The teaching day runs from 9.30 to 6.00 in the A level building, from 9.15 in the GCSE department. Most lessons are two hours long with a short break halfway through. This enables very effective coverage of the syllabus.
The average size of a class is five and there are no more than eight students in an AS or A level group, nine at GCSE. Individual tuition can also be arranged. Small sets enable students to receive specialised individual attention, but also to develop confidence in discussion. Tutors and students work with a shared sense of purpose to achieve a high standard. Any difficulties can be speedily identified and rectified, to enable rapid progress.
In all our courses, at both GCSE and A level, there is a strong emphasis on exam technique. Exams are held twice a term with full mocks at the end of the Spring Term and further, more frequent, opportunities for exam practice as the exams approach. Success in examinations requires sustained effort and a disciplined approach to personal study.
A considerable amount of homework is set to consolidate work covered in class and to help students learn to research carefully, work independently and produce work of a high standard. All homework is promptly and constructively marked and any points arising from it are thoroughly discussed with the student, so that he or she can progress to a higher level. GCSE students complete some of their homework in supervised study periods.