A Million Lives

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Understanding the Benefits of the IGCSE and How You Can Prepare For the Exams

For international schools in Singapore, like the Global Indian International School, preparing for the IGCSE exams are of paramount importance. The results of these exams will be the key to getting into their dream universities and in setting up their path to their dream career. Assuming that they know what career path they want to take, all they need to do now is to familiarize themselves with the grade requirements of their desired degree program and pass the exams with flying colors.

If your school offers an IGCSE program, the worst thing you can do is feel the pressure. Yes, there is a lot hinging on your results, but there are a lot of ways you can prepare for it. All you need to do is make a little adjustment to your normal study habits. In this article, we will explore the benefits of the IGCSE program and how you can prepare for the exams to get the results you want.

Understanding the IGCSE program

The goal of the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education Program (IGCSE) is to encourage a child’s propensity to learn. All of us grow up to be naturally curious, asking lots of questions about the world and how it works. What the IGCSE program does is to nurture that curiosity by putting emphasis on holistic education. Much of what the exams are contain real life problems that can be solved easily if the school has provided the students with a means for them to apply what they have learnt in class.

Some of the key focus of the program are:

  • Students should be confident with coming up with their own ideas, but are willing to listen to other people’s perspectives
  • Students should be respectful of others and should understand the consequences of what they say and do
  • Students should be able to adapt to different learning environments and come up with a different learning scheme for each
  • Students should be prepared to face challenges through innovation
  • Students should be socially responsible and should engage with others through sound discourse

As a student, you know that being a critical thinker is more than just knowing theories, concepts, and definitions. In this world, having the penchant to listen first before taking action is incredibly important. Understanding where people are coming from and taking that into consideration is the difference between showing off what you know and producing critical thought. The latter encourages informed discourse, while the former antagonizes people.

Benefits of the IGCSE program

The Cambridge IGCSE program is globally recognized. Not only are you ahead for studying in an institution that offers it, but passing key subjects for your career path is a ticket to getting into your dream university. Passing the exams mean that you have shown mastery in school. Not to mention, the results can also help you get into some of the most respected organizations and companies in the world.

Effective study habits to help prepare for the exam

Don’t worry, you do not have to change your own study habits drastically. But it is important that you remain focused as you start your revisions. So here are some effective techniques that you can consider.

Know your preferred learning method and study environment

Ask yourself if you are more of an audio kind of person or more visual. Additionally, do you prefer complete silence when studying or do you like mildly noisy environments?

The reason this is important is so you can cut unnecessary time leafing through your notebook drawing diagrams and concept maps work better for you. You will also save time looking for the best place to study if you know the kind of environment you need in the first place.

Note that sometimes, it is different per subject. So it is best to schedule which subjects you will focus on for the day. If you still do not know your preference, think back on your previous exams regarding where you studied Science when you got a high score? Did you remember most of what you studied when you drew pictures of the concepts for it? Did you retain more information when you were listening to Kendrick Lamar or Ludovico Einaudi?

Get past the pointers

Teachers usually give students a syllabus and pointers to study for the exam. The best way to study is always to get ahead of the recommended parameters. If the IGCSE aims to prepare your for undergraduate university life, the best way to prepare is to learn more than what you are required to learn. You do not need to finish the whole book, just be ahead a chapter or two.

Download mock exams

The best part about growing up in the digital age is the amount of resources that are available to you whenever you need it. There are a lot of mock exams that you can download so you can practice every after study time. Schools also provide the students with mock exams, so make sure you get to review those once you receive the results.

Know your strengths and weaknesses

Another way to cut unnecessary time is to know which subjects to prioritize. Are you better at Physics than Trigonometry? Then maybe you should start studying Trigonometry first before delving into Physics. You only have the school year to study the subjects required for your career path, so you need to make efficient use of it.

Do not feel pressured

This might be the most difficult thing to do, but it is the most important. You will notice that a huge chunk of the study tips is on how you can create a comfortable study environment for yourself. Being comfortable and relaxed makes a great difference when you are studying. So forget about passing first, just focus on what is in front of you.

