What's new at Amar's Tuition?

Keep up to date with the latest updates and opinions from our tutors.

Amar's Tuition works with some of the brightest and best tutors, who are often actively involved in their subject matter outside the Zoom Classroom. Here you can see what we've been up to, or what our tutors have to say on a range of topics...

🇺🇸 2024 US Election Digest 🇺🇸

Amar, tutor of Politics & History, offers his thoughts on the outcome of the US Presidential & Congressional elections, relating the election results to topics and themes in the A-Level specification...

"After attending an academic panel on the election, and running an election party on November 4th, I also stayed up to see the results come in on November 5th. Drawing on my two in-person experiences in D.C. this year, and my experience attending a pro and anti-Trump demonstration while in New York last year, I was able to successfully predict a comfortable Trump victory and the flipping of Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada. I also successfully predicted that the Republicans would flip the Senate, though I didn't expect the margin to be as large. I also did not expect Trump to win Wisconsin and Michigan, and did not expect him to win the popular vote.

All this to say, President-elect Trump has won the election comfortably and clearly, and the trends and results we have seen offer plenty of examples to students of US Politics A-Level. I have highlighted four links to the specification below that are worth consideration, and look forward to discussing this further with my students in lessons this month."

- Thursday 7th November 2024

Shifting demographics

Your textbook will tell you that ethnic minorities typically vote Democrat, though Trump's 2016 election showed signs that this was changing, with 28% of Hispanics voting Republican. In 2020, 32% of Hispanics voted for Trump, while this cycle, a staggering 46% of Hispanic voters chose President-elect Trump. Combined with changing trends of black male voters going for the Republican nominee, students should keep a close eye on the data and can use this in an exam question on the topic Voting Patterns.

The popular vote

For the first time since 2004, a Republican nominee won the presidency and the popular vote. Trump's 2016 victory saw him lose the popular vote to Hillary Clinton, though he still won the Presidency due to the Electoral College system. This is evidence that students could deploy to support an argument "in favour of" the Electoral College in an essay on the Presidential Election Process. It counteracts the argument that the Electoral College is undemocratic by showing that a popular candidate can certainly win both the EC and PV. On the other hand, the election has yet again come down to just a handful of 'swing states' (PA, GA, NC, WI, MI, NV, and AZ), with many having predicted Pennsylvania alone could have determined the result. This is a point that could be raised against the EC.

The Citizens United election

Anthony Scaramucci (The Rest is Politics USA) described this as the Citizens United Election, referring to the infamous Supreme Court case Citizens United v. FEC (2010). As students should know, this case gave (more or less) free reign to corporations wanting to donate to political campaigns. As the numbers will show in the coming weeks, billions of dollars were spent on this election by both the Harris and Trump camps. Additionally, Elon Musk's support for Trump by offering positive coverage on X/Twitter cannot be overstated. The 2024 election thus provides an example for students to bring into an essay on the topic Campaign Finance.

Congress counts!

Amid the furvour surrounding Trump's return to the White House, it's easy to forget the two other crucial elections: 1/3 of Senators were up for re-election alongside the entire House of Representatives. The Republicans will take control of the Senate, having flipped at least 3 states (at time of writing) and look set to take the House too, having flipped 6 seats to the Democrats' 2. This swathe of Republican wins accompanying Trump's victory is known as the 'coattails effect'. Students should already be able to foresee the implications of a united House, Senate, and presidency under one party. The 2024 election may be used as an example in questions on Congressional Oversight as well as Powers of the Presidency, and we should see more concrete manifestations of this 'united government' in the months to come.

Announcement: Pro Bono resit lessons

Amar's Tuition is thrilled to announce that every resit student will benefit from two free lessons prior to their exam.

Students who don't achieve a grade 4 in their GCSE English and/or Maths exams have to retake this qualification until they achieve a pass. This means that some young people face the barrier of passing one of these exams in order to pursue further education or vocational training.

Amar's Tuition helps many such students every single year, and we've noticed that resit students often face higher levels of exam stress or anxiety leading up to their assessment. A lack of confidence, often coupled with financial constraints, as parents do their best to support their children, can make taking the exam even harder.

This year, Amar's Tuition has steadily grown as a business. Outstanding exam results led to record numbers of new clients, so we want to pass our gratitude on to our community of students. Every student who is currently preparing to resit exams with us in November will benefit from two free 45-minute lessons that they can schedule at their convenience.

Thank you to all of our valued clients for making this ambitious project possible, and best of luck to all students resitting their exams in November!

Amar.

Amar Singh Bhandal | 12th October 2024

For students studying the forensic psychology topic of A-Level Psychology or those with an interest in criminology or law, I highly recommend Justice on Trial by Chris Daw KC. The book offers a thought-provoking exploration of the criminal justice system, challenging commonly held views about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation. Chris Daw, a leading barrister, draws on real-life cases and his vast legal experience to present a compelling argument for reform.

