Teach Yourself Photography

Teach Yourself Photography How to Become a Professional Photographer without Photography Qualifications ChaptersIs it Possible to Teach Yourself Photography?Selling Yourself as a Professional PhotographerPreparing a Professional PortfolioA good photograph speaks with a loud voice and demands time and attention if it is to be fully perceived.If this quote by Ralph Gibson resonates with you, perhaps you have always harboured a desire to be a professional photographer.How will you accomplish that if you have never taken photography courses and don't have a diploma?You might argue at this point: one can train oneself to take exquisite photos, if only one has the passion and motivation to do so!We concur.Photography is perhaps the most accessible  form of art today. Everyone with a SmartPhone is in possession of a camera, and photo editing software, such as Photoshop, is widely available.(Nearly) gone are the days of alchemy, when photo paper, bathed in chemicals, became images!Today, thanks to Adobe â€" among others, we are treated to a visual feast of photographic genius from amateurs of all stripes.Still, not everyone who plies their camera as a hobby can go pro â€" become a professional photographer.Even more vexing: thanks to Pinterest, Instagram and other social media platforms, the sheer availability of photographic material works against the professional photographer.With open databases that permit free download of digital images, even commercial photographers are feeling the pinch.Why should a business contract a professional photographer when they can download the shot they want for free?The sum total of this effect is that artists now spend more time networking and promoting their products than they do cultivating and producing visual art.What a bleak vision!Nevertheless, it is an accurate one. If you are to stand out among that field of grey; that world of digital downloads with or without attributions, you will have to be uniquely creative and enterprising, in equal measures.Check out photography courses london.built like a Reflex, but smaller. The lenses are generally not interchangeable unless you invest in a higher end model. They are sturdy machines, and manage more flexibility than a compact.The bottom line: investing in even a low-end reflex would serve you better as a beginner than either a compact or a hybrid.Once you have settled on a type of camera, it is time to choose your lenses.Two parameters in particular should govern your selection:Focal length: expressed in millimeters (mm), a long focal length allows you to shoot distant subjects while a short focal length allows to photograph large subjects, such as a monument or landscape.Aperture: the greater the aperture, the more light floods the image, permitting faster image recording. A large aperture is ideal for shooting action photos, such as sports or wildlife photography; that setting is also used to capture images indoors or in low light settings.Now that you have selected your camera body and lenses, it is time to think about other accessories:filters: to change the mood of your composition, to avoid reflections, to optimise contrasts and hue...flash: to compensate for low light conditionsmono- and/or tripod: the former is ideal to stabilise your camera for action shots; the second is best to shoot portraiturea camera case: how else would you transport and protect all of that valuable gear?In this list you will note the lack of any film photography components: the mention of ISO, film speed and film, in general.ISO does apply to digital photography, but in a different way than with film photography. In fact, some photography beginners aver that the technology behind film photoshoots is much more complicated than digital!You can find photography courses near me here.Every professional photographer has an assortment of lenses, among other equipment Source: Pixabay Credit: LukasbieriFundamental Photographic ConceptsIf you have any experience at all online, you must be aware that tutorials of all types are available on YouTube and other video stre aming sites.Specifically for photography, you can view workshops on:Setting exposure: your photograph could be under- or overexposed, depending on light and contrast. The amount of incoming light is determined by shutter speed and aperture settings. For a poorly lit subject, you should set the camera to a greater aperture setting and long exposure.Night photography is generally achieved in that manner.Light concerns itself with white balance versus grey. A well-balanced white gives clear, sharp images with bright, true-to-life colours.With a digital SLR camera, you can set the white balance to multizone or matrix; spot or centerweight. Try it! See how it affects your image!Shutter speed, also known as exposure time represents the amount of time the digital sensor (or film) is exposed to light. Varying shutter speeds yields different effects: a blur around the main subject, for example.The aperture is what allows light into the camera, to capture your image. This is that mysterious-s ounding f-stop, usually expressed as f/n (number). The higher the number, the smaller the aperture; the lower the number, the greater the opening.Higher f-stops prevents overexposure of your subject!Sensitivity: This is the amount of light required for good exposure. In digital photography, the ISO index is used to express that value. A large index = high sensitivity (to avoid underexposure). Conversely, a small index = a low sensitivity (to avoid overexposure).In film photography, ISO indicates the speed of the film. Higher ISO is better for action shots and low-light conditions; lower ISO is suitable for shooting outdoors on bright, sunny days.In preparation for your grand debut as a professional photographer, or if you are at intermediate level, it would be a good idea to test these various settings out, to see what sort of effect they have on your images.Check out these online photography courses.The Fundamentals of CompositionPhotojournalists and wedding photographers; commerci al photographers and those who specialise in portrait photography: their common talent is the ability to compose an image tantamount to visual storytelling.Have you ever heard of the rule of thirds?It is one of the most useful composition tools in photography, that consists of gridding your scene into a total of nine fields â€" three columns and three lines.It seems counterintuitive, but centering your subject â€" capturing the main object you wish to photograph smack in the middle of the frame, makes your photo appear boring and without appeal.Aligning your focal point with any of the resulting four dots the imaginary grid produces places your subject