• info@youngscholarz.com
  • +65 82281164
Follow Us :
  • My Account
  • /
  • Register
Young Scholarz
Young Scholarz
  • About
    • Our Reach, Mission & Vision
    • Meet Our CEO & Founder
    • Meet Our Team
    • Meet Our Faculty New
    • Meet Our Faculty Old
    • Social Responsibility
  • Testimonials
  • Courses
    • Pre-IGCSE
    • IGCSE
    • IB
    • Uni & Beyond
  • Services
    • Paper Marking
    • Academic and Career Counselling
    • Mental Wellness Counselling
    • Extra-Curriculars
  • Latest Schedules
    • IGCSE English Language
    • IGCSE English Literature
    • IB English Literature
    • IB English Language Literature
    • Events
  • Insights
    • Blog
    • News
    • Resources
      • Recommended Reads
  • Connect
    • Contact Us
    • Work With Us
    • Schedule a Call
  • Register

Blog

Financial Literacy for IB & IGCSE Students: A Parent’s Guide

Latest Blog

June 6, 2025

Financial Literacy for IB & IGCSE Students: A Parent’s Guide

In a world of online shopping, digital wallets, and instant gratification, teaching your child how...
Read More

Recent Releases

  • Financial Literacy for IB & IGCSE Students: A Parent’s Guide
  • Blog Exams Exams General IB Learning Mental Health Reading Lists Study Tips
  • Financial Literacy for IB & IGCSE Students: A Parent’s Guide
  • June 6, 2025
  • Blog Exams Exams General IB Learning Mental Health Reading Lists Study Tips
  • Top Netflix Shows to Watch After Your IB/IGCSE Exams
  • May 30, 2025
  • Top Netflix Shows to Watch After Your IB/IGCSE Exams
  • Blog Exams Exams General IB Learning Study Tips University
  • Ethical Chat GPT Hacks for Students
  • February 12, 2025
  • Blog Exams Exams General IB Learning Study Tips University
  • How to Avoid Plagiarism: A Student’s Guide to Ethical Writing
  • January 10, 2025
  • Categories

    No posts found.
    No posts found.
    No posts found.
    No posts found.
    No posts found.

    Categories

    • IGCSE
    • IB
    • University
    • Extra Curriculars
    • Mental Health
    • Blog, SAT/ACT, University

      Preparing for the SATs

      01 Dec 2020
      Blog, IB

      Welcome to IB English

      20 Oct 2020
      Blog, General

      Engagement In The World Of Online Education

      20 Sep 2020
      « Previous 1 … 12 13 14
    Blog, SAT/ACT, University

    Preparing for the SATs

    01 Dec 2020
    Blog, IB

    Welcome to IB English

    20 Oct 2020
    Blog, General

    Engagement In The World Of Online Education

    20 Sep 2020
    « Previous 1 … 12 13 14

    Once registered for the Scholastic Assessment Test, the SAT, most students will embark on self-studying by sourcing papers online. Some will dive straight into intense practice or will sign up for an expensive batch of mostly group classes. Students can effectively prepare for SAT math by self-studying, as the IGCSE syllabus covers much of the content. However, approaching the Reading and Writing sections without guidance and strategy will not be as fruitful. Grade school curriculums are unlikely to have addressed the skills required for SAT English. This is particularly for students studying at International schools. whilst test-takers mostly score well at maths they tend to stagnate around a particular mark for English. Self-study is limiting as students honestly do not know how to improve and generic group classes will not address individual issues – so how do you go about preparing for the SATs?

    WHERE DO YOU START

    Book your first test date

    plan to fit in with university application deadlines, and estimate that most students will attempt the test thrice. Current grade 10 students should consider August or September for their first attempt at the test to make use of the summer to study and not overlap with the transition to IB.

    Timing

    To be optimal, preparing for the SATs should start 12-14 weeks before the first attempt of the test.

    Purchase

    Buy the official book published by the College Board. This is fundamental as it includes real tests and having a hard copy of the papers is key for annotating and mastering strategy.

    Book core strategy coaching sessions

    Book these with a professional tutor. Look for a hybrid program offering a mixture of group and solo classes. There is little point in embarking upon test practice unless you have been taught a clear Reading and Writing strategy. Motivated students should not need to block book group classes, just book the essential ones you need to learn the core concepts and approaches to different types of questions.

    Follow it up with an Independent Study

    Embark upon a self-study program alongside guidance from a professional tutor.

