Mel Caden Tutoring

20/08/2026

If your child is sitting the Kent Test in a few weeks time, and would benefit from some practice in Non-Verbal Reasoning, I have a couple of spaces in this last workshop. Get in touch asap if you'd like a place 😁

18/08/2026

If your child is sitting the Kent Test in a few weeks time, and would benefit from some practice in the Verbal Reasoning and Non-Verbal Reasoning sections, I have a couple of spaces in these last 2 workshops. Get in touch asap if you'd like a place 😁

06/08/2026

The latest independent curriculum and assessment review found that 16 year olds are currently spending excessive time sitting GCSE exams, and that a 10% reduction is feasible.

Having known some young people in recent years who've had overwhelmingly long exam timetables through May and June, I think I agree.

What are your thoughts on this? I'd love to hear!

Lucy Powell will 'take forward some changes to the curriculum and assessment system'

03/08/2026

KENT TEST
If you have a child who's about to sit the Kent Test in September, there's still time to book a place in these small group classes in Deal. We'll be covering all the essentials, that may otherwise get forgotten over the summer.

30/07/2026

lay versus lie

This is a part of grammar that causes problems for many adults, let alone children! Here's the lowdown...

If you are lying, you might be saying things that are not true, or you might be positioned horizontally on a surface (lying in bed, lie on your back etc)

If you are laying, you are placing something else down (laying an egg, laying plates on the table, or for short, "laying the table")

One of the problems is that we don't always learn the grammatically correct way of saying things, and a great many of us say (incorrectly), "Go and lay down" or "I had a lay-in" instead of using lie".

It's complicated even further by their irregular past tense versions!

Today, I may lay an egg. (present)
Yesterday, I laid an egg. (simple past)
Even before that, I had laid other eggs. (past perfect)

Today, I might lie in my bed. (present)
Yesterday, I lay in my bed. (simple past)
**Yes - lay is also the simple past tense form of lie (but only when it means being horizontal)!**
Even before that, I had lain in my bed many times. (past perfect)

I really do wish English grammar was more straightforward!

28/07/2026

Money maths is such a big part of Key Stage 2, and so important for everyday life.

Children need to be able to add, subtract, multiply and divide amounts, and calculate change.

For really large amounts, the plastic money is great. But where I can afford it for smaller amounts, real coins give children a much more realistic experience... and a buzz of excitement!
🤑

26/07/2026

A little riddle for a Sunday evening...
If you can guess it, write "Got it" in the comments (don't give it away to others!) 🤩

23/07/2026

Woohoo! 🥳
Well done to the little group of lovely students who sat this full mock Kent Test today!
You worked hard and it was a pleasure to have you here.
Parents, the children have brought their booklets home. Please keep an eye on your inbox over the next week for your feedback.

If you have a child about to sit the Kent Test, I have some spaces left in some of my summer revision workshops. I'll pop the flyer in the comments - please get in touch if you'd like to book 😁

20/07/2026

Kent Test Preparation

If you have a child in Year 5 who will be sitting the Kent Test this September, they would be welcome in my Kent Test Revision Workshops over the summer holidays 🤩
Please message me for a space.