AP Chemistry High School - What Is It?If you are thinking about joining AP Chemistry High School you should seriously consider how much you enjoy science and how much you enjoy mathematics. There are many things to consider before you enroll, but the one thing that is almost certain is that AP Chemistry High School will not be easy. For this reason you need to have good preparation.You should make sure that you take a good number of introductory classes that will show you how to work with math problems, and then you should do your homework in some of the advanced courses like Homework, Solving Problems, and Problem-Solving in Elementary School Science Projects. I cannot stress enough how important this is.Study each of the subjects that are required for your course. Even if you do not love them, it is important to learn them well. They will serve as the foundation for your own learning experience and they are fundamental for AP Chemistry High School.When you are ready to take more ad vanced courses, I recommend that you first focus on some of the basic science courses like biology, chemistry, and physics. At the end of this year you should have a good understanding of these subjects. Then you can move on to the other subjects.Make sure that you follow the timetable that the college or university has set up for the past semesters. The last semester of college, or the last semester of high school will require some revisions, and if you miss them you may find yourself facing difficulties in AP Chemistry High School.Do your best to plan well so that you do not miss any of the deadlines and meet your semester schedule. You do not want to drop classes for any reason and miss out on a good academic opportunity.Before you take your AP Chemistry HighSchool, I would highly recommend that you take one of the correct coursework for your grade. Make sure that you spend some time taking this course, and it will pay off big in the long run.

What Is Saturation Chemistry?

What Is Saturation Chemistry?If you've been studying applied or online chemistry you've probably heard about saturation chemistry. Some people say it's too complicated to understand, while others swear that they don't have enough knowledge about it yet. However, if you're thinking about applying it to your chemistry courses or if you're just curious about it you should read this article.First of all saturation chemistry is not something you should be afraid of. While it's true that some people have a tough time grasping the concept of saturation, most of them would really like to understand it better. It's just another way of saying there is no limit to the number of molecules in the substances. In other words there are no limits on the substances' chemical composition.It's because of this that every chemical reaction becomes irreversible, which is why it's said that, theoretically, there are no limits on chemical reactions. And it's because of this that the saturation effect can be seen in most, if not all, chemical reactions.Just think about the fact that in the chemical reaction of chlorine and bromine for example there are two very different compounds in the reaction. And both of them have a lot of molecular mass. There is an assumption that the higher the molecular mass, the higher the concentration of these compounds. However, there are so many factors involved that make this not completely accurate.In fact, the more compound you put into the chemical compound, the more you make the molecular mass of these compounds bigger. Therefore, you can also say that there is no limit to the concentration of the molecules in the reactions. The number of compounds are not the only thing that can change the chemical reaction.In addition to this, there are also certain processes in which the oxygen molecule itself can be changed from one group to another group, which is known as substrate interchange. This is a fairly interesting and a quite intriguing process, but it cannot be known, scientifically, if there are no limits.So saturation chemistry is very useful for those who are interested in chemistry. And once you learn it, you will surely have to keep up with it, for the sake of your career or study. However, don't be worried about it. There is a lot of information about saturation chemistry and it's meaning available online.

