<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Polestar Tuition and Mentoring]]></title><description><![CDATA[Unlocking academic success for every student]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Fri, 19 Jun 2026 15:04:29 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.polestartuition.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[The Error of the Era of Disinformation]]></title><description><![CDATA[Have you ever heard of The Dunning Kruger Effect? If you’ve not you should look it up. It’s a bit like “The Game*,” because once you know about it you see it EVERYWHERE. In a nutshell it is the idea that ignorance can equate to certainty. I find it distressing when I am confronted by it. It’s frustrating to discuss something with someone who is so adamant and unshakeable in their belief. “Rape seed oil is bad for you,” I was told. It’s not. I explained that it contains natural antioxidants,...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/the-error-of-the-era-of-disinformation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">6a31bcd221920c994c77c83a</guid><pubDate>Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:15:17 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_9312efeac5944ee7900aa5b946cb539a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_720,h_541,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let's Talk About AI]]></title><description><![CDATA[Once upon a time I went for a job interview...  One-on-one tutoring offers numerous benefits for students of all ages and levels. With personalized attention and tailored instruction, students can experience significant improvements in their academic performance and overall learning experience. At Polestar Tuition and Mentoring, we understand the importance of individualized support, which is why we offer one-on-one tutoring services.  Our experienced and qualified tutors work closely with...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/the-benefits-of-one-on-one-tutoring</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65a44d6014cf9af971b4a3cc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 15 Jun 2026 20:08:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_ddec0f640bac42ab8b5e38b7b1b7617f~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_800,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA["EXCUSE ME!"]]></title><description><![CDATA["Did you used to teach in Bury St Edmunds? "Your food tech lessons were great! They really inspired me" Well, thank you, I said to the young man who had accosted me as I walked my daughter to the bus. I asked what brought him to Yorkshire. I didn't ask why he was carrying a chicken costume. That seemed obvious to me. "University." Yes indeed, and one of The Russel Group to boot! Are you studying food, I asked. "Nah, history." Ah well, can't claim much credit there, but it's nice to spotted...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/excuse-me</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c99154fcaccefbd360e1f6</guid><pubDate>Thu, 11 Jun 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_6f48e6ab34aa477784e6047e7bc9377d~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_675,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Experiences of SEND: The COVID Generation]]></title><description><![CDATA["I was pulled out of mainstream education and into an online school. This was possibly the best decision that could’ve been made." ]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/experiences-of-send-the-covid-generation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d35bb3072d140cb95ae4d1</guid><pubDate>Tue, 09 Jun 2026 07:07:54 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_4e28bf08046f4688b9c1a7c002ae240f~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_612,h_612,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Eryn McTiernan</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How I measure Success]]></title><description><![CDATA[What get's you out of bed in the morning? For me it's the students I get to work with. I don't think there are many teachers who get to enjoy such positive students interactions. I know I didn't when I taught in Mainstream schools. I feel like I've traded up. These days I get told, by students, that I'm good at what I do. I like that! I much prefer it to some of the things I've been called in schools! I won't post them here but feel to drop me a line and I shall share my personal top-five....]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/customer-testimonials-our-success-stories</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65a44d6014cf9af971b4a3d4</guid><pubDate>Tue, 02 Jun 2026 20:08:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_b01f9c66edbc4247897ca096efc4d51c~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_833,h_523,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating SEND in the 80s: A Personal Journey Through Challenges and Triumphs]]></title><description><![CDATA[In the seventies and eighties, being physically impaired automatically served as license for teachers, and pupils alike; to brand a child as stupid. The best way to avoid being the target of this behaviour: to pretend that I wasn’t disabled. But it was a continuous, exhausting task of cat and mouse. Whilst I have always considered myself lucky, my cerebral palsy only affects my right-hand-side, concealing half an awkward flinching body, and gait became a constant additional task to learn. I...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/navigating-send-in-the-80s-a-personal-journey-through-challenges-and-triumphs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c9866a495b613043545125</guid><pubDate>Tue, 26 May 2026 20:12:41 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_8df93e9b690245a7a82df081ad314c77~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_634,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Emmajane Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Adventures in Etymology]]></title><description><![CDATA[I have a real passion for words and one of the best things about teaching English in the age of the internet is being able to work with students and say, "I wonder if there is a specific term for that..." Through one of these discussions I discovered the word "Chremamorphism." Chremamorphism is a literary technique where human beings are portrayed with characteristics of inanimate objects or machines. As the opposite of personification, it often serves to dehumanize, objectify, or emphasize...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/adventures-in-etymology</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cd674e535e7bcd26959e2a</guid><pubDate>Fri, 22 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_e1cdb8f338164d47aed9537343159172~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning and Teaching: Is There Life On Mars? ]]></title><description><![CDATA[I've just finished reading an article in the Guardian Online by Amanda Ulrich about Mars College. I would encourage you to do the same. It details an alternative form of education delivered in at a desolate dessert campus miles from anywhere. The reason this article resonated with me however was not the hippy isolationism (that being said I live in a farm house miles from anywhere) but the attitude to learning and education. The idea that everyone is a student and everyone is a teacher. I...