Saturday, March 21, 2020

What Is Reactant Chemistry?

What Is Reactant Chemistry?One of the most misunderstood and least understood subject in the scientific world is Reactant Chemistry. I am a fellow chemist, but I want to stress that if you are in any medical or scientific lab, then you will know that this is one of the key components in your overall research workflow. This topic is not as easy to understand as it might seem on the surface, mainly because we, as humans, tend to fall prey to confirmation bias and overconfidence when we are under pressure. Let me share with you a little example to illustrate how this works.Say that you are developing an anti-cancer drug. You have all the relevant studies to support your claim, so you go ahead and run the whole process to find out the results. But the only problem with this is that, when your study comes back positive, we all start making assertions about what we learned from it. The next thing you know, other laboratories are also confirming your findings and you are still left scratchi ng your head wondering if it is really as accurate as it appears.Now, there are certain terms you have to know in order to gain a better understanding of how to run a clinical trial with reactant chemistry in mind. I will try to explain them in this short article, because this is really important to understand how you can conduct your own clinical trials. If you read the materials on your own, then you may not fully grasp what I am trying to tell you here.First, let's start with a word called a potential molecular target. The process of manufacturing molecules in the body is called metabolism. Metabolism is the property that allows the cells to function and produce energy in the body. In the metabolic process, one molecule may produce a second or a third molecule, and so on.This potential molecular target acts as a guide for enzymes to go and move molecules into specific target sites, and all reactions take place in a precise way, or at least according to the reaction code that is s et. By definition, it should always move in the direction of the next molecule it encounters and there shouldn't be any side effects.So, you see, a molecule can't be created in the body, unless there is a reaction with something else. That something else is the new molecule and we all know that chemicals don't change their state unless they have been modified by some external influence. There is just too much confusion involved to try and explain that.To recap, I would like to emphasize that reactant chemistry is the process that allows molecules to move in the direction of their target and create the desired products. Metabolism is what moves the molecules into the target sites, but this can be modified by the environment or by reaction with something else. Learn more about how this works and the role of reactant chemistry in your clinical trials, and you will know exactly what you need to do.

Friday, March 6, 2020

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Faiona M.

TakeLessons Rock Star Teacher of the Week Faiona M. ksurmacewicz Meet our latest Rock Star Teacher of the Week Faiona M., who teaches in the Orlando, Florida area.   Faiona has been a TakeLessons Certifiedâ„¢ Instructor since August 2009, and specializes in the Suzuki Method, Kindermusik, Orff training, Music Therapy training, Broadway and opera training.   Her students describe her as proactive and engaging, and praise her ability to think outside the box when teaching. Faiona’s approach to teaching centers on meeting each students goals and instilling them with the confidence, self esteem, and motivation necessary to reach their highest potential.   Her curriculum stems from various teaching methods in music education, music therapy, and music performance, which she adapts to the curriculum needed to succeed in various music programs in school settings and other venues.   Faiona is a true example of a Rock Star Teacher who strives to help her students reach the goals needed to excel and grow in their musical journeys keep up the great work, Faiona!

