How much will it cost?

From £15 - £30 per hour. Prices depend upon the level of teaching (Key stage 1/2/3/4 or A-Level), the session length and the number of students. Discounts are available for multiple bookings and for siblings.

 

How long are the sessions?

Most children have a one-hour session, once a week in each subject. Academic Success Coaching tends to be used to help focus motivation and/or revision at key times of the year. During school holidays we run group workshops comprising half days or full days for up to one week. These are designed to review much larger amounts of the work and work well to consolidate work between years, e.g. the transition from key stage three to GCSE, or as a revision tool. 

 

What will be expected of the student?

We expect the student to work with their tutor to devise a plan of work when they start together and to come to each session with an idea of what they want to achieve. We use a Learning Agreement which sets out the expectations at the start. This gives them control of their learning and motivates them to succeed.

 

What are my responsibilities as a parent?

We find the best results are obtained when the parents/guardians are involved in and understand the process of learning development. We need your help to ensure that new initiatives such as organisation of homework and revision plans are put into action. We communicate to you through informal doorstep chats and written reports.

 

What if I need to cancel a session?

We have a policy for cancellations within 48 hours and 24 hours of the scheduled session that half the fee or the full fee may be charged respectively.

 

My child is dyslexic, can you help us?

We have experience with dyslexia, dyscalculia and other learning difficulties. Our multi-sensory and child-centred approach has positive results by allowing students to learn in a way that suits them. We believe everybody can learn, we just help them to find out how they do it best.

 

My child feels overloaded at school, will tuition increase their workload?

Homework from tuition sessions may or may not be set depending upon the student and what has been agreed. In fact, if they are struggling with school work, we may use this work as a basis for a session. Thus the child can learn and grow and also relieve some of their school work burden. Where appropriate we can make contact with teachers to create a way of working together and ease the stress of school; re-igniting the flame of learning.

My child doesn't get on with their teacher, how are you different?

For us, tuition is an exciting process and we aren't limited by government restrictions or by large classes. We work alongside the student, guiding their growth but not forcing them to do anything. This way we form a bond of mutual respect with the student who develops a sense of personal responsibility, learning to motivate him or herself to do tasks with pride.

 

My child just isn't mathematical/scientific but needs to get the grades, can you help us?

There are some basic principles in all subjects and tricks for passing exams that mean you don't have to be a genius to do well at them. We work to ensure they have these core principles and the confidence to have a go. We never write a child off, even if they've been in 'bottom set' for years, they can still come back and get the grades.

 

My child succeeds in the classroom but their exam results don't reflect this. Can you help transfer the skills?

We understand that good exam technique is essential to getting your knowledge onto paper. Often comprehension and a fear of technical terms can be part of the problem. We can teach the student techniques that they can take into exams to allow them new confidence and self-belief, ensuring they achieve their true potential.

 

Can my child learn with a friend?

Working with a friend of similar capabilities may be possible and in fact very productive. It can help to transfer some of the learning from tuition sessions into the classroom, if the pupils sit together in class. However, students may, from time to time, need some individual tuition before or alongside pair work to develop their individual thinking skills and weaker subject areas.

 

My child is often removed from their maths/science lessons at school, can you see them during lesson time?

We have worked with children who have been suspended from school or from particular lessons. With the cooperation of the school, we have tutored the individuals during lesson times, on school premises. Non-conventional cases require a non-conventional approach, so call and tell us what specific your needs are.

 

My child is educated at home, can you help support us?

Yes. There are a variety of reasons why parents may choose to home educate their children, with growing numbers who are doing it. We can work to support you in your own situation. We have experience of working with special needs and also organisations who support home-schooling. 

 

My child was ill and missed a lot of school, can you help them catch up?

We have worked with several cases of students who have missed a lot of school through illness or changing schools. Weekly sessions may be enough for the brightest of students but students who have missed a lot of school may benefit from longer sessions in the holiday periods covering a greater breadth and depth of material. As with all our students, we will boost their confidence and help them develop a ‘can do’ attitude.

 

My child is very bright and looking for more of a challenge than the classroom can provide, can you provide that mental stimulation?

We have worked with gifted children and provide the freedom to discover their subject to the level they are capable of. We praise their intelligence and don't make them feel 'geeky' or unusual. We nourish their creativity, their curiosity and their enthusiasm. We allow them to become rounded learners by developing their inter-personal skills and maturity alongside their academic development.

 

I’m a student teacher who needs help passing an exam, can you help?

Of course! We can teach you maths, English or science to help you pass the tests.

 

I’m a mature student retaking my GCSE’s or A Levels, can you help me?

Yes, it would be our pleasure! We’ll even try and pitch our teaching to a more sophisticated level!

 

I’m an organisation who wants to investigate using tuition in some way, can you help?

Tell me more about what you need and we’ll see if we can work it out. We’re open minded, flexible and keen for a challenge so go on, give me a call!

 

I’m a parent and I’m not good enough to help my children with their homework, can you help me help them?

Yes, formally we offer Maths for Mums and Dads courses and more flexibly we offer coaching for parents on how to understand the curriculum, where to find resources, how to motivate your child and similar challenges. Usually we spend about 5 hours working with you then we let you ‘go it alone’ for a while and review it later on.

 

I live far away from your area, can you help me in any way?

We might be able to travel to you during the holidays, or you can visit us for a a whole day of tuition. We can offer some tuition on the phone too so give me a call and we’ll work it out for you.

 

I like the sound of a converted barn in central Bradford on Avon, can I use it?

Yes, we hire out the downstairs of the barn for training, meetings, art workshops and even children’s parties! Please contact me and tell me more about what you are looking for and whether our facilities provide that.