GCSE MATHS TUITION
Small groups of 2- 3 pupils
My Approach
Helping each child reach their full academic potential and boosting confidence are key goals of my lessons. Focusing on the needs of each individual child is my priority. The enthusiasm I have for the subject I endeavour to pass on to my tutees, and one thing I have observed is that my pupils enjoy my maths classes. Creating a positive attitude to maths means children are more engaged, confidence builds, and attainment is raised.
Lessons are taught in small groups, with a maximum of three to a class. Groups are made up of pupils from the same year group, who are working at a similar level. My planning takes each pupil's individual ability into account, and work is differentiated within a small group to ensure a very personal learning experience. I do an initial assessment where I assess your child using the national curriculum attainment targets. This enables pupils to be grouped appropriately and for me to identify any knowledge gaps.
Key Stage 3 Mathematics: Years 7, 8 and 9
In years 7, 8 and 9 I teach the Key Stage 3 national curriculum. Plus, where needed, I go back and consolidate topics from Key Stage 2 (upper primary). In year 9, for the more able children, I begin teaching the Key Stage 4 GCSE syllabus as well as securing Key Stage 3 topics.
Key Stage 3 is the ideal time to begin extra tuition. Once at high school your child will be put into sets based in their academic level. This may be the right set for your child, but if they are beginning to struggle and not getting the attention they need in a large class, some extra support may be extremely beneficial (see benefits of maths tuition).
However, you may feel that the group your child is in is not challenging enough and be keen for them to move up into higher groups. Key Stage 3 is best time to try and make this move, as the gap between sets can widen as pupils progress through the year groups.
Key Stage 4 GCSE Mathematics: Years 9, 10 and 11
I teach both the Foundation Level GCSE Maths and the Higher Level GCSE Maths. Your school chooses which exam pupils sit based on their academic ability. For those pupils taking the Foundation tier paper the maximum grade that can be awarded is Grade 5, which is a good pass. For pupils taking the Higher tier paper, it is possible to achieve up to a Grade 9 (equivalent to an A++). If your child is considering a career where A Level maths is required, then you would need your child to be sitting the Higher paper.
My approach to GCSE tuition is still very much focused on the individual. I cover all topics in the Key Stage 4 national curriculum, and by detailed assessment I address any weaknesses or gaps in learning, even if this means going back over some Key Stage 3 topics. Exam preparation and practice is vital to ensure pupils achieve their highest potential grade, and I spend time going through example exam questions and past papers to ensure pupils are fully prepared.
Note: year 9 pupils may be following the Key Stage 3 curriculum or Key Stage 4 curriculum depending on the school and their academic level.