The Power of Critical Thinking

Does anyone out there actually know exactly what critical thinking is?

It’s one of those academic and corporate buzz words like “leadership” that everyone knows they should be good at, but don’t necessarily know what it entails. Some focus on the word “critical” and assume it’s something negative or offensive – perhaps possessing the skills to criticise arguments or people so ruthlessly that you can win any debate. Others are aware that it’s about being able to think for themselves, but don’t realise that it comprises more than one skill. In fact, it’s a set of six overlapping yet distinct and equally important skills, as follows:

1. Interpretation

Interpretation involves understanding and explaining information. This skill enables students to grasp effectively the meaning of texts, poems, essays, graphs or data, and includes elements such as grasping an overview as well as details, picking up on inferences, and avoiding misapprehensions. It lays the foundation for deeper analysis and comprehension in various subjects, helping students make sense of complex ideas.

2. Analysis

Analysis is the ability to break down information into components to understand its structure and specific implications. It is essential in all subjects, but particularly English Literature and Language, Maths, Sciences and History, where identifying patterns, structures and relationships is vital. Strong analytical skills allow students to dissect arguments and lay the groundwork for other critical thinking skills such as evaluation below. Analysis will form the main body paragraphs of any essay, whether on literature or answering a philosophical or ethical question.

3. Evaluation

Evaluation is about assessing the credibility and relevance of information sources. In a world overflowing with information, knowing how to evaluate arguments and data critically is indispensable. This skill helps students make informed judgments and avoid misinformation, or to assess whether a historical or news source is reliable or not, for example. It is also what allows a student to form a conclusion based on their previous analysis and arguments.

4. Reasoning

Reasoning is the capability to construct coherent, logical positions, and to provide evidence to support arguments and points. Whether articulating a thesis in an essay, or solving a mathematical equation, reasoning forms the backbone of academic success. It encourages students to think clearly, set out rigorous workings and make connections between ideas, facilitating a deeper understanding of the subject matter at hand.

5. Creative Thinking

Creative thinking involves “thinking outside the box”. It enables students to explore multiple solutions to a problem and to think innovatively. It fosters curiosity and the development of new ideas, new connections and new perspectives, making learning an exciting, fun, engaging and dynamic process.

6. Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the application of knowledge and critical thinking in practical situations. It encompasses identifying problems, developing strategies, and implementing solutions within a real-world context. This skill is crucial across all disciplines, but particularly in subjects such as Maths and the Sciences, equipping students with the ability to overcome obstacles and achieve their goals effectively.

All our tutors at BPT ensure that these six critical thinking skills are “mainstreamed” throughout our work, so that students from the very earliest age groups are being taught to acquire, cultivate, develop, hone and perfect them. It means that when it comes to exams and academic challenges, they are able to apply the knowledge that they have learnt at school to the situation and questions at hand. Ultimately, critical thinking is the cornerstone of academic excellence – an indispensable toolkit that equips students with the necessary skills to navigate their academic journeys successfully.

Furthermore, the integration of these critical thinking skills in education enhances students' ability to learn independently, think reflectively, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Indeed, critical thinking promotes a culture of enquiry and curiosity in students’ minds, encouraging them to question, explore and continuously seek knowledge. It is this curious and inquisitive mindset that drives real intelligence, progress and innovation, both in academia and beyond.

Finally, they allow students to better understand the world around them, have the courage to adapt to new situations, and tackle all kinds of real-world challenges thrown at them by adult life or in their future careers, which will hand them a competitive edge in an increasingly complex world.

If you would like to know more about how we tutor critical thinking, or to discuss our tutoring, mentoring and advisory services more generally, please do get in touch.

All the best,
Robert & the BPT team

Reflections on the Arrival of ChatGPT a Year On

ChatGPT has been a total game-changer in academia. In 23 years of tutoring, it has been BY FAR the most significant challenge we have had to navigate. The only other moment that compares, since the actual creation of the internet and the arrival of e-mail, was realising that I could tutor online rather than spending half my life on tube trains (fun though that is) travelling to people's houses to tutor in person.

It came without warning, silently, in May-June 2023. Or at least that's when I knew something was up. Overnight, students' writing pieces suddenly, dramatically, became works of poetic artistry.