off-center, giving your shot more depth and punch.The human eye is conditioned to roam from the upper left corner of a quadrant to the lower right corner, in effect creating a Z pattern, when scanning any image.Centering your subject in the middle of your frame is likely to cause an uncomfortable disturbance in this natural pattern of eye movement.If you learn how to use this golden proportion, you will have mastered one of the best tricks of professional photography!Selling yourself as a professional photographer requires some finesse and a lot of nerve! Source: Pixabay Credit: GeraltSelling Yourself as a Professional PhotographerOK, so you know all about the basics of photography. You have selected the equipment that suits your situation and experimented with it.You have watched photography tutorials and maybe even attended a workshop or two.Your photography skills are coming along nicely, and you are now ready to aim your Nikon or other DSLR towards making money.Where do you start?Not that there is any shame in it, but without an academic background in photography â€" a Level 3 certificate or a BA Honors  photography degree, you may have a hard time establishing credibility in the world of professional photography.Ideally, working with established photographers is a great way to get your name out there; to le t people know what you are capable of and how much you would charge for your services.Therefore, it would be best to gain a bit of professional experience by working with a professional photographer.You may ask around: perhaps a studio photographer is looking for an apprentice? If you are interested in commercial photography, cast around those circles.Sure, you might only carry props, brandish light meters and pose subjects, but doing so is a foot in the door to the world of advanced photography.And, imagine how experienced you will look with such apprenticeships on your CV? With such shots in your portfolio?We'll come back to portfolios in a moment...Not every established photographer will put his/her name on snaps captured by assistants.However, there are some whose trust in their protégées permit 'prentices to work the camera under counsel.If your eye for composition and your technical skills are deemed suitably impressive, s/he may even allow you to publish your work under you r own name!Another avenue into the world of professional photography rests in your hands.Your address book, social media contacts; friends and family: any one of them could  lead to your very first gig!In spite of today's more advanced communication channels, word of mouth remains the most effective form of advertising.After talking yourself up to your family, friends, coworkers and neighbours, casting a wider net is the logical next step.Attending events or visiting businesses related to the particular type of photography you wish to specialise in will enhance your chances of getting hired.If wedding photography appeals to you, visit bridal shops and wedding planners.If travel photography is more your calling, visit booking agencies and contact leisure magazines.To sell yourself and your skill at capturing images, you will have to be a bit forward. Shyness has no place in marketing!By that, we don't mean insisting on contracts, or even offering your services as a photographer upon first meeting a prospective client. That should take place only after a couple of meetings.Assertion works well; aggression will drive clients away!Finally: you have to give  in order to receive.Suppose your friend is looking for an event photographer for his parents' silver jubilee, but you are more of an expert a macro photography.Show him samples of your work: exquisite close-ups of fine jewellery, or intricate machine parts. And then, regretfully inform him he must look elsewhere for someone who knows about portraiture, group  photography  and taking casual snaps at events.You may pass on that commission, but he will remember your integrity, skill and creativity when he needs pictures of tiny things!Displaying your best shots, either on your wall or as a portfolio is the best statement of your skill Source: Pixabay Credit: RawpixelPreparing a Professional PortfolioThe very nature of photography is visual: what is the point of a carefully typed CV?That is indeed the question!As a photographer looking to establish yourself professionally, it would be better to maintain a book of sample images you created and edited yourself.You can also create an online photography album, a whole web page and a blog!Especially if you have no photography lessons to list on your resume, it would be far better to showcase your skill at imagery with images, rather than with words.Besides: isn't a picture worth a thousand words?Compiling a portfolio will communicate your passion as well as your skill and eye for composition.To help you build a most effective illustration of your skill at taking pictures, we recommend:the less is more principle: only 15 to 20 of your best shots; ones that display your versatility and creativity. If your prospect is wowed, s/he will certainly ask to see more of your work!Show your best photography: mount only quality snaps; ask friends and family to help you choose.Diversity: if you are equally adept at capturing street scenes and stunning landscap es, put  samples of each in your bookProgression: put your second-best shot in first place to give yourself a strong and lasting finish, and a lingering good impression. Your client will perceive your work as ever-improving.Keep up to date: regularly update your portfolio with fresh images, recently taken.Creating a website, either with WordPress or through a social media platform such as FaceBook will give you greater exposure which, in turn, will bring you more prospects.The more likes you amass, the more traffic your site incurs, the more credible your photography business becomes.And, while blogging, why not give tips on how to photograph, how to use Adobe lightroom, or offer photography workshops?In SummaryMastery of photography as an autodidact is a long journey, but entirely possible.Making use of online photography tutorials, joining photography societies and participating in workshops will help you develop as a photographer.Marketing yourself as a photographer of merit take s audacity, assertion and adaptability, but never arrogance!Use every outlet possible to advertise your work: blogs, websites, competitions, social media, and especially: websites dedicated to photography.Give to get: permit free  download of a minimal amount of images in return for citation when used in clients' articles or websites.Ply your camera and marketing savvy on all fronts: capture the clients you need to make your photography business grow!

