MST · Blog
Blog

A decade of writing on tuition, exams and the system your child is in

Muhammad Ali — Cambridge PhD physicist, Islington tutor since 2010 — has been writing here since 2014: on exam seasons, on group tuition, on what actually helps a child get unstuck.

At a glance
  • Since 2014
  • Archive 155 posts
  • Most recent 9 Oct 2024

Start here

Promises of Fixes for Education Busting the Myths About Group Tuition RAAC and Ruin - Crumbling Schools and More Defusing the Education Arms Race

The archive

Everything, in order

Promises of Fixes for Education Promises of Fixes for Education 9 Oct 2024 · 3 min read Busting the Myths About Group Tuition Group Tuition Busting the Myths About Group Tuition 16 Oct 2023 · 2 min read RAAC and Ruin - Crumbling Schools and More RAAC and Ruin - Crumbling Schools and More 5 Sep 2023 · 3 min read August 1989 - GCSE Results Day August 1989 - GCSE Results Day 24 Aug 2023 · 2 min read Defusing the Education Arms Race Pay What You Can Tuition Defusing the Education Arms Race 11 Aug 2023 · 3 min read The Benefits of Private Tuition Affordable Tuition The Benefits of Private Tuition 20 Jul 2023 · 3 min read School Absenteeism: From Crisis to National Emergency? School Absenteeism: From Crisis to National Emergency? 30 Jun 2023 · 2 min read University Isn’t For Everyone - And That’s OK! University Isn’t For Everyone - And That’s OK! 18 May 2023 · 3 min read On The Day Exam Tips To Maximise Grades exam tips On The Day Exam Tips To Maximise Grades 3 May 2023 · 3 min read The Cricketing Legend That Never Was (And why a back up plan is important!) The Cricketing Legend That Never Was (And why a back up plan is important!) 28 Apr 2023 · 3 min read Pay What You Can Afford Tuition Services Pay What You Can Afford Tuition Pay What You Can Afford Tuition Services 8 Mar 2023 · 2 min read Reasons to start revising early A Level Reasons to start revising early 20 Feb 2023 · 2 min read Keep Calm and Work Towards Exams 2023 Keep Calm and Work Towards Exams 2023 20 Oct 2022 · 2 min read Closing the Gap Affordable Tuition Closing the Gap 16 Sep 2022 · 3 min read Back to School with a Difference back to school Back to School with a Difference 16 Aug 2022 · 2 min read Things To Do With Kids This Summer 2022 Things To Do With Kids This Summer 2022 28 Jul 2022 · 3 min read Will a B grade be considered a ‘fail’? Exam season Will a B grade be considered a ‘fail’? 4 Mar 2022 · 3 min read A Welcome Return to Normal? A Welcome Return to Normal? 21 Jan 2022 · 2 min read Affordable Tuition and Quality Tutors Affordable Tuition Affordable Tuition and Quality Tutors 27 Oct 2021 · 2 min read Helping Disadvantaged Children Access Tuition Helping Disadvantaged Children Access Tuition 24 Jun 2021 · 3 min read How to find a good tutor in a post-Covid world How to find a good tutor in a post-Covid world 11 May 2021 · 4 min read The Wonders of Group Tuition 11+ Group Tuition The Wonders of Group Tuition 28 Apr 2021 · 3 min read Gaining Certainty in Uncertain Times Gaining Certainty in Uncertain Times 3 Nov 2020 · 3 min read Back to School with a Difference Back to School with a Difference 27 Aug 2020 · 2 min read Covid-19 and an Opportunity to Give Back Online tuition Covid-19 and an Opportunity to Give Back 21 May 2020 · 2 min read Covid-19 and Maths Covid-19 and Maths 7 May 2020 · 3 min read Happy Pi Day! Happy Pi Day! 14 Mar 2020 · 2 min read International Women’s Day 2020 International Women’s Day 2020 6 Mar 2020 · 2 min read World Book Day 2020 World Book Day World Book Day 2020 5 Mar 2020 · 3 min read Nature Vs Nurture Easter GCSE Maths Revision Nature Vs Nurture 28 Feb 2020 · 2 min read The Impact of English Tuition English Language Tutor The Impact of English Tuition 26 Jan 2020 · 2 min read Time to Focus on Exam Outcomes Exam season Time to Focus on Exam Outcomes 16 Jan 2020 · 2 min read 2019 - My Year in Review 2019 - My Year in Review 2 Jan 2020 · 4 min read Good intentions and top exam results Exam season Good intentions and top exam results 3 Dec 2019 · 2 min read Learning to Thrive in Any Environment Learning to Thrive in Any Environment 10 Nov 2019 · 2 min read Mock Exams – Preparedness is Key Mock Exams Mock Exams – Preparedness is Key 28 Oct 2019 · 2 min read When should I start preparing my child for 11+ interviews? 