Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do you teach?
I teach Maths and English ( both Language and Literature) up to GCSE level, and also Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning for 11+ tests.
Where do you teach?
All lessons are at my house in Mayhill Road, Charlton, although I can travel for daytime ( home schooled) pupils.
When do you teach?
For children in school I teach sessions during school terms on weekdays 3.45 – 4.45pm, 4.45-5.45pm, and 5.45-6.45pm. I also teach four sessions on Saturday mornings. I offer holiday classes where requested (usually in the mornings) and am available for home schooled pupils during the day.
How much do you charge?
£50 an hour, payable half termly in advance.
What happens if my child can’t make a lesson?
If you tell me in advance that your child can’t come for a lesson, then I will reschedule it. If you give less than 48 hours’ notice then the fee is lost, as I won’t have time to arrange a swop with another pupil.
How old are your pupils?
I mostly teach children from the age of 8 to 16. Occasionally I have taken younger pupils to prepare for prep school entrance exams, and my oldest pupil was 43!
Do you pre-select your pupils?
No. I take anyone who wants to come, as long as they are willing. I concentrate on bringing out a student’s full potential, and on helping them to reach their goals, not on reaching a target of my own.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, and the earlier you get onto it, the better! Sometimes I have an unexpected space, but I also have clients booking me a year ahead.
How do you assess a child’s chances of passing the 11+?
I don’t have a standard assessment test. These tend to test what a child already knows, rather than potential, and can have a negative effect. Although I can estimate how well a child will do after one session, I prefer to wait for at least three sessions to see how well they are retaining newly taught skills, as this makes a big difference. How well the child is motivated will also affect how well they will do.
When do you give feedback?
When you collect your child from a session I will briefly tell you what we have done and how well it has gone, but my emphasis will be on the effort your child has made. If you want to ask me more detailed questions about your child’s potential it is better to do this over the phone.
Do you give homework?
I give some homework so that the student can practise things we have learnt in the session, or complete tasks such as creative writing, comprehension, and reasoning tests which would otherwise take up too much valuable teaching time. It also helps to give you, the parent, a chance to see how well your child is doing. However, if your child has a busy and stressful week and the homework isn’t done, this isn’t a big deal! I’m also happy not to give homework if this is going to add to an already heavy schedule.
Does having a tutor mean we are pushy parents?
Not at all. I aim to make my lessons fun as well as educational, and all children benefit from one-to-one attention. It is much less stressful being taught by an experienced tutor than an anxious parent. I do the work, leaving you to have enjoyable quality time with your child.
What subjects do you teach?
I teach Maths and English ( both Language and Literature) up to GCSE level, and also Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning for 11+ tests.
Where do you teach?
All lessons are at my house in Mayhill Road, Charlton, although I can travel for daytime ( home schooled) pupils.
When do you teach?
For children in school I teach sessions during school terms on weekdays 3.45 – 4.45pm, 4.45-5.45pm, and 5.45-6.45pm. I also teach four sessions on Saturday mornings. I offer holiday classes where requested (usually in the mornings) and am available for home schooled pupils during the day.
How much do you charge?
£50 an hour, payable half termly in advance.
What happens if my child can’t make a lesson?
If you tell me in advance that your child can’t come for a lesson, then I will reschedule it. If you give less than 48 hours’ notice then the fee is lost, as I won’t have time to arrange a swop with another pupil.
How old are your pupils?
I mostly teach children from the age of 8 to 16. Occasionally I have taken younger pupils to prepare for prep school entrance exams, and my oldest pupil was 43!
Do you pre-select your pupils?
No. I take anyone who wants to come, as long as they are willing. I concentrate on bringing out a student’s full potential, and on helping them to reach their goals, not on reaching a target of my own.
Do you have a waiting list?
Yes, and the earlier you get onto it, the better! Sometimes I have an unexpected space, but I also have clients booking me a year ahead.
How do you assess a child’s chances of passing the 11+?
I don’t have a standard assessment test. These tend to test what a child already knows, rather than potential, and can have a negative effect. Although I can estimate how well a child will do after one session, I prefer to wait for at least three sessions to see how well they are retaining newly taught skills, as this makes a big difference. How well the child is motivated will also affect how well they will do.
When do you give feedback?
When you collect your child from a session I will briefly tell you what we have done and how well it has gone, but my emphasis will be on the effort your child has made. If you want to ask me more detailed questions about your child’s potential it is better to do this over the phone.
Do you give homework?
I give some homework so that the student can practise things we have learnt in the session, or complete tasks such as creative writing, comprehension, and reasoning tests which would otherwise take up too much valuable teaching time. It also helps to give you, the parent, a chance to see how well your child is doing. However, if your child has a busy and stressful week and the homework isn’t done, this isn’t a big deal! I’m also happy not to give homework if this is going to add to an already heavy schedule.
Does having a tutor mean we are pushy parents?
Not at all. I aim to make my lessons fun as well as educational, and all children benefit from one-to-one attention. It is much less stressful being taught by an experienced tutor than an anxious parent. I do the work, leaving you to have enjoyable quality time with your child.