Should I Go To Virginia Tech

Should I Go To Virginia Tech The tutors behind Varsity Tutors are not just here to teach theyre sharing their college experiences as well. Kristine is a San Diego tutor and 2006 graduate of Virginia Tech. She holds a Bachelors degree in Biological Sciences and tutors several subjects, including Biology tutoring, Chemistry tutoring, and Ecology tutoring. Check out what Kristine had to say about her time at Virginia Tech: VT: Describe the campus setting and transportation options.How urban or safe is the campus?Are there buses or do you need a car/bike? Kristine: Virginia Tech is located in a quintessential college town. Blacksburg is in southwest Virginia, with a population that grows by about 50% when the students arrive in the fall. Transportation options around Blacksburg and the campus are plentiful. Blacksburg Transit (BT) is a public bus service, and its cost is included in your student fees. All you need to do in order to ride the bus is show your student ID. However, the town is small, so off-campus commuters only need to travel one to three miles one-way to reach the campus. Many students walk or bike as a result. Parking is generally pretty easy. VT: How available are the professors, academic advisers, and teaching assistants? Kristine:My personal experience was that the educational staff was very accessible. Professors set reasonable office hours, and they were generally flexible if the hours they set conflicted with your class schedule. I always received an email back from a professor within 24 hours, and I found that professors were very personable and down to earth. VT: How would you describe the dorm life rooms, dining options, location, socialization opportunities with other students? Kristine:Most freshmen live on campus during their first year at Virginia Tech. While most of the dormsare a little outdated, a few are very modern. Dorm life is all about meeting new people, making new friends, and discovering who you are. There are so many events and opportunities to try new things, so do not hold back! Try everything! The dining options are very diverse, from buffet-style dining halls, to a la carte dining halls, to Chick-fil-A and Sbarro. There are also off-campus eateries. The university has won multiple awards for the quality of their food options on campus. (I personally love West End Market!) VT: Which majors/programs are best represented and supported?What did you study and why? Did the university do a good job supporting your particular area of study? Kristine:Virginia Techis well known for its outstanding Engineering programs. However, science is also very strong and well supported. I studied Biology because there were so many aspects of the field that fascinated me: Developmental Biology, Ecology, Medical Applications. The Biology program was well supported and well advised. Students were encouraged to seek out undergraduate research opportunities in the labs of departmental faculty. My experience in a lab was crucial to my getting a job right after graduation at a non-profit biotechnology institute, as well as to preparing me for graduate school. VT: How easy or difficult was it for you to meet people and make friends as a freshman? Does Greek life play a significant role in the campus social life? Kristine:Meeting new people as a freshman is dependent on your willingness to move outside of your comfort zone. There are so many opportunities to meet new people, who, just like you, have moved away from their homes and are thrown into a new environment. Your dorm and the activities that the Resident Advisers put on are great ways to meet new people. You can also make great friends who double as study partners in your classes, as well as friends who double as workout buddies at the gym! I never joined a Greek organization because it never fit my personality, but I know a lot of people who really enjoyed it. However, it is possible to be social and have a great time without joining a fraternity or sorority. VT: How helpful is the Career Centerand other student support services?Do many reputable companies recruit on campus? Kristine:My personal experience with the Career Center was with resume help toward the end of my studies. They were very professional and helpful. I also attended a few career fairs, but I ended up finding a job through an online posting. VT: How are the various study areas such aslibraries, the student union, and dorm lounges? Are they over-crowded, easily available, spacious? Kristine:My preferred study areas were my dorm room or the dorm lounge. I always found the public study areas to be easily