They were able to paint vivid images in the reader's mind, transforming words into a sensory experience that evoked emotions and made stories come alive. By carefully selecting adjectives and imagery, they were able to craft a rich tapestry of details that immersed readers in the nuances of the moment, enabling them to feel as if they were part of the scene.

See what I did there?

Without any warning, I had been inundated by these accursed rich tapestries, more often than not against a backdrop of a patchwork quilt of verdant fields and glimmering waterfalls.

I realised, coincidentally on the morning that my son was born, that – in more ways than one – life had changed forever. At least I had a month's paternity leave to mull over this declaration of war by the dreadful onslaught of rich tapestries.

So ... what should we do? How should tutors tackle this problem? Ban ChatGPT? Insist that we return to the Dark Ages? Embrace it like we embraced calculators, as just another tool to make our lives easier?

I initially started setting a lot of snarky essays about the pros and cons of using AI as a writing tool. We had a lot of class discussions along the same lines. We talked about preparing for exams where there is no internet, let alone ChatGPT. We talked about taking pride in creating something ourselves, in being an artist, in developing and honing our critical thinking skills.

We also discussed the fact that, whether or not we use ChatGPT ourselves, it has massively raised the bar on what schools and examiners now expect from creative writing. A generic and polished piece is no longer good enough.

So, if you want to use it to save time and churn out a couple of set pieces, the essential point is not to outsource the entire creative process to AI, but to genuinely harness it as a tool. For example, if you've been asked to "paint a dynamic picture of a changing landscape from a train window", don't just plug that title into ChatGPT and copy and paste the results into a Googledoc then get back to your gaming after two minutes.

Instead, elevate it above the generic, by adding in (1) an extraordinary incident witnessed as part of the scene, (2) something surreal or mystical, (3) a personal signature or feature that makes it truly yours. Because ChatGPT will never think of those things by itself.

With one student, we included (1) a glimpse of boy being charged by a bull in a field before the scene dissolved as the train sped on its way, (2) a guffawing evil face in the clouds that you would never (?) see in real life, and (3) a sunny, sepia-tinged Lana del Rey in an open-topped classic car à la Video Games, since this student was obsessed with Lana del Rey...

Then, IF you use ChatGPT to draft those set pieces as well as the other more generic elements – the rooftops with wisps of chimney smoke curling into the late afternoon sky and catching the last rays of the setting sun – then okay. Because at least you're creating and owning your own creation.

So I guess that's the answer. Use it sometimes, but use it carefully and wisely. But whatever you do, don't outsource the process to AI, and allow your brain, your critical thinking skills, your creativity, your exam grades and your future to waste away. And it's interesting how many students are now on board with this approach, a year on from Year Zero.

A Vision for the New Academic Year

I sat down last night to reflect on how I’d managed to not only survive but also have a very productive first Monday of the new academic year, a very busy day that I’d been quite anxious about on Sunday night. Three things jumped out:

1. Observe any resistance and discover your will to work – as I put pen to paper on various tasks – some mundane, others important – I felt resistance manifesting itself in all kinds of ways: “this is so boring!”, “this is such a headache”, “this is actually not that important so it can wait”, “this is too important to rush so I’ll do it another time”, and so on. The default reactions were the usual – reach for my phone, check my e-mail, go and talk to my family, grab a snack. It was at that point that I thought “do you really want to do these tasks or not?” It’s not as though anyone was forcing me (I am lucky in that sense…). When I decided that I did, and that that was precisely why I’d sat down at my desk with a mug of fresh coffee in the first place, it was revealing and striking how quickly the resistance evaporated and the default reactions melted away. I had discovered my “will to work” and it stayed with me all day.

2. Identify potential distractions and schedule break times instead – very much connected to the default reactions mentioned above, I found it vital to then identify exactly what those potential distractions were. Phone? Put it to charge and make sure it’s out of reach. E-mails? Minimise / hide the tab and turn off notifications. Family? Close the door and barricade it if necessary (toddlers don’t take a hint…). Snacks? You actually don’t need one now, because you had one just before you sat down… Snacks and drinks are perfect 5-10 minute activities to focus short break-times, which are very effective for maintaining concentration through a working day. But don’t let them interfere within your scheduled work periods.

