Last updated:
28 August 2007
Look beyond your horizons
How We Work
Each child is an individual and is treated as such. We try very hard to respond to each child as they are on the day that we see them. One-to-one tuition is demanding and needs flexibility on the part of the tutor. But each hour is spent working closely with the student on the immediate needs that either we or the student has identified as well as on any underlying problems.
Most students should expect to have one hour of tuition every week. At A-level, when each subject is split into three modules, our experience is that two hours per subject every week is the best way of working. This may be in one two-hour slot or in two separate one-hour slots.
For younger students, tuition takes place in the late afternoon or early evening. A-level students have more flexibility in their timetables and can frequently attend during the daytime. Students who are being home taught can also attend during the daytime.
Almost all our tuition takes place in our own homes, partly because we have our own children in the house, but mainly because all the resources we need are there - books, examination papers, computer, printer, paper... For example, one bookshelf contains over 20 textbooks for GCSE and A-level maths alone. Examples to illustrate a particular point are immediately to hand. Similarly, we can provide sample questions either as complete examination papers or by topic.
As we work with the student we are able to identify weaknesses and immediately work to remove them, even if this means going back to a topic dealt with in school four or five years ago.
Homework is a major part of reinforcement and we set and expect to be completed anything from an hour to (in the run-up to examinations) three or four hours work each week. Completed homework is discussed and clarified as part of our diagnostic work.
We much prefer that students work with us and do not seek help or advice from parents! Not only does this ensure lack of argument at home but it means that we fully understand our student’s needs and can help them better.