Why the choice of course matters
The quality of preparation has a significant effect on how well a child copes with the pressure of exam day. A good course does not just teach the material – it trains the child in test strategy and helps them manage their nerves.
What to look for when choosing
Group size and individual approach
Smaller groups allow the tutor to respond to each pupil's strengths and weaknesses and adjust the pace of teaching. In a large group, a child can easily get lost and their specific difficulties go unnoticed.
Qualifications of the tutors
Tutors should have not only expert knowledge of mathematics and Czech, but also teaching experience and an empathetic approach to children – this is especially important for Year 5 pupils, for whom the entrance exams are their first major test.
Structure based on Cermat tests
The course should mirror the real exam structure, including work with answer sheets and the types of problems that actually appear in Cermat tests. Teaching general maths or Czech is not enough – the child needs to know the specific format of exam questions.
Mock exams
Simulating the real exam environment is one of the most effective preparation tools – the child experiences the time limit, the format of the questions and the atmosphere, and receives an evaluation with an explanation of errors. A course that does not include mock exams only prepares the child for half of what exam day involves.
In-person and online teaching
Flexibility makes it possible to include children who cannot attend regularly, or to supplement in-person lessons with online consultations. The key is that online teaching should not be just a fallback option, but a fully-fledged alternative with the same level of feedback.
Location and accessibility
A school in the centre of Prague with good public transport links (for example, near Národní třída metro station) makes regular attendance easier and reduces the logistical burden on the family.
Přípravka EduJoy in Prague 1 (Purkyňova 74/2) offers preparatory courses and mock exams for Year 5, 7 and 9 pupils, with an emphasis on individual attention, experienced tutors and a problem-solving strategy based on Cermat tests. Courses are available in person and online.