How long and where are the tutoring lessons?
Generally each session is 50 minutes and students have one lesson each week. The majority of lessons are delivered via a Skype or Zoom video call. This method is being well received by my students. I am also able to accommodate face-to-face lessons in my home (Scotforth, Lancaster). If you feel your child cannot concentrate for a 50 minute session or you wish to arrange a longer session, please contact me to discuss your requirements.
When are the tutoring lessons?
Most of my pupils arrange session times for the same time every week. I teach after school, evenings and Saturday mornings. These lessons can be term-time only, although some pupils arrange lessons during the school holidays to maintain their mathematical fluency. For pupils who are home-educated or college students, I am available during the day for tuition.
How much does a lesson cost?
Each 50 minute session costs £40. For pupils taking entrance exams, it would be advisable to purchase work books. I am able to recommend workbook or revision resources for those studying GCSE maths, although these resources will not be required for the tutoring sessions. For lessons that take place in my home (or for durations other than 50 minutes) please contact me to discuss costs.
Do you offer group lessons?
Although private tuition works most effectively on a one-to-one basis, it is possible to arrange a lesson for a group of two or three students of similar ability and targets. For a group of two students, the cost per student is £30 per session; for a group of three, the cost per student £25 per session.
Do you set homework?
As students tend to have a high workload from school, I only set homework upon request. In some instances, a small amount of work can be beneficial, eg during exam time.
What feedback do you give to parents?
I will give feedback in person at the end of each lesson. I am available between lessons if you wish to contact me to discuss any aspect of your child’s tutoring. You may also wish to liaise with your child’s maths teacher to identify areas that require development prior to tuition, and progress made in their school work.
Which GCSE examination board are you familiar with?
I have several years’ experience of teaching in schools that sit either Edexcel or AQA GCSE Maths. Having worked full-time in school with year 11 pupils in maths intervention sessions, I am very familiar with the new GCSE 9-1 specifications and the AQA style exams in particular. However, several of my pupils have studied OCR or the Edexcel exam so I am also accustomed to those exam boards.
Do you teach Adult Learners, pupils resitting the GCSE maths and those studying for QTS?
As I do have daytime lessons available, I am able to provide maths tuition to those studying Functional Skills Maths (Levels 1 and 2), or adults just wishing to improve their numeracy skills. For pupils at college or sixth form who are retaking their GCSE Maths, a daytime lesson may fit in with their study timetable. I am also able to support trainee teachers who wish to pass the QTS Numeracy Skills Test or adults undertaking aptitude tests.
What experience do you have of teaching maths to pupils with additional needs?
I previously worked as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant teaching maths to a small class of students that had a selection of additional learning needs: Moderate Learning Difficulties, dyslexia, autism, ADHD and behaviour difficulties. I am aware of the different approaches required to teach such pupils and consider carefully how the lesson is delivered and the subsequent learning outcomes.
What qualifications do you hold?
I hold a PGCE in Secondary Maths from Edge Hill University and obtained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in 2012. I am more than happy to supply a copy of my university certificates and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Certificate. My tuition service is covered by Teacher’s Liability Insurance. In 2009 I also gained a Level 3 NCFE Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
How do you initially assess pupils?
Having worked closely with many individual pupils, together with my knowledge of the curriculum, I am able to quickly assess your child’s ability and what the best approach is to engage your child. I find that an initial chat on the telephone, or an informal meeting prior to commencing tuition, is sufficient for me to be able to plan the first tutoring session.
What happens if my child misses a lesson?
Please be mindful that there can be considerable preparation involved before each lesson. I do ask that missed lessons (and those cancelled with less than 48 hours notice) are paid for. If a child is ill another lesson will be arranged, where possible, by mutual agreement.
How long does it take before I see an improvement in my child’s maths?
Clearly this is subject to the individual concerned: some pupils progress rapidly whereas others take some time to gain confidence and steadily improve. Please note: it can take time for trust and rapport to be built between any tutor and child. In the initial stages of tuition, my focus may be in developing the pupil’s confidence in maths, subsequently their understanding of maths and ultimately their mathematical progress. My pupils have made significant progress at school, improving their position within their maths class and exceeding their predicted GCSE grades.
I strive to provide the best possible service, and do everything in my power to help grades and skill sets improve. I can offer your child the best opportunity to achieve their mathematical potential.