the tutors

As well as considerable experience across the primary age range, Andrea has particular expertise in working with pupils with Special Educational Needs, from those with dyslexia, moderate learning difficulties, speech and language difficulties, emotional difficulties and motor skills problems to gifted, able and talented pupils. She has a Masters Degree in Special Educational Needs from Oxford University and has worked for the Local Authority advising teachers on how to support pupils with special educational needs in the classroom. She is able to offer parents of Aspire students vital advice on how to gain the best possible support for their child at school, as well as setting individual programmes for tuition.

Andrea also has developed booster programmes for pupils at Year 6 and Year 2 coming up to SATs tests

Parent Quote:

Andrea was a great support to me. I felt sure that the school was holding back on what they were telling me about what they were doing to help my son. Andrea convinced me that it was my right to ask what they were doing – that I wasn't just being a problem parent. I felt awkward at first, asking to see the programmes set for my son but once the school realised I knew my rights they began to open up. I now think I have a better relationship with the school and they do seem to be doing more to help my son.
Mrs L.

David is the Director of Secondary Studies at Aspire. He has particular knowledge of the Key Stage 3 curriculum and the GCSE syllabus in English and Maths. He is particularly keen on utilising a range of methods to motivate pupils, using a mix of traditional teaching methods and employing computer software when it is helpful. He is aware from students he has tutored that there are many others in school who know they would benefit from extra help but feel unable to ask for it in a classroom situation.  

Quote:

‘I was predicted an E when I started mathematics tuition with David and was only going to sit the Foundation paper.   Things went so well that when I sat my mock I was allowed to sit the Higher Paper. In the end I got a B. I couldn't have done it without the extra help!
C.

Other teachers

Aspire only uses tutors with considerable up-to-date experience of the school curriculum and exam syllabus. Whilst the majority of these are fully qualified teachers occasionally a teaching assistant supports learning. Again only highly experienced assistants are used and only those with specialisms in the area in which they support – when employing such assistants we ensure that their knowledge in that area is equivalent (often superior) to a qualified teacher. All assistants plan students work alongside a qualified teacher.

All staff at Aspire are special people, selected in terms of their expertise and subject knowledge but also crucially in terms of their personality. Caring, intuitive and interested they ensure that students feel encouraged, motivated and supported.

Importantly you can also be reassured that all tutors and staff working at Aspire are fully referenced and have an enhanced CRB disclosure.