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject

The Evolution Of Biology as an Academic Subject The Evolution Of Learning Biology from GCSE Biology and Beyond ChaptersAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsResources For The Reformed ExamsJust like the evolution of the science, Biology as a GCSE subject has evolved over the years to reflect the many new discoveries found and research methods used by biologists. It is a fantastic subject to learn about.For instance, the current GCSE Biology syllabi teach students about Dolly the sheep, the first ever cloned animal, who marks a scientific breakthrough that wouldn't have been believed possible prior to 1996.Some of the ways the content has advanced with the times is with the addition of new modules covering things like growing crops, which we now know much more about thanks to developments in the research of cultivation, breeding and harvesting of crops.Not only has our knowledge widened, but our outlook has too and the subject is taught with a whole-world economic focus.In addition, as biotechnology moves forward, teachers now c onsider the use of larger-scale bio-fermenters and how enzymes are now used commercially. That said, technology now plays a very big part in the life of scientists, so are these small additions to the course content enough to reflect just how much Biology has evolved in the contemporary world? MahimaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AndyBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AlishaBiology Teacher 5.00 (10) £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SaifBiology Teacher 5.00 (9) £22/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors FrankBiology Teacher 5.00 (8) £90/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors HeavenliBiology Teacher £9/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SiobhanBiology Teacher £60/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors MackenzieBiology Teacher 5.00 (2) £15/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsAre GCSE Courses As Up To Date As They Should Be?As we’ve mentioned in other posts concerning GC SE Biology, the subject naturally has close links to the other Sciences,  but also with Mathematics. However, have you ever considered how inter-related Biology and Information Technology are too?Advances in technology are forever changing what we are capable of doing and finding out, not just in the world of science, so it is inevitable that this modern technological era has has a huge influence on Biology in recent years, not to mention the impact it has had on how Biology affects us in our daily lives.In fact, modern molecular Biology relies very heavily on new technologies. However, the technological components of Biology courses at this level have scarcely changed over the last few decades.Scientists believe that modern Biology courses, if they want to really encourage young biologists and give them a real insight into the live science as it exists today, should bring courses up to date and make them more relevant to the discipline.Select an esteemed A level biology tutor here. Biologists believe that courses need to reflect the importance of Technology and Mathematics to contemporary Biology. Photo credit: allispossible.org.uk via VisualHunt / CC BYWhile it seems that Physics is growing with the times, professionals from the Biology sector do not feel that their subject field is given the same level of sophistication within education and therefore aren’t given the basics needed to truly understand things like DNA sequence alignment or gene prediction algorithms.These concepts, which are described as bioinformatics, are important to contemporary biologists and it is thought by the scientific community that these statistical techniques should be taught as part of national curriculums to give an-all round teaching approach to the branch of science.This pedagogical argument is still on many people’s lips, however young biologists can feel confident in the knowledge that the new AQA Biology GCSE, for example, has been produced in conjunction with Mathemat ics and Physics experts.Find an online biology tutor here.The Impact Of Government Changes To GCSE QualificationsThe History Of GCSE Science ExamsWhile the Sciences have been studied for generations as part of what was known as the CSE, and then the O Level, the qualification that we know today has only been around since 1988. That, however, does not mean to say that the course has stayed the same since the 80s. Far from it.Firstly, we have seen some changes to the content covered, which we have exemplified above, but also in the way that the GCSE course is marked.For instance, between 1988 and 1994, GCSE grades were awarded from A-G (with the possibility of getting a U mark, even back then). Since the mid 90s, however, an A* grade has been in place to distinguish the highest scoring pupils from the rest of the A category.Science exams, in particular, have been given special attention in recent years and have moved away from the traditional structure, whereby students would study th ree scientific components (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) and receive a final grade which encompassed all three of these in equal measures.Now, pupils have the choice to study one single Science (otherwise known as Core science) and then select one of two complementary GCSEs, distinguished as Additional Science (with a more academic focus) and  Applied Science (with a more vocational approach). To reflect these significant changes, pupils are now given separate grades for each of the subjects.The previous modular approach to learning has also been altered and many linear courses introduced to offer more straightforward goals for students.With these changes, coursework has been abolished from the grading system (although homework and coursework can still be set to encourage learning) and students' performance over the two years is solely based on how they do during their written, marked exam.This is seen as a positive move forward as it means that pupils can no longer swindle the ex am boards by getting lots of help with their coursework, thus bringing their grade up.Biology GCSE exams are now marked solely on exams. Photo credit: c_H via Visual hunt / CC BYFurthermore, GCSEs have undergone a government-led reform in recent years, which has been introduced in four phases. We are now part of the way through Phase 2, which affects how Biology (among many other GCSE subjects) is taught and assessed.Right now, teachers and students alike are currently experiencing the amendments, so only time will tell if this reform is an improvement on the old GCSE structure or not.How Are GCSEs Being Graded Post-2016?One very important thing to note as you enter your first or second year of GCSE is that this course has undergone many changes in just the last two years alone. This means that the structure of courses may be quite different than before, as well as how you are assessed.As such, any revision tools or advice  passed down from peers and siblings having taken the older version of the GCSE exam might not be as directly beneficial to you.Keep reading to find out how the changes affect you, as this could help you to feel more confident in the approach to the exams.Most GCSE pupils will be familiar with the historical grading system, which awarded marks ranging from A*-G, with A* being the highest attainable and G being the lowest (not forgetting the U grade for a set of very poor exam answers). However, a new grade system is in the process of being phased in to the UK education system whereby pupils are marked against a 9-1 system instead.Conservatives pushed for a GCSE reform and Biology is mid-way through the transitional phase. Photo credit: ** Maurice ** via Visualhunt.com / CC BYThis new grading method will be applied for the first time on this academic year’s Year 11 Biology students. English Literature, English Language and Mathematics subjects have already seen this amended GCSE grading structure put into place, as the summer's exams were given this treatment for the very first time in the UK.Although it sounds reasonably straightforward, the familiar  letters do not translate seamlessly into the scale of digits. Ofqual, the exams watchdog, has advised educators not to make direct comparisons between the two because the boundaries do differ, so you will have to do a bit of reading up in order to understand where you currently sit on the scale and where you need to be.While there is still a U, or ungraded, mark, grades 9, 8 and 7 are roughly equivalent to A* and A. Grades 6, 5 and 4 can be likened to a B-C, meanwhile a 3 is said to be similar to a current D. Finally, 2 and 1 are close to E, F and G grades.Resources For The Reformed ExamsWhile the exam boards still provide information on their older specifications and offer pre-reform past papers for you to download, you should be aware that your 2018 exam may not be the same in structure. However, a big part of revision in any subject is exam technique, so there is n o harm in using these outdated resources to work towards building your confidence ahead of your final exam.If anything, familiarising yourself with the older structure might make you appreciate the changes that have come about as a result of the reform!For up to date revision materials directly related to your new specification, look out for online materials produced in the last year as well as new publications and releases in book shops, which are sure to reflect the changes.To check out some of the biggest breakthroughs in Biology, see here.Alternatively, if you want to brush up on your Biology vocabulary, check out this blog.Or, look for 'biology tutors near me'.Finally, to learn about the links between Art and Biology, visit our blog on the artistic links.

