The below courses are for those students who are sitting the TARA. The first course is designed to teach students the essentials to prepare for the TARA and the second is designed for students who are in the final stages of preparing for the TARA.
TARA Essentials Course Description
This course is designed for students required to sit the TARA as part of their university application.
This is an introductory course to help students familiarise themselves with the exam and its requirements. No prior experience of the exam is required.
TARA Advanced Preparation Course Description
This course is designed for students who are already familiar with the TARA and its requirements. This course is suited to students who are looking to increase their overall scores. The course takes students on a deep dive into all question types and will provide strategies to increase speed and accuracy. Callum will also provide personalised student feedback on a timed essay.
This course is aimed at students who have already completed some practice papers and will be finalising their preparation for the exam.
Please note: The TARA consists of 3 modules: Critical Thinking (Module 1, Multiple Choice), Problem Solving (Module 2, Multiple Choice), and the Essay (Module 3). Days 1-3 of both courses focus on Modules 1 and 2, while days 4-5 focus on Module 3.
TARA Essentials Course Outline
Day 1 - Introduction to the TARA (Modules 1, 2 & 3)
- Overview of different question types.
- Overview of exam format and examiner expectations.
- Materials provided to help improve overall performance, including practice questions with detailed explanations of solutions.
- Recommended resources, links, further reading, tips and tricks.
Day 2 - Practice Questions, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Modules 1 & 2)
- A closer look at each of the question types (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving).
- Attempts at small batches of questions under timed conditions to work on speed and effective exam technique.
Day 3 – Challenging Question Types, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving (Modules 1 & 2)
- Review of challenging problems and question types.
- Group discussion of helpful strategies and various approaches to difficult problems.
Day 4 - The Essay Section (Module 3)
- Overview of exam format and examiner expectations.
- Review of past essay titles.
- Suggestions regarding format, structure, writing style and planning.
Day 5 – Essay Practice and Review (Module 3)
- Review of exemplar essays from previous years (including essays written by successful applicants).
- Opportunity for timed practice and feedback.
Detailed feedback: An end of course report is sent on completion detailing the student’s progress and areas for further work.
TARA Advanced Preparation Course Outline
Day 1 - Critical Thinking (Module 1)
- A deep dive into the TARA Critical Thinking question types and strategies to approach each type effectively.
Day 2 - Problem Solving (Module 2)
- A deep dive into the TARA Problem Solving question types and strategies to approach each type effectively.
Day 3 - Timed Practice and Review of Challenging Problems (Modules 1 & 2)
- Extended timed practice. Students will be asked to bring a list of their own challenging or unsolved problems to the discussion.
Day 4 – Improving Your TARA Essay (Module 3)
- How to write an effective and well-reasoned Section 2 essay.
- Planning tips and suggestions for more persuasive writing.
- Dealing with and responding to counterarguments.
Day 5 - Timed Practice and Essay Feedback
- Students will be asked to write a timed essay (40 mins), which Callum will provide individual feedback on in each student's course report.
- Final questions relating to any aspect of the exam.
Detailed feedback: An end of course report is sent on completion detailing the student’s progress and areas for further work.
Interested in one-to-one tutoring in the meantime?
View our TARA Tutors and enquire here.
Callum has been coaching students in the Critical Thinking Assessments for the past four years. He has delivered this course in previous years, and has worked with a number of students who have been successful in these exams. Many have been invited to interview and ultimately offered places at their chosen institution.
- Maximum Class Size: We teach in groups of no more than 10 with the average number in our classes being 5
- Platform: Lessons will take place on Zoom, which is free and straightforward for students to use. A link will be sent out ahead of the course start date. Take a look at this video to see our online teaching in action.
- Age group: Year 13 in September 2025
- Session Length: Each session will be 2 hours long
- Course Dates: Summer Holidays and October (please sign up to our newsletter to be kept updated about our course dates)
- FAQs: Please click here.