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International schools: what you need to know

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Choosing the right school for your child is an incredibly important, and often difficult decision that must be made. For many parents, international schools are a highly regarded option worth consideration, but what exactly are international schools, and are they really any different from the other types out there?

An international school has a curriculum that always differs from that of the host country. These schools, instead, utilize an international curriculum within a global environment. Adopting a worldwide curriculum enables students to move from one international school to another without disrupting their studies. That is certainly an advantage, especially if you and your family often relocate, but how else can an international school be of benefit to your child?

While you are considering the best option for your son or daughter, consider these four ways in which international schools differ from the rest:

Diversity

Hands down, you will not find a more diverse environment for your child than that provided by an international school. Students come from all parts of the world to attend the schools, so your child will have the advantage of encountering other young people coming from a completely different cultural background.

Languages

With students coming from all over the world to attend an international school, your child will be immersed in not one, but several different languages. Stamford American in Singapore develops fluency in either Chinese or Spanish, in addition to English, which is the language of instruction at the school. If you consider the foreign language requirement, the language of instruction, and each student’s native tongue, you’ll soon have a multilingual child on your hands!

Communication skills

The mutual respect that is built between students from different cultural backgrounds promotes an understanding and acceptance for one another that carries real benefits, not just for your child, but for the world as a whole. Teaching children from a young age to accept and love others that are different from them has an enormous value. Learning to interact with so many people from different cultures will also enhance the social skills of your child and increase his or her self-confidence.

Better opportunities

It’s true; the international curriculum is able to open doors that other curriculums cannot. Students of international schools are more likely to continue their education at a college or university, and because they have been immersed in such a diverse environment, the international schools are literally preparing your child to go anywhere in the world for further study or work.

The many benefits of attending an international school cannot be denied. With exposure to so many different languages and cultures, and with so many connections and friendships made, your child will be fully equipped for a highly successful future, no matter what career dream they are determined to pursue.

If you have decided that an international school is the best choice for your child be sure to do your research. Ensure that the school in which you are interested has been accredited by certified international accreditation agencies.

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How to pick student digs

So, you’ve got your sights set on moving to new student accommodation, or you’re on the lookout for some when you start your studies? Choosing a place to live, often for three years or more, is a big decision, and one that you shouldn’t take lightly. After all, it’s a place which you need to be able to call home. A place where you can relax, party and socialise, and, of course, get your head down and study. Here are some of the things you should be thinking about when picking your digs.

Know the area

Going to university often means moving to a completely new city, town or district. It may be somewhere that may well be completely alien to you. So, before you start putting pen to paper, and signing a tenancy agreement, make sure you have a good look around the area to see where you want to live and whether it’s convenient to where you will be studying. Will you be able to get to and from home easily? Are there good public transport links? Talk to other students who live in the area and see what their top tips are.

‘In-hall’ accommodation

Most universities offer a variety of their own accommodation for students, often built in complexes on or near campuses, or in central locations. When you’re heading off to start your studies, speak to your university about what kind of accommodation they offer and who is eligible. Places are often limited. In-hall accommodation usually offers a good standard of accommodation and can be a great opportunity to get to know fellow students and make new friends.

Going private

Away from halls, you can also find a wide range of other student accommodation available to see you through your studies. For example, private providers offer complexes where you can choose higher standard and luxury student accommodation. You can ask your university for full listings or check the web and social media for information.

Rent a flat or house

As well as tailored student accommodation, you could also look to the wider property market to pick yourself up a place to live. Rental agents often offer a variety of properties, including flats and houses, which you can take up on your own, or share with friends and fellow students. However, don’t be pressured into signing on the dotted line before taking a good look at what’s available to ensure that it bests suits your needs.

Budget, budget, budget

When it comes to picking student accommodation, be realistic in your expectations. Yes, you want somewhere that’s comfortable, safe and convenient, but you also have to make sure it’s within your budget! There is no point getting yourself into a rental agreement that, in the longer term, is going to push your finances over the edge.