3. Be strategic with your day – often I find myself plodding from one task to the next, based on the old-school principle that you should focus on one thing at a time and do it properly. Yes… but it makes sense also to be strategic, to have a handle on all the things that you need to do that day. Maybe you’ve 70%-prepared a lesson, but if you don’t move on now to task X, which is very important, then stress and / or failure will overshadow or derail your day later on. Be nimble, look at the whole chessboard and keep your eye on the whole journey through the day, not just the next hour. Planning is critical in this regard; but being able to rip up the plan and jump when required is even more crucial.

So how is this relevant to tutoring? Why should students be interested in my approach to my working day yesterday? Because I firmly believe that these three principles will stand every student (and tutor) in good stead over the new academic year ahead.

Of course they are no substitute for full academic immersion, honing your critical thinking skills, practising exam papers, understanding your subjects, the course and the syllabus. That is where we at BPT come in and our expert tutors can help you in lots of ways over the year ahead. Furthermore, we are also happy to mentor, inspire and discuss the more holistic aspects of approaching academic success, as touched upon here.

But really, most of it is down to you. Most of the work is done behind closed doors. And, ultimately, you will have the greatest say in whether you succeed in your studies and exams.

Good luck for the new academic year ahead!

All the best,
Robert and all the BPT tutors

Exam Season: Carpe Diem

As the summer exam season is almost upon us, it is crucial to focus on the factors that will significantly impact and inform your performance. As BPT Director, I have seen countless students navigate this period over the years, and I believe that there are three key factors to success: targeted preparation, effective exam technique, and – above all – confidence.

**Targeted Preparation** is your blueprint: it transcends general study and homes in on areas where you can gain the most marks. It involves analysing past papers of course, but also understanding the format and expectations of each exam and question, and focusing revision on weaker areas to ensure a well-rounded performance. BPT’s approach is to equip students with the tools to identify these key areas and devise a study plan with your tutor that is both efficient and effective. Preparation should have started some weeks or even months ago, but it is never too late, and I have always found last-minute revision invaluable, despite what you may have been told!

**Exam Technique** often separates good from top marks. It encompasses time management, understanding how to structure answers effectively, and knowing what the examiners are looking for. Technique can be improved with practice and feedback, which is why we at BPT advise regular practice papers and mock exams, as well as intensive and strategic review sessions. Success is all about maximising the marks available to you in every question.

**Confidence** is absolutely fundamental. Of course it cannot be manufactured out of thin air, but it is something that you should develop automatically on the back of the first two criteria above. Confidence is not merely about believing that you can do well, but also about knowing that you have prepared properly. Confidence is derived from familiarity with your subject matter and the realisation that you are ready to tackle whatever exam paper or question comes your way. We at BPT encourage our students to shift their perspective from wary apprehension to eager anticipation of embracing a challenge.

In fact, as students, you stand on the threshold of a real opportunity: exams are not just obstacles; they are a chance to showcase your hard work and knowledge, and build a platform for future learning opportunities and success. They are a stage on the path towards future goals, be it further education or career aspirations. Indeed I encourage everyone to seize this moment with both hands.

Let this exam season be a testament to your dedication and hard work. Embrace the opportunity, and I am confident that your efforts will be rewarded with the success that you rightly deserve.

Good luck to all our BPT students and to all others sitting exams this summer!

Yours sincerely,

Robert Finch

New Year's Resolutions: Steal a Headstart on Your Exams

Have you finalised your resolutions for 2024?  All of them?   Or just the ones about eating less, exercising more, reading better (any) books?  As the hazy fog of our New Year’s celebrations begins to clear, as we pack away the forgotten party poppers, many minds turn wanly to the year ahead.  We start to visualise the various challenges, deadlines and potential booby-traps that lie in wait, lurking just out of view, beyond the horizon of the bleak midwinter landscape that stretches pointedly through this austere and gloomy January.

But it doesn’t have to be like this.  As we bid adieu to the old year and embrace the new, now is the perfect time to throw open the windows, declutter our homes, lives and minds, and stride with confidence into the golden dawn, the brave new world, of … the biggest exam year of our lives (yet – there really will be more…).