Thursday, March 5, 2020

GRE Test Dates for 2017-2018

GRE Test Dates for 2017-2018 When applying to graduate school, many programs will require you to take the GRE. The GRE General Test assesses students in three areas: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. The unique thing about the GRE General Test, at least compared to other standardized exams like the ACT and SAT, is that the computer-based exam is offered at a multitude of testing sites almost daily. Even with flexible exam dates, its critical to make a plan when preparing for the GRE General Test. Reasons to create a GRE test date schedule can include staying on top of registration deadlines and allowing yourself adequate prep time. Are you ready to create your GRE study plan? Keep reading to learn more about the 2017-2018 GRE test dates. And remember: you can also utilize Varsity Tutors one-on-one GRE tutoring to help you prepare. GRE registration When youre ready to select an exam date for the GRE General Test, youll first enter your location. You will then be able to see the available dates and exam sites, as well as whether any seats are available. You can determine whether the test is a general or subject-specific exam, get directions to the test site, and view all of the available exam times on that date. To register, click here. You can sit for the computer-based GRE General Test once every 21 days, for a total of up to five times per 365 days. Its important to note these limitations when planning your exam schedule. Decide how many times you may want to take the testand what your goal score isto determine when you should begin testing in order to send your results to graduate programs on time. GRE basics The computer-delivered GRE General Test is three hours and 45 minutes long. As previously stated, the GRE assesses students via three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. An on-screen calculator is provided during the Quantitative Reasoning portion of the exam. The GRE website continually distinguishes between the computer-delivered and paper-delivered test. In 2017-2018, the paper-delivered GRE is only offered three times per year in areas of the world where the computer exam isnt available. Therefore, the computer-delivered test is the standard method for taking the GRE in the U.S. GRE Subject Tests The GRE also offers subject-specific tests that are geared toward various disciplines. Certain graduate programs may require that you complete either the general or subject-specific GRE. Be sure to check with your potential schools to verify any requirements. GRE Subject Tests are available in the following areas: Biology Chemistry Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology. While the GRE General Test is primarily offered in a computer-based setting, the GRE Subject Tests are only available at paper-delivered test centers in April, September, and October. If you are taking a subject-specific exam, its key to plan well ahead of time so you can properly prepare before your test and allow for any potential retakes. GRE preparation When choosing an exam date, give yourself ample time to study. Examine where you need improvement, and take GRE practice tests to strengthen your skills. Also consider GRE tutoring, which can help you reach your goals. Good luck! 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.