Think about how much you can afford and stick to it. Your monthly budget should include your rent, food costs, transport tickets and any study expenditure. Leaving some spare for a night out or two as well!

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How to Decide on a Career (Even When You Have No Idea What You Want to Do)

Truth be told, choosing the perfect career path is often a difficult process. Everyone wants to end up in a career that not only allows them to live comfortably such as software engineer jobs, but also aligns with the things they are passionate about. Salaries Hub has a large database of information on an array of careers you can consider and the potential yearly income you could be making. Nevertheless, knowing what you want to make as a professional may be exciting, but a lot more goes into the decision on the perfect career you should pursue. Consider the following tips to help you finally make that decision:

Create a List of Careers You Like and Those You Don’t Like

Although you may be unclear on what exactly you want, you are most probably very aware of what you want as well as what you don’t want. Listing these careers will help you start narrowing down on the possible career path options you can consider. For example, you may like traveling but dislike the idea of big cities, or you could be the type of person who enjoys working remotely. Understanding these things will help you list career paths that would weigh you down versus those that would give your personality an opportunity to shine.

Research Career Trajectory and Prospects

Passion and commitment is never enough when choosing a career. The bitter truth is that some career paths do not have good prospects. What use is a degree if there are no jobs available that align with your skills and training? Before settling on a particular career, you need to do due diligence and find out that career’s trajectory.

Find out if the career will still be relevant in the years to come and your potential career trajectory once you go down that path. What opportunities will be there for you ten years down the line? What impact will years of experience have on your earnings? Answering these questions will help you make a decision that will be sustainable by the events that are likely to unfold in the future.

Get Practical Experience

Sometimes even with the best analysis, it can still be quite difficult to decide on a career path. That is why it can be necessary that you go into a career for a time in an effort to experience it firsthand. This way, you can make a decision based on how doing the daily tasks involved made you feel, as well as how well you executed them.

In addition, practical experience improves your employability score (PDF). For students, getting some practical experience might mean looking for internships and work experience placements in industries and jobs you have an interest in. You could also do some volunteer work that can increase your value and that will work well for you in the marketplace once you begin your job search.

If you ask people about the path they took to end up in the careers that they now are in, you might be surprised to learn that a notable number ended up in their careers by accident. Therefore, don’t be afraid to try out various jobs and opportunities even when they make you a little uncomfortable. You may be surprised to land a job you would never have thought you would be interested in and find yourself thriving in it and deriving satisfaction and enjoyment from a passion you never knew you had.

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How Using the Internet can help a Guitarist

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There has never been a better time to be a guitar player because of the amount of resources we have available to us via the internet.  Whether it is to improve your overall skills or for self-promotion, we now have the likes of social media and Youtube to sink our teeth into. The technology we have available today can really help your progression as an artist.  I have included a few tips below which will help you make the most of the internet’s resources, which can benefit you in numerous different ways.

Online Shopping

Travelling from music shop to music shop on a busy schedule is never easy and is there anything more frustrating that not being able to find what you need?  This is never ideal especially if you have a lot of practicing to do for a gig approaching.  Thankfully we are graced with online music and guitar stores, so whether you need replacement strings or a new gear next day delivery has got your back.  Obviously online shopping is a mystery to nobody but the best thing about it is the competition, as there is endless amounts of sites that offer the same product you will tend to find that there is huge opportunity to save yourself some money.  So whether it is your profession or a hobby before paying retail prices have a look around online and let the bargain hunting commence.

Improving your Skills

I can always remember how much of an issue it caused me to attempt to find the time to get some much needed lessons under my belt.  Let’s face life at the best of times can be extremely busy and finding the right time around your schedule for a lesson can cause issues.  With the internet access we now have this is something we no longer have to worry about, there are countless amounts of ways you can improve your skills online.  Whether you are starting out or have been playing for years, websites such as Youtube have endless amounts of videos helping out with learning a particular song or tips to support you.  Beyond free websites like that you can lose you self in e-learning books or even get guitar lessons online.