11+ Preparation When should I start preparing my child for 11+ interviews? 21 Oct 2019 · 4 min read English Tuition and Understanding the Question English Tuition and Understanding the Question 10 Oct 2019 · 2 min read Maximising Grades Maximising Grades 2 Oct 2019 · 2 min read English Tuition – From Brain to Paper English Tuition – From Brain to Paper 22 Sep 2019 · 2 min read Affordable Private Tuition Affordable Private Tuition 18 Sep 2019 · 3 min read Back to School back to school Back to School 2 Sep 2019 · 2 min read Online Tuition: Is it Right for You? Online tuition Online Tuition: Is it Right for You? 18 Aug 2019 · 3 min read Things to do with kids this Summer Things to do Things to do with kids this Summer 2 Aug 2019 · 2 min read Consistency Wins The Day Consistency Wins The Day 17 Jul 2019 · 3 min read The Show Must Go On The Show Must Go On 2 Jul 2019 · 3 min read Private Tuition – Book Early to Get the Best Tutor for Your Child Private Tuition – Book Early to Get the Best Tutor for Your Child 16 Jun 2019 · 2 min read More than tuition Confidence More than tuition 2 Jun 2019 · 4 min read Life After Exams Exam season Life After Exams 21 May 2019 · 2 min read Exams and parental stress Being a parent Exams and parental stress 2 May 2019 · 3 min read Mindset of A Champion Mindset Mindset of A Champion 19 Apr 2019 · 3 min read Accentuating the Positives Easter GCSE Maths Revision Accentuating the Positives 12 Apr 2019 · 2 min read Nature Vs Nurture Nature Vs Nurture 7 Apr 2019 · 3 min read Things to do with kids this Easter in and around Islington Things to do Things to do with kids this Easter in and around Islington 30 Mar 2019 · 2 min read Exam Stress Busters Exam season Exam Stress Busters 25 Mar 2019 · 3 min read How to Stand Out From the Crowd How to Stand Out From the Crowd 15 Mar 2019 · 3 min read Survival of the Flexible AI Survival of the Flexible 7 Mar 2019 · 3 min read Optimal revision - It's about balance Exam season Optimal revision - It's about balance 28 Feb 2019 · 3 min read Pre-Exam Stress Season Exam season Pre-Exam Stress Season 22 Feb 2019 · 3 min read How can we help more girls to study STEM subjects? STEM Education How can we help more girls to study STEM subjects? 5 Feb 2019 · 3 min read Private Tuition – Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) Private Tuition – Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware) 29 Jan 2019 · 4 min read Is science being crowded out in primary school and how to help your child? Is science being crowded out in primary school and how to help your child? 18 Jan 2019 · 4 min read 100 Not Out 100 Not Out 10 Jan 2019 · 3 min read Lessons from Strictly Lessons from Strictly 4 Jan 2019 · 4 min read MST's 2018 - A Year in Review MST's 2018 - A Year in Review 20 Dec 2018 · 3 min read Educational Journeys Educational Journeys 1 Dec 2018 · 3 min read Recognition of Excellence Recognition of Excellence 23 Nov 2018 · 2 min read The Impact of Private Tuition The Impact of Private Tuition 16 Nov 2018 · 3 min read Private Tuition – The new normal Social Mobility and Education Private Tuition – The new normal 9 Nov 2018 · 3 min read Why it’s OK to fail Why it’s OK to fail 2 Nov 2018 · 3 min read Things to do: Halloween and Fireworks Night Things to do: Halloween and Fireworks Night 28 Oct 2018 · 3 min read The false economy of buying cheap The false economy of buying cheap 12 Oct 2018 · 3 min read Gaining Entrance to Prestigious Schools Cambridge Gaining Entrance to Prestigious Schools 5 Oct 2018 · 3 min read Getting in to Oxford and Cambridge Cambridge Getting in to Oxford and Cambridge 28 Sep 2018 · 3 min read How to write a personal statement for university Personal Statement How to write a personal statement for university 24 Sep 2018 · 4 min read A Level Studies - Mind the Gap A Level Studies - Mind the Gap 14 Sep 2018 · 3 min read How to find a good tutor How to find a good tutor 7 Sep 2018 · 6 min read The X Factor? The X Factor? 1 Sep 2018 · 3 min read GCSE Failure – It Gets Better! GCSE results day GCSE Failure – It Gets Better! 