Take Private Painting Lessons

Take Private Painting Lessons Learn to Paint with an Art Tutor! ChaptersThe Different Types of Private LessonWhy Take Private Painting Classes?The Benefits of Painting LessonsFinding a Private Painting TeacherHow Much Does a Painting Class Cost?l paint what cannot be photographed, and l photograph what l do not wish to paint. -  Man RayPainting is a way of expressing yourself like any other art form. Art and creativity make it possible to say things we would not or cannot say otherwise.A report conducted in 2017 on  engagement in culture and arts in Northern Ireland found that  75% of adults who engaged with the arts expressed ‘enjoyment / having fun’ as a benefit and 97% of  young people had engaged in culture and arts in the year prior to the survey.According to the same survey, one of the three most popular arts activities amongst young people was  â€œPainting, drawing, sculpture or printmaking” (32%). Even if painting isn't at the top of the list, it is still very much appreciated by people, especially young people, in the UK.In class o r with a private tutor, painting is a creative skill that can be learned. Keep reading to find out how to take private painting lessons. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Different Types of Private LessonPrivate lessons are a great way of introducing yourself to a creative hobby by following a personalised programme.As you are the only student, there's no risk of being thrown in with a group of painters who are much more experienced than you. The teacher, therefore, is able to devote more time to helping you learn.There are a variety of different ways to take private art classes.From HomeHome lessons unsurprisingly  are lessons taught at your own home. The art teacher comes to your house with all the right equipment and materials to show you drawing and painting techniques.A big advantage of this type of lesson is that you do not have to move but the teacher's knowledge comes to you. However, you need to make sure you have enough space for the teacher. We recommend you set aside a certain area where the painting lesson can take place.What could be better than learning to paint at home? Source: PixabayWhat could be better than learning to paint at home?At the Teacher's PlaceHome classes can also be held at the teacher's house. So you will have to agree on this before starting your painting classes London.Learning directly from a painter is ideal because they will, more often than not, have an entire space dedicated to painting. They will have pallets, easels, all types of canvases, tubes of paint as well as their own works hanging on the wall.Find out more about essential painting equipment...A place that will inspire you to be more creative.Travelling to a teacher's house can be very much worth the effort.OnlinePrivate lessons can also be given online. How does it work?The teacher and the student both connect to the internet, making sure that their webcam is turned on. Of course, the teacher needs to be able to see the student's painting. The class is basically like a video conference.Neither the student nor the teacher will have to leave the house if you choose to do painting classes online.You may also use videos, blogs and social media to learn how to paint online!It's up to you to decide what format suits you best.Why Take Private Painting Classes?Private painting lessons are not just for people who are unsociable and don't want to be taught in a large group. There is a list of other reasons why people opt for a private tutor when learning how to paint.Lack of Art SchoolsThe first reason that private lessons may be required is if there is a significant distance to travel to get to your nearest art school.Whether its an art school, art group or association, they are not found absolutely everywhere in the UK. The countryside is often forgotten.It can, therefore, be inconvenient  and time consuming for people to always have to go to their nearest city to take a painting class.Imagine travelling two hours to get to a watercolour class. For some, this is a waste of their precious time. For extremely motivated painters, it might be another story.Large group painting classes near me aren't always available for everyone.For this reason, many people living in more remote parts of the UK offer private lessons.Not everyone is lucky enough to have a museum on their doorstep. Source: Visual HuntGet into Art SchoolArt College, School of Fine Arts, School of Art and Design, School of Architecture, School of Art History, most art schools require a portfolio to provide evidence of your experience and skill.You need to be able to demonstrate that you have acquired the basic in drawing as well as some painting techniques (oil painting, watercolour painting, acrylic painting, chiaroscuro, complementary colours, decorative painting, etc.).Your portfolio should be sent along with your application. To make sure your work stands out, many students enlist the help of a private tutor.The majority of Superprof teachers are art graduates.They are, therefore, in the best position to talk about art courses, and also to prepare students and lead them in the right direction. This kind of advice and insight is what students can expect when choosing a private art teacher.A private art teacher may help in choosing your painting technique!Help with School WorkOnce you're at art school, you have to be able to maintain a certain pace and level. It is not uncommon for students to feel overwhelmed faced with a heavy workload.Private