SAT Prep

How to Make the Most of Your Summer ACT/SAT Prep Summer is the perfect time to begin studying for the ACT or SAT. Regardless of which test you choose, or if you plan to sit for both exams, take advantage of the summer months as an opportunity to deep-dive into prep. Summer can allow you a more flexible study schedule and may leave you better rested to tackle test prep. Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by registering for your exam, using your time wisely, and working with a tutor. Here are several other tips to help you make the most of your summer ACT and SAT prep: Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by working with others Working with an ACT tutor, an SAT tutor, or a friend can be a great place to start with your summer test prep. A tutor can assess your weaknesses and offer suggestions on how to improve them. In addition, a tutor can provide customized help, thus increasing your efficiency during your summer study hours. Tutors often have numerous resources, so youre unlikely to run out of practice questions. A study group can also be helpful to your summer ACT/SAT prep in many ways, including: Your peers can hold you accountable to your review schedule Working with a study group can help you further identify both areas of needed improvement and areas where you are succeeding. [RELATED: What I Wish I Knew About Taking the ACT/SAT] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by using your time wisely If youre setting aside time to study for the SAT or ACT, make sure youre using that time wisely. Turn off your phone and remove all distractions. Experiment with using a timer to help you focus. While youre practicing, note what you need the most help on. Taking practice tests can help you recognize areas of focus and how to best use your prep time. After you take a practice test, review the results, identify what you need to work on, and practice those trouble spots before taking another practice exam. [RELATED: Time Management Tips for Students] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by scheduling practice time Just because its summer doesnt mean you cant use those great time management skills youve honed in high school. Set aside time in your schedule to practice for the ACT or SAT. Do you have a summer job or summer school commitments? Note these commitments in your calendar so that you can schedule prep time when you will be able to fully focus. [RELATED: Should I Take the ACT or SAT?] Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by registering for your exam At the beginning of your summer prep, research upcoming test dates. Once you register for your exam, youll have a specific deadline to complete your studying by. Filling out your College Board profile can also be helpful before junior or senior year. Its great to take advantage of the summer time to get these administrative tasks out of the way. Make the most of your summer ACT/SAT prep by keeping your eye on the prize When SAT and ACT prep get stressful, its important to remind yourself of your end goal. Perhaps you have a dream college that youre working toward. Remember that great test scores can set you apart from your other well-rounded peers. When you get discouraged, remind yourself of your goalsyouve got this! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Find Sewing Classes in London