Where to Find A Photography Course In Birmingham

Where to Find A Photography Course In Birmingham Take Photography Classes in Birmingham ChaptersLearn About Your SLR Camera with a Professional PhotographerDevelop Your Photography Skills Through a SocietyAttend Photography Lessons in BirminghamTake Online Photography CoursesAs the second most populous city in England, Birmingham thrums with activity and life. Her diverse population offers infinite possibilities for photographers whose passion is capturing street scenes.Have you been known to  train  your lens on the Bullring? Are you anticipating the upcoming St. Patrick's Day parade?Do you have your kit ready: tripod, lenses, filters and spare batteries for your digital SLR?Do you know how to use every feature of your DSLR camera? Have you progressed beyond the auto setting? Can you read a histogram?In anticipation of St. Paddy's and all of the merriment that occasion brings, let Superprof get you ready to do more than point and shoot.Let us find where, in Birmingham, you can take photography courses!Founded in 2012 by Pete Ashton and Matt Murtagh, the Photo School wa s born out of need.Many of our friends were buying DSLR cameras with lots of functions but had no idea how to use them. - Pete AshtonAdopting Cartier-Bresson's approach to street photography, this duo posted an advert for a one day workshop.If you're a Londoner, our blog on photography courses in the capital may be of interest to you.Somewhat to their surprise, at the appointed time, a bunch of people with cameras turned up at the designated meeting place â€" City Centre Pub. After brief instruction, the duo hit the streets with all of those beginners at photography in tow.The rest, as they say, is photographic history.Their programme has received a few tweaks. Initially, to refine the style of instruction; these days, to update their knowledge base, reflecting advances in technology.You can find Pete Ashton and his merry band of beginners running the streets of Birmingham most every Sunday, but it would be best to book yourself into a group session, in order to benefit from the ins truction he dispenses.You could also host a workshop, with Mr. Ashton as a guest speaker.For businesses, clubs and social gatherings, Peter Ashton will set up shop in your environment and make use of props and photos you make available.The cost for such a venture runs between £150 and £350, depending on how labour intensive your project is for him.What we love about Photo School is that it is so informal.You get enough instruction to understand fundamental features and uses of the camera, and then you are turned loose to challenge your ideas of composition and depth of field.What we like less is that it is limited to street photography.A subject photographs differently in natural light than in studio lighting.While it is great that Photo School students learn to use natural light, we can't help but think that a bit of indoors photography would round out this beginner photography tutorial nicely.Still, as a photography for beginners course, you could do a lot worse than this one da y of instruction.What if you're looking to learn broader photography skills?Learn photography in Edinburgh too, or join a photography class in Belfast.Birmingham abounds with such street scenes for you to capture! Source: PIxabay Credit: Michael GaidaRed Cloud Photography CoursesLearning photography with this group guarantees you a diverse experience: you can start out an absolute beginner, as a photographer with a few tricks up his sleeve, or be more advanced in the art.Less experienced photographers can benefit not only from the instructors' wisdom, but from those who've been on a shoot or two!And, Red Cloud hosts a variety of workshops: in the Botanical gardens, at night...You can even learn portrait photography with a Red Cloud instructor if you don't mind going to Nottingham!In short: decidedly, there is variety to be had with this group.Each instructor is a certified photographer in their own right, who believes that learning photography is a hands-on experience.Therefore, as you stroll around the gardens, digital camera in hand, your tutor will give you tips and ideas on setting your shutter speed to capture sunlight filtering through branches, or how to get a close up of an orchid without getting close to it at all.The skills you learn with Red Cloud photography workshops could help you decide on a photographic specialty.Aspiring commercial photographers, macro photographers, and nature photographers could all benefit from these tutorials.For our Scottish readers, learning about photography classes in Glasgow could be useful.We will discuss these types of photography and more in our next segment.What we love about Red Cloud is the wealth of experience they bring to their tutorials, both by engaging professional photographers to teach photography, and for the longevity and refinement of their programme.What we like less is that their focus is completely on the capturing of images.Their workshops present no information on digital image editing, post proc essing or retouching, if you use a film SLR.A day-long outing costs £125. For that price, you will learn about shutter and aperture speeds, ISO and white balance, and rules of composition.If you are mad for night photography, their evening workshop, in the heart of City Centre, will run you £35.Two hours is all they need in order to show you how to create light trails and other light effects against the backdrop of the night sky.Red Cloud is great for learning the fundamentals of digital photography, or honing your skill, if you are more advanced.Does one need to learn more about photography than ISO settings and shutter speed?Find a photography course in Cardiff!Develop Your Photography Skills Through a SocietyUndoubtedly, learning how to use your camera's settings is the first step to becoming a competent photographer, either for maintaining amateur status or to go pro.To take your skill behind the lens to the next level, you may consider joining a photographic society.Let us su ppose you wish to make a career out of photography, but have only the vaguest idea of the possibilities of the metier.The most lucrative fields of photography include:wedding photographyportrait photography, including babies and petscommercial