Brandon Learning Centre: British Education - process, preparation and practicalities

The good news (for parents) is that Hong Kong schools are resuming for many primary and secondary students at the end of the month...  the bad news (for students) is that the timing is perfect for end of term exams!  Our children have been out of school for most of the year, so how do you manage the transition process?  Firstly, thinking about starting to enforce wake-up and sleep times. Many of my students have got used to a bit of a lie-in... there is a fascinating (academic) article on the effects of sleep on the teenage brain which was published in the Neuroscience & Behavioural Review if you are interested in something with which to back up your claim that 'sleep is good for you'!  It sounds basic but do school uniforms still fit? Do schoolbags still have the requisite bits of kit and are books assembled? In our Brave New World, think about packing hand sanitiser, masks and alcohol wipes. Answer practical questions (if you can) including how to handle using the lavato

I am deeply impressed by the way in which schools are responding to our new world. Switching to on-line teaching is not an easy transition (try teaching an online class of students under the age of ten if you don't believe me!) but teachers are doing an amazing job of supporting their students.  I have a deep admiration for anyone who is trying to juggle homeschooling and working from home. One new development is the introduction of 'virtual open days' which allows parents to visit the school online, hear from the Heads and have interviews with admissions people. Of course, this is no substitute for seeing a school in action but it is better than nothing! Have a look at Cheltenham Ladies' video and join their open day : For anyone interested in a modern Catholic education, Downside is also doing a virtual open day on the 15th and 16th of May. Wycombe Abbey will be running a virtual Open Day on the 6th June; all the insight with none of the jetlag!

These wonderful museums can now be explored from home!  No crowds, no queues, nobody in front of you with a selfie-stick... just you and the treasures of the world.

I have two online Sunday school classes. Many of us have never met in person but we get together every week and share prayers and hopes. Thank you to all my students all for being so joyous and positive. We have a wonderful day of celebration ahead of us as Jesus is resurrected and hope return to our lives. Seeing you online each week is a real blessing.

As we expected, boys who are holding conditional offers for Radley are no longer expected to sit the Common Entrance exam in June. If your son is at a prep school, he may be asked to sit the exam as a way of gauging progress. If you are overseas or at a school which does not prepare for CE, I would suggest you complete the ISEB syllabus because it gives a brilliant grounding for Y9. Without the pressure of exams, you might want to try: Identifying smaller, more challenging topics which you might have rushed and really nail them. or Finding an area your child really loves (tectonic plates? algebra? autobiographies) and link this interest to a home project (research, interview, create!) If you are stuck for ideas, do please contact me and I will see what I can think of. Above all: don't worry about missing out, all new Radleians will be examined in September or October for setting purposes.

Amazing theatre, dance and opera in your sitting room. Culture was never so accessible... The National Theatre is sharing a fantastic season with us. If you are just joining them, start with their production of Jane Eyre  ... and maybe donate if you can? The Bolshoi Theatre has sumptuous productions which are glorious to watch. Join them tonight for the premiere of Boris Godunov New York's Metropolitan Opera is offering a nightly free concert. last week, they had the fantastic Siegfried and this week, a stunning stream of Aida. The sets alone are worth tuning in for. For anyone who has ever been lucky enough to see a play at Shakespeare's Globe , you will know the feeling of being transported back in time. Experience Shakespeare's plays as he saw them. This is a perfect way to introduce your children to the arts, without having to worry about them kicking the seat in front of them or asking loudly why the strange lady on the stage is shouting so much!

If your son is holding a conditional 2020 offer for Winchester College, his place is guaranteed and is no longer dependent upon his passing the Commoner exams. So, will the exams take place?  There is not a straight yes or no answer to this question. As with the 13+, the Winchester Commoner exams will be issued for 2020 boys. They will be sent to prep schools as normal. However, we are not in a normal world, so.... schools can use the papers 'at their discretion' and return them to the College for marking.  In September, after their arrival at Wincoll, all the JP (Y9) boys will take setting exams.  So has all your son's work been wasted? Absolutely not. The Commoner exams are designed to test a skill set which is absolutely necessary for boys to thrive at the College.  My suggestion? Relax a bit but work as though your son will be sitting the exams but, rather than panicking about passing, think about the skills he is acquiring and work out where his s