Category: Education

The 11+ Exam is a selective test used to gain entry into Grammar Schools and Independent Schools. The exam is deliberately challenging and is structured to assess both knowledge and aptitude under timed conditions.

It is one thing to understand the content, but another to apply that knowledge effectively within strict time limits. In addition to the entrance tests, some Independent Schools may also require pupils to attend an interview, for which preparation can also be highly beneficial.

As you likely know, the 11 Plus exam consists of four parts:

• Verbal Reasoning: word selection and matching, categorising vocabulary, codes and sequences, verbal and numerical logic

• Non-Verbal Reasoning: spotting figure patterns, completing diagrams, rotations and reflections, interpreting layered designs

• English: comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation, precise word choice

• Mathematics: problem solving, logical reasoning, data interpretation, geometry and measurement

Maths and English broadly follow the National Curriculum, while Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning do not.

Actionable Steps to Succeed

Short and Sharp Daily Practice Works Best

We have noticed that the best-performing students start early and do little at a time. This means doing 15–20 minutes daily from Year 4, rather than long and draining sessions in Year 6.

At this age, your child’s brain is like a sponge. Give it small amounts of information often, and it will absorb it well. Give it too much in one short period, and it may panic and fail to retain it.

Train Exam Timing Early

Set a timer, even on a single section, and get your child used to exam conditions. Too often, parents come to us with children who perform well in untimed practice but are too slow under exam conditions. Remember: 1 mark = 1 minute is always a good rule of thumb.

Encourage the “move on if stuck” method. In the exam, even the most able students will encounter difficult questions. It is important not to get stuck for too long. Skip it, focus on the ones you can answer, and come back later.

Build Vocabulary in Fun Ways

Make vocabulary learning fun. Use flashcards, “word of the day,” or even word games. Once your child understands a word, incorporate it into daily conversations.

Active reading is also crucial. The strongest students are voracious readers who pick up vocabulary effortlessly across different genres. Use your child’s interests to guide book choices. And remember: use new words or lose them!

When Do People Get an 11 Plus Tutor?

The 11 Plus Exam is competitive, so it’s no wonder parents ask about the best time to start 11 plus tutoring. Here’s the breakdown:

• Year 4 (Early Starters): Builds a strong foundation in English and Maths. Lessons focus more on content and engagement rather than exam conditions.

• Year 5 (The Sweet Spot): Students are mature enough for structured lessons, and there’s plenty of time to build exam technique without cramming. Intensity usually increases after Easter.

• Year 6 (Catch-Up Stage): Works for families who decide later on grammar or private schools. Tutoring here tends to focus on intensive revision and exam strategies rather than building content knowledge.

Signs Your Child May Benefit from a Tutor

• They are struggling with core skills such as spelling, times tables, or comprehension.

• They panic or underperform under exam pressure and need guidance to build confidence.

• They are advanced for their age and need stretching beyond the school curriculum.

Remember: getting a tutor is not about “getting ahead.” It’s about whether your child needs structure and confidence that you may not always be able to provide at home.

At The Degree Gap, we provide specialist 11 Plus Tutoring in all areas of the test. We cover the popular Kent 11 Plus Test and all exam boards. All lessons are recorded and delivered by experienced 11 Plus teachers.

To help children develop their reading skills, you need to teach them a phonics-based curriculum. You can achieve success in this area by following a well-structured format that thoroughly applies the fundamental principles of reading science.

Online platforms offer multiple books inspired by the Orton-Gillingham method. You can refer to these resources to help your children make progress in their reading skills. Some students can be fast learners, while others may need some time to grasp new concepts. With patience and focus, you can address their concerns as well. However, choosing the right reading material is essential. Many schools today rely on decodable books.

To make your young learners’ reading journey enjoyable, consider incorporating decodable texts. These can be used to teach essential reading components.

• Phonemic Awareness Skills

Introducing phonemic awareness activities from the early years of a child’s education is necessary. Before that, they should already be familiar with certain sounds and their application in spoken language. After this, they can be taught to figure out phonics and sound-spelling correspondences. It is interesting to note in this context that decodable books don’t directly teach phonemic awareness.

Instead, they use phonics lessons your child has already learned, allowing them to decode words with ease. You need these texts to help them build their sound blending and sound isolation skills.