lessons can help students to keep on top of things and talk to someone who understands and has been in their position.With a private tutor, your time is never wasted as you can work on areas you need the most help with, unlike group lessons where the teacher decides an activity for everyone.Choose Your Own ScheduleDo you feel overwhelmed and don't know where you'll find the time to become the next Picasso?Private lessons are the best way to achieve your goals.Classes don't have to be scheduled at the same time every week. Normally you can arrange lessons with your teacher whenever you want (provided your teacher is available of course).From beginner to advanced level, painting lessons are available for all levels. All you have to do is choose a way you want to learn that suits your abilities and requirements. FernandoPainting Teacher 5.00 (8) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tut ors EmmaPainting Teacher 5.00 (5) £75/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors DavidPainting Teacher 4.75 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors NatashaPainting Teacher 5.00 (7) £37/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors StefaniaPainting Teacher 5.00 (4) £40/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors SakinaPainting Teacher 5.00 (1) £12/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors LorrenPainting Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors Off2themoonholliePainting Teacher £8/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsThe Benefits of Painting LessonsLearning to draw as part of a painting course can be a good way to learn the different painting techniques and other basic drawing techniques.Drawing workshops, painting courses, intensive courses, whatever your learning method, these courses can help introduce you to the world of art.To become an illustrator, architect, cartoonist, scenographer or painter, painting lessons can help you reach your goal and improve your skills.And taking private lessons has many great advantages.Have the Teacher's Full AttentionIt is sometimes difficult for a teacher to attend to fifteen students at the same time. During a private lesson, the teacher can focus solely on areas you are struggling with.The classes are therefore made specifically for you and your level.Advance FasterWhether you're learning for the first time or wanting to perfect your craft, learning how to draw and paint takes time.Remember the time you learned how to draw with your kid's art kit? How someone could have painted the Mona Lisa seemed impossible to you then.However, private lessons can help you develop your skills much faster as the teacher knows where your weaknesses lie and tells you what you need to do to improve.Have a Tailor-Made CourseStill life, live model, landscape, portrait, human anatomy, sketch, drawing, it's up to you to find the areas that interest you most and share them with your teacher.Art history can give you inspiration. Source: Visual HuntAs the only student in the class, you have the added bonus of being able to request certain topics as well as the techniques (crayons, ink wash, acrylic, Indian ink, pastel, porcelain painting, charcoal, etc.).Art history can also be part of the course if you wish. Van Gogh, Rembrandt, Monet, Manet, Picabia, Braque, knowledge of historical works of art is important for studying art at University.Finding a Private Painting TeacherHow do I find a private painting teacher? And what makes a good art tutor?Whether it's drawing, painting or art history classes, the teacher must be a good instructor and have passion about what they teach.They must be attentive and have good listing skills as this is the entire purpose of private lessons.They should be able to understand your concerns and spot your weaknesses to ensure you get the most out of every exercise (painting a human body, learning perspective, painting a landscape, flexing your imagination, draw ing a portrait, etc.).So where do I look?If you want to avoid a dreadful teacher, here are some tips.Some teachers use public advertising boards to leave their numbers and rates. Remember to take a look next time you're at your local bakery, corner shop or hairdressers to see if there are any adverts for art tutors on notice boards.Check the classifieds! Source: Visual HuntOnline, you can find adverts via social media or websites like Gumtree.And of course, don't hesitate to take a look at networking platforms such as Superprof, which has a selection of private teachers who specialise in painting throughout the UK.How Much Does a Painting Class Cost?The price of a painting class depends on a range of factors.The CityFees for art lessons vary according to the city where you want to study. On Superprof, prices vary between £12 and £40 per hour across the UK.In London, for example, you will find a wide range of prices because of the number of teachers available.The Teacher's Experien ceThe teacher's experience, ability and age can also affect the price of a private course.For example, students or trainees usually charge less than a professional painter. Paying more generally ensures a certain quality of lesson, but this is not always the case.Buying the EquipmentDrawing pads, easels, canvases, brushes, paint tubes, charcoal, apron, pallets, etc. Learning to paint requires a lot of art supplies. This should be factored into the overall cost of a lesson.But don't worry, you can always put your painting kit together bit by bit without breaking the bank.Now discover how you too can become a painter!

Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Chioma Isiadinso

Ask an MBA Admissions Expert Chioma Isiadinso Varsity Tutors brings you insider tips and advice straight from nationally recognized admissions experts. Chioma Isiadinso is a former HarvardBusiness School Admissions Board member as well as the former Director of Admissions at Carnegie Mellon University. She is the CEO of EXPARTUS, a worldwide MBA admissions consulting service, and has also written a book of insights on the MBA admissions process called The Best Business Schools Admissions Secrets. VT: How much time should be set aside to adequately prepare for and complete the application for an MBA program? Chioma: Ideally you want to start to seriously think of the MBA a couple of years before you actually apply. By having such a long lead time you can invest time identifying any weaknesses in your profile and can address them long before you apply. An early start in preparing for your MBA will enable you to be strategic in the types of projects you pursue and will allow you to cultivate the strong relationships with your superiors who will eventually write recommendation letters for you. When it comes to applying, you should budget about five months. Two months to prepare and take the GMAT or GRE and three months to work on the application. VT:What would you say is the single most important thing to focus on for this kind of application? Chioma: While each part of the application is important, not having a strong academic profile will ensure that the application will be rejected. For the highly selective MBA programs, candidates who have very low test scores will be eliminated early in the evaluation process. It is important to adequately prepare for the GMAT/GRE to ensure that you have a strong test score. While a strong test score alone does not guarantee admission to a top school, not having them will make it easy for the admissions board to deny you admission. VT: What do MBA admissions officers look for most in the essay questions? Chioma: They look for depth of character. The essays provide a canvass through which a candidate can showcase their strengths, accomplishments and motivations. They explain what is driving you and why you have made the choices you have made in your life. Because of the variations in MBA essay questions, they offer a chance for candidates to speak about their personal and professional lives and achievements. The essays, when written well, can be the main differentiator and can endear you to the admissions board. There are so many talented candidates applying and it is hard to separate strong candidates who have similar work profile, test scores etc. However, the essays can be the deal breaker when they are poorly written or the deal maker when they reveal really insightful things about you that makes you come alive to the admissions board. VT: What are the biggest mistakes one can make on this application? Chioma: The biggest mistake applicants make is to underestimate how much work is involved in putting together a successful application. This often leads them to submit application essays that are weak and riddled with errors. Another mistake that applicants make is selecting the wrong people to write recommendations for them. Recommendations are quite important in the evaluation of MBA applicants and it is critical to select recommenders who know you very well. Avoid choosing recommenders based on simply their seniority at your firm (eg. The CEO of your firm who barely knows your name); you are better off choosing a recommender with a less impressive title who knows your work very well and can provide detailed examples to support your candidacy. VT: What aspects of the MBA admissions process make it most different from undergraduate admissions process? Chioma: The main difference between college and MBA applications is that the latter group of applicants are older and have more years working in the real world. The average MBA candidate has worked for 3 or more years before applying to business school. Therefore, the quality of work experience and impact in a professional setting is weighed quite highly in the business school application assessment. Outside of the work experience difference there are a lot of similarities between the college and MBA admissions (both programs are looking for smart, accomplished individuals who will add to the diversity/richness of their schools). VT: Is there anything that automatically disqualifies an applicant from being considered for an MBA program (i.e. low GPA, lack of particular work experience, etc.)