photographymacro photography â€" food, jewellery, machinery and other tiny parts, including insectsphotojournalismHowever, you may wish to capitalise on your photography skills while indulging a different passion altogether.In that case, you may consider:wildlife photographynature photographylandscape photography, the panoramic version of nature photographytravel photographyaction photography â€" snapping pictures at sports events, for exampleIf you are undecided about where you photography skills could take you, discussing your dreams with other photographers could help you refine your goals.Take a look at our article on photography lessons in Manchester.You would find people of such caliber at your local photography society.Many photographic societies hold competitions Source: Pixabay Credit: Alexa_fotosSmethwick Photographic SocietyEstablished nearly 100 years ago, SPS has become one of the country's largest photographic societies.Their rolls list more than 200 members, of which at least 20 of them are fellows of the Royal Photographic Society!Besides over a century of collective talent, their facility houses a medium-sized studio with a range of lighting systems, a well stocked library â€" sure to be a most valuable resource; digital imaging software of all types, not just Adobe!They even have a darkroom, for those who contend that film is the only true medium of photographic expression.Should your kit be lacking, you can rent lenses, filters and tripods from their concession.Although there is activity at the club house nearly every day, the main meeting is held on Thursday nights, in their comfortably outfitted lecture hall.Individual membership costs £36 per year. If your spouse shares you love of life behind the lens, both of you can join for £58.Students, seniors and unemployed members enjoy a reduction in annual fee.What we love about this society is that it at least touches on every aspect of photography: film versus digital, Adobe versus InDesign â€" and a darkroom to develop and retouch negatives.Learn about photography classes in Leeds.It is really difficult to find anything negative about this organisation but, if truly pressed to, we might aver that there is no overt expression of any type of mentoring programme.And, the syllabus reflects a distinct lack of outings.Supposedly, if you need guidance, help, hands on tutelage or information, you are expected to take your query to the library and figure things out for yourself.That resembles the teaching philosophy many institutes of higher learning embraces... doesn't it?Attend Photography Lessons in BirminghamAlthough the UK does not require formal education to become a professional photographer of any type, we emphasise that obtainin g a degree in photography will advance your career faster than any advert will.Birmingham City University offers a three-year undergraduate course in photography, which covers:Principles, practices and the enterprise of photographyContext of photography and collaborative practiceCritical practice â€" establishing your direction under guidance of your teachersAt some point during your second year, you will be expected to have chosen a specialty, such as studio photography or photojournalism, around which your education, from that point on, will revolve.A further bonus during your second year is an optional work-study module, enabling you to develop professional attributes through apprenticeship.The total cost of this programme is £9,250 per year, plus the cost of materials, books and lodging, if needed.Naturally, you would be expected to bring your own camera and laptop to school, or purchase them after your first lesson.Especially if your computer does not have the power to process RAW files, you may need to upgrade.Besides these expenses, you could participate in field trips: to Berlin, to Paris and other exciting, international locations.If you're not local to Birmingham, why not read about photography in Liverpool?What if you don't have the resources for formal photography training, but still wish to learn the art of photography?Use your smartphone to talk about digital image editing with your online tutor Source: Pixabay Credit GeraltTake Online Photography CoursesAh, the Internet, where you must ask the right question in order to find the answer you seek!Fortunately, as far as online  photography  courses are concerned, that is not too difficult a task.UK Learning College is ready to help you discover your eye for composition and teach you how to frame your shot, pose your subject and meter light â€" all in the comfort of your own home.Earning a photography degree online is not a lonely endeavour; your tutor is ready to help, via email or text message.As an enrolee, you would have access to the student portal where you can find others who are passionate about photography, and have dedicated time to learn all about it!You are not required to have any prior knowledge of photography, take any exam, or show a portfolio to qualify for enrolment in this course; all you need is a sincere desire to learn all about digital photography.The fee for this course is but a fraction of what it would cost to attend university; only £399.The downside to such an online course is that it neglects film photography completely.However, today's fast moving world quite nearly demands the use of cutting edge technology, so perhaps it is fitting that such photography  courses would deliver instruction only over what is needed for professional success.Not on the history of photography or traditional methods of capturing and editing images.If you do wish to learn how to work with film, perhaps engaging a personal tutor would be the best way.Superprof has more than 700 tutors, each one passionate about photography,  all ready to take you under their figurative wing.They will disclose the mystique of black and white, the explosion of colour and the alchemy of transforming ephemeral images into tangible portraits.No matter which direction you decide to take your photography skills, where and how you discover tricks of the trade and with whom you share you love of capturing images, Birmingham has the right outlet for you.Now that you know where to turn for photography basics, we'll look forward to seeing your photography online!Learn about finding photography instruction all over the UK.