• Phonics Structures

Any newly acquired skill should be practiced regularly to maintain its proficiency. Similarly, children must apply their knowledge of phonics in different settings to develop their reading skills. With decodable readers, they can practice their reading skills effortlessly. These books utilize different letter patterns or letter combinations that students already know, helping them build their sound-spelling relationships, which, in turn, enhance their reading fluency.

• Clear Instructions

Decodable books allow students to follow a proper set of phonics patterns. As a teacher, you also get the opportunity to work closely with your students through different stages of their learning and monitor their progress. Even parents can use these books at home to help their children practice the patterns they’ve learned.

• Better Focus

Scientific studies show that strong readers can easily decode words while reading. With the help of decodable readers, you can impart clear and engaging instructions on phonics structures. You can make your class practice the phonics patterns continuously.

The advantage is that these texts focus on one learning strategy at a time. As a result, children don’t feel frustrated or neglected. Slow learners can concentrate on picture cues to identify words. Others can pay attention to comprehension, featuring easy-to-read sentences.

A structured approach to teaching reading can be highly beneficial. Decodable books can be the ideal tool in this context. These can motivate children to read and learn to read more. Because these texts incorporate familiar words or sounds, students continue to enjoy their learning progress. They look forward to reading their books independently. It gives them a sense of confidence and power. However, these activities should not be done unsupervised. You need to guide them to ensure a better learning experience.

Have you ever wondered why so many people in your social circle seem to be working in healthcare in one form or another? From your cousin starting nursing school to your neighbor taking an online nutrition course, the health field has become one of the most diverse, in-demand, and constantly evolving career arenas.

In this guide, we will share different career paths in health and what they mean today, from clinical and non-clinical roles to technology-driven avenues.

Non-Clinical Health Careers

Not everyone in health works with patients. Some of the fastest-growing opportunities exist in administrative, managerial, and business-oriented roles. Hospital administrators, human resources specialists, and compliance officers are essential for keeping systems functional. These careers require knowledge of healthcare regulations, budgeting, and staffing, making them attractive for individuals with backgrounds in business or law.

Insurance companies, consulting firms, and pharmaceutical corporations also provide non-clinical paths. Careers in these areas often involve analysis, negotiation, and strategy rather than direct patient care. While some criticize the profit-driven side of healthcare, the reality is that these roles play a significant part in shaping the system’s sustainability and efficiency. For those who prefer working with systems rather than symptoms, these jobs provide a path that is less emotionally draining while still tied to health outcomes.

A Growing Field Shaped by Demand

The health sector continues to expand because people are living longer while also facing rising rates of chronic illness. Add to this the lessons from the pandemic, and it becomes clear why the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in healthcare jobs. Nurses, doctors, mental health counselors, and public health specialists are needed more than ever. Hospitals still struggle with staffing shortages, and mental health services remain stretched thin.

These gaps are driving new programs that combine fields, such as Masters and PsyD combined programs, which allow students to prepare for integrated roles where clinical and academic skills intersect. By training in both areas at once, graduates position themselves for careers that balance hands-on practice with broader system-level knowledge. This mix of need and innovation highlights an important reality: careers in health are no longer limited to a narrow set of traditional jobs. The boundaries between clinical care, technology, administration, and education are blurring.

Today, someone interested in health can just as easily find themselves working with patients in a clinic, managing data for a hospital system, or running prevention programs in the community. The key factor shaping these opportunities is the growing recognition that health does not sit neatly inside hospital walls.

The Rise of Technology and Hybrid Roles

Health careers have also shifted because technology is no longer a support tool; it is a central driver of care. Telehealth exploded during the pandemic, and it has remained a staple for patients who prefer convenience or live in remote areas. This means healthcare providers now balance traditional in-person practice with digital platforms. For many professionals, the shift has opened opportunities to specialize in digital care delivery or to combine technology with clinical expertise.

At the same time, health data has become a prized resource. Professionals who can analyze patient records, track health outcomes, and improve efficiency are now critical hires. Data analysts, informatics specialists, and IT experts with health backgrounds are shaping how systems work behind the scenes. These roles bridge the gap between medical practice and technical innovation, providing careers that are less about stethoscopes and more about software.

The trend extends to research and personalized medicine. Careers in genetics, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical development continue to grow, driven by demand for treatments tailored to individual patients. The shift requires professionals who are comfortable moving between lab research and clinical applications. In short, technology has turned healthcare into a field where hybrid roles dominate, forcing both newcomers and veterans to adapt.