? Chioma: This varies from school to school and is important for applicants to understand the nuances of different MBA programs. For instance, while international experience is important to all top MBA programs, it is particularly of high importance for a MBA program like INSEAD. Failure to show international experience or exposure will relegate your INSEAD application to the reject pile. The same applies to language fluency: not having another language under the belt disqualifies a candidate from being admitted to a program like INSEAD. Work experience is valued at most top MBA programs. Yet there are some programs that are more open to candidates who are early in their career and have less work experience. A program such as Stanford GSB admits a few exceptional candidates with little to no work experience. Very low GPA or GMAT can undermine a candidates application as well. The further away your score is from the average score of admitted students, the more of an issue it will be. Academic infractions such as suspensions, plagiarism, as well as criminal records are sure ways of disqualifying a candidate. VT: What kind of work experiences should be highlighted in the MBA application? Chioma: One of the things candidates should do when showcasing their work experience is to cut out jargon from their CVs and focus on the impact and contributions they have had in each of their jobs. Since many programs like to see short CVs of not more than 2 pages (one page resumes for most of the US MBA programs), candidates have to think carefully about all the details of their responsibilities within each role and at each firm. Anything that doesnt help reinforce their brand (how they are positioning themselves) should be cut out allowing them to connect the dots of their experiences in their resume/CV. Internships that are in the industry you are looking to enter are worth including in your MBA application especially when you have limited work experience. VT: What advice do you have regarding GMAT test prep? Chioma: My advice on test prep is to make the investment upfront before taking the GMAT. So many applicants take the GMAT without fully being prepared resulting in mediocre scores. Ideally it is best to take the GMAT once. So before embarking on the exam there are some practical things to do to give you the best chance of success:-Take a practice test to see what your benchmark score is. If it is lower than 700 you will be better off doing additional preparation before taking the test. Practice tests can be found on www.MBA.com.-Identify where you are weak in (verbal versus quantitative) and focus your efforts in strengthening this area. This may involve self-study or a class. Some applicants can get away with a few sessions with a tutor instead of an entire class.-There are many test prep companies out there so you should do your homework before deciding on the best one. VT: Is it absolutely necessary to have work experience prior to starting an MBA degree? Chioma: It isnt absolutely necessary to have work experience and there are several accelerated MBA programs that allow college seniors to go directly from undergraduate study to the MBA. However, I recommend getting some experience prior to the MBA. You can better contribute to the classroom by drawing on real experiences instead of relying solely on theoretical lessons from a previous course. If you are choosing to do a Masters degree in Management, you dont need to have work experience. VT: What are the characteristics of a great MBA program? Chioma: One of the main characteristics of a great MBA program is that it attracts a truly diverse set of candidates across industries, sectors, countries, etc. This diversity creates a stimulating environment where students can grow and learn from one another. Secondly, a successful MBA program must have committed faculty who are invested in teaching and developing their students. It is also important that the faculty have expertise across a wide variety of business subjects (finance, marketing, operations, management, etc.) to give students a firm foundation in business education. Finally, on the career side, a great MBA program has to have a track record of success preparing students to attain employment when they graduate. It is vital to look at employment statistics as well as the industries and companies that recruit at the school to ensure that there is a fit between you and the schools you are interested in applying to. Visit EXPARTUS for more information or follow Chioma on Twitter @EXPARTUS.The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of Varsity Tutors.