Indeed, there is no better time to steal a headstart on your exams and lay the foundations for academic success.  We at BPT would strongly recommend the following tried-and-trusted strategies, which will stand you in good stead come crunchtime in late spring:

1. Plan Plan Plan – New Year is a great opportunity for proper planning.  Take a proactive approach to exam preparation, empower yourself and alleviate the stress that often characterises exam season.  Take the time to craft a clear, comprehensive revision plan. Work out everything you need to cover, estimate how long it will all take and assess when you can realistically cover the ground in your busy academic, extra-curricular, family and social schedules.  By breaking down each subject or topic into manageable segments, and allocating specific study / revision periods for each, you will enable consistent, focused preparation that will yield the best results.  You can thus immerse yourself fully in – and so better absorb – your studies.  Remember, the goal is not only to cover the material but to truly understand and digest it.  A well-defined plan is the first step in this direction.

2. Start Now (if you haven’t already) – You may not have finished everything at school, completed all the texts and elements of the syllabus, but you can start consolidating, noting and re-reading what you have already covered.  Such advance work will be invaluable: now is the one time when you are unburdened by school, mocks, exam stress.

3. Create the Right Environment – Equally important is the creation of a conducive study environment.  Whether it is a quiet corner in the library, a cozy corner at home or a bustling café, find a space that fosters concentration and minimises distractions.  You can even become an academic nomad, picking the right place depending on your mood.  However, it is vital that, wherever you are working, you create the right conditions to really immerse yourself in your studies and maximise the productivity of these sessions.

4. Establish Good Habits – When drawing up your resolutions for the new year, make a point of incorporating positive habits that will complement your studies.  Many students like to commit to regular study sessions; others seek out additional resources to deepen their understanding of the material; and almost all successful students adopt effective note-taking techniques.  By integrating these small, consistent habits into your daily routine, you can go a long way towards laying the necessary foundations for academic success.

5. Look After Number One – Another aspect of exam preparation often overlooked is the significance of self-care and prioritising your well-being.  Set aside significant time for physical exercise, nourishing meals, fresh air, social interaction, restful sleep, unstructured downtime, and reading for pleasure and leisure.  Also build in regular and structured work breaks throughout your day, as well as fun things to look forward to.  A healthy body and mind are key to ensuring that you are in peak condition to tackle the academic challenges that lie ahead.  Indeed, caring for your own well-being is not a luxury but a real necessity.

6. Embrace Collaboration – Notwithstanding the importance of self-care, for many the journey of exam preparation is not one to be embarked upon in isolation.  Find revision buddies or groups, and engage in discussions with fellow students as you endeavour to strengthen your grasp of the academic material.  This collaborative approach not only affords you the opportunity to benefit from diverse perspectives and insights, but also prompts you to articulate your knowledge, reinforcing your comprehension in the process.  Our BPT tutors have long used this interactive and collaborative approach in our tutorials to help our students consolidate their understanding and critical thinking skills.

7. Ask for Help – when you encounter challenging concepts or require additional clarification, approach your friends, classmates, parents and definitely your teachers…  But also seek help from academic tutors.  In the pursuit of academic success, there is undeniable merit in seeking support and guidance: embracing a spirit of curiosity and a proactive approach to acquiring knowledge will enrich your understanding, bolster your confidence and prepare you for academic success.  Our BPT tutors accurately and sensitively tailor our advice, assistance and academic instruction specifically to students’ needs; we are also proud that our Oxford and Cambridge graduate tutors are experts in their fields and best-placed to help you succeed; and we believe strongly in building a rapport with our students, listening to their needs and inspiring them to be the very best versions of themselves.

So, as you set your sights on the new year and the exams that lie ahead, we at BPT would urge you to strike while the Christmas tree lights are still up, when people are least expecting it, seize the initiative and steal a headstart on your exam preparation.  We promise that you will not regret it, however daunting a task it may seem at this time of year.  And we remain available to guide, advise and assist all willing students at any stage of their exam preparation.

In the meantime, we wish everyone a happy, healthy and successful 2024 ahead!