Find Sewing Classes in London Let's Talk Sewing Courses London-Bound! ChaptersHow To Sew And Get Acquainted With The EquipmentWays To Learn To SewWhat Is Covered By Sewing Lessons?Where To Find Sewing Classes Near MeIt doesn't really matter where you are, sewing is the same for all.Being a Londoner, however, with all of the opportunities found in the capital, you may have that advantage over other hobbyists in that you could have access to more courses and have many more occasions to use the skill in your profession (i.e. the multitude of industries and businesses that are located in this busy city).You may be a complete beginner at sewing or you might be an intermediate seamstress, but you can benefit from some extra help or inspiration all the same.So, whether you are picking up a needle and thread for the very first time or you already have a smart sewing machine and sewing supplies at home which you use on many a garment, below you will find all you need to know about finding sewing courses in London.Find out about sewing courses in London. Photo o n Visual huntyou might like to consider those who are qualified in the fashion industry if you are keen to learn about dressmaking and tailoring. It is important to note that with expertise comes the ability to charge more for their time, so don't be scared off by tutors charging a higher hourly rate. It just means they're really good at what they do!If you think about it, you might pay more initially for a more experienced instructor but then find that the lessons are so good that you don't need as many sessions as if you had picked a tutor who isn't as accomplished or as used to teaching others.What Is Covered By Sewing Lessons?The truth is that what will be covered by your chosen teacher will all depend on what that individual specialises in and what you've signed up for. For example, if you have enrolled on a course relating to patchwork, then it's unlikely that you'll be taught much in the way of tailoring, and vice-versa. But that doesn't mean to say that what you do learn won 't be transferable and relevant to the other areas of this craft.One of the main things that you will gain from a course or a sequence of lessons with an expert in the field is confidence and how to approach your tasks with a positive mindset. Even though you might already think you are quite confident because you are willing to try even if you fail, your teacher will most likely teach you so much more about the subject than you could ever have imagined and thus make it so that you don't fail, full stop.If you have attended courses related to textiles but feel like you need to focus your attention on one specific area in order to enter the profession you want, then a tutor can be a great way of bridging that gap between education and profession.Sewing Course LondonSew It With LoveThis company offers a range of sewing classes in London, adapted for all different levels: Beginners, Advanced Beginners, and Intermediate Dressmaking. As a beginner, you might find introductory courses lik e how to sew a tote bag, how to sew a pyjama set, how to use a sewing machine, and other general taster sessions introducing you to the art of sewing.Advanced beginners, however, may discover how to make alterations, how to sew with jersey fabrics, how to sew lingerie and an introduction to dressmaking.Meanwhile, intermediate dressmaking students will explore pattern cutting, how to sew cigarette pants, how to sew the perfect fit and how to copy your existing clothes and fashions.All of the classes, which have excellent reviews from previous students as can be seen on the website, are very affordably priced with most coming in at less than £100.Tailoring Courses LondonLearning to become an excellent tailor requires being taught the ropes by a tailor with high-standards. Photo on VisualHuntSavile Row AcademyThe Savile Row Academy is a renowned tailoring school which was founded by Andrew Ramroop OBE, Master Tailor and Director of Maurice Sedwell. Their objective when opening the aca demy was to protect, enhance and develop the value of bespoke tailoring by passing on their high standards to new trainees.The academy, which can be found on the famous Savile Row, officially opened in January 2008 and continues, to this date, to provide a unique opportunity for those wanting to acquire the high level knowledge, skills and experience needed for employment in established tailoring houses around the world or with a view to establish their own businesses within this field.Below is just one example of the valuable courses on offer for aspiring tailors:Men's Pattern Cutting and Fitting SRA Certificate Course - 23 July 2018 to 24 Aug 2018:Course modules: Men’s Pattern Drafting, Block pattern, Cutting, Fitting, Remarking and Master patterns.PLEASE NOTE: There are only twelve places on this course.You can enrol  in this course by downloading and completing the form found on their website. Here, you can also find out more about the price of this intensive workshop.Where To Find Sewing Classes Near MeIf you are interested in finding out more about the many sewing courses on offer near you in the big smoke, then why not take a look online and see for yourself what is out there. As a Londoner, I'm sure you are aware that there are so many colleges and academies across the capital that can accommodate students either full or part-time, depending on their needs and the flexibility of the course being offered.However, if it's one-off, independent sewing classes or workshops that you are keen to discover, then you may find it beneficial to use directories like Timeout London, which lists a variety of sewing or fashion-related courses on offer in the city.Furthermore, Hot Courses lists more than 30 relevant courses or workshops in London, which means that there is a likelihood that at least one will suit your fancy! Their picks are clearly categorised and display the price visibly, making it known when a discount or saving has been applied.Did you find all t hat you need? We hope sew!Find sewing classes in the UK, including:ManchesterBirminghamLeedsGlasgowsewing course London