FAQs

Why five Saturdays?

Given the time remaining before the summer exams, five days  are sufficient to cover much of the core aspects that students often struggle with in the exam and do sufficient question practice with the guidance and feedback from the teacher. The minimum we'd recommend is four Saturdays.

What material is covered on the course?

We will ask for details about your child's curriculum, including the exam board, and any options that the student may be studying. Just before the classes start, we will provide your child with a list of the topics we will be covering. It will be mainly the core concepts in the specification, and every session will include exam questions on the topics covered on that day. We actually do the teaching and explain concepts, before a question practice session

Where is the course?

Classes are at our centre – located at Kensington Olympia. However, for most year groups, there is an online option, with a separate class

Address: St James School, Earsby Street, London W14 8SH

How can I join?

Contact us to find out if we have a place for your child and to ask any questions you may have.

Complete the application form and pay the fees.

We will provide you timetable of the lessons, which are usually between 9am and 4pm on a Saturday.

Can I pay the fees by instalments?

Yes, you can split the fees into two instalments - with the first payment due before starting and the final by 2^nd May However, there is an incentive of 2% discount if you pay the total in full at the start of the course.

Are all students taught together?

Each class only has students of the same year group and there are about four to five students.

The one-to-one tutorials are just a live video teaching between one teacher and a student.

Are students of the same ability?

Our classes are very small, about four to five students, and there is not usually a wide range of ability. Yes, some students are better in a specific subject than others, but, because classes are small, the teacher is able to identify the need of each student.

Maths groups are in set, as ability range can vary widely, even among those who are academically strong. Science subjects are similar but not as strictly streamed as Maths.

We move the student out a group if they are too weak or two strong for that group.

On average, our students are at around B region when they join us; however, some are much stronger and some are a little weaker.

We strive to help them improve by two grade points, and in fact, on average, this is the result we have achieved with our students, year in year out since 2004

Our courses are not suitable for youngsters who are unlikely to be able to achieve at least a C grade or much higher. It does not mean they have to be at that level when they join, but they must have the ability.

Information about the  online option

What equipment does my child need if studying online?

1. A computer with a camera – preferably via a laptop or desktop and not a mobile. Tablets are OK!
2. Access to the Internet
3. Writing material: pen and paper or notebook – in case your child wants to make notes
4. A scientific calculator for Maths and Science subjects. No, mobile phones are not allowed to be switched on during lessons - to avoid distraction
5. A quiet place to learn and concentrate!

How do classes take place?

We will provide you a Zoom link in advance and, upon arrival, your child will be welcomed in a reception area, before being transferred into the teaching room (break out room), where the subject teacher is waiting

After the first lesson, your child will come back to the reception area and be transferred to the next class, and so on

For the group lessons, there are, on average, about four or five students in the group, and the teacher is teaching them by using PowerPoint presentations or writing on a paper or using a digital pen – usually a combination of all the above, and what is being written is displayed on students' screens

The students can see the teacher when the teacher is teaching, and he or she can ask questions

We expect students to login and show up in the reception area five minutes before the lesson starts, and we will call you if your child does not show up within five minutes of the lesson starting

Most classes take place on Zoom, but we occasionally use Microsoft Teams for some lessons.

Is this live teaching?

All the teaching is done by live video lesson, where the teacher interacts and your child can ask and usually will be asked questions. We expect the video camera for both students and teachers to be turned on during lessons.

Are lessons on video?

Yes, all lessons are on video and most classes are recorded. Your child can request access to most classes to view and reinforce their learning at a later time.

We expect the video camera for both students and teachers to be turned on during lessons. We believe that body language is an essential aspect of teaching and learning and our teachers like to see the students they are teaching, to ensure full participation and avoid unhelpful distractions!

Can my child use their mobile phone as a calculator?

No, mobile phones are not allowed to be switched on during lessons – to avoid distraction. A proper scientific calculator is required for Maths and Science subjects.