February 2025 Education Highlights – Tips, Guides & Insights
February was a busy month on PPE Lessons. We covered everything from helping kids with special educational needs to cracking the last‑minute exam routine. Whether you’re a teacher, a student, or just curious about how the UK and US education systems match up, there’s something useful for you.
Supporting Diverse Learners
One of the biggest stories was "Understanding Common Special Educational Needs." It broke down learning disabilities, speech disorders, autism and behavioural challenges in plain language. The article gave teachers quick check‑lists to spot early signs and suggested practical tweaks – like visual schedules for autistic pupils or extra reading time for dyslexic students.
We also asked "Is Online School Better for ADHD?" and looked at the pros and cons of virtual classrooms for ADHD learners. The takeaway? Flexible pacing helps, but you still need structure. Tips included setting a distraction‑free study zone, using timers for task bursts, and picking platforms with clear visual cues.
For parents in Roanoke County, VA, our deep‑dive into local elementary schools gave a snapshot of each school's programmes, extracurriculars and how to pick the right fit. It’s a handy cheat‑sheet if you’re moving to the area or just want to compare school options.
Navigating Exams and Education Systems
Exam nerves? Our piece "Ace the Exam: What to Do 30 Minutes Before the Test" gave a simple, step‑by‑step routine – sip water, do a quick breathing exercise, glance over a key formula sheet and close your eyes for a 20‑second visualisation. Readers reported feeling calmer and more focused.
We also helped students figure out how British GCSE grades translate to US equivalents. The guide listed the typical US GPA range for each GCSE grade, explained the difference between GCSEs and High School Diplomas, and offered tips on how to present your results on US college applications.
For those aiming at US universities with A Levels, the "Understanding A Levels for US University Admission" article outlined which subjects US schools favour, how admissions officers view A Level results and what extra steps (like SATs or APs) can boost your profile.
Distance learning got its own spotlight. Two posts traced its roots – from correspondence courses to radio lessons – and asked "Is Distance Learning as Effective?" We compared engagement rates, highlighted the importance of interactive tools, and shared best practices like scheduling regular check‑ins and mixing media formats.
Finally, we tackled the big question of how long a tutoring session should last. The research‑backed answer lands around 45‑60 minutes for most students – long enough to dive deep, short enough to keep focus. Short breaks and clear goals were recommended to maximise retention.
All these articles are still live, so you can jump in whenever you need a quick answer or a deeper dive. Stay tuned for more practical guides in the months ahead!