Yours sincerely,

Robert Finch

Half Term Tuition: Boost Your Academic Success

Now that everyone has settled into the school year, and with half term rapidly approaching, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on how things have gone so far. At this point in the academic calendar, it's common for students to have gained a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. However, sometimes the school curriculum may prove challenging to grasp entirely, and that's completely normal.

This is where tutoring can act as a fantastic resource that successfully complements classroom learning with a timely boost. It offers numerous benefits and can cater to a variety of needs: for students aiming to excel, it can help them push their boundaries, delve deeper into subjects and acquire advanced knowledge beyond the standard syllabus. On the other hand, for students encountering difficulties, it can provide the extra attention and tailored support needed to overcome obstacles and boost confidence.

Moreover, it can also help people to develop essential study skills, time management techniques and effective strategies for exam preparation, valuable skills that will undoubtedly benefit students throughout their academic journey.

Choosing the right tutor is crucial, and it's important to consider their qualifications, approach to teaching, and compatibility with a student’s learning style; indeed, the right tutor can make the learning process enjoyable, engaging and inspiring.  BPT provides both online and in-person tutoring with skilled and experienced tutors capable of customising their lessons to suit any student’s needs.

We at BPT don’t just provide extra help but also foster a positive and proactive attitude towards education, encourage a love for learning and inspire confidence in academic pursuits.

Remember – no one should feel discouraged or overwhelmed by academic challenges.  With the right support, dedication and a growth mindset, any student can excel and achieve their full potential.  So, why not embrace this half term as an opportunity to explore the benefits of academic tutoring?

Wishing you a fruitful half term …  in the season of mists and mellow fruitfulness.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Finch

Navigating the New School Year with Confidence

At the start of every new school or university year, students embark on an exciting but challenging journey of academic growth and progress. As we at BPT fully understand the unique anxieties and uncertainties that students may face, our mission is to provide steadfast support tailored to meet their diverse needs, ensuring a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Our four signature policies to achieve our mission this year are:

1. Individualised Attention:

We recognise that every student learns differently, and our BPT tutors are dedicated to embracing individualised teaching approaches. By understanding each student’s individual learning style and unique challenges, our tutors can adapt their methods to provide personalised guidance, bolstering confidence and facilitating success.

2. Holistic Academic Assistance:

Our BPT tutors are well-versed in various academic disciplines, from core subjects like English, Maths, Sciences and Languages to History, Politics, Economics, Psychology, Social Sciences and beyond. Whether students need help in preparing for exams, strengthening their foundation and understanding of a subject, or taking advantage of our expertise in mentoring and special educational needs assistance, our tutors are here to provide comprehensive support across a wide range of subjects and disciplines.

3. Flexible Scheduling Options:

We understand that students are busy juggling diverse commitments. To accommodate their schedules, we offer flexible online tutoring sessions: whether a student needs ongoing support or occasional guidance, we provide options such as after-school and weekend sessions. Together, we can find the best schedule to ensure that a student receives the education that they need without clashing with their other commitments.

4. Enabling Growth and Confidence:

We at BPT believe that education extends beyond grades, and indeed our tutors are passionate about fostering an environment where students not only achieve academic success but also develop essential life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-confidence. We celebrate every milestone, both big and small, to nurture a sense of accomplishment and encourage ongoing growth.

As students settle into the new school year, it is vital that they navigate this journey with confidence. BPT’s tutoring services are designed to cater to their individual needs, empowering them to reach their full potential and ensure a fulfilling and successful academic year ahead. Contact us today to discuss and explore how our tutors can help.

Yours sincerely,

Robert Finch
BPT Director

New Academic Horizons

As the summer exam season draws to a close, we are delighted to announce the launch of the new BPT website. As well as taking some well-deserved time off over the summer, we hope that students and parents will take this timely opportunity to familiarise themselves with the website, our services and how they can benefit students. During these summer months, we are available to discuss students’ concerns, plans and hopes, and help them form a strategic plan for the next academic year. Our emphasis is on establishing a bespoke strategy for each student that incorporates BPT’s strengths and core values: namely tailored and targeted assistance, ongoing and skilled mentoring, and an emphasis on sparking academic success, inspiration and excellence. We at BPT wish all students the very best in their summer exam results, and we look forward to hearing from students and clients, old and new!

Yours sincerely,

Robert Finch
BPT Director