We all know how much easier it is to learn when we are interested, engaged and challenged; this is why I plan all my small group tuition sessions with these three qualities in mind. Whether your child needs support with their English and Maths OR they are taking on the 11+/Kent/Medway Test, my colleagues and I will do all we can to prepare, resource and deliver pacy lessons that keep them on their toes! When appropriate, lessons will include a practical, experimental element too. This not only provides a 'hook' for the lesson, but also makes the learning more relevant and interesting.
If you think your child would benefit from this style of face-to-face tuition, why not get in touch?
Here at Serena's Tuition, we are advocates for small group tuition. Children are often so worried about getting it wrong or making a mistake that they don’t risk trying. Individual tutoring can add to the risk of feeling ‘exposed’, and can have the added disadvantage of feeling a bit intense and scary.
What every child needs – and longs for – is the opportunity to feel confident and safe enough to take a chance with their learning. Think about how good you feel when you have sufficient understanding of a subject to talk about it with ease and extend your learning into other areas.
For us, the key to successful, lifelong performance is the discovery of the joy of learning. In a small group at Serena’s Tuition, your child will quickly settle into an encouraging, warm, jolly and supportive atmosphere.
The lessons are designed to encourage children help each other and work together to work through the thick fog surrounding (apparently) impenetrable concepts. As a result, new ideas and thoughts emerge, different methods and strategies are shared and everyone comes away with a feeling of success...The runway is clear for take-off.
Having taught groups varying in size from 30+ to 1-2-1, I have come to the conclusion that children do their best work when working as part of a small group. They can get the individual attention and help they need, whilst being able to 'bounce off' their peers. There is a collaborative learning culture here at Serena's Tuition, with children encouraged to share ideas, hacks and tactics. This not only gives children a greater understanding, it also does wonders for their confidence.
A small group dynamic also creates an element of healthy competition - it can be difficult to track progress when the group is too big or small.
Knowing what we know about the advantages of small-group work, we offer classes - in Southfleet and Gravesend - for groups of up to six children. This enables children to work both independently, AND with the support of their peers, the teacher and the teaching assistant. That's a pretty good ratio of support for £25ph!
My colleagues and I have experience in state, faith-based, special needs and independent schools across KS1-KS3. In addition, I (Serena) have 10-years of 11+ tuition experience.
We offer LKS2 Boosters, UKS2 Boosters, SATs preparation sessions, 11+ Preparation and KS3 Maths Boosters.
Each lesson is meticulously planned and differentiated in such a way as to ensure each child is challenged and engaged.
Each 1-hour session costs just £25ph, and £45 for the 2-hour 11+ sessions. This cost includes a detailed and 'chunked' lesson plan, interactive games and quizzes, homework activities, a drink and a snack.
All students are also provided with a learning pack and notebook, along with other relevant resources when they attend their first session. If you have any questions, do please get in touch. office@serenastuition.co.uk
We'd love to hear from you!
There is substantial evidence to show that children (and adults) feel encouraged and happier in their work when they know that it is making a difference and, most importantly, that they are improving. With this in mind we encourage all my learners to take responsibility for tracking their own progress. This enables them to celebrate their successes, as well as taking ownership of the areas that need a bit more work.
In order to do this effectively we provide weekly 'follow-up' emails to let you know how we felt the lesson went, as-well-as highlighting any areas your child excelled in/struggled with.
To complement this feedback, we regularly revisit learning to check that it has 'stuck' as well as offering 1-2-1 sessions whenever we/you/your child feels they would be of benefit.
Serena's Tuition is actually a triumvirate of THREE fun, experienced and - of course - qualified teachers called...Serena, Bal and Lisa. Think of us as The Charlie's Angels of education! We are united in our passion for engaging, practical and informal teaching methods.
Here's a bit about us!
Serena
Here's a fun fact for you... I was BORN in a school so, I guess the writing was on the wall for me! Having said that, I had a varied and interesting career throughout my twenties, working in industries ranging from recruitment to journalism.
Born and raised in Gravesend, I went to Benenden School from 11-18, leaving with three As at A-Level. I then went backpacking around South America, before heading-off to Edinburgh University, where I got an MA Hons (2:1) in Economic and Social History. I have always loved to learn, but only had the confidence to give teaching a go once I had children of my own.
Gaining my PGCE from Canterbury Christ Church University in 2011, I went on to work in a range of primary school settings, including private, state-funded and faith-based schools around Gravesend and Medway. I loved teaching, but - to be brutally honest - I didn't enjoy the role of 'class teacher'. I didn't feel I really knew my students, and I couldn't teach in a way that excited me; there simply wasn't the time or resources.
In 2019, I made the decision to leave the classroom and GO IT ALONE and I haven't looked back!
Four years in, and Serena's Tuition is thriving, and now in a position to make more children than ever fall in love with learning and discover the joys of small group tuition.
Bal
My name is Bal Dhadwal and I have been teaching for over 15 years across Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I have a degree in English and Psychology and have obtained my PGCE.
I have a passion for helping children of all ages to succeed to the best of their ability and I have recently successfully supported my own son with the 11+.
With my years working in the classroom, I understand each student’s needs, and strive to find the best approach to boosting their grades and confidence. I’m a patient and dedicated teacher and always strive to create a learning environment where students are comfortable and confident.
Lisa
I’ve had a varied career to put it mildly. I left school and trained as a theatre electrician and moved onto being a dresser. I worked in Bromley and the West End on various shows, but changed careers when I became a mother.
I worked part-time as a teaching assistant for nearly two-years at Helen Alison school In Meopham, Kent. Whilst working at this school I decided to go on to study teaching.
I studied at Greenwich University and gained an Honours Degree in Primary Education KS2 and 3 with a specialism in Design and Technology. I did this degree as I wanted to teach a wide range of ages.
I completed my NQT year and spent two more years at NTC teaching both DT and ICT.
I moved on to The New School at Westheath (a high functioning special needs school) where I taught Maths, ICT, DT, Business Studies up to GCSE level.
I went on to Parkwood Hall Co-operative Academy in Swanley, teaching a wide range of ages and abilities.
In recent years I have been doing maternity cover at St Botolph’s and St Joseph's in Gravesend.
I truly believe that learning should be fun and engaging I always try to inject humour into my teaching!
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