24 Aug 2018 · 2 min read Turning Talent into Gold Turning Talent into Gold 16 Aug 2018 · 3 min read Keeping kids and teenagers amused this summer Keeping kids and teenagers amused this summer 10 Aug 2018 · 3 min read The Doctor Shortage GAMSAT The Doctor Shortage 7 Aug 2018 · 3 min read Friendship Groups for Enhanced Learning Group Tuition Friendship Groups for Enhanced Learning 3 Aug 2018 · 2 min read Time to Relax and Recharge Time to Relax and Recharge 21 Jul 2018 · 2 min read Writing our stories Writing our stories 14 Jul 2018 · 3 min read Making the jump up to Secondary School Making the jump up to Secondary School 8 Jul 2018 · 3 min read The Hidden Costs of Cheap Tuition The Hidden Costs of Cheap Tuition 1 Jul 2018 · 3 min read Priorities: Wants Vs Needs Priorities: Wants Vs Needs 24 Jun 2018 · 3 min read Degrees of Success Degrees of Success 19 Jun 2018 · 3 min read Education Matters - Success Factors Medical School Education Matters - Success Factors 9 Jun 2018 · 4 min read The Stigma of Private Tuition The Stigma of Private Tuition 1 Jun 2018 · 3 min read Guest Blog: Accountancy isn't always boring... Guest Blog: Accountancy isn't always boring... 23 May 2018 · 4 min read Oversubscribed: Grammar school preparation and the 11+ 11+ Group Tuition Oversubscribed: Grammar school preparation and the 11+ 12 May 2018 · 3 min read Exam Stress? Exam Stress? 6 May 2018 · 3 min read Maintaining forward momentum Motivation Maintaining forward momentum 27 Apr 2018 · 2 min read Unlikely Heroes Unlikely Heroes 19 Apr 2018 · 3 min read Affordability, priorities and a scratched head Social Mobility and Education Affordability, priorities and a scratched head 13 Apr 2018 · 4 min read GCSE Exams - Eyes on the Prize Easter GCSE Maths Revision GCSE Exams - Eyes on the Prize 7 Apr 2018 · 2 min read The State and Public School Divide Easter GCSE Revision The State and Public School Divide 30 Mar 2018 · 3 min read I don’t pay for tuition…. I don’t pay for tuition…. 23 Mar 2018 · 3 min read Motivating your teenager Motivation Motivating your teenager 9 Mar 2018 · 3 min read Tuition and my secret weapon Easter GCSE Maths Revision Tuition and my secret weapon 2 Mar 2018 · 2 min read Teaching English and why it matters English Tuition Teaching English and why it matters 23 Feb 2018 · 3 min read GCSE Revision and Planning for Exam Success GCSE GCSE Revision and Planning for Exam Success 16 Feb 2018 · 3 min read Private Tuition - What are you buying? Easter GCSE Maths Revision Private Tuition - What are you buying? 7 Feb 2018 · 3 min read Social mobility, education and me. Easter GCSE Maths Revision Social mobility, education and me. 31 Jan 2018 · 3 min read Student Stress and Exam Season Easter GCSE Maths Revision Student Stress and Exam Season 24 Jan 2018 · 4 min read GCSE Preparation - Don't be like Brexit! Easter GCSE Maths Revision GCSE Preparation - Don't be like Brexit! 22 Jan 2018 · 3 min read Collaborative Learning and Group Tuition Collaborative Learning Collaborative Learning and Group Tuition 12 Jan 2018 · 3 min read Mathematics and Science Tuition - 2017 in Review Easter GCSE Revision Mathematics and Science Tuition - 2017 in Review 30 Dec 2017 · 3 min read Mo Farah – Sports Personality of the Year Mo Farah – Sports Personality of the Year 18 Dec 2017 · 3 min read From Kevin the Teenager to Motivated Student Private tuition From Kevin the Teenager to Motivated Student 16 Dec 2017 · 2 min read Tutoring and Confidence Private tuition Tutoring and Confidence 8 Dec 2017 · 3 min read Group Tuition GCSE Maths Tutor Group Tuition 1 Dec 2017 · 2 min read GAMSAT – My brush with a career in medicine GAMSAT GAMSAT – My brush with a career in medicine 24 Nov 2017 · 3 min read Stressing Mock Exam Performance Exam season Stressing Mock Exam Performance 18 Nov 2017 · 2 min read Private Tuition: Better than any Black Friday deal Private tuition Private Tuition: Better than any Black Friday deal 10 Nov 2017 · 3 min read Is your child an academic Lewis Hamilton? Private tuition Is your child an academic Lewis Hamilton? 