Our philosophy
There are many reasons why the majority of British children who are educated in independent (private) schools, thrive socially and academically, succeed in their exams, gain places at leading universities and secure worthwhile and fulfilling jobs, but foremost of these is their parents input. Parents understand the complex nuances of the education system and job market in the United Kingdom and guide their children through this labyrinth.
Overseas children coming to school in the UK can succeed as well as British children through the labyrinth of the education system and job market in the United Kingdom, but they need an experienced mentor who can:
- organise a summer camp as a ‘taster’ experience
- make an informed appraisal of their social and academic ability
- select an appropriate school and advise on the best enrolment strategy
- act as their academic guardian and liaise with teachers
- arrange targeted tutoring where necessary
- identify and arrange appropriate work experience opportunities
- give guidance on university placements, including the preparation of Personal Statements, and advise on interview technique
“We are so grateful to you for finding the perfect work experience placement for India. Such opportunities are hard to come by and we couldn’t be happier with the outcome. Your expert advice and practical help has been invaluable. Thank you!”
Summer camps
Before deciding on moving into the English education system, we strongly recommend a ‘taster’, in the form of at least one summer camp, lasting for 3-4 weeks.
In our experience, summer school websites and brochures look similar. It is not easy to identify the very good from the mediocre and poor.
We only recommend summer camps we have visited, where we know the staff and have seen the results. Some camps are worthwhile, whilst at others the children are poorly supervised and return home with bad habits, having learned little or nothing.
Social and academic appraisal of student
At Insperata Floruit, we like to meet the parents, to understand their requirements, and to get to know the student, to gauge how they think, their academic abilities – both strengths and weaknesses – their linguistic skills and their preferred sports and hobbies.
To fully understand a student, we look at previous school reports. Additionally, all prospective students are invited to sit an IQ test. This identifies abilities in 4 key areas: verbal and non-verbal reasoning, quantitative capabilities and spatial awareness. English schools place as much weight on a student’s all-round ability and passions, whether musical, artistic or sporting, as they do on a talented mathematician or scientist.
From this assessment, we can make an informed judgement as to the most appropriate school.
School selection, admissions strategy and enrolment
UK boarding schools have a worldwide reputation for academic excellence. Many have waiting lists and high-calibre entrance exams. They also have quotas per nationality and students that drop out unexpectedly for one reason or another. Our close relationship with schools and inside know-how helps us identify places at leading schools.
Part of our strategy is to give language and subject-specific support so that our students do not apply at a disadvantage to UK or other overseas students. We strongly recommend that students and their parents visit the school(s) before they sit the entrance exam. We give focussed coaching on interview technique.
Academic guardianship
English boarding schools are very busy places. From the beginning to end of term both teachers and students have frenetic days filled with academic challenges and extra-curricula pursuits.
Social and academic education in the UK is delivered in a different way to that in other countries. Misunderstandings can arise, and it is our role to support and smooth out the student’s path at the new school and ensure that they are truly fulfilling their potential.
It is rare to find a student who is talented in every aspect of school life. We closely monitor the student’s progress, reading internal and external reports and, if required, recommending extra tuition in one or more subjects. Parents trust us with their child’s future: it is our role to ensure that students fulfil their potential.
Targeted tuition
Whether your child is preparing for a leading school’s entrance exam, national exams or a specific academic goal, we can provide targeted tuition to ensure that they perform to the best of their ability.
Insperata Tutors offer:
- Tutors from top UK universities – the majority are from Oxford and Cambridge
- A personalised programme of study
- Carefully matched tutors and students
- Fun and engaging lessons
- Support for students so that they feel prepared and confident
- Fantastic results for students
- Reports to parents after each tutorial
Work experience and internships
An important element of a student’s university application is evidencing background knowledge on their chosen subject or, for a future employer, being able to provide evidence of some supporting experience in the selected field.
All British students will begin building their battery of work experience from the age of 16. By the time they have finished university they may well have participated in as many as 10 different internships.
From each September, we begin to give guidance to our students on writing Curriculum Vitae and, from January, we start to focus on work experience opportunities and help identify worthwhile placements: ones that add breadth and credibility to their university applications and support their career goals.
University applications
When it comes to applying to university, we are able to support pupils at all stages of the process.
- University and course selection
- Writing a personal statement that will help your child to stand out
- Checking that the correct documents are submitted and noterised
- Interview practice
Career Strategy
- Working with the client to understand their short and long-term ambitions
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Advise on the job market and relevant skill sets
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Creation of CV or cover letter
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Introductions to networks where appropriate
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Interview and public speaking coaching
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Trial task exercises
“It is important not to mistake syllabus for an education.
There is no point in a young person leaving school or university with straight As if they lack the skills to function effectively in the work-place. We see it as our duty to ensure that all the students we advise are equipped for the modern working environment.”