I have now learnt that when you do your revision it is important to think about the desirable difficulties and to quiz yourself. You are probably thinking that you have no idea what I’m talking about, but its ok. You will when you start the program. I can see the improvement in my subjects, and I have improved immensely in maths from getting a 3 on at test and then a 7 on the next. I think that I now see that programme has not only taught me many different revision strategies, but it has also taught me how to prepare for tests, how to remember useful information and to always quiz myself.
I think it was a good Idea to join the program because it helped me a lot on grades and taught me a lot about revision strategies, how to revise for a test and how to make your work the best it can be. If you were to compare an assignment from the start of Year 7 to now in Year 8 you would probably see that it sounds more professional, it has answered all the questions fully, and it would have ticked more of the criteria. Now I do not feel as stressed before a test and I feel ready for any assignment or test.
My “calendar” may not be your way of planning out any assignments, but I’m sure you’ll find yours in the Programme because the number of techniques there are, is countless. I’ve learnt so many new approaches to revising. Some in particular are Cornell Notes, 4 Column charts, Foldable revision and using different apps and websites that test you on your chosen topic. I’m still learning many more, which will allow me to get better grades over time. It definitely took me a while to get used to learning this way as I’ve never experienced such specific support in my academic studies, but I can assure you after a certain amount of time you will find yourself much more confident and comfortable in your learning.
It took a while adjusting to using a variety of different strategies and making sure I’m fully revising, but as I started to get used to attending the lessons every week I gradually got used to the programme. As time goes by you learn to know what helps you with your revision. What made me change my mind about my lessons was realising that I need this help with my work and that in the long term it would help me do my best in school. I have made progress in school through new habits, like revising each day or using the 10-Step Writing Process or my Planning Calendar.
The programme isn’t just about revision. You will learn how to be able to adapt yourself to challenges and be aware of yourself. After experimenting and finding revision strategies that work for me, tailoring different approaches to different subjects, now I am prioritising time management while also being aware of adapting strategies if I feel they don’t work anymore. Being able to create plans and deadlines for myself, this programme has enabled to provide me with the best opportunities and the best learning outcomes that I will take on with me to university next year and in my daily life.
Being dyslexic, I always had a certain perception of myself from a young age that I would never be able to see myself as a high achiever, let alone be a high achiever. It was only through this programme that I have been able to grow and get to the place I never thought I would be. What I have been able to take the most away has been my development and my own course that I am still on and will continue to be on for the rest of my life.
I’m really not sure how we could ever repay you for the faith you showed in [our daughter] and your expertise that helped her blossom into a confident young woman. I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to say that working with you has had a profound effect on her life and we owe you a debt of gratitude we probably can never repay. She walked into secondary school feeling like the ‘kid in the stupid class’ from her time at [her previous school] and she walks out as a confident young woman who has mastered her dyslexia, knows what she wants and how to get it and has a fierce will to work. I know she is primarily to praise for that transformation, but she could not have done that without your continuing guidance and expert support. We are grateful every day she happened to meet you.
From a couple of parents who think she is the greatest, we just wanted to say Thank-you from the bottom of our hearts.
Can’t believe we are here.
I just wanted to drop you a quick line to let you know [my daughter] is doing great. She has joined a sorority at Emory and seems to have a good group of friends. I was getting ready to have a talk with her about being in school to learn and not just to go to parties - but then her grades came out -- straight A's again! (So no talk...:)) It seems whatever she is doing, it is working. But even more than doing so well at school academically, she seems really happy - which in grand scheme of things is more important.
She told her grandmother that one of the reasons she does so well in school compared to her friends is that she knows how to study - which I am sure she learned from you. So again, thank you very much!