6 Nov 2017 · 4 min read Best Rated Private Tutors in Islington - New Award for MST! Private tuition Best Rated Private Tutors in Islington - New Award for MST! 23 Oct 2017 · 2 min read Making a difference as a private tutor Muhammad Ali the tutor Making a difference as a private tutor 20 Oct 2017 · 2 min read Crossing the Chasm from Primary to Secondary School GCSE Crossing the Chasm from Primary to Secondary School 20 Jul 2017 · 3 min read The sum of my worries Being a parent The sum of my worries 16 Aug 2016 · 5 min read Preventing Summer Learning Loss Summer Learning Loss Preventing Summer Learning Loss 14 Jul 2016 · 5 min read Tutoring: There’s More Than One Side Muhammad Ali the tutor Tutoring: There’s More Than One Side 1 Jun 2016 · 4 min read Create a Scientifically Inspired Homework Space Homework Space Create a Scientifically Inspired Homework Space 27 May 2016 · 3 min read How Leicester’s Premier League win can help you to succeed in your studies Leicester City football club How Leicester’s Premier League win can help you to succeed in your studies 19 May 2016 · 3 min read Counting on a Good Start: Pre-School Maths Pre-School Maths Counting on a Good Start: Pre-School Maths 10 May 2016 · 4 min read Ten things to remember as a parent in exam season Exam season Ten things to remember as a parent in exam season 4 May 2016 · 5 min read 5 tips on making Science fun for kids! Science 5 tips on making Science fun for kids! 28 Apr 2016 · 4 min read Muhammad Answers: The reasons why you might need tuition Easter GCSE Revision Muhammad Answers: The reasons why you might need tuition 22 Apr 2016 · 4 min read Top tips for GCSE revision Easter GCSE Revision Top tips for GCSE revision 13 Apr 2016 · 5 min read School Academies Explained: The Important Things To Know School Academies School Academies Explained: The Important Things To Know 7 Apr 2016 · 4 min read A candid view on the 4+ admissions process, selective entrance exams and the rules of registration 4+ admissions process A candid view on the 4+ admissions process, selective entrance exams and the rules of registration 1 Apr 2016 · 5 min read Why Science Is Essential For a Career In Medicine BMAT Why Science Is Essential For a Career In Medicine 12 Mar 2016 · 3 min read The rising importance of a STEM-Education STEM Education The rising importance of a STEM-Education 20 Feb 2016 · 4 min read The Evolution of Learning: The Emergence of Technology The Future of Technology in Education The Evolution of Learning: The Emergence of Technology 23 Dec 2015 · 5 min read Levelling the playing field AIM Community Project Levelling the playing field 23 Nov 2015 · 4 min read How to win a place at medical school BMAT How to win a place at medical school 6 Oct 2015 · 7 min read How to write a personal statement Personal Statement How to write a personal statement 21 Sep 2015 · 8 min read Create A Test – The Ultimate Maths Assessment Package Maths Assessment Package Create A Test – The Ultimate Maths Assessment Package 3 Sep 2015 · 4 min read Results Day: A Teacher's Perspective A teachers point of view Results Day: A Teacher's Perspective 21 Aug 2015 · 3 min read Coasting student to national young entrepreneur of the year Kamal Ellis-Hyman Coasting student to national young entrepreneur of the year 29 Jul 2015 · 10 min read Preventing the “Summer Slide” with Online Courses for Students BrainFlex Preventing the “Summer Slide” with Online Courses for Students 13 Jul 2015 · 3 min read Why you should try online tuition Online tuition Why you should try online tuition 5 Jul 2015 · 5 min read Why does one-to-one private maths tuition work? Easter GCSE Revision Why does one-to-one private maths tuition work? 19 Jun 2015 · 4 min read Is “Average” the ultimate goal for schools? School grades Is “Average” the ultimate goal for schools? 28 May 2015 · 3 min read Practice Makes Perfect GCSE Practice Makes Perfect 1 Apr 2015 · 2 min read A Real Bankers’ Bonus Banking & Finance A Real Bankers’ Bonus 23 Mar 2015 · 3 min read Brain teaser Mathematics Brain teaser 4 Mar 2015 · 1 min read Why everything you think you know about internet safety is wrong Internet safety Why everything you think you know about internet safety is wrong 18 Feb 2015 · 4 min read Stand out by seeking out Work Experience Stand out by seeking out 4 Feb 2015 · 4 min read Big Fat Maths! GCSE Big Fat Maths! 27 Jan 2015 · 3 min read Practical uses of mathematics Chemistry Practical uses of mathematics 20 Jan 2015 · 2 min read Mathematics in the real world Mathematics Mathematics in the real world 16 Jan 2015 · 4 min read Mind The Gap GCSE curriculum Mind The Gap 16 Dec 2014 · 3 min read

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That’s everything — 155 posts since 2014.

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