How to Create an SAT Prep Plan

How to Create an SAT Prep Plan If youve recently signed up for the SAT, youre probably beginning to think about preparation. While students often allot different amounts of time for this process, it is important to have a plan in place thats right for you. For some students, this means a year of preparation; for others, a few months. No matter which category you find yourself in, it is important that you develop a plan that will maximize your time and your score. The first step of preparation is simply to know how youre going to approach your study sessions. Create an SAT prep plan with these tips: Establish a timeline Before you can effectively plan your study time, you need to know exactly how much of it is available. If youve got a year until the test, youll study differently than if youre taking the test in two months. Know your test date and time frame. Youll also need to know how long you can study per week, day, etc. Plan for study sessions of varying length, but be honest with yourself about the amount of time you can actually contribute to SAT studying when taking into account your other ongoing commitments, such as extracurriculars, homework, a part-time job, etc. During this timeframe, youll also want to set some personal goals for the SAT. If you plan to study as a group with others, establish some group goals as well. Explore the test Its hard to study for a test you arent familiar with, so take this opportunity to open up the test and explore. Figure out the logistics (time requirements, tools youre allowed to have, etc.) and learn how the test is portioned out. Also note new changes to the SATs format, such as the elimination of the guessing penalty. Next, youll want to look at the actual questions. Begin by taking a quick sample of questions from different areas can you answer them? Eventually, youll want to take a practice test to identify areas of weakness. Focus your efforts After youve taken a practice SAT, you should be able to identify areas of possible weakness. Youll be able to see where you score well too, which tells you where to focus less of your efforts. Take a practice test a few times to make sure your results are accurate and consistent then, start studying. By now, youll know where you need more work, so begin there. Plan to focus the majority of your time in areas where you scored lower so you can improve your results. However, dont forget about the areas you do well in! These high scores can help boost your overall results, and you dont want to be rusty come test time. Consider using a prep book to guide your study experience as well for instance, you could directly review lessons on the reading section if you want to refine your skills there, or take a look at some math tips to refresh your mind on that area. Review test questions After youve taken a practice test, it can be helpful to meet with an SAT tutor to review the questions you got wrong and areas you continue to struggle with. A tutor can help clarify why you may be answering these incorrectly and shed light on the spots that are tripping you up. After going through the questions that provided trouble, take more practice tests until youre confident you have a better understanding of them. If studying with a group, it can be helpful to show up with a few sample questions that youve come up with this will diversify the questions youre exploring and broaden your knowledge base. Compare your scores It will be important that you track your progress as you continue to prep for the SAT. A great way to do this is not only by taking the practice tests, but by monitoring your scores each time as well. Are you consistent in subject areas of strength and weakness? Are your scores getting better? Knowing this will allow you to make adjustments to your SAT prep plan as needed. If your scores arent improving, youll need to allot more time to a certain subject area or change the way youre approaching it. A change in routine can make a world of difference. Approach the test with confidence Confident students tend to do better on tests, and this is especially true for long exams like the SAT. If you approach the test with confidence, your score could show it! To build yourself up, come prepared. By following an SAT prep plan, youll approach the exam with the knowledge and skills necessary to get the score you hope for. You may also want to practice driving to the test site and even take a practice test there if youre able these small gestures can make you feel at ease when the actual day comes, resulting in a test score that reflects all of your hard work. Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

The Best Sports Watches for Personal Training

