In the endless political debate about the UK’s education system there is relatively little agreement from the various factions. The system is too old-fashioned - no we need a return to old methods. Kids start school too early - no they start too late. On and around it goes.
One thing most people agree on though is the clear advantage of smaller class sizes, and that focussed attention from teachers is hugely beneficial to students who are struggling or simply need to push on and achieve their full potential.
Parents with children at school now cannot afford to wait years for the whole system to improve, and are understandably turning in greater numbers to private tutors for extra one-to-one help for their children.
In Ipswich, this kind of private tutoring is offered by The Community Schools, based as Basepoint Business Centre. Here local teachers, currently working in successful local state schools, offer small-class tuition in English and Maths for students from primary school (Key Stage 2) to A-Level.
The Community Schools’ team are passionate about helping students learn more, grow in confidence and realise their true potential, things which aren’t always easily achieved in the school environment. The individual attention offered in their after-school classes (where there are a maximum of 4 students per tutor) can completely transform a child’s abilities, which in turn improves their confidence and allows them to continue to improve at school.
All the tutors are experienced professional teachers who relish the opportunity to work with each student as an individual, helping them to learn in the way that is best for them, and unconstrained by any prescribed “one-size-fits-all” methodology.
Make no mistake, this is high-quality tutoring at affordable prices.
The Community Schools offer tuition for students of all abilities, ranging from early KS2 (age 8) through GCSE to those seeking the best A-level results and possible Oxbridge places.
The Community Schools’ Courses
Tuition is delivered in blocks of 6 sessions, each lasting 75 minutes, during term time. Courses feature:
- Experienced tutors, all current full-time teachers
- Support for KS2, KS3, GCSE, AS-level and A-level
- Small tutor groups (maximum 4 students, or 3 students at A-level)
- 1-to-1 tuition when needed plus the mutual support of other students
- Online support
- Practical, fun and effective teaching
- No boring “death by worksheet” methods!
The Community Schools have a proven track record in achieving results, and a great many testimonials from delighted parents and students. What’s more the affordable costs make private tuition an option available to just about everyone.
“Since he started Ben has moved up a set in maths and is going to get an easy pass grade in his GCSE maths. Something we didn’t think was ever possible as he had always struggled.” - Parent of year 11 student
Maths Tuition
Solid maths skills can open doors to many opportunities at university level and beyond, as well as being key to understanding some of the complexities of everyday life – the economy, mortgage rates, even the probability of winning a bet on Ipswich Town winning the league. Often children miss out on basic skills in their early school years; this causes them to lose confidence in maths and affects their ability for years afterwards.
The Community Maths School specialises in helping students to relax, gain confidence and fill the gaps in their understanding. The structured courses are designed both for youngsters who are struggling with maths, and those who have a good grasp of the subject but want to strive to get A* grades.
English Tuition
As with maths, a lack of confidence in English at primary school can hamper progress later on, yet a good GCSE in English is a vital qualification for just about any further education course.
The Community English School offers tuition designed to boost your child’s confidence in English so that it becomes a subject they enjoy rather than dread. Don’t wait for the last couple of years before GCSE to intervene if their English is below par - some tuition early on will allow your child to go back into the classroom feeling more confident about English, enjoy the subject more and form a strong foundation for GCSE.
A-level and University Entry
Competition for the best university courses is fierce, so The Community School offers intensive tuition in small groups (maximum 3 students) for students studying AS or A-level. The courses help to reinforce basic concepts but also improve problem solving skills and confidence in their own ability to succeed in the exams.
The tutors can also support students in other exams such as AEA and STEP papers.
“The extra lessons were a very valuable investment and allowed me to reach my needed grades to get into one of the top ten universities in the world for my course.” - Year 13 student
Revise for Success
Exam success is as much about revision as it is ability – if your child’s idea of revision is leafing through a text book whilst simultaneously watching TV, listening to dubstep and texting friends, then The Community Schools can help by offering:
- “Grade Booster” revision days for GCSE and A-level students
- Online support for all students
- Drop-in clinics during exam weeks for 1-to-1 support
- Proven techniques for revision and exam success
The Community Schools work closely with Kate Patterson, a former Head Teacher and accredited ‘Thrive Programme’ consultant who is also a hypnotherapist, to provide students with techniques to cope with exam fright and nerves.