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/learning-and-teaching-is-there-life-on-mars</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d35fdc838edf8f8dd25add</guid><pubDate>Mon, 04 May 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_d8f955a85af946fa8264e2db8af0a676~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_592,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Let's Try Treating Students with Respect]]></title><description><![CDATA[A Short, True Story When I was doing my teacher training I was on a placement in a school. I was in the prep room in the science department discussing a lesson I had just delivered. I was speaking to the host teacher. I said that Student A had had a particularly good lesson and that she was making great progress. The host teacher paused, looked at me and asked who I was talking about. I described the young lady and the more experienced teacher who was supposed to be guiding and shaping me as...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/let-s-try-treating-students-with-respect</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cade9020141e70489d4f47</guid><pubDate>Tue, 28 Apr 2026 20:47:05 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_6f0e3660c2df405e9108c6595de653bc~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Changes to Home Education Rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[I suppose I would describe myself as an outspoken critic of the education system. I myself have chosen not to work in mainstream education believing that I can help students more effectively on a one-to-one and small group basis. Additionally, I have chosen for two of my own children to follow the home education route. But is home education the best route for the thousands of parents opting for that route? There have been recent policy changes which empower local authorities to intercede in...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/changes-to-home-education-rules</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69d7696afc7a52acb9097477</guid><pubDate>Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:32:42 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_fe756a148a6049178c9e91aab1c8f131~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_753,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[This is NOT Exam Advice....]]></title><description><![CDATA[So, it's April Fool's day. I thought you might appreciate these humorous test and exam answers. To be honest some of them are very clever, others a exploiting poorly worded questions. A couple took me a while to see what other answer could possibly have been given. I've put an amuse bouche below; click it to go through to Dave Stopera's curated collection on Buzz Feed]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/this-is-not-exam-advice</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cd6500f7044e6cf7a63a7b</guid><pubDate>Tue, 31 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_f6b952f5fd7b4e329e3786d4c91aaf83~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_656,h_395,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Do You Feel About The Changes To SEND Provision In The UK?]]></title><description><![CDATA[I get asked this question almost everyday but what's more I ask MYSELF this question everyday. I work with students who are effected by the current provision and will be effected by any proposed changes. But it's personal to me as well; whether the term is in or out of fashion, I would describe my family as 'neuro-spicy' with a sprinkling of extra chilli flakes. How will my younger kids integrate into secondary school with their individual peculiarities? Will they maintain friendships? Will...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/10-tips-for-effective-exam-preparation</link><guid isPermaLink="false">65a44d6014cf9af971b4a3cb</guid><pubDate>Sun, 01 Mar 2026 21:08:48 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/876e5464d9444627b476d94eb90d4ea5.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Changes in SEND: Too Much? Too Little? Too Late?]]></title><description><![CDATA[It's a hot topic isn't it? I know a lot of parents who read these brain burps of mine will be immediately thinking about how hard it was to get an EHCP in place; the hoops we jump through, the glacial pace of diagnostics and, (oh my word) Local Authorities. And now, you have one in place and the rules are changing. Reading the proposals it seems that an EHCP is no longer a permanent protocol but requires reviewing. I mean that makes sense to me, but I can see why it will enrage many people....]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/changes-in-send-too-much-too-little-too-late</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cd6d034c31bb6f64c07ca2</guid><pubDate>Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_9d91124a811d416a8dc9ff54ceee212d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_559,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Teenage Jehovah's Witness can receive blood transfusion, judge rules]]></title><description><![CDATA[Merry Christmas! Not a festive treat I'm afraid but a really interesting post from BBC News. Why is it interesting? Why should you discuss this with your friends and family? Well in terms of GCSE biology this is a really good example of the ethical dichotomies they  love to examine on. Discussing the merits for each side of the argument is a great way to prepare for those six mark questions. It's also a handy practice topic for that big persuasive piece in English language too! Try arguing...]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/teenage-jehovah-s-witness-can-receive-blood-transfusion-judge-rules</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cd62dd2a4608ae001a65ad</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_5637140e8d584c8cb75b7f4c96163c68~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_976,h_548,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why are parents worried about Labour's possible changes to education for children with special needs?]]></title><description><![CDATA[A really interesting read from Sky News today by Kate Schneider and Anjum Peerbacos. If you are worried about the future of SEND provisions you should take a look]]></description><link>https://www.polestartuition.com/post/why-are-parents-worried-about-labour-s-possible-changes-to-education-for-children-with-special-needs</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cd61f940e74dbec4fbc9bc</guid><pubDate>Sun, 14 Sep 2025 23:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/1629ad_019f3d2a744e4aba8dd86713b36299b8~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_742,h_711,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Alexander Andrews</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>