3 Steps to Maximize Your Practice Tests

3 Steps to Maximize Your Practice Tests If youre taking the SAT, ACT, GRE, or another standardized test, practice tests are an extremely helpful way to get ready for the actual test day. Practice tests help you become more familiar with the test format, question types, time allotted, and so on. But they are only as effective as you make them out to be! Here are a few ways you can maximize your practice tests. 1. Plan a schedule Map out how youre going to study leading up to the actual test, including and beyond practice tests. Its a great idea to set your test date first so you can work backwards from there. Six weeks of study is common, but you may want to study more or less depending on your study habits, personality, and amount of content on the test at hand. Then, youll want to plan out when to take your practice tests. When you first start out, you may not want to take a full practice test in one sitting. Try a few sections or half of the test to build your stamina. Then, later, plan on taking a whole practice test on a free morning or afternoon. Because they may last up to two or three hours, blocking out a weekend morning works great, as you will have relaxed and rested up. 2. Mimic test center conditions Practice tests are most useful when you are able to simulate the actual test day experience. This will help prepare your mind and body for the real test day. Specifically, follow the time guidelines and dont give yourself more or less time than allotted; youll get a sense of how you work under a certain time pressure. It can be tempting to snack during a practice test, but hold off until the mid-test break that would be scheduled during the real exam, and be sure to eat a good breakfast beforehand (as you also should on test day!). Finally, arrange your environment so that its quiet and orderly: clear a table or desk space, put away all distracting screens, and let any family members know youll be out of touch for a few hours. If desired, you could even go to your local library to take the test, as some libraries have designated quiet rooms that are great for this purpose. 3. Review your answers After finishing a practice test, youll probablyand deservedlyfeel spent. But its still important that you take the time right away to go over skipped or wrong answers, and try to figure out why they ended up that way. Reviewing answers is a great way to figure out what you did wrong, which will ultimately help solidify the correct logic in your mind. If you feel too tired to carefully review everything immediately after the practice test, dont force yourself to keep going. Instead, mark the questions youd like to go over later and then spend the adequate time with them the following day or day after. Dont wait too long to do this, however, as itll be most effective when the test is still fresh in your mind. Test prep is like working on any new skill toward a goal. Youll want to give it the appropriate amount of attention required, make the effort to go the extra mile, and ensure you have practiced to your best potential. The above steps can help you maximize your practice tests and ultimately assist you in reaching those test day goals. (If youre preparing for the SAT or ACT, consider going through some additional lessons and practice problems in the Varsity Tutors SAT Prep Book and ACT Prep Book)!

Beginner Flute Lessons How to Make the Most of Your Lessons

Beginner Flute Lessons How to Make the Most of Your Lessons Suzy S. As you learn to play the flute, attending regular private lessons are integral to your success. Here, Chicago, IL flute teacher Jillian D.  shares her tips for making the most of those lessons Growing up, flute lessons were, and still are, an important part of my life. They instilled me with discipline, integrity, and pride, while also allowing me to grow and mature artistically. The moments you spend with your teacher are filled with helpful information and wise insight. The hard part is getting it all to stick. Here are some tips for getting the most out of your beginner flute lessons: Before your lesson: Eat.  Nothing is more distracting than a growling stomach. Eat a good meal before your lesson, so you’ll be fueled and ready to play. Be prepared.  Show up to each lesson prepared and ready to learn. Working hard in the days leading up to your lesson will allow you to make progress each week. Review your lesson material without your flute.  Going over fingerings, pieces, and other lesson material away from your flute is a good way to warm up your brain before a lesson. You’ll be surprised at how much you remember when you come back to your flute. During your lesson: Be engaged and stay focused.  It’s easy to let your mind wander when your teacher rattles on about alternate fingerings, harmonic overtones, and melodic minor scales. But stay focused! Be as attentive as possible, and try to absorb everything your teacher says like a sponge. Ask questions.  If you don’t understand something, do not be afraid to say so. Your teacher only wants to help you get better, so if something is unclear, ask! Record it.  Recording your lessons is a great way to easily review your teacher’s feedback later. However, it’s always important to ask for permission before you hit record. After your lesson: Take notes in your flute journal.  You’ll be given a LOT of useful information during your lessons. Write them down in a notebook or journal as you go along. That way, you won’t forget when you’re practicing during the week. Review.  Keep your lesson notes organized and detailed. Even something as simple as reviewing your notes on the car ride home will help your flute playing immensely. Practice as soon as you get home.  Practicing after your lesson is a great way to make sure everything sticks. Go over what your teacher helped you with during the lesson. Take what he or she said a step further, and see what kind of progress you can make on your own. Concentration, hard work, and preparation are the keys to getting the most from your beginner flute lessons. Have fun, stay focused, and discover something new while playing your flute every day. Jillian D. teaches flute in Chicago, IL. She is currently working on her degree in  Flute Performance at DePaul University School of Music. Learn more about Jillian here! Interested in Private Lessons? Search thousands of teachers for local and live, online lessons. Sign up for convenient, affordable private lessons today! Search for Your Teacher Photo  by  LifeSupercharger