Self-Promotion

I have been speak with an old friend of mine Tom Hess Guitar player recently about how much of an impact using the internet can have on a budding guitar player’s career.  Tom has had a lot of experience with this due to his career spanning over 30 years in the industry.  Through those thirty years Tom has had success with bands such as Rhapsody of Fire and Holyhell and has also charted albums across Europe.  Whilst having all of this success, Tom also has his own tutoring and mentoring company online which helps many a guitar player around the world in which he shares knowledge gained from his experiences and two music degrees.  As Tom has throughout the years it is so easy to get your work out there and try to gain a following.  Whether the output is social media, streaming sites or online advertisement everyone knows the wildfire of viral popularity and how quickly it can take off.

Use it!

There are so many options you have and I really hope that you can use the online service you have available to you.  It is in your own hands!

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Why a telescope is a great investment for your kids education

Optical instruments, in general, and telescopes, in particular, aren’t necessarily popular when it comes to getting perfect presents for children. In many cases, parents will think that these devices are far too complicated to work with, and that’s why they might steer clear of them.

The fact of the matter is that microscopes, magnifiers, as well as a variety of telescopes and binoculars, be they made for terrestrial or astronomical observation, are quite useful, and some of them are especially user-friendly.

One of the first things that you ought to consider if you are in the market for an educational present and have no idea how to go about things is the child’s age. If he or she is three years old, it’s very likely that you will have to purchase a plastic and somewhat cheaply made handheld telescope or binocular. Toddlers are more or less clumsy, and that’s only natural.

But if you take the time to create a habit when it comes to the kid’s interaction with science-related objects, it won’t take long before he or she actually develops a genuine interest in them. The age of the gift recipient should be the primary factor you ought to take into account also because you need to ensure that the child is capable of handling the device.

As you probably know already, kids tend to get bored fast. Therefore, ease of use is one of the significant aspects you should consider if you want to get a highly usable telescope. Looking at the stars is a great activity, but you also have to take into account that telescopes made for this purpose are often outfitted with slightly fragile optical components that might easily break when they are handled roughly.

Moreover, astronomical observation calls for a bit of a schedule. You can’t look at the sky when you’re in the center of your town because light pollution is particularly high in that area. You might not be able to look at the moon efficiently if there’s too much light pollution around you.

So, the ideal setting for looking at the sky is outside of town in a field where there’s little to no light available. What this means is that parents will have to organize trips with their kids to show them how the device works. If you aren’t prepared for that kind of commitment or if your busy schedule prevents you from doing so, we recommend a terrestrial telescope.

Most of the time, handheld telescopes are convenient, easy to use, and light to pack in any bag. You can take them with you when you travel, and you can look at various items and living beings in your garden or yard. They can be designed by a variety of brands ranging from Celestron to Meade, and if you want to get the right one for your endeavor, we suggest checking out a professional review on this subject.

With the assistance of a telescope, you’ll be able to explain to your kid that the world that surrounds us is far more magnificent and mysterious than we might think, judging by what we can see with our naked eye.

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What Your Kids Can Learn from Camping

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As with most parents, you have probably come to the realization that there is something lacking in today’s society that we enjoyed as kids. Previous generations spent more time with their parents and less times connected to friends, some of whom they’ve oddly never met! With so much time being spent on cell phones and the Internet, it’s a wonder we know our kids at all.

This year, why not take the kids on a camping vacation? There is much of what they can learn while being surrounded only by nature and it is up to you, as a parent, to show them another side of life. Find a suitably large tent on websites like My Family Tent where you can get enough information to know you are making the right choice. Then book your campsite so that you can start preparing to finally get to know your children.

How to Enjoy Life in a Non-Digital World

One of the best things kids can learn when camping is that they really can survive in a non-digital world. You don’t need a computer or a cell phone, and you certainly don’t need the latest Xbox or Nintendo game system to get by. What you need is a healthy appreciation for nature and a few ideas on how to keep busy with nothing to distract you but a few birds, the sound of crickets and frogs and perhaps a passing squirrel or fox. Camping is fun and there is much to do if you leave the devices at home.