This book is perfect for students who want to deepen their understanding of criminal justice and explore different perspectives that tie in with forensic psychology topics. For a full review of Justice on Trial, you can check out my detailed thoughts on my LinkedIn, where I break down key insights and how they relate to both psychology and law:

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ella-schrijver-maydew-a613a220b_bookreview-bookrecommendations-criminallaw-activity-7089332843264311297-VfVm?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

A book recommendation for A Level Psychology students by Ella

“As an A-Level Psychology tutor, I bring a strong academic background and diverse teaching experience that helps students reach their full potential. I’m currently studying Law at the University of Leeds, working towards becoming a solicitor. My legal studies have honed my analytical thinking, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, all of which I apply to help students excel in psychology.

My tutoring approach is tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring that students not only grasp key topics but also gain the confidence to apply their knowledge effectively. Additionally, my experience as a primary school teaching assistant has enhanced my communication skills and deepened my understanding of different learning styles."

- Ella Maydew, tutor of Psychology

You can book an initial Psychology lesson with Ella by sending us an email or giving us a call.

Alexia explains how she keeps her lessons engaging, drawing on real world experience

“As a current Management student at the University of St Andrews with a strong academic background, I am passionate about helping GCSE students excel in Maths and Spanish. With A-levels in both subjects, I bring not only academic expertise but also practical teaching experience.

Beyond tutoring, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in summer tutoring camps in Spain, where I taught English to students. This experience deepened my understanding of how to engage learners from diverse backgrounds and make lessons fun and interactive. I apply this approach to my tutoring by using creative techniques, like games and real-life examples, to ensure that students stay motivated and truly understand the material.

Whether it's breaking down complex maths problems or improving Spanish fluency, I tailor my lessons to each student's learning style, ensuring they build confidence in their abilities. I also draw on my extracurricular activities, including working with younger students on practical applications of GCSE Maths, to keep lessons relevant and engaging.” - Alexia Cookson, tutor of Spanish & Maths

You can book an initial Maths or Spanish lesson with Alexia by sending us an email or giving us a call.

US Election 2024: Amar's back in D.C.

" The upcoming American presidential election will be consequential for the entire world, not just citizens of the United States. At the AEI, I was able to contribute to discussions and debate over how the result of this election will shape the US constitutional arrangement, foreign policy, and economic policy, in decades to come.

This September, owner and tutor of Politics Amar was invited back to Washington D.C. by the American Enterprise Institute for a cutting-edge summit prior to the presidential election.

Amar's Tuition has established itself as a premium tuition provider because we offer top students the ability to learn content and perspectives that are both contemporary and often difficult to access. When Amar's Tuition students go into their Politics exams with up-to-date examples of federalism in action, right from the heart of D.C., they are at that much of an advantage compared to their peers who are limited by the confines of their textbook."

- Amar Singh Bhandal

25th Sept 2024

Amar is our lead Politics and History tutor. He stays up to date on the latest developments in US government and politics, giving students insights far beyond any textbook.

A question for A Level Politics students...

When examining the US presidential election, look at which states are being targeted by candidates, in terms of both policy and public appearances. Why is it that the vast majority of campaign activity takes place in just a handful of states?

Congratulations Amar's Tuition Class of 2024!

GCSE'S

Our students this year took GCSE's in subjects including English, Maths, and all Humanities, with the vast majority achieving/exceeding their target grades. One of our students from a Birmingham school achieved an outstanding 100% grade in A Level English Literature, picking up every single mark across both papers. Well done!

A Levels

This year, Amar's Tuition A Level students have studied subjects including Politics, Sociology, French, and Business . We also supported one Wolverhampton school directly, who hired Amar's Tuition to support struggling students.

Almost every one of our cohort achieved or exceeded the target grade set, with everyone achieving the grades needed to accept their firm university offers. This means that in autumn, our successful cohort of students will be heading off to study across the UK, as far and wide as Cornwall and Liverpool!

24th Aug
2024

GCSE & A Level Results Day

As many Amar's Tuition students & parents will know, tomorrow is A Level results day, with GCSE grades being released next Wednesday. We're wishing every student the best of luck tomorrow, as the outcome of your hard work is realised.

For many, this might mean getting the grades needed to attend the University or Sixth-Form of your dreams, while others might be disappointed with the outcome. Remember to take time to carefully consider all your options (resits, clearing, adjustment, or offer acceptance) and don't rush into any decisions.

If you didn't meet your grades, and think resit tuition could help you re-attempt, send us an email and we'll get back to you.

14th Aug 2024

E Pluribus Unum: Amar's trip to D.C.

" I was flown out to Washington this summer by a leading academic thinktank, to join policy discussions around increasing American polarisation. Meeting with experts in the field, debating controversial topics, and deepening my knowledge of US politics and foundational history, will help me to ensure my lessons are always up-to-date and offering students a lens into the real world of policymaking and constitutional history.

In July this year, owner and tutor Amar was invited to Washington D.C. by the American Enterprise Institute to partake in their Summer Honors Programme.

Visiting the National Archives and seeing foundational texts like the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution, alongside Magna Carta, was thought-provoking. So was visiting Congress and watching Senators McConnell & Schumer talk on the Senate floor about the upcoming presidential election. I look forward to sharing my new insights and perspectives with my Politics students, as well as those learning about US History from a Revolutionary or British Empire lens."