Trust but Confirmation Needed on What You Contribute - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / Trust but Confirmation Needed on What You Contribute - Introvert Whisperer Trust but Confirmation Needed on What You Contribute I read something yesterday that still has me thinking.   It was about “confirmation”.   The point was that when you hear a positive thing, you really want to confirm if it’s true or real but for some reason when you hear something bad you assume it’s true.   We’re kind of confusing creatures, don’t you think? It’s the reason why “social proof” has become almost a requirement these days.   Even I have to collect testimonials from people who have used my programs and gained benefit as part of what I do.   We have sites like Yelp to review restaurants, events and businesses and many other sites doing similar things. Because we have the need to confirm or substantiate the claim of goodness. The burden of proof is on you that you do well and that you add value in your job.   Ha!   Never thought of it that way, did you? Granted, all of this is annoying and kind of a pain.   I know for me, on my grumpier days, it kind of insults me because I think of myself as a good, honest person.   I do what I say I’m going to do and I know the good I’ve done but…   I’m sure you’ve probably had the same thing going on in your head at times. I’ve spoken to people who refused to communicate (or self-promote if you want to think of it like that) their results and good work to the boss.   They are almost indignant in the perspective that its part of the managers job to dig around to find out how you perform.   While I can understand why they might think that, its not how us pesky humans work.   To take the position and refuse to move off of it is not going to serve you in the long run.   The burden of proof of how well you do your job, your expertise and your capabilities is yours alone. Confirmation is an ongoing task as well.   That means you are constantly in need of confirming what you contribute as we have a short memory.   This is all part of your personal brand.   It’s what you do consistently but you must do it on an ongoing basis in order for others to maintain a positive belief about you. Letting others, especially the boss, know what and how you are doing, is never a problem. Go to top Power-Influence-Office Politics: it comes down to your Strategic Relationships and understanding of how you build each one of these elements. I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my video that outlines all of this and meaningful actions you can take today!  Start watching now by clicking here! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer

You and Yours BBC Radio 4

You and Yours BBC Radio 4 Tutorfair featured on the BBC Radio 4 programme You and Yours, over the bank holiday weekend. If you didn't get a chance to tune-in, we have transcribed the segment. If you would prefer to listen in, hit play below! BBC Radio 4, You and Yours. Monday, 4th May 2015.   Private Tuition is a huge growth market in the UK, surveys suggest that one in every four young people now has a private tutor at some stage, but with lessons costing around £25 a time some people are concerned that private tuition is adding to an inequality, giving children with better off parents an even greater advantage. Catherine Carr reports on the tutoring programme set up to include those who’s families can’t afford to pay. She went to Paddington Academy in London where Imdad Ali in year 13, has been tutored in Maths by Tom Linton. Imdad, Paddington Academy student If you think about it in a Mathematical way its like there’s 2D where you learn through school, with your teachers, and you could say tutoring is an extra dimension, so 3D. It teaches you a different way to do problems and how to solve them. Tom L, Tutorfair Tutor It is kind of a contrast when you give them problems to solve at the beginning of the year, and it’s a combination of the actual problem solving ability and the body language that goes along with it, and how that shifts over time as well. Imdad I took the role of head boy at the start of the year, mainly from the confidence I gained form being tutored in Maths. A feeling where I know more than I think I know. I didn’t have much confidence before, but he [Tom Linton] teaches me ways to check if I have the correct answers or not. I can see my grades getting higher and higher each time I answer a question. Catherine Carr, BBC Reporter Across town at Clapton Girls’, Salimah is on her lunch break, like Imdad she is in her final year, and has had help from a tutor, Lucy Kerr. Lucy took me to meet Salimah, who has had some pretty exciting news. Salimah, Clapton Girls' The tutoring I have had started around September, mid-September. It was mainly to help with my application to Oxford. We started off with my personal statement, looking at ways to structure it so that it flowed better.  I then waited for interviews, and then I got an interview, and then I got in! Lucy Kerr, Tutorfair Tutor and Oxford Graduate I think to give Salimah the chance to meet someone who has studied at the place that she wants to study gives her a nice insight on what to expect especially on interview day, because very often people are going to interviews with really no awareness of what to expect. Also importantly, no awareness that it is possible to enjoy the experience. Salimah had four days in Oxford that I think you really enjoyed! Catherine Both Salimah and Imdad were taught by tutors from Tutorfair. I went to meet one of their founders, Edd Stockwell at their East London offices. Catherine Hi, Edd Edd Stockwell, Tutorfair Co-founder Hi Catherine, lovely to meet you, welcome to Innovation warehouse, where Tutorfair HQ is based. Tutorfair is a website where parents can find tutors for their kids, and for each student who pays, we give tutoring to a child who can’t afford it. Everyone at some point missed something at school, and it’s really really useful to have someone sit down and explain it to you. Good teachers do this all the time, parents do it with their kids, and parents paying tutors to help them is just an extension of that. But when you realise how effective that is, and you realise that there are some people who really can’t afford it, well then you really have to find a way to give it people who can’t afford to pay. Catherine The tutors that I’m looking at on this list, the cheapest one is about £25 an hour and the most expensive one is about £45 an hour. You say that people can’t afford it and some people can’t afford it, but actually the vast majority of people can’t afford tutoring. Edd I think it’s about a quarter of students in the UK have a tutor, and I don’t think that is particularly split by economics massively, there’s large socio-demographic reasons why in Asian cultures it’s particularly prevalent. But I completely agree that the middle class do buy tutoring because it’s a really effective thing to do for your child’s education. Dr. Lee Elliott Major Those from richer backgrounds are three to four times more likely to be investing in private tutoring.  My name is Dr. Lee Elliott Major, I am the chief executive of the Sutton Trust. We do have concerns, as what we observe is an escalating arms race of social mobility. 23% of young people say they’ve had private tutoring across the country. London is the capital, over 40%. But what you see is a very stark gap between the education haves and have-nots. It’s something like 17% of those from poorer backgrounds and 29% of those from richer backgrounds Catherine The Pfitzner family live in West London, after school nine year old Farley is powering through some long multiplication with her tutor. Her older sister Bella will start in January. Their mum Blanche, explains why she is happy to spend what amounts to hundreds of pounds a month on tutoring. Blanche Pfitzner The London day system particularly is quite tough to get into, so you’ve got to get quite high percentages now. So, we thought that the best thing to do when she wasn’t doing brilliantly is to get a bit of support as they get so much homework too, which I can’t do! Catherine What proportion of your friends at the school gates would you say have employed the same tactic? Blanche I would say quite a lot, but secretly as it’s all a bit of secret squirrel stuff. The school is quite against it, so it’s not openly discussed, as they like to see their kids succeeding naturally. But I would have thought that quite a big proportion are doing it. Dr. Lee Elliott Major For most people this is prohibitive, and that’s why the Sutton Trust is looking at different models of how you can provide tutoring for those that don’t have the money to do it. But we’re also evaluating different models like Tutorfair, the Tutor Trust. These not for profits that have emerged from this market, but it’s too early to say which ones are actually having an impact. Edd We just helped our 2,500th student for free , and it’s a one for one promise, so the charity is a little ahead of how many we’ve helped on the business side of Tutorfair. Catherine How do you decide how to select the children eligible for free tutoring? Edd So we partner with inner city schools who have a high proportion of students on free school meals. The class teachers choose the students they feel will benefit most, and our tutors go into those schools to work with those students. Catherine The process is more complicated than that in the school’s eyesore, and it takes a motivated school leadership, but given that it can work. Both Salimah and Imdad were provided with tutors from Tutorfair. Salimah Well I really grateful that I got it, as I know a lot of people didn’t get the chance to have tutoring. I think that is as shame as well that only a small number of people did have that chance. Catherine If you don’t mind me asking, would your parents be in a position to pay for tutoring for you it were not offered to you in this way? Salimah Definitely not, I have five other siblings, so yeah, that probably would have never had happened. Imdad So my parents are not actually in work, because their health is pretty bad. I think I am a very lucky person I guess to get this opportunity. There are lots of people out there that need it as well. Dr. Lee Elliott Major I think that you need something national on this, because the evidence shows that the inequalities are driven largely outside schools, maybe we should have a scheme where we use a bit of pupil premium money for private tutoring outside of schools. What can work across the country is the big question. So it think whoever gets into government after May, I think this is a question for them.