Survival Techniques & Self-Reliance

Perhaps we have done our children a vast disservice by creating all the apps and hi-tech devices they’ve come to rely on. In fact, fewer children than ever are visiting libraries than in any previous generation. Why do you think that is? If you guess the Internet, you are 100 percent correct. Why go to the library to research your upcoming term paper when you can do a quick online search to find all the reference materials you need.

What do you think would happen if the Internet suddenly went down and never came back online again? Would your kids know how to put together a model plane without a YouTube DIY video? Would they know how to find the phone number for the nearest Pizza Hut? Probably not! Few kids even know what the hardcopy yellow pages even are anymore, so teaching them a few survival skills on a camping trip just might help them learn to think for themselves!

A Respect for Nature

Finally, camping helps your kids learn a healthy respect for nature. From getting in the tent during a sudden rainstorm to watching how bees pollinate wildflowers, they now have time to be aware of their surroundings. Yes, they can watch online videos and television shows like National Geographic, but there’s nothing like the real thing. If you want your kids to leave a better world for their children someday, and their children’s children, teach them a healthy respect for nature.

Make this a year of being together without distractions from the digital realm. It will certainly be a time to remember. That’s for sure.

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What Can You Do With a Liberal Studies Degree?

A liberal studies degree is one of those degrees that lots of people like to look down upon. It is the kind of degree that is all too often a punchline to bad jokes about wasted years. However, in reality, a liberal studies degree is actually the first step on the path to many a lucrative and rewarding career. Below is just a small selection of the best careers that are available to liberal studies graduates.

Public Relations Director

A public relations (PR) director is someone who undertakes to develop and execute various strategies and tactics that will show their clients in a positive light. PR directors play a very important role in managing the public images of both individuals and organizations. Whenever there is the hint of scandal or wrongdoing, it is often a public relations director that is the first line of defense. In fact, they are increasingly being considered as more important than legal representation in keeping clients out of jail.

Reaching the level of public relations director requires that graduates climb the ladder, the more junior roles in public relations aren’t quite as lucrative, but they are a necessary step towards a director job and invaluable experience will be gained along the way. Studying an online MALS program is the first step towards any of these careers.

Archaeologist

You might not associate the job of being an archaeologist with liberal studies but there are links between the two. Archaeology has the potential to be a fun and incredibly rewarding career, which requires a number of different skills. The study of archaeology is concerned with human activity throughout the ages and the practice of archaeology requires the recovery and analysis of materials that provide the evidence of our past.

Senior Copywriter

Copywriters are responsible for producing a huge amount of the written content that we come across in our everyday lives, whether online or offline. Copywriters produce everything from blog posts, to news articles, product descriptions, even scripts for advertising shoots. As a job that requires a diverse skill set and a great deal of adaptability, working as an effective copywriter requires skill and dedication. An online master in liberal studies degree will provide a broad grounding, which will help in being able to meet the many and varied demands placed on a copywriter.

Initially, most copywriters will work for a relatively low wage, especially if they are working for a large agency. However, after gaining some experience, copywriters can earn more money by going freelance, or by advancing through the ranks until they reach the level of a senior copywriter.

Sales Director

It takes the right kind of person with the right kind of attitude to excel in a sales role. Most salespeople are working on a shop floor and are in direct contact with customers. However, the more advanced role of sales director requires that individuals gain enough experience that they are able to not only sell products but also to understand the psychology of their buyers. Sales directors are effective managers, negotiators, and coaches who are able to train and advise more junior salespeople. It is a challenging and complex role, but also one that offers great rewards.

A liberal studies degree opens the door to a number of different careers in a variety of different fields.

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What Can I Do with a DNP That I Can’t With a BSN?

Have you ever wondered what you could do with your life if you were to take the next step from BSN to DNP online? Obviously, higher degrees open more doors, but what exactly can you do with a nurse practitioner doctorate degree, DNP? That’s a very good question because there are so many things you really can do that the possibilities are almost endless! Let’s explore a few of those options.

