Tests Prep

Since its foundation, the dedicated educational professionals at Brighten have prided themselves on not only getting results when it comes to test preparation tutorials, but also devising a strategy for intellectual improvement based on individual student needs and study styles. Not only are our tutors highly experienced and professional, they also apply a compassionate and nuanced approach the incorporates each student’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that they can understand and learn from their mistakes in order to achieve the best scores possible. Aside from past paper drills and the discussion of possible question paper strategies, Brighten teachers work on building a rapport with students that improves confidence and analytical thinking as well as test scores. Brighten has several areas of expertise including IB, IGCSE, HKDSE, GCE A Level, SAT, IELTS Cambridge ESOL Certificate Courses, and TOEFL.

The IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a challenging, two-year curriculum aimed at students aged 16 to 19, which helps those enrolled prepare for success at university and life beyond. Its balanced content is designed to address the intellectual, emotional, social and physical needs of students, helping them to develop mental and physical skills that can be applied to a diverse range of further study options. Increasingly popular in Hong Kong and with universities around the world, Brighten offers tutorial support and test preparation courses for all major subjects at both Standard and Higher level, as well as additional requirements related to the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE).

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is the world’s most popular international qualification for students aged 14 to 16. Recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide, the course was developed 25 years ago and is now tired, tested and trusted by schools globally. Brighten tutors have a great deal of experience with subjects offered by both exam boards (Cambridge and Edexcel) and have been helping students reach their full potential in a wide range of subjects for years. Tutors specialise in test prep, general subject tuition, past paper drills and guidance with coursework.

GCE A Level

For over 50 years, GCE A Levels have been a popular way of assessing university entrance abilities for students aged 16 to 18. While they tend to be more popular within British-based education systems, they are recognised by top universities and employers across the world. The curriculum is designed to develop a deep understanding of individual subjects as well as foster critical thinking skills. As more students in Hong Kong opt for A Levels, Brighten is here to provide expert tutoring in a wide range of subjects from all the major exam boards (AQA, Edexcel, CIE, OCR, WJEC). Past paper drills, subject tutoring, exam prep and coursework support alongside talented and caring teachers helps students achieve their academic goals.

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

The Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) is a stimulating new curriculum similar to the IB Diploma in structure, aimed at assessing a candidate’s readiness for university. Brighten tutors understand the pressure on students to achieve increasingly higher grades in order to gain access to their chosen university. For this reason, we not only focus on past paper drills and subject tuition, but also provide a supportive environment for students, helping them avoid unnecessary stress and thus perform better. Brighten’s creative and innovative test preparation strategy covers all HKDSE subjects for both Core and Elective subjects.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

The SAT, a standardised admissions test necessary for the vast majority of colleges in the United States, comprises three sections; Mathematics, Critical Reading and Writing. Brighten employs expert tutors that not only specialise in the different parts of the test, but also work together on overall examination tactics and study strategies. Expert tuition and past paper drilling has been shown to improve scores over time, particularly as Brighten tutors also provide guidance for completing the critical, perfect SAT essay. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you, alongside Brighten tutors, can do to increase your SAT scores.

The International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

This program is ideal for students who want to experience campus life at some of the top US universities. Our exclusive and customised program incorporates visits to some of the world’s best universities, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, MIT, Stanford, UC Berkley, UCLA, USC, Columbia University, NYU, Boston University, Northeastern University and Wellesley College. The tour also includes excursions to some of America’s most beloved sites including the Golden Gate Bridge, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Boston Harbour, the Empire State Building, the Statue of Liberty and Times Square. The program is all-inclusive and travels from West to East coast across the continental US.

Cambridge ESOL Certificate Courses

For decades the University of Cambridge have offered examinations in English language ability for non-native speakers that fit with the Common European Framework for Reference for Languages (CEFR). Running from level A1 for beginners, to C2 for the proficient, Brighten tutors are experts at coaching both adult and young learners in the various Cambridge ESOL examinations including Starters, Movers, Flyers, KET or PET tests for younger learners, to the Cambridge First Certificate (FCE), Advanced Certificate (CAE) and Proficiency Certificate (CPE) for adult learners. Brighten tutors can support students with the entire test content over an extended period of time, or simply help to drill tests to improve scores.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is a standardised test of English-language ability favoured by US universities but also accepted by English-speaking academic and professional institutions around the world. Scores are valid for two years and the test comprises Writing, Reading, Listening and Speaking sections. Brighten tutors are experts at helping candidates prepare for both the internet and paper-based versions of the test.