How long does each lesson last?

Most lessons last for an hour. Sometimes it may be more practical to adjust the length of the lesson.

How often should lessons take place?

To achieve the best results from tutoring, take lessons regularly and consistently. Most learners opt for weekly lessons. However, an individual’s learning needs vary, and I believe that each individual needs a schedule that works for them. This may mean that a student needs several lessons a week or a lesson every other week. I will work with you to identify a schedule that works for you.

What days and times are available for lesson times?

I can schedule lessons from 9 am to 8 pm (finishing at 9 pm). I am available from Monday to Saturday. To find out my current availability, please email me at:

nicola@topmarkseducation.co.uk

What do I need to provide for lessons?

The student will need to provide their own stationery, equipment, and textbooks. You will need an A4 ring binder, lined A4 paper, poly pockets (for storing handouts and worksheets), pencils and pens, etc. It is also helpful if you provide copies of any school reports, test results, ILP’s that are relevant. If you or your child are taking any exams, it is important to tell the tutor which exam you will take, the examination board and specification code and the date or dates of the exam paper/s.

I'm a parent. Can I sit in on tutoring sessions?

Yes, you can. Your child may feel more confident having you stay in the room, at least for the first session or two.

What happens in the first lesson?

In the first session, an initial assessment is my focus. I get to know the learner, and what they hope to gain from the sessions. Usually, I make my assessment through asking key questions. In addition, it may mean taking some tests or completing some tasks to identify specific areas of weakness.

All the information gathered in this session is used to form a “student profile”. Having identified specific learning needs and goals, we will develop a learning plan to reach those goals.

What happens in a typical lesson?

We will set learning outcomes based on discussions at the end of the previous learning session.

For each lesson I plan, select, adapt and prepare resources specific to a student’s learning needs and goals and that will enable the learner to achieve the set learning outcomes.

I begin the lesson by teaching the theory or techniques the student needs to learn. I give clear examples and demonstrations to enable and reinforce understanding. The student then completes appropriate activities to apply and practise what they have learned. These activities also provide me with information about how well the student has understood and can apply what they have learned.

At the end of the session, I discuss with the student (and parent, if appropriate) if they have achieved the learning outcomes or if they need further practise or help. If the student has successfully achieved the learning outcomes, then we choose together a new goal, topic or skill for the next session. If the student has not achieved the learning outcomes, then I continue working towards them in the next session (or we will revisit the topic in future lessons). At the end of the tutoring session, I record the work we have covered in a “record of work”.

Do you set homework?

Homework can be a valuable tool for both the student and the teacher. For a student, it allows them to apply and practise what they have learned in the sessions and thus gain confidence and independent study skills. It also enables students to progress more quickly. For a teacher, homework can provide insight into how effectively a student has learned a skill or a topic and how well they can apply what they have learned. This information can help a tutor evaluate and adjust the teaching methods, learning goals, and outcomes accordingly.

The decision to set homework depends on several factors. I discuss with the student (and parents, where appropriate) if they are willing and able to complete homework tasks.

How much are lessons and how do I pay?

Each one-hour lesson costs £25.00.

To book a lesson you will need to contact me to discuss my current availability and to agree a lesson time. Once a day and time has been agreed upon I will send you an email with a Paypal link so that payment can be completed.

To reserve the lesson slot, lessons must be paid for in advance. I must receive payment at least 24 hours before the start of the lesson. If you wish to cancel a lesson, you must give 24 hours’ notice. (In this instance, you can reschedule the lesson for a later date. No refunds are available.) I do not reschedule cancellations made less than 24 hours before the lesson. The payment becomes the cancellation fee for the missed/cancelled lesson.

To book and pay for a lesson, please click here: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/TopMarksEducation and enter the payment amount of £25.00.

If you would like to discuss lesson availability, or if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me on:

01476 568774 (Home)

07855171790 (Mobile)

To email me, click on the button below!