Question 1

How do I get started?

Accepted Answer

That's easy!
 
First, fill in the contact form with your enquiry and I will answer your questions.
If you prefer to speak over the phone, you can leave a contact number and I will call you at a convenient time.
 
KS1 & KS2
We can agree a day, time and length of the lessons which may include an informal assessment at your request. This will be the first of a block of 5 lessons, usually 30 or 45 minutes long.
 
Payment will be made online and in advance via either PayPal or Stripe. 
A receipt will be provided.

IELTS
You choose!
There is a basic/starter 4 week block. You can add a further 4 week block and a final block of 4 weeks.
So, you can join for 4, 8 or 12 weeks. 
One class will focus on IELTS Reading
The other class will focus on IELTS Listening.
There will also be one class per week that focuses on exam skills/techniques
 
ALL agreed sessions will be payable in advance.

Question 2

How does online work?

Accepted Answer

Students must have access to a computer or tablet and high speed internet.
 
KS1 & KS2
During the session the student and I will use Learncube, an online platform. This enables us to talk, sketch and share resources in real-time, across devices. We can share an online whiteboard that we can both write on using either a mouse or tablet. We can share images, powerpoints or worksheets and view video clips.
 
Here's a link

I recommend that students use a headset duiring tutoring. It will cut down on background noise and allow us to hear each other better. Many students are more comfortable if we just talk to each other and don't turn on our webcams. However, it's always nice to 'meet' each other and say 'hi' at the beginning of the sessions. I will try to work with whatever the student's preference is.

IELTS
We will use Off2Class for our curriculum. This will be integrated with Zoom, which is best for our online small group classes.

Here's a link to Off2Class

Question 3

What subjects do you teach?

Accepted Answer

KS1 & KS2 (UK Primary)
 
I have experience of Reception through to Y6:
 
Reading skills and strategies.
Spelling
Grammar
Writing skills and strategies
Maths, including x tables and problem solving

Over the past three years, I have also tutored students from Y7, Y8 and Y9. This has been for Maths intervention and developing skills for GCSE English (High Level)

IELTS Reading
IELTS Listening

For both Academic and General IELTS

Question 4

Do you have DBS?

Accepted Answer

Yes and I am on the update system. I'm more than happy to show verification.

Question 5

What qualifications do you have?

Accepted Answer

A Levels: Geography & Economics                    	
BA (Hons) Geography                                             
PGCE                                                                            
TEFL Certificate                                                        
CELTA                                                                           
Teaching English online                                         Cambridge Assessment English
Reading Interventionist                                         Online course
Teaching IELTS Exam Prep                                   Online course

Question 6

Can we check your qualifications?

Accepted Answer

Of course! I will show on request.

Question 7

What about Dyslexia and Dyscalcula?

Accepted Answer

I am not an 'expert'. However, I have many years experience of teaching children with these learning difficulties, including successful 1:1 sessions.
I have also collaborated with parents, educational psychologists, occupational therapists and speech and language therapists to improve the quality of support in the classroom. In addition, I have attended a number of short courses on various Special Educational Needs.
 
Talk with me. Unless the needs are extreme, it should be possible to come up with a plan of action!

Question 8

How do lessons stop?

Accepted Answer

KS1 & KS2
As soon as you want to stop please e-mail or phone me. I know there are numerous reasons why people want or need to stop.

IELTS
At the end of the block, unless a new block is booked

Question 9

Do you offer a free initial chat before booking?

Accepted Answer

Yes — I’m happy to have a short, no-pressure chat before you commit to anything. It’s a good chance to talk through your child’s needs, what you’re hoping to achieve, and whether Sharpway Tutoring feels like the right fit.

All you need to know before you schedule a lesson

Frequently asked questions