    Book personalized SAT coaching sessions

    These sessions are where mistakes are analyzed, doubts clarified and personal strategies refined. The Reading and Writing element particularly requires a personalized approach with an effective and proven methodology at the onset, followed by independent practice supported by a detailed evaluation of errors. This is key to preparing for the SATs.

    Practice tests

    Once concepts and strategies have been understood. Practice passages, timing each one gradually building up to the whole English section, and then complete papers. Practicing as many papers as possible is essential, however, starting the preparation too early and without individual guidance can be futile. To improve through test practice, something in the approach has to be modified which can only be done by personalized review and evaluation of mistakes through individual coaching.

    Make use of free resources such as Official SAT® Practice on Khan Academy using Free Official SAT Practice Tests | SAT Suite of Assessments in tandem with personalized coaching.

    "Image displaying the cover of the Barron's SAT prep book, featuring essential study materials for someone preparing for the SATs. The cover showcases key information such as the title, branding, and possibly relevant graphics, providing a visual preview of the comprehensive content inside for effective exam readiness."

    FUTURE ATTEMPTS AT THE TEST
    Most International Students will take at least a second attempt at the test – understandably, it is a difficult test!

    1. Start preparing for the SATs about 8 -10 weeks before the test, depending upon proximity to previous attempts and school deadlines.
    2. Buy an additional book of practice papers such as Barron’s SAT prep book.
    3. Book 3-4 personal coaching sessions to evaluate previous results, and review and refine personal strategy.
    4. Practice papers following a sound strategy and individualized review and correction of mistakes

    (more…)

    Grades 11 and 12 IB is an exciting time as you delve deeper into the subjects you are passionate about. Yes, there are a couple of SLs you are not so keen on. However, you are moving closer to your journey to university! The transition from IGCSE is a daunting one, not only because of the sheer volume of course content but for English in particular, the in-year assessments amounting to 50-55% of the final grade can be very stressful. At Young Scholarz, we aim to guide you through the IB English courses smoothly, as we have done for the last 13 years. Shared below are responses to frequently asked questions with some pointers on how to succeed and an idea of my approach to teaching IB English.

    Q.1 Will I benefit from IB English tuition and what will I be taught?

    1. Yes – you will benefit. May 2023 results were excellent with 95% of our students scoring grades 6 and 7
    2. We have consistently improved predicted grades by as many as 2 points
    3. You will learn strategies and techniques for effective reading and writing
    4. You will learn how to approach the assessments and score well, assuring yourself of a higher-end grade
    5. You will be taught exam strategy and given timed exam practice
    6. You will receive detailed feedback on essays
    7. You will learn how to effectively make literature notes from the start of the course, which will save last-minute panic for exams

    Q.2 The final exams are in May 2025, do I need to start studying now?

    1. Yes – To minimize last-minute panic and regret, students need to strike a good balance between post-IGCSE cruising and committed hard work to achieve the desired grades.
    2. Students taking English at SL, in particular, tend to cruise through the first part of grade 11 and score poorly in the first set of exams and assessments
    3. APRIL 2024 exams are VERY IMPORTANT as they form part of your predicted grades for university
    4. Many students underperform in these exams as they have taken the course too lightly
    5. Assessments for English form a minimum of 50% of your final grade – you need to ensure you score highly throughout the course. Aiming for high grades only at the end of grade 12 is stressful and also not always achievable as assessments already form a base-level grade

    Q.3 Do I need to come to class every week?

    1. No – IB is an intense course with many associated activities and commitments. Attending any class for weekly tuition is probably not required and is unsustainable.
    2. IB English language and literature classes will be conducted as 4-week blocks, ensuring that you have the appropriate skill set to tackle assessments.
    3. Workshops will be spread throughout grades 11 and 12, bearing in mind that grade 12 is particularly demanding with EE’s, TOK, final Internal Assessments (IA’s), and SAT/ ACT/ LNAT, UCAT, university applications, and final exams.

    Q.4 Should I focus on my Higher Level subjects and come back to English before the exams?

    1. No – Keep working on English (and other languages) steadily as these are difficult to revise close to exams
    2. Practicing languages through essay writing is time-consuming and difficult to achieve near exams when you are under pressure
    3.  It’s important to receive ongoing feedback to improve with each assessment

    Q.5 Will IB English classes help to improve my SAT/ ACT score?