accessible, comfortable, and sufficiently quiet. VT: Describe the surrounding town. What kinds of outside establishments / things to do are there that make it fun, boring, or somewhere in between?To what extent do students go to the downtown area of the city versus staying near campus? Kristine:Blacksburg is a small college town, but there is plenty to keep students busy. Aside from the campus activities, there is an independent movie theater that shows blockbusters (usually after they have left the major theaters), old movies, and fun cult classics. The independent movie theater is a much cheaper option than a mainstreamone. The area surrounding Blacksburg is great for hiking, mountain biking, and other outdoor activities. There is also a beautiful frisbee golf course about five miles from campus. Downtown Blacksburg is located right next to campus. VT: How big or small is the student body? Were you generally pleased or displeased with the typical class sizes? Kristine:The undergraduate student body is very typical for a state university, with about 25,000 undergraduates. Most introductory courses were large lectures with 200-300 students, while the more advanced courses ranged from 20-100 students. VT: Describe one memorable experience with a professor and/or class. Perhaps one you loved the most or one youregretthe most. Kristine:I was enrolled in General Microbiology with Professor Benoit during my sophomore year. One day during lecture, the door at the front of the class opened and a young man dressed in a green leotard and a green mask ran in, looked around the classroom, and proceeded to sprint up the stairs toward the door at the back of the class. Seconds later, the first door opened again and two more young men ran in, dressed as Batman and Robin. They spotted the green man and chased him up the stairs and out the door. Professor Benoit smiled heartily and continued his lecture. Looking back on this moment, it embodies the culture of fun and personal expression at Virginia Tech. Check out Kristines tutoring profile. The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

Consuming Tea For The Duration Of Pregnancy

Consuming Tea For The Duration Of Pregnancy 0SHARESShare So this sort of beverages could be handy for the sportsmen with frantic bodily action but that too in the moderate quantity. In situation you neglect to take a dose get the skipped dose as quickly as you recall it. These substances promote the colon walls therefore, escalating the bowel movement and as a result, eliminating squander issue speedier. This tends to make the stools softer and for this reason, straightforward to eliminate. Heres more info about alerted :: http://warningsforyoursafety.com/ :: review Warningsforyoursafety.com/alertid-is-protecting-millions-of-people/ Persons who experience from heart complications If you have coronary heart challenges or use a pacemaker it would be sensible to continue to be away from applying binaural beats. Urine and blood assessments may be done on the initial check out and once more later on. Extend your shoulders by rolling them ahead and upward toward your ears, then downward and back again. It is significant to training at a cozy intensity and not to undertaken anaerobic training. Metformin controls diabetic issues but does not heal it. Food items with mercury (lots of types of fish) must also be prevented. Not absolutely everyone who will take metformin is a Style two diabetic. Do not acquire a double dose to make up for a missed a person. To start with and foremost, it is a blessing simply because a lady will shortly have their own angel that they can be very pleased of. Even nevertheless its level of popularity is jumping by the roof, there is even now some secret surrounding whether or not or not brainwave entertainment is seriously safe to use. On the other hand, when we communicate of diet, expecting females should really not miscalculation it with not ingesting. Most herbalists vouch for the rewards of consuming red raspberry leaf throughout being pregnant. Maintain your babys cot absent from any cords hanging from blinds, curtains or electrical appliances since they could get caught all around your babys neck. Abnormal warmth is unhealthy for you and the baby. Make absolutely sure you stretch your neck by dropping the chin and slowly and gradually rotating your head equally clockwise and counterclockwise. Sadly this is not generally the situation and laundry rooms can pose danger if retained unlocked letting transients and criminals obtain. Some toddlers, with unusual clinical disorders, may have to sleep on the side or the tummy. [starbox id=admin]

