BUSINESS
KENT BUSINESS PROFILE: insideKENT interviews Arthur Ponsonby of THE RIGHT TUITION COMPANY
Before launching The Right Tuition Company this year, what did you do, and what brought you to start your company?
The Right Tuition Company is a continuation of our previous company, Bright Young Things. We have just changed our name! Prior to starting our tuition centres in Kent( Rochester, Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks), I taught in a London primary school for three years, where I received my teacher training. Through teaching classes that often exceeded thirty pupils, many of whom had disparate levels of skill, ability and enthusiasm, I was awoken immediately to the importance of small class sizes; a privilege enjoyed by many private schools. Like any teacher, I wished to exude my passion and creativity upon every class. Thus, I formed The Right Tuition Company to offer children a more personalised approach to education in the shape of small group learning, where each child ' s interests and objectives can be met.
What makes you stand out from other tuition companies in the South East?
Unlike many tuition centres, we are not computerbased. We offer a traditional philosophy of education that is centred around the development of skills, knowledge and confidence through inspirational teacher-led instruction. When a new pupil arrives at one of our centres, we take time to meet with them and learn about their key interests and characteristics. Getting to know and understand the individual is vital. It is essential that a decent rapport is established between pupil and teacher and the child feels wholly at ease with their new learning environment.
At the outset, we conduct a free formal academic assessment, which enables us to identify areas of relative strength and weakness. Within 24hrs, parents receive a detailed report containing marks and full analytical feedback of performance in specific topics. This is not a horrible test; however, a wonderfully effective learning tool that provides a pragmatic and systematic programme of action for that child ' s future progress and development. Every child gets their first class free of charge. This taster session allows a child to get a feel for their new surroundings. Both parents and children can feel relaxed, comfortable and assured that they have made the right choice in choosing The Right Tuition Company.
We strive to fill the gaps that schools find so incredibly hard to fill. We offer personal feedback to every parent after each class. Here, notable achievements and areas of progress are highlighted and gaps in knowledge are pinpointed. We outline homework for completion in the interim period between then and the following class. Work is marked meticulously, with a short report compiled at the end of each piece of work. Our exclusive learning materials can only be accessed by RTC pupils. They are revised constantly and are an indispensable factor in enabling our pupils to succeed and excel.
What do you consider to be the essential ingredients for a successful tuition class?
Within our classes, our teachers get children to think for themselves. Teachers at RTC create an environment that encourages pupils to ask questions, develop an inquisitive mindset and become a curious learner that is incentivised to go beyond the textbook in their quest to learn. Inspirational and charismatic teaching, that is underpinned by a traditional philosophy of education, make lessons fun and stimulating. If children are enjoying themselves in the classroom, that suggests that they are engaged and motivated. The sight of children charging up the stairs with radiating smiles on their faces after a long day at school, ready for their weekly class at RTC, is my ultimate indicator as to whether we are providing the right sort of tuition for children.
It is imperative that children can accelerate learning at their own pace. No one size fits all. Our exclusive learning materials are designed in a way that allows children to not be forced on to a more challenging genre of question until they feel ready and suitably equipped to do so. Likewise, a child will never be in danger of plateauing through being stuck on a level of work
that doesn ' t challenge them sufficiently. Every child is different, and the small group environment affords the opportunity for each child to maximise their own potential and challenge themselves in a positive and productive manner.
How do you assess pupils ' progress during their time with you?
Our teachers are always on hand to have regular consultations with parents – be that via telephone, email or in-person at the centre. Parents really appreciate the close contact that they get with their child ' s teacher and the bespoke feedback that we offer.
We also conduct formal Eleven Plus Mock Assessments at the end of each term for pupils in Year 5. This allows children to get some exam practice, cite gaps in knowledge and gauge expectation of how much progress has been achieved within that term. Assessment is an integral part of everything that we do.
With Tuition Centres at: Tunbridge Wells( 01892 800492) Sevenoaks( 01732 441023) Rochester( 01634 814420) www. right-tuition. co. uk
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