    1. Yes – Reading and analyzing well will help to understand passages quickly
    2. Brainstorming and essay planning skills will help you to write well if you choose that option
    3. However, to score well in SAT/ACT exams, effective strategy and techniques are essential
    4.  You will need to attend 4-6 specific strategy classes to see a marked improvement in English reading and writing scores

    Q.6 I am doing English as a Standard Level subject- is the SL English grade important if I don’t plan to study English at university?

    1. Being articulate in your writing will help you to write better university essays and personal statements that will support university applications
    2. All IB grades contribute to your final score, which is important for entry to UK universities; you should aim to achieve well in all subjects to maximize your score
    3. Writing well will contribute to your Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) grades and hence your overall grade

    Q.7 Are classes solo or Group?

    1. Language and literature strategy and exam practice classes for IB are held in small groups
    2. Specific literature texts are studied solo or in small groups, depending on the range of texts being studied

    Q.8 When should I start attending classes?

    1. Blocks of 4-week classes for IB English start in mid-October 2023
    2. SAT/ACT classes have already started for the October and December sittings

    If you have any further questions or need academic counseling, contact us!

     

    The current situation has resulted in transformational changes in the world of online education and work lives which will last for a decade, to say the least. These transformational changes have also led to a paradigm shift in the mindsets of people. We are adapting to newer things on a daily basis and trying to inculcate the good things in our habitual routines. While personal interactions have reduced drastically due to social distancing, virtual connections, and networking have witnessed an unprecedented surge across all platforms.   

    Most universities and educators have also constantly been striving to establish a seamless system of imparting online education. Online education, if executed the right way, can be more immersive and intimate for the students. Education lays the foundation on which principles are built and online classes enhance that by ensuring direct communication with the students. Over 50% of students pursuing higher education have also taken an online course in the past year. Students across the globe have expressed their positive views on how online classes are more intriguing and fun. According to research, 60% of internet users have reported that online classes are preferable to fit their lifestyle and schedule.

    Let’s explore why online education is actually more enjoyable and engaging.

    1. Group Interactions

    A certain feeling of loneliness has crept into the minds of everyone. Students are no different as they enjoy the process of co-existence. Online classes have been turned into group classes that enable group interactions among the students. This gives them room to present their ideas, exchange knowledge, indulge in healthy debates, and develop their soft skills. 

    2. Interactive Videos

    Offline classes used traditional modes of instructional methodology, but online classes have opened up the opportunity to present and engage with dynamic content. Dynamic content or videos have a higher rate of registering in the minds of these students, who are constantly navigating through social media trying to find suitable content. Videos simplify the concepts and help in creating a compelling experience for the students. 

    3. Creative Assignments

    Most students feel the pressure when they have lifeless projects and assignments piling up, one after the other. They lose interest in donning their creative hats to do these projects. Online training has formulated unconventional projects, keeping in mind the interest of the students, which allows their creative juices to flow and actually enjoy the process of doing assignments without feeling the pressure. Group projects also enable the students to exhibit their unique style of representation. 

    4. Sharing Individual Experience

    The youth of today are constantly under the misconception of seeking validation from everyone for everything they do. When they are unable to receive the validation, they tread on a path of disconnect and disinterest. The model followed for online teaching is flexible and fluid, to support the students in every way. It’s also a place for them to collectively or individually share their experience, in the hope of helping the other. For instance, if they find an effective method to solve a particular Math problem, they share it with their peers in the group class. This helps in creating a conducive environment for students to grow. 

    5. Collaborative Approach

    The power of collaboration is coherent. Newer ideas are born out of a collaborative approach, where students engage in activities such as brainstorming, ideating, analyzing, scrutinizing, and then deciphering the outcome. Online classes facilitate the free flow of communication between the teacher and the student, where they can learn from each other. This helps in building the confidence of the students and develops a sense of reliability.   

    At Young Scholarz, we ensure that your learning experience is thoroughly enjoyable and the teachings stay with you for a lifetime. To know more about our engagement-led learning, write to us at info@youngscholarz.com.

    Ready to start your lifelong journey with us?

    We guarantee an improvement in grades, with most students improving by an average of 2 bands.

    Sign Up Here

    Get in touch

    Tanjong Rhu Road
    Singapore 436894

    +65 82281164
    info@youngscholarz.com

     

    Popular Searches

    • STEM Education
    • IGCSE Courses
    • IB Courses
    • SAT/ACT/GRE/GMAT Courses
    • University Admissions
    • Free IGCSE English Assessment
    • Free IB English Assessment

    Featured In









    Copyright © 2024 Young Scholarz

    Terms & Conditions
    PHP Code Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com