Difference between ERROR and MISTAKE - English with Harry

Difference between ERROR and MISTAKE - English with Harry I always hate it when I make a mistake. When I type something incorrectly when I am in a rush or say the wrong thing. The other word you probably came across is an error. What’s the difference between ERROR and MISTAKE? Both terms overlap each other as they both refer to a wrong or incorrect action. For example, incorrect exam answer could be called both an error and a mistake.There are, however, significant differences. Difference between ERROR and MISTAKE In most cases, a mistake is a decision that later turns out to be wrong. You might feel that you made a wrong choice (mistake) if you are not satisfied with the outcome of your decision.An error is a more formal word and is generally used when the chosen action is compared to a set of rules. The action is considered to be wrong if it is different to the rules. Computers, of course, produce various errors when they are not working properly.This also got me thinking about the English vocabulary words we use when we do something incorrectly. Difference between Error and Mistake - Infographic Enjoyed this infographic? Here's what you can do with it: Alternative Words for Mistake in English ERROR: There is an error in this report. You have used the wrong word.TYPO: Informal English language to explain a word written incorrectly in an email or letter because you were in a rush or you cannot type very well.There is a typo in my email, sorry I meant to say God instead of Dog.MISTAKE: We make mistakes all of the time. Some can be big and some small.Sorry, I made a mistake I meant to make my appointment for 10 am not 11 am.We can also be mistaken in what we see.  For example, mistaken identity refers to a situation where a person is incorrectly identified as committing a crime because he looked similar to the real criminal.Important to remember that we MAKE mistakes not DO mistakes!!BLUNDER: very informal English language to describe when you make any type of mistake.I am sorry I made a blunder. I sent the letter to the wrong person. I will have to apologise.There are many other informal words to use such as: BLOOMER and HOWLER.Recently, when I was watching a Newcastle Unite d football match, the referee made many mistakes. He had a howler (bad game) and made lots of bloomers (wrong decisions)!!!