The Best Sports Watches for Personal Training A Guide to The Best Running Watches to buy this Year ChaptersThe popularity of the Sports WatchTips for Choosing a Sports WatchTop 10 Sports Watches 2018Whether you're a professional sportsperson or an amateur who only just decided to take their fitness seriously, using the right tools can make a huge difference to the effectiveness of your exercise program. Fitness watches would quickly come into the picture, but do you really need them, and how do you select the one that's right for you? In this article, we will discuss your options.In 2016, 49.2 million connected watches were sold all over the world. Quite a small number, compared to over 1.5 billion smartphones sold worldwide in 2017.Nevertheless, smartwatches are all the rage right now, and more and more manufacturers are into a specific type of this digital device: sports watches.With more and more people desiring to stay healthy and fit, training watches are coming in very handy.In many ways, these watches complete the smartphone.You can install apps on them, they have GPS funct ion, as well as storage capacity - so you can listen to music while jogging - and have a whole suite of functions which both the newbie sportier and professional athletes will find very useful:PedometerGyrometerHeart rate monitorGPS receiver,Speed and distance indicatorAltimeter, compassBlood oxygen levels, etc.What sports watch will help you reach your fitness goals faster? (Photo Credit: visualhunt)There are so many watch brands out there, so how do you go about selecting the best training watch for your needs? This article has a mini guide on the top 10 sports watches out there.Tips for Choosing a Sports WatchRather than use  exercise machines, take advantage of technology...With the numerous features they come with, running watches serve as more than just connected wristbands, and are increasingly becoming an indispensable tool in sports.It can be a pretty tricky deciding which sports watch to use. Not to worry, Superprof is here to help (Photo Credit: visualhunt)A great fitness watch optimises your exercise training just like a personal trainer.It helps youLose weightBurn excess caloriesForge aheadCalculate the distance covered (using the GPS function),Measure your heart rateSome training watches designed for extreme sports have an altimeter, a compass, a barometer, as well as a thermometer.Most mobile phone manufacturers including Samsung, Sony, Huawei and Nokia - are in a race to become the most competitive in this market. Whether on iOS or Android, you should have in mind these three criteria when choosing a watch:Screen type: LCD screen? transflective screen? check. Pointers, Oled screens? Check.Compatibility with other smartphones: Apple Watch, Withings Activity and NévoWatch Névo for iPhone 5 and 6, Samsung Gear for Android,Activity tracking feature, synchronised with a smartphoneProcessing powerStorage capacityInbuilt sensors: oxygen level (VO2Max), pedometer, gyroscope, heart rate monitor, camera, GPS chipSports coach applicationsWireless connec tivityBattery charging: via micro USB port, by wireless contact,Autonomy: up to 3 days without charge? Check.Water resistance: some watches are waterproof up to 50 meters deep in waterLook and design: Just like jewellery, the design, thickness and colour are very important too.Does your training coach have to use exercise machines? Well, not if he has a smartwatch!Top 10 Sports Watches 2018There are just so many connected watch brands out there, we cannot mention them all. But here's a list of the ones we think are the best.Samsung Gear S3Probably the coolest thing about this watch is that when it's synced smartphone is too far away from the watch, the wi-fi comes on to maintain the connection.The built-in S Health app tracks the physical activity of the wearer and enables a complete activity tracking.Samsung Gear S3 is versatile and sleek. (Photo credit: Andri Koolme on Visual Hunt)The size of your stride and height of your step are automatically recorded, and you can start an exer cise session by choosing from fifteen different sports.Data is automatically calculated: from distance covered, to calories burned, to your heart rate during physical activity (the heart rate monitor functions nonstop anyways during training).This wristwatch is just right for high blood pressure patients, but costs quite a chunk, with its £399 price tag.The ProsGPSloudspeakeroptional LTE telephone servicepayment service anywhere in the world.Spotify for great music on the goWorks with most Android phones, and even iPhones to some extent.Attractive design and intuitive interface with a spinning bezel.The ConsThe iOS connection works but is not stable.Few applications use independent LTE services.The Tizen-based operating system supports fewer applications than Apple Watch or Android Wear.Bottom Line: the Samsung watch sits right on top of the pack, as one of the best options for Android users.Sony Smartwatch 3The Sony Smartwatch 3 comes with a GPS chip that records the physical acti vity of the wearer, even when it is not connected to its sister smartphone.The ProsSmooth performanceIn-built GPSGreat displayMicroUSB chargerThe ConsNot particularly sleekUnstable GPS performanceFiddly charging portNon-standard charging portThis watch has no application for monitoring the heart rateIt's ok, it's an entry-level product and you can get it for just £110.Sony wearable devices have some huge advantages compared to others. (Photo credit: pestoverde on Visualhunt.com)Withings Steel HRThis wearable device is compatible with iOS and Android and is urban, elegant, and sporty all in one go.At a price range of between £190 and £200, here are some of the features you get with this training watch:Heart rate monitor,  ideal for persons who have been living sedentary lifestyles for a long time,A sleep quality tracker, for persons with sleeping disorders (for example, persons suffering stress, anxiety, even depression),A chronometer  that enables you to measure the exact time an d distance covered during a running sessionThis watch has an impressive level of autonomy, being able to stay up to 25 days without charge at regular usage!Apple Watch Series 2The high points of this training watch are its