OK P7 parents, the time is fast approaching to the SEAG test days and that can only mean one thing – the end is in sight!
But until it’s actually over and we all collapse in a heap, or we’re found rocking ourselves back and forth in a darkened room, here’s some sage advice to see these tests successfully over the finishing line.
Tip 1. Keep Calm
Calmness is important because if you get stressed your child will too and just think, if this happens, all that time working with them on their homework, tackling tough topics, trying to inspire and encourage, and that investment on tutors may all be in vain – so stay calm.
If the mum (to come at me for being sexist, but for some reason it is the mums – guilty as charged) is particularly stressed or knows they’re likely to be, it may be an idea if she removes herself from the house in the morning of the tests (under the pretence of being busy with some shopping or something) and let dad or another family friend take the child to the tests.
This may sound a bit harsh, but the aim is to keep the child calm and this might help.
Tip 2. Positivity
Be positive and do your best impersonation of Mary Poppins over breakfast ensuring everyone is happy, smiling and nutritionally fed.
(**Singing is allowed at this point but depending on ability this could end up being detrimental or even painful, which, needless to say, would not bode well for success.)
Tip 3. Chocolate
Don’t forget to dish up a little chocolate and this has scientifically been proven to improve brain processing power, just a couple of squares or a small Freddo should do the trick.
(**If child turns a funny colour (light greenish or white) or complains of stomach ache they have probably eaten too much – so make sure you control the quantity.)
Tip 4. Be Like A Swan
Be a swan with that illusive air of elegance but paddling like crazy underneath, frantically working to keep everything smooth and everyone happy.
(**Keep a special listen for sibling rivalry, making sure the very first flint spark is put out with an industrial, fire extinguisher – all whilst keeping calm yourself of course.)
Tip 5. Alarms
Set several alarms on your phone to encourage you to get out the door early so you are not rushing and label them e.g. ‘leaving in 20mins’, ‘leaving 5mins’, ‘get out now’, ‘you’re going to be late!’
NOTE! If you’re late you’ll not be allowed into the
(**Missing shoes can often be the culprit to sabotage any family being on time, so make sure you avoid this pitfall and all shoes are lined up and ready at the door the night before – always think, ‘Mary Poppins’ and you can’t go wrong.)
Tip 6. Print Multiple Pupil ID Cards
Don’t leave it until the last minute to print off the Pupil ID Card and when you do, print off multiple copies and stash one in the car’s glove box, one in your handbag, one at the front door, one on the fridge etc. as should make it almost impossible to forget it.
It can be printed in black and white or colour, and if you notice an error on it (no photo, wrong DOB etc.) don’t worry as that can be sorted later. For now, you just need to focus on the test.
Tip 7. Games In The Car
On the way to the test, play the ‘add the numbers in the number-plate in front‘ game. This will offer a welcome distraction from the panic that may start to set in and will also get the child’s cogs moving.
Don’t panic if they get some of these wrong in their haste to win. Keep smiling.
Tip 8. Don’t Turn Back
Once you’re in the car and heading to the centre, keep going.
If you forget your Pupil ID Card or you notice your child is wearing odd socks – just smile through it and don’t go back as this will only add additional pressure and you’ll end up having to rush which will inevitably cause extra stress.
The centre will let you in without the a printed Card and you can show it on your phone so don’t worry.
(**I’m not sure they carry a stash of matching socks but rest assured, no-one will be looking.)
Tip 9. Final Advice
Before you approach the school building, give the child your last pearls of wisdom and any absolute, final advice (like, ‘writing the correct answer’ is always a good one), wave goodbye and if you can get a hug in front of their friends, good for you and you should consider yourself a winner right there and then!
Remember, as soon as you come into contact with the teacher / sixth form pupil, your child will be whisked away and you’ll not have a chance to impart any final points. Expect this and don’t be shocked when this happens.
Now and only now are you allowed to collapse.
Good Luck From The Transfer Tutor!
Needless to say, I’m wishing all my little SEAG-ers all the very best on Saturday!
It’s been a busy year and it’s been my privilege to work closely and support so many wonderful people (big and small) and I sincerely hope I’ve been able to reduce the pressure or stress, even just a little – as well as making the learning and revision fun.
I know that each and every one of the kids will go into the test rooms and absolutely deliver their best, and so for that they should all be applauded and I know all the parents will be so proud of their effort.
Good luck, everyone!
More about The Transfer Tutor (Multi-Award Winning Online Quizzes)
The Transfer Tutor’s Online Quizzes provide a fun and interactive way to learn and practise Maths and English questions which are directly aligned to the new SEAG (replacing AQE and GL) specification.
There are many, great features including (but not limited to):
- Quizzes broken down into specific English and Maths topics, to allow for focused learning and the ability to hone in on areas of weakness.
- Mobile friendly and works on any internet device.
- ‘Hint’ option supports the child’s learning. For example, in question about calculating area of an irregular shape, the hint will say, “Break it into two” – enough to keep the child going but teaching them for future, similar questions.
- The Leaderboard at the end makes the child feel like they’re playing a game and having friendly competition.
- Good use of colour and graphics which makes it exciting.
- Parents receives a progress email at the end to let them know how their child did.
Google Reviews
Check out the Google Reviews to read what other customers felt about The Transfer Tutor.
How To Buy
Simply choose the licence you need depending on the length of time you need access, click on the blue box below (Explore & Compare Licences), pay and then you’ll be off within minutes.
For any further questions, please contact me or check out the Frequently Asked Questions page.
All of these are a one-off payment until they expire – so no additional costs.
Try It Out:
To give you a feel for the quizzes, why not try out the quick fire free quiz by clicking on the button below (no need to register or pay, so don’t worry). This will hopefully let you see how the questions work – or more importantly, let you see if this is something that would inspire and encourage your child to learn.
Social Media Links – Keeping Up To Date
Follow or like The Transfer Tutor on your social media channel of choice and ensure you never miss a beat with the whole transfer process, handy tips, advice, special offers and competitions.
Click below for your preferred channel or search for @TransferTutorHQ wherever you are.
Free Facebook Group
You may have read in the reviews about people referring to the Facebook Support Group and this is certainly a great place to keep informed, ask questions, get support and keep up-to-date with anything happening in the transfer space.
It’s free to join but please ensure you have a genuine Facebook profile picture (ghost pictures are not approved as not deemed authentic) and then simply click here and answer the simple questions -> Join Facebook Group.