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score

Simple Steps to a Higher GRE Score GRE/MAT Graduate School Blog There are many different ways to study for the GRE. But most GRE prep classes, GRE prep courses, and GRE tutors have the following 5 step process in common: Invest in some type of test prep material that is clear and easy to understand. Nowadays, there are more than 10 high quality options for almost every standardized test. Your chosen GRE prep materials should include: Descriptions of the major areas of the GRE Key concepts being tested in each area GRE testing strategies Several full length GRE practice tests Lots of practice GRE problems Complete a diagnostic test to understand strengths and weaknesses before you really start studying Plan in advance regular study time each week AND what you’ll review during each week Complete lots of actual practice problems, covering all of the major conceptual areas of the test Complete at least 5 different practice tests, and ensure your score is increasing each time. However, beyond that generic plan, a customized approach based on the starting point of each individual student can truly increase GRE scores. For example, here was our approach with one particular student: One Customized Approach Student was doing well with the quantitative sections of the GRE, but needed to improve verbal and writing scores dramatically. His objective was to get admitted into top graduate school programs, which required GRE scores in the 90th percentile or better. (1) Designed a study plan for GRE vocabulary (2) Intensive student-specific preparation created to help the student maximize success for questions where he was familiar with words or phrases (3) Direct observation of timed testing sections, to help improve time management and manage stress/frustration. Results Achieved We observed significant increase in GRE verbal score on second test date, with stated improved confidence, time management, and ability to overcome challenges during the test. You can read a full case study on our approach with this particular GRE test-taker (coming soon). How To Customize a Study Plan? Developing a customized GRE study plan doesn’t need to be difficult. The first step is simply identifying where you are strong vs. weak. If your percentile score in GRE Quant is 85th percentile (meaning you scored better than 85 out of 100 GRE test takers on your practice GRE), but your GRE Verbal score is 50th percentile, then you should consider layering in an extra week or two of GRE Verbal prep. If necessary, that may mean investing in additional test prep materials focused on whatever section you need extra help in. Just keep doing extra practice and reviewing problems you miss. However, you do need to keep monitoring your performance across all sections as your test prep process progresses towards your test date. We’ve seen many students who are apparently very strong in verbal but weak in math spend 2 months straight focusing on improving their math score. Sure enough, come test day, their math score is much better. However, lo and behold, now their verbal score is much worse. Why did this happen? Well, even if you are very good at GRE-verbal, you need to keep the concepts and the problem types fresh in your mind. You can easily make a bunch of small errors, even though you know the main concepts pretty well, and end up bombing the actual test due to those small errors piling up. Summary Like any standardized test, the GRE can be mastered with intelligent, careful practice that starts with basic test taking study plan development and strategy, and layers on a customized approach based on any given student’s starting point, strengths, and weaknesses. With a calm, steady, planned approach to studying for the GRE, most students observe significant improvement, regardless of the specific prep strategy they chose: GRE class, self-study, or private GRE tutor. What are your experiences studying for the GRE?

How to Manage Your College Loans to Keep Your Credit Score Intact

How to Manage Your College Loans to Keep Your Credit Score Intact Photo by Images_of_Money on flickr.com Repay The Interest â€" If you have a bank loan, begin to repay the interest when you are in school so that by the time you graduate and if you have to defer the loan, the amount will not add up to too much. Consider the amount of interest and add it to your monthly budget. Utilize Grace Period â€" After graduation, the lender/the bank will give you a grace period of approximately 12 months within which you have to start your repayment of the student loan. Use this period to find employment that will not only provide you financial stability but also help you to begin with the repayment of the loan. Holding on to regular employment when you are repaying the loan will positively impact the credit report and score. When applying for a job, be sure to check your credit report before your employer does! Remember that a good credit report suggests that you are a reliable person, which increases your chances for selection. Pay More Than The Minimum Amount â€" It is essential to pay more than the minimum amount so as to repay you loan as early as possible. Use all the extra cash that you have to repay the loan. The decreasing amount of the loan will increase your credit score steadily. Do Not Default On The Loan â€" Since student loans are installment loans, they are very good for improving your credit score if you make the payments without skipping. Therefore, try your hardest not to skip payments and be reported as delinquent. Student loans like other loans are helpful when you are seeking to improve your credit score. But you must ensure that you are making the payments faithfully without missing a single installment. Apart from helping your to improve your score, this will also help you at the time when you wish to re-finance with a lower rate of interest. By  Brenda Lyttle