1. Prescribe Medications in All 50 States

Of course, the most obvious difference between an RN (Registered Nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing) and a DNP is that a nurse practitioner can prescribe medications in all 50 states. However, the level of supervision varies from state to state, with some states legislating a more focused oversight by doctors they are working under. In other words, their level of authority changes based on that state’s licensing laws.

2. Pursue Administrative Leadership Roles

As a graduate from DNP executive leadership programs online, the sky is the limit as far as how high you can go in your profession. From being in an administrative position in a hospital to literally running your own clinic, you can be an effective leader in an executive position of authority with a high level of autonomy in many cases. Again, that autonomy is based on state regulations, some giving DNPs more autonomy than others.

3. Work Toward the Development of Policies and Procedures

While any RN could probably be effective in helping to develop policies and procedures, most institutions require anyone on the board or in an advisory position to hold a minimum of a master’s degree, but more often than not, a doctorate too. If you are at all interested in improving patient care and outcomes, you would do well to investigate the best DNP programs to get you started on the right path. There is always room for improvement in healthcare, and who knows patients’ needs better than nurses?

4. Administration in Research

While a DNP probably wouldn’t be an administrator of a medical research lab, they could administrate patient care research both in the private as well as in the public sectors. A shortage of healthcare providers and the growing amount of medical technology brings patient care into a whole new realm. Technology, in some areas of patient care, is still in its infancy stages, and so research is needed to see just what role technology can play in offering better care and outcomes over time.

There are just so many things you can do with a DNP degree that you can’t with a bachelor of science that literally dozens of doors will open to you. It all depends on your focus and how you envision your future. Do you want to continue working with patients but as a nurse practitioner, or do you see yourself molding the future of healthcare? With a doctorate degree and a high level of specialization, you can do almost anything, except brain surgery that is! The question is, what do you want to do?

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What Does It Take to Be a Civil Engineer?

Civil engineers are the ones designing our roads, water treatment plants, power plants, schools and other critical infrastructure. The architect creates the general design, but it is the civil engineer who makes sure the supports hold up the roof and the runoff doesn’t flood the basement. This means that there is always demand for civil engineers. What does it take to be a civil engineer?

Visualization

They say that if you can see it, you can achieve it. For engineers, the ability to see how to implement the architect’s often fanciful designs is essential. The ability to visualize all sides of a part or structure are essential to ensuring all sides of it are properly designed. And unlike the architect, civil engineers figure out how to build the tall walls and sweeping facades while still integrating plumbing, electrical wiring, network cables and other infrastructure, which makes visualization skills that much more important. Mistakes lead to unsightly holes cut in walls to bring chilled water or conditioned air to common areas or uncomfortable buildings because of insufficient air flow.

Math Skills

Engineering is one of those fields where calculus and algebra are relevant and critical to the job. Determining the stress on beams, the torque a strut is subjected to, and the load behind a wall as the water levels rise all involve calculus.

Communication Skills

Civil engineers are the ones who oversee much of the construction of the designs they’ve contributed to. They have to work with architects who are selecting materials and then tell them the ground just won’t hold that load. They need to work with skilled tradesmen to build the structure and handle issues like material shortages, failures, and oversights. They’re in constant communication with the client regarding the status of the schedule and talking to vendors to keep the materials and talent coordinated so you don’t end up with beams arriving before the concrete is ready to be poured or wait two days for electricians while drywall installers sit idle. This is also why project management skills are essential for civil engineers. Skills like this are taught to you as you complete an online civil engineering degree.

Critical Thinking

Engineers are problem solvers. They’re often the practical half of the architectural firm, figuring out how the heck to build what the architect designed and fixing practical flaws in their designs. And they’re solving other problems, too, like how to maximize access to an area while ensuring security or using materials the customer wants while remaining within limits set by the local building code. You can learn practical solutions to common issues like this while enrolled in the online civil engineering program at Norwich University. You also learn solutions for retrofitting buildings, whether making them more energy efficient or upgrading aging equipment.

Conclusion

If you want to become a successful engineer, you have to either have or learn the traits and skills above. The good news is that it’s never too late to improve yourself, all it takes is perseverance and a little bit of self-awareness.

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