The Student Support Centre..?

[andyoxon]

Has anyone come across The Student Support Centre who run home DVD support lessons (based on Nat Curr) http://www.student-support.co.uk/ We've recently had a talk to them about doing it for our two (10 & 7). It's a three (financial) committment apparently.

Andy

 

[Willow]

Never heard of them but if it is DVD only with no personal tutorial support I would doubt it would be that helpful. What happens if the children don't understand and a different way of explaining it is needed I would have thought a personal tutor is the best option so the learning style can be adapted to the children. Obviously I don't know why you are considering it. I have 2 children age 10 and 11 they go to a state school whose results (SATS and all their problems!) are fantastic but I am a Bursar at a state school whose results are good not fantastic but the children have lots of fun whilst learning, develop socially and have many many fopportunities to do new things. for comparison if you are that interested see Ofsted Reports on bushy Hill junior surrey and the raleigh school surrey and take your pick. They are young there is plenty of time for extra study let them enjoy life a little, whilst working hard at school.

 

[andyoxon]

Thanks. Youngest mini ao - probably needs some extra support on reading/ literacy. Apparently this group they have teachers available to ring up for three hrs each day. When the rep came around he got the minis to do some brief assessments, to see what 'level' they were at. The course is supposed to be tailored to the individual child AFAIA, specified modules on the DVD. They have work books and the DVD (2x5min DVD each week + 2x15min book). Every 4 months the children do an assessment... Cost about £15 a wk! (for one or two children - same price)

 

[Willow]

Agree with above perhaps also talk to school they may know someone who can help or even give you some extra worksheets/ suggestions. find something they are really interested in and let them read things relating to that. Also don't forget they develop at different stages and in different ways. My two went to same school were taught same method but one learnt to read by memorising the other phonetically so bear that in mind too.


- Personally I think even coaching for 11+ or equivs can be tricky as if the children get into the school and then need continual coaching to help them keep up that doesn't help them either.

 

[ChrisKH]

I am on the cusp of deciding whether my eldest needs tuition of sorts (aged 8). His teacher says he is getting on fine and he is in the middle/upper part of his class. However his friends are all high achievers and the school as a whole usually comes in the top ten for SATS in Essex. His form tutor this year said that extra tuition wouldn't hurt but didn't personally see the need unless he was struggling. Mum and Dad are degree educated or equivalent; he probably isn't 11+ material but his ability in 2-3 years time will determine whether he gets access to the better state school in the area, for which he will have to sit an entrance exam.

Are we being too pushy? Our take on it that his increased knowledge in the core subjects would give him greater confidence in class, which is something he can lack,especially in the face of his peers who are very able.

 

[andyoxon]

Thanks willow /crock

Basically we’re concerned youngest mini ao may fall behind in everything because she struggles with her reading. Her teacher didn’t seem too concerned at the moment, and her report was OK. Doing gymnastics has boosted her confidence generally. Really want her to catch the reading bug and for it to be fun. We do read to her, though could probably do more. Older mini ao is fine, no concerns – and has also just passed her grade 2 cello.

Anyway I’d forgotten we’d expressed an interest in TSSC, months ago, so went with this meeting to find out about what they do etc. I have to say I’m not that comfortable about signing up for £2.5K worth of DVD/workbook lessons without speaking to people who’ve been through it. Not sure why they don’t do a year at a time really, though having said that apparently they work towards the next Key stage SATS age 11. They say the course will ‘work’ if the program is adhered to.

I’ve also been recommended the “Toe by Toe” workbook to give her a ‘literacy’ boost – which does sound good.

 

[ComedyPilot]

Thanks willow /crock

Basically we’re concerned youngest mini ao may fall behind in everything because she struggles with her reading. Her teacher didn’t seem too concerned at the moment, and her report was OK. Doing gymnastics has boosted her confidence generally. Really want her to catch the reading bug and for it to be fun. We do read to her, though could probably do more. Older mini ao is fine, no concerns – and has also just passed her grade 2 cello.

