what do we do?

We provide tuition to students from age 7 up (younger students may be catered for in specific circumstances – please call). Tuition sessions are 80 minutes long - using our tuition methods, we have found this length of time to be an optimum duration for students. Within this time students work on a number of activities, meaning that they can cover a range of subject areas and utilise different methods of learning, although we take care to select the individual's preferred methods. It is crucial that success is achieved and recognised even when a student is challenged as this helps develop confidence and self-esteem.

the ideal student/teacher ratio

Students are tutored within groups of approximately four to one qualified teacher. Again we have found this to be the most beneficial method of tuition. Students have sufficient teacher time but also time to work on tasks, be challenged and make mistakes – all crucial to successful learning. All too often one-to-one tuition means that a student is helped at every point and given solutions rather than applying knowledge to work problems out – this is not recognised as good learning. Students all have their own individual programme specific to their needs, just as they would in a one-to-one situation. They enjoy working alongside other students, feeling safe, able to see that they are not alone in needing tuition without any feelings of intimidation due to a teacher standing over them.

students have their own voice

Students are instrumental in setting their learning programmes with their tutor by discussing areas they find difficult, sometimes bringing work from school that they need help with. Aspire tutors are able to revise difficult concepts as often as necessary to ensure that a student understands as it is vital that a student does not have gaps in their knowledge, something which often happens if a student doesn't ask for an area to be repeated at school.

a centre for learning

All tutors are specialists and have considerable knowledge of the best teaching methods for different areas. Our centre enables us to use a range of resources from the best educational computer programmes and internet resources to traditional paper resources and practical materials. It is designed specifically as a place for learning