pulse calculator as well as a stopwatch to measure your time in a race.The only difference between this and the first generation Apple Watch is an inbuilt GPS chip to enable you to measure the distance covered.Outdoor amateur sportspersons can calculate atmospheric pressure using the barometer pre-installed in this cardio GPS watch.It is perfect for swimming enthusiasts and even divers: the watch is water resistant even up to 50 feet underwater!The ProsExcellent follow-up on your fitnessThe GPS enables versatile usage of the watchLong-lasting battery lifeQuick performanceBright and magnificent screenThe ConsOnly compatible with iOSQuite expensive...with price ranging from £410  to £465!Huawei Watch 2This Chinese-made watch is made waterproof according to IP68 st andards; you can immerse it in water up to a depth of 1.5 metres for half an hour.The wristwatch is  just perfect  for sports, and comes with:GPS  chip,Heart rate monitor,Digital CompassGyroscope,Accelerometer,VO2max  (tracks blood oxygen levels),NFC connection, Bluetooth and 4G Wifi  (with SIM card)Whether you are going for a jogging session, a brisk walk, or training in the gym, you can listen to music and get sports coaching right from this watch!Real-time activity monitoring also enables you to keep track of your performance and make progress.You can get it for a price of between 280 and 330 euros.Find the best online personal trainer on Superprof.Suunto Ambit 2S Graphite HRThis multisport cardio GPS watch is very useful for track races, swimming, biking and all other outdoor sports.It is both stylish and has a comprehensive range of features.AltimeterCompassSystematic detection of movement typeRecording of data in historyHeart rate beltGPS receiverWater resistance up to 50 metr es of waterPower cell (for cycling)Detector for the type of swimmingVirtual sports coach functionYou can get it from £299; it's one of the most talked about on the webGarmin VivoActive HRThis is a high-sensitivity watch with a bracelet to track physical activity.Its features includeHeart rate monitorTracking of calories burntDistance calculatorAltimeterCompassWeather and Temperature appTraining pace calculatorSleep quality analyserWith this watch you can do different sports types like running and swimming; it can measure distance covered as the duration of your sessions, whether you are biking, playing golf, canoeing, or doing indoor sports...Garmin Fitness Watch (Photo Credit: evanscycles.com)Garmin's latest strategy sacrifices quality and brightness of the display in favour of longer battery life, which largely explains the average display of VivoActive.You can see graphs on the screen to get an idea of the changes in your physical condition over time.If you miss your training or get complacent, the watch reminds its owner it is time to move!You can get it for just £240, and it is one of the best products on the market.Polar V800 GPSThis GPS sports watch is ideal for running, cycling and swimming, and is perfect for triathlons.Athletes who desire to progress and improve their performances can't resist this running watch, which combines the latest technology with simple design.It has all you would want in a running watch:GPS functionAltimeterInclinometerBarometerSleep quality analyser:  deep sleep, light sleepIn addition, you can plan a complete exercise programme thanks to its 13 hours of autonomy and a super memory of 99 hours!Prices start at £360. Not particularly cheap, but hey, it has the full range of functions.TomTom Runner 3This watch comes with an mp3 player and a real-time itinerary tracker, all at a price of £249.What beats listening to your favourite song while jogging, doing abdominal exercises, or during a cycling session outdoors? The advan tage is that you can listen using the Bluetooth connection, without having to connect a cord from your wrist to your headphones.The activity tracker on the display makes it perfect for running, hiking or walking. You can download an itinerary and do your mountaineering, without getting lost again. Ever!Go mountaineering anywhere without fearing you'll get lost. Your adventure awaits! (Photo Credit: adventures365.in)Outlined below are some of the features of this watch:Activity trackerGPS chipHeart rate wristbandTracking of calories burnedWater resistance up to 30 meters deep in waterTraining plans availableSpeed indicator (km/h)Personal assistantMP3 playerMoto 360 2nd GenerationThis seems to be the best sports watch in the Android Wear Suite.For just £300, this Motorola sports watch has everything to satisfy any athlete.Compatible with Android and iOs, this uncomplicated training watch also allows you to automatically update the apps.It's quite an extension of your smartphone; it's a veritable sporting coach and comes in handy for everyday usage. This fitness watch is well adapted for both light and intense sporting activities.Features:A customizable  news feedTraining pace calculatorDistance calculatorTracking of calories burntActivity reminders,  to help you stay motivated towards reaching your fitness goalsHeart rate monitor,  available upon downloading the appYou can use this watch without a synced smartphone during a running session.So what are you waiting for? Go grab one of those and make the most of your training! Let your watch be your personal trainer!Check out the home fitness equipment you can buy here.See what other fitness equipment is out there to use in gyms.Discover these other sports gadgets for the keen sportsperson.