Public Health and Policy Careers

While much attention falls on doctors and nurses, the pandemic reminded the world how vital public health professionals are. Careers in epidemiology, health policy, and community education now receive more visibility than before. Public health workers monitor outbreaks, design vaccination campaigns, and develop programs that address systemic issues like obesity and addiction.

The broader societal trend toward preventive care also fuels this shift. Employers, schools, and local governments invest more in prevention because treating illness after it occurs is costly. Public health specialists who can design, implement, and evaluate large-scale programs are in high demand. They often work in government agencies, nonprofits, or international organizations where the focus is on shaping long-term health outcomes rather than providing direct treatment.

Policy roles offer another route for those who want to influence systemic change. Professionals in these careers focus on legislation, funding, and regulation. Whether drafting bills on healthcare access or analyzing Medicaid data, policy analysts and advocates shape the framework in which healthcare operates. For people drawn to research, data, and advocacy rather than clinical care, these careers offer a way to influence millions at once.

Global Health and Humanitarian Careers

Global health careers offer a different perspective, focusing on challenges that cross borders. Professionals in this field address diseases like malaria, coordinate disaster responses, and support vaccination campaigns in underserved regions. These roles often require adaptability, cultural awareness, and a willingness to work in unstable conditions.

Humanitarian health careers carry unique challenges. Resources are limited, logistics are complex, and political conditions can be unstable. Yet many professionals find the work rewarding because the impact is direct and visible. Organizations such as the World Health Organization, Médecins Sans Frontières, and the Red Cross rely on people trained in medicine, public health, and logistics to operate effectively.

The interest in global health has grown in recent years as international crises highlight the interconnectedness of health systems. Pandemics, migration, and climate change all affect health on a global scale, creating opportunities for careers that blend science with humanitarian values.

Choosing a Path That Fits

With so many options, the challenge for students and professionals is choosing a career that aligns with both interests and lifestyle. Some roles demand years of schooling and long hours, while others provide flexibility and quicker entry points. The decision often comes down to balancing passion for direct care with tolerance for the demands of training and work.

The variety of health careers reflects the complexity of modern society. Whether through direct treatment, policy development, data analysis, or global aid, healthcare professionals shape how people live and survive. The choice is not only about finding a stable job but also about identifying where personal skills meet public need.

Online education is becoming an emerging choice for many students. Undoubtedly, it is an excellent alternative to traditional full-time classes. But searching for the right online school can be challenging. It is more than just selecting a digital platform.

Are you a parent wondering how to choose the best virtual learning environment for your child? To help you out, here is a list of some key factors you must take into account when selecting an online school.

1.  Accreditation

Accreditation signifies that the school meets established quality standards and is recognized by the educational bodies. Before enrollment, verify that the school you have chosen is accredited. This is essential to ensure the program holds value and is recognized by other institutions.

However, not all accreditations are equal. You must check the online school is recognized by which accreditation body.

2.  Cost and Pricing Structure

Tuition fee is the most crucial factor to consider when choosing an online school. You must conduct thorough research and look at the fees of different institutions. Shortlist some of the best options and compare their costs. This will help you make an informed decision for your child’s education.

However, if you cannot afford the tuition fee, consider financial aid. Many institutions offer scholarships on specific terms and conditions. For example, if you are an Arizona resident and prefer online education for your child, search for some of the best Arizona online schools and then make the right choice. Consider not only your budget but also prioritize your child’s learning needs.

For the best experience, you must find an option that perfectly balances the cost and quality of education.

3.  Curriculum and Subjects

It is essential to assess the depth of the curriculum offered by the online school. Make sure it aligns with your child’s educational goals and learning style. Additionally, you must look for a variety of subjects, including those relevant to your child’s field of interest.

You must choose an online school that offers diverse learning models, such as:

• Self-Paced Learning: It allows your child to progress at their own pace without any pressure.

• Blended Learning: Online school must offer a mix of virtual and face-to-face interactions, as this can significantly enhance your child’s learning experience.

• Asynchronous Courses: You should make sure the online school allows for accessing the course material at any time that best suits your child’s schedule.

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4.      Student Support Services

Online learning requires a strong support system to ensure students can effectively interact with tutors. When choosing a school, it is essential to consider features such as technical assistance, academic advising, and counseling services. All these resources will shape your child’s success and positive learning experience.

For the best student support services, you must select a reliable and reputable academy, such as Virtual Prep Academy. Their expert team not only guides your child about course selection and academic planning but also helps with job search. They understand the needs and preferences of students and can assist your child in their educational journey.