7 questions to ask yourself before teaching abroad

7 questions to ask yourself before teaching abroad I have only one regret about my time teaching abroad - I wish I’d started earlier! I spent four years teaching in Canada before accepting my first job teaching abroad in Japan. While I did learn a lot in those four years, in hindsight, I feel a couple of years of teaching experience would have given me a strong enough foundation to start teaching internationally. However, teaching abroad is a big decision and not to be taken lightly. How do you know if it’s really for you? There are some serious questions you need to ask yourself before before embarking on what could be the greatest adventure in your life. Is your current job challenging you? Often we will settle into a routine and a job that becomes comfortable. Comfort is great, but it is also important to challenge yourself and grow as an educator. Teaching abroad is a great way to ensure that you will be consistently pushed. You will also be exposed to new theories, classroom management styles and student-teacher relations. Are you qualified for the positions you would like to apply for? This requires a little research. Check out the Teach Away job board. Take a look at some of the positions available. Each posting will state the requirements for the position. Based on the region and position type, you will see some common trends emerging. Do you meet the qualification and experience requirements for your desired positions? Do you have the finances to consider a major move? Of course, you will be paid, often very well, during your time teaching abroad. However, it is still important that you have some funds available for start-up costs. Your contract may not cover flights up front. You might need to use some of your savings for a deposit for accommodation. Each contract is different. It is also important to bear in mind that you are not paid on arrival. You will be paid at the end of your first or second month - depending on your start date. Salary calculator Do you have the time to apply and secure a visa? Once you have decided to look at teaching jobs abroad, the process can be quite lengthy. It’s worth doing some research into typical application and visa processing times. Your Placement Coordinator at Teach Away will be there to help you with this. There could be some documents that you can have on hand to speed up the process. It (almost) goes without saying that the earlier you start the application process, the better. However, we do often have short notice opportunities as the school year approaches - remember to ask your Coordinator! What are your responsibilities right now? Who is depending on you right now? How would they be affected by this move? Your family are a major consideration, but also think of the advantages for them. Having a year or more living abroad can be a transformative experience for them too. Will you be more, or less likely to do this in the future? We tend to accumulate responsibilities as we grow older. This can make a life-changing move more challenging. ‘Next year’ may sound more feasible and may give you more time to plan, but there is always the chance that ‘next year’ never rolls around. So if you feel ready to teach abroad now, get going! Fantastic opportunities and experiences await you.

Schools closing early for the weekend to save money - Tutor Hunt Blog

Schools closing early for the weekend to save money Schools closing early for the weekend to save money Schools closing early for the weekend to save moneySchoolss most people are aware we are still suffering through austerity, with significant cuts to most public sectors, including the police force, and the education department. Even though we are living through these frugal times, I was certainly not aware that some schools are having to cut short their working week because they can`t afford to educate their pupils for the full five days. I was astonished to learn that as many as 200 schools across the United Kingdom have already cut their working weeks, or are considering doing so within the next academic year. The standard practice here seems to be sending the children home after lunch on Friday. To accommodate those parents who may be working, and unable to collect their children at this earlier time, most schools will offer some kind of `after school club,` enabling pupils to remain supervised on school property - all for a fee of course. This practice seems to have been going on for a number of years in some schools, with the greater public largely aware of it - that was until last week, when hundreds of parents and pupils staged a protest march outside Westminster. The march was Organised by Labour MP Jess Phillips, whose son attends a primary school in Birmingham which has recently adopted the shorter working week. Not content with just organising the march, Jess Philips has gone a step further - on Friday, after her 10 year old son Danny`s school day finished at lunchtime, she drove him and his friend Morris to 10 Downing street, where the boys sat of the Prime Minister`s front steps and completed their homework. This bold statement was obviously to highlight the Government`s responsibility to care for and educate children throughout the whole working week. When questioned about whether it was appropriate for a child to be sitting outside someone`s doorstep doing their homework Ms Philips said `The whole thing is quite exciting for him - he wants to stick up for his school. It`s a brilliant school.` Some might say that she is using her son to make a crude political point, but I for one applaud her methods. It is simply unacceptable that a large number of schools are adopting the practice of closing early. Half a day may not sound like much, but that`s ten percent of the working week - children in these schools will be missing out on a huge portion of their education. It could also be the start of a slippery slope - if half a day can be cancelled, why not a whole day? Why not just have a three day week - for the other two days the school can hire child minders, employing them at a lower salary than teachers, and charge the parents for the cost of looking after their children. Ms Philips has said that in Birmingham alone there are 26 schools already employing a four and a half day week, or are in the process of introducing it; and this certainly isn`t to say that the problem is solely confined to that part of the country, as the MP was keen to point out: `This is not just a Birmingham issue, which is what the government wants to paint it as - it`s a problem in Stockport, Oxford, Cambridgeshire, Berkshire there was one in Theresa May`s (Maidenhead) constituency Bournemouth, London, Leicester, Sandwell.` The campaign group Save our Schools have said that children on this system will lose about 20 school days a year. For young children in primary school, whose brains are like sponges, assimilating information faster than any other age group, each day at school is valuable. The government themselves made this point when they stood behind their policy of fining parents who take their children out of school to go on holiday. This practice of shortening the working week is hypocritical, extremely damaging to children`s` education, and should be immediately stopped. 7 months ago0Add a Comment