Maths Tuition
Maths is not just adding and timetables! Children need to learn;
- number sense and place value;
- solve problems using missing number facts;
- appreciate that multiplication can be completed in any order, but division can't and the reasons why;
- compare, order and calculate fractions;
- measure in a range of units;
- identify shapes and calculate their perimeter and area;
- interpret statistics and understand algebra.
Did you know that there are more than 35 'I can' Maths statements that children working at the expected Year 3 level need to achieve? This doesn't even include the smaller steps children need to take to master this learning!
Through my 60 minute Maths tuition sessions, I aim to ensure that children have a solid understanding of number sense and place value. These are the foundations of all Maths! As a Maths Mastery expert, I ensure that I guide children through the solution process, not just show them how it's done. We will use exciting games and interactive resources to discuss mathematical concepts and develop problem solving skills. Any Maths anxiety children may feel will be addressed through engaging games, open-ended questions and discussions around what they notice, what is the same and different, as well as pattern spotting.
English Tuition
There are so many components to being a great English student! Before you can write creatively, you need to ensure your letters are formed correctly in legible, joined handwriting. To be a great writer, you need to be a fantastic reader. Not only do you need to use phonics to decode unfamiliar words, but you also need to remember all those words that are the exception. Don't forget all those spellings rules, in addition to complex grammar terms. Let's not even get started on fronted adverbials!
However, at the heart of English is oracy - children have to have something to say before they have something to write! That's why I place a great emphasis to ensure tutoring sessions are interactive, enabling children the chance to express themselves in meaningful conversations.
I can offer the following to support your child during my 1 hour English tuition sessions:
- develop speaking, active listening and attention skills
- enhance phonics skills and teach methods to decode unfamiliar words
- provide techniques and strategies to improve reading fluency and comprehension (understanding and interpretation)
- offer a multi-sensory approach to learning spellings and progressing handwriting skills
- reinforce the basic building blocks of the English language, ensuring your child has a strong foundation in grammar and a wide and rich vocabulary
- give them exciting and purposeful reasons to write
11+ Tuition
The content in the Bexley and Kent 11 + test papers are unique and as such, parents often choose to engage a tutor to increase their child's chances of passing the tests to secure a place in a Bexley/Kent Grammar School. Whilst reading comprehension and key Maths concepts are taught in school, there are elements of the tests that are not covered within the national curriculum, namely verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Having parented children who have taken the 11+, I am aware of the skills required - in addition to the immense pressure and anxiety children often feel linked to the 11+. Therefore, I will not tutor to the test! I will not drill your child week in - week out with test after test paper! Instead, I will use the same interactive and engaging approach, I use in my standard tuition, to develop the skills children need to complete the test and develop life long skills. I believe that when children feel secure and enjoy their learning, they exceed expectations.
- Year 4 11 +
- Mondays 4 - 5pm at New Eltham Methodist Church - FULL
- Mondays 5.15 - 6.15pm at New Eltham Methodist Church - FULL
- Tuesdays 3.45 - 4.45pm at Blackfen Library - FULL
- Wednesdays 4 - 5pm at Falconwood Community Centre (From 6th November)
- Year 5 11+
- Thursdays 4 - 5pm at New Eltham Methodist Church - FULL
Summer 'Get Ready' Tuition
The 'summer slide' is well known - a decline in a child's academic skills that occurs over the summer holidays when school is out. Across many staff rooms every September, you might well hear teachers teasing each other that their new class have forgotten everything they've been taught after the summer break.
With so much knowledge to retain and skills to learn, it is easy for children to 'forget' lots of the information and knowledge they acquired over the previous academic year. That 'brain drain' is exacerbated, if children were not secure in key concepts during the initial teaching.
So, how does my Summer 'Get Ready' Tuition help?
- 6 weekly sessions over the summer holidays at Blackfen Community Library on Tuesday or Thursday afternoons
- Review and revise key concepts in both Maths and English that children have been taught in that previous academic year
- Opportunities to practise their skills and use their knowledge in fun, playful, engaging activities
- If appropriate, introduction of new concepts and ideas that they will meet in their new academic year group so they are familiar with this content in advance
Not only will these 90 min sessions allow you a chance to breathe during what can often feel like a long summer break, but it can mean that your child can go back to school ready to tackle all of the new topics and concepts that will be thrown at them.
The summer course consists of six 90-minute lessons at the price of £200 - to help prevent the summer slide and keep your child learning all summer long! These sessions will take place from Blackfen Community Library on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
These are now finished for 'Summer 2024', but please check back again for 'Summer 2025'!
Why groups?
“Sam is not only an exceptional teacher, but also an outstanding Maths Lead. Her dedication to helping students understand complex concepts, goes above and beyond, making learning both enjoyable and rewarding. Sam's passion for Maths shines through in her teaching, inspiring students to excel and fostering a love for the subject too!”
R Walker, Deputy Headteacher