Are Top Class Tutoring educators registered teachers?

Nicholas is a qualified teacher, an accredited tutor and has over 25 years’ experience in training and education.  He has operated his own learning centre for seven years prior to commencing Top Class Tutoring.  Nicholas also holds a Queensland Government Blue Card.

How long should my child attend tutoring?

How long a student attends tutoring is an individual matter. There is no clear-cut answer. The length of time a student should undertake tutoring is determined by many factors including the starting level of the student, the student’s rate of learning, the effort applied by the child, their persistence and the time it takes for confidence to be developed. Once confidence comes, then a student can learn independently and tutoring might then, not be required. It is recommended that students may cease tutoring when their academic level is approximately six months in advance of their chronological age. At this time enough skills will have developed to allow the student the confidence and ability to ‘go it alone’.

How much computer work is involved at tutoring?

Computers are not central to tutoring, and we believe more in the ‘pen and paper’ approach. Students have enough exposure to computers at school and at home, so we try to limit their interactions with it.

It does vary from session to session, but computers are used sparingly. Computers are a valuable tool for consolidating skills that have already been taught or which are to be reviewed following direct instruction. Also, computers are used to cover routine skills that are best covered using this tool.

What are some of the services offered by Top Class Tutoring?

For safety reasons, students must remain at the centre until parents collect them from tutoring.

  • After school tutoring for primary school learners at competitive rates.
  • A comfortable learning environment where students will want to come.
  • Thorough pre-tutoring assessment to determine the starting point for tutoring.
  • Carefully sequenced tutoring programs tailored to each student’s needs (interests, preferred learning styles, learning level and rate).
  • Individualised and flexible tutoring programs in an environment that encourages independence, organisation, confidence and success.
  • Quick summary/feedback verbally given to parents at the end of each session of tutoring, where possible.
  • Interviews with parents about their child’s tutoring as arranged.
What areas / regions does Top Class Tutoring service?

Students attend tutoring from the areas of Hawthorne, Bulimba, Balmoral, Morningside, Norman Park, Cannon Hill and surrounding areas.

What happens at tutoring?

This largely depends on the level and needs of your child. All students are tutored as individuals. Even when working in a small group, they will still be working on their own individual tasks or programs.

Students may undertake tutoring activities for literacy and numeracy up to year six and will have their program to work on that has been carefully developed from detailed assessments that will have been undertaken prior to enrolment.

Students work quietly and productively in an open space and may participate in a range of exercises such as sensory and hands-on activities using movement, tactile and concrete materials, pen and pencil activities and limited computer tasks. Students are encouraged to develop independence and have some control over their own learning. Reflecting on learning and being able to communicate their learning to others (e.g. parents) is central to our work at Top Class Tutoring.

What is your general philophy of tutoring?
  • It is our aim to determine how each child learns and provide a tutoring program that suits their individual needs.  Our goal is to help each student develop the independence and confidence required to succeed.
  • It is important to first determine the level of a student in order to assist him or her to move forward.
  • Learning often proceeds better for students when:
    • Content is carefully sequenced;
    • The learning environment is well-structured;
    • Teaching is adjusted to their preferred learning style, rate, level and interests;
    • Group numbers are kept small; and
    • There are other motivated students doing the same kinds of things.
    • Interesting activities make learning fun, but the most enjoyment is had when learning is accompanied by success.
    • The value placed on education and tutoring by parents and others can have a positive influence on a student’s motivation to learn.
What students do you tutor?
  • Top Class Tutoring specialise in primary aged learners, from years one to six.
  • Students who want to extend themselves in their learning. Such students might be those whereby their present school does not offer extension programs.
  • Students who have fallen behind in school for some reason, e