The Results are In Success at the Stretch Academy

The Results are In Success at the Stretch Academy We here at the Tutorfair Foundation and Stretch Academy have just received some outstanding news that had to be shared. A huge part of why the Tutorfair Foundation and Stretch Academy help bring high quality tuition to inner city schools is because it helps close the education gap between low and high income families. Wilbury Primary School is just one such example of this gap. Over the past 20 years only one student from Wilbury primary has progressed on to a selective school. As of today, four (four!) students from Stretch Academy's 2014  cohort were accepted to selective schools, with one winning a full scholarship to the local independent. The work done by Wilbury staff and Tutorfair volunteers really does make a huge difference. We can't thank you all enough for your incredible support. The Tutorfair Foundation promises that for every child who pays, we give free tutoring to a child who can't. To learn more, check out  our Foundation Programs  or  get involved  today!

English for Geeks, Freaks and Techies

English for Geeks, Freaks and Techies Not surprisingly, a lot of students taking our English classes are into technology. Obviously, if you think that learning English over Skype is a good idea, you probably spend a little time in front of your computer every day.So here are some common words and phrases used by English speaking techies, as well as some blogs, podcasts and other resources.Geeks, Freaks and Techies:In English, we often use Techies (sounds like teckies) and Geeks to describe people that are really into technology. Freaks is an English word Ive heard used in other countries to describe the same thing, but oddly, Ive never heard it used in the United States.You might be a geek if you: Use Linux and Ubuntu. Enjoy programming, hacking, or building your own computers. Frequently stay up past 2 am sitting in front of your computer, without realizing it. Play World of Warcraft, Starcraft or other Blizzard games.You might be a techie if you: Use Mac OS, and own a iMac, MacBook, iPod, iPad and iPhone. Have a jacket with special pockets for all your phones, mp3 players and other gadgets (see definition of gadgets below). Check blogs for news on gadgets and other electronics.Other things that may be common among both groups are a love for/obsession with WordPress, Twitter, podcasts, Steve Jobs, and Google.Gadgets:Any small electronic device, that is usually considered ingenious or novel. This includes mp3 players, smart phones and tablet computers.English Resources for Geeks and Techies:There are many popular blogs and podcasts that are great for both keeping up on technology news and practicing your English. As far as podcasts, I would recommend the Engadget podcast for people who love gadgets. For science and technology geeks, check out RadioLab.

Join us on Twitter tomorrow afternoon and #askteachaway

Join us on Twitter tomorrow afternoon and #askteachaway We know you’ve all got questions about teaching overseas, so to answer those questions, our International Schools' Recruitment Manager, Rebecca Young, is going to be available at 8:30 pm GMT (3:30 pm EST) for our weekly #askteachaway Twitter chat.Rebecca has worked at Teach Away for over a year, and deals with the recruitment for some really big programs, including Esol Education, NIS in Kazakhstan, private schools in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and several schools in Japan, Indonesia, and even Tanzania. If you’ve ever thought about teaching in the Middle East or anywhere in Asia, Rebecca can answer any questions that you have.Before starting with Teach Away, Rebecca taught in Australia (her home country), Japan, and Paris. She was also a Curriculum Developer in France for a year. She’s no stranger to what it feels like to move halfway across the world, and she’s also really well positioned to answer your teach abroad questions.Rebecca has done a lot of traveling herself, including to New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, Indonesia, Singapore, Mauritius, Japan, China, all around North and Central America, and all over Europe and the UK. When she’s not hard at work searching the globe for the best teachers to send overseas, she’s an active woman! She swims, cycles on her lunch breaks, plans our holiday parties, and treats herself to some real fine cheese and wine (after work of course!).On top of all that, she’s really nice, so don’t be shy! Ask her anything you’d like by sending us a tweet and including the chat hashtag #askteachaway. Rebecca will retweet the question before she tweets her answer, that way everyone can follow the Q&A.If you’re not on Twitter, click here to sign up. Once you’ve signed up, or if you already have an account, just follow @teachaway.