Anyway I’d forgotten we’d expressed an interest in TSSC, months ago, so went with this meeting to find out about what they do etc. I have to say I’m not that comfortable about signing up for £2.5K worth of DVD/workbook lessons without speaking to people who’ve been through it. Not sure why they don’t do a year at a time really, though having said that apparently they work towards the next Key stage SATS age 11. They say the course will ‘work’ if the program is adhered to.

I’ve also been recommended the “Toe by Toe” workbook to give her a ‘literacy’ boost – which does sound good.

AO, that you are even paying that much attention to your children's development speaks volumes. They will have no problems. Just keep up the good work and they will bear fruit. EVERY child has a stumbling block. I couldn't play the cello or do gymnastics, so your little ones are already steps ahead of me. Just keep up the work and things will work out. You get out of them what you put in. As children they absorb information like a sponge, so strike whilst the iron is hot.

 

[Young Un]

i wouldn't bother unless they are deffo under achieving.

i loved my first school and learnt loads and it set my up properly for middle school, without any extra tutoring/help.

i then went to a middle school that i felt did not forfill my full potential so i asked my mom if i could take the 11+ (not compulsary where i am). for this i had some extra tutoring to just get me used to the logical thinking to make sure i had a good chance of getting in.

i think i went for about 2-3 months, and it worked and i got into a really good school i am now learning loads more than i did at middle school (im now in yr( weaiting for the government to give our flippin SAT results)

so what i am trying to say is aslong as your children are not underachieving wait for tutoring until they have their heart set on a goal(i found that learning with mates in class was the best way to learn, not working on your own like you would be with student support). so if they want to get into a good school, focus them on that and say to them they are going to have to work hard, but dont over do it, also find a good school they could go to, i now travel into a different county to get to my school.

hth

 

[surfgurl]

Have you thought about something like Kumon maths and english? There is bound to be a local class near you. It might be another avenue to investigate.
Also check with your local library what reading schemes they are running for the summer holidays. My library is doing a reading trail appropriate to all ages.
Our two were never much interested in reading or doing extra stuff. But now they are at the top end of the tricky teenage stage they are appreciate of books as presents and even, dare I say, spend their own money on books.
I think if I was in your situation I would get the kids into whatever classes and clubs they wanted to and plan lots of exciting trips and things to do over the holidays. It need not be expensive. Many museums and days out can be done free or very cheaply. Make learning fun and they will pick up the pace themselves. You can then save some money and put aside for if they need tutoring in a few years time.
With tutoring the going rate is about £25 an hour round here for specialist tutoring, where you get an hour working with a teacher and some homework. With two kids you may be able to get a deal.

 

[Arch]

Ok, coming to this as a non-parent, so feel free to disregard...

Basically we’re concerned youngest mini ao may fall behind in everything because she struggles with her reading. Her teacher didn’t seem too concerned at the moment, and her report was OK. Doing gymnastics has boosted her confidence generally. Really want her to catch the reading bug and for it to be fun. We do read to her, though could probably do more.

Yes, YOU want her to catch the reading bug. She obviously likes gymnastics. Perhaps she just isn't ready to enjoy reading. Some people like to read more than others. I always had my nose in a book as a kid, my sister was much more into doing cartwheels and running about. I can't say either of us has turned out 'better' for it. I've got a load of academic qualifications, and no idea what I want to do next, she's been the manager of a shop and deputy manager in another, and having just had her first baby was headhunted by a lady who wanted someone to help her in her shop one day a week, and knew what a good saleswoman (and 'people person') my sister is from having contacts with her old workplace.

It's very hard to put aside your own ambitions, I understand, but if her teachers aren't worried, I wouldn't want to push her, nd have her end up resenting reading as a chore. I'd assume she'll enjoy reading when it suits her to do so - perhaps if it was a book on gymnastics, or ballet or something that seemed relevant to her...

Anyway I’d forgotten we’d expressed an interest in TSSC, months ago, so went with this meeting to find out about what they do etc. I have to say I’m not that comfortable about signing up for £2.5K worth of DVD/workbook lessons without speaking to people who’ve been through it. Not sure why they don’t do a year at a time really, though having said that apparently they work towards the next Key stage SATS age 11. They say the course will ‘work’ if the program is adhered to.

Hmmm, that rings faint alarm bells - anything you have to pay so much for up front, for such a long commitment. You might find that after a few months, the younger one suddenly 'clicks' with reading anyway, and the money is wasted. I'd tend to suggest the money could be better spent as and when needed to encourage whatever interests the kids take up naturally - a sort of hobby fund.

As i say, not being a parent, I may not be qualified to comment, but it seems like a lot of money for something a little dubious...

I also hate the idea of kids having to think about exams and tests at those sorts of ages, but that's a thread all it's own...

 

[andyoxon]

Thanks for the comments. The more I think about a three yr contract based on DVD and workbooks the less I like the thought of it. I've now seen some comments on moneysavingexpert, that ring alarm bells - which you may have been thinking of Arch. From what I can see the quoted cost of the course, rather worryingly, varies a lot in peoples experience, and the contract not easy to get out of.

mini ao is conscious that she finds reading a struggle, but she does like sitting with a book looking at the pictures & making up stories. Talking to the school about extra tuition may be a way forward. Will have a look at Kumon.

 

[Arch]

mini ao is conscious that she finds reading a struggle, but she does like sitting with a book looking at the pictures & making up stories. Talking to the school about extra tuition may be a way forward. Will have a look at Kumon.

There! Maybe she's not going to be a reader, but a writer! Perhaps encouraging her to make up her own little books and write stuff herself is the way to go...

I didn't see it, but have seen a couple of reviews of a TV prog on C4 last week about adult illiteracy, and the idea that people need to learn in various different ways - like Willow said. So it might be worth looking up the various ways of learning, and trying a few different things - especially if you can make a game out of it. There was one lady, apparently, needed to physically make the shapes of letters out of pipecleaners and stuff, before it 'clicked' - just looking at them on a page didn't work... That said, it sounds like your little one has imagination, and a will to learn, and in my experience with older students, that's the really important thing. She may just 'bloom' later....

 

[summerdays]

My 7 year old has struggled a little with his reading... to the extent I was worried whether he would be able to read the questions in the SATS papers. The school took him (and others) out of a couple of lessons each week to give them more individual learning, and I think it shows at the end of the year. But he would hate having any extra coaching.

That said I know of another family where the son was dyslexic and so it was worth getting specialist extra tutition.

How long SATS will continue after these problems I dont know as I know they are going to get some of my middle child's papers remarked (I think the choas is a good cover for not doing well in the SATS after all there is the teachers mark anyway).

 

[andyoxon]

There! Maybe she's not going to be a reader, but a writer! Perhaps encouraging her to make up her own little books and write stuff herself is the way to go...

I didn't see it, but have seen a couple of reviews of a TV prog on C4 last week about adult illiteracy, and the idea that people need to learn in various different ways - like Willow said. So it might be worth looking up the various ways of learning, and trying a few different things - especially if you can make a game out of it. There was one lady, apparently, needed to physically make the shapes of letters out of pipecleaners and stuff, before it 'clicked' - just looking at them on a page didn't work... That said, it sounds like your little one has imagination, and a will to learn, and in my experience with older students, that's the really important thing. She may just 'bloom' later....

Yes, definitely something to build on. Thanks Arch.

summerdays - "to the extent I was worried whether he would be able to read the questions in the SATS papers." IMO, this is already an issue with mini ao; certainly was for a SATS comprehension she did, which we then had to go through at home. All the SATS AFAIA require the instructions to be read accurately.

 

[summerdays]

I talked it through with the school and was told that they were able to read anything other than the actual reading test and the numbers in the maths test. They also took a group of them off and did it in a separate room. I haven't discussed his result with him ... he didn't seem bothered and I would rather it was that way. But I don't seem to be able to interest him books. Luckily for him ... they don't have 11+ around here, I just have to worry how far it is to the school (too far in my case).

However they have just sent home the year 2 books and in his case there for literacy there is also a reception and year 1 book. And it was good to see them together and see the progress he has made (ok not as good as his elder siblings).

I remind myself that they aren't all the same (its hard not to compare I know both to siblings and other in the same class), and that they mature at different rates .. I knew when he went to school that he wasn't totally ready and even now he isn't convinced why he should be going to school every day rather than playing with lego.