Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully this answers any queries you might have, otherwise please get in touch and we'll see what we can do to help.
How do the classes work?
All classes are conducted via Zoom. The classrooms open 15 mins before the start of lesson to allow time to chat and get ready. Students are then assigned to their subject Breakout Room. Participation is voluntary but encouraged.
Generally classes start with a recap of where we are in the topic, followed by worked examples and class discussion.
How is payment arranged?
For the classes payments are made before the month's lessons start via a Standing Order set up to clear in advance of the 1st. This ensures you have access to all the lessons during the coming month. The monthly cost stays the same no matter how many lessons there are in that month. Payment is taken from September to June (no payment is required for August as there are no lessons at all).
1-2-1 lessons are also paid in advance to ensure your time slot is held, but the amount will vary depending on how many lessons you have in the coming month, and whether you have opted for the homework add-on. This will all be finalised before the month starts so you have peace of mind knowing it is all sorted. Lesson are available during school holiday's if you would like them - the cost per hour does not change.
Refunds are not given for missed lessons, or if you choose to cancel enrollment part way through a month.
Please contact us if you would like to trial class lessons and we can work out a payment to cover that trial period.
Why do you charge for homework for 1-2-1 lessons?
Homework takes time to prepare and mark, and is tailored to the student, so a small fee is added to account for that.
What if my child is ill/ goes on holiday?
It is your responsibility to let us know with as much notice as you can if your child won't be able to attend a group lesson. We understand things can change quickly so we try to be as accomodating as we can. Group lessons are not recorded so you won't be able to watch it back, however if you let the Tutors know in advance then Lesson Notes can be provided. We dont prepare Notes as standard though so if we don't know your child will miss the class they will have missed out.
Generally each lesson begins with a recap of the main points of a topic, so if your child has only missed a lesson or two, they should be able to catch up quite quickly.
1-2-1 Lessons are a little different though as your child is the only student in class, so without them there isn't a lesson. Please let us know as soon as possible if they are ill. We will try and rearrange lessons but we can't guarantee that will be possible. If the Tutors don't know in advance that your child will not be attending they will only wait online for 20 mins and then end the session. We take payment in advance so any holiday time can be arranged before the month starts and the price adjusted accordingly.
Who do I contact to make adjustments to 1-2-1's?
If on the day of a lesson you aren't able to attend please contact the Tutor directly. For any other adjustments (changing the day/ time on a regular basis, permanently cancelling lessons etc) please contact the Administration team.
If the Tutors are unable to attend due to unforseen circumstances the Admin team will contact you to arrange an alternative date to have the lesson you paid for.
Should my child have their camera on?
We completely understand not everyone is comfortable being on camera, and that sometimes technology plays up, however we recommend that cameras are on for the duration of the lesson as this helps both the student to concentrate, and Tutor to see how the class is reacting to the subject being discussed.
We don't mind backgrounds, avatars and filters as long as they are appropriate and not distracting to others.
Doing a 1-2-1 lesson when the student doesn't have their camera on is an odd experience so please try and encourage your student to have it on as much as possible.
In extreme cases the Tutor may turn a student's camera off to avoid embarrasment or disruption, but this would be a very unlikely event.
Microphones can be turned on when talking and off when not to avoid any unnecessary interruptions.
My child has ASD/ ADHD or similar, is that going to be a problem?
We have a lot of experience adjusting to the needs of our students, and many parents have found our service works well for their family. We provide a fun, low-pressure environment, whilst still maintaing a regular routine and keeping a high quality of education. Any minor disruptions or issues are handled kindly and in good humour, and we do not allow bullying or mistreatment of any students. The Tutors make sure to keep an eye on any who might be struggling and endeavour to help as much as possible.
There's a section on the Enrollment Form for you to fill in if you think there's anything you'd like us to know.
Will my child be ready to sit their exams after lessons with you?
Whilst every effort is made to cover as much of the syllabus as possible, we can't cover everything due to time constraints. Much also depends on how well your child pays attention, how many notes they take during lessons, and whether they practice between lessons.
We are proud to say that many of our students have gone on to do very well in their exams though, so we hope that will be the case for your child too!
Do you follow the National Curriculum?
Not specifically, whilst we try our best to cover as many topics as we can, due to the time constraints, spread of ability within the classes and geographical location of the students enrolled we can't adhere strictly to the Curriculum.
We do our best to prepare everyone for the type of questions they will come across, regardless of which exam board they are going to be sitting. The classes are arranged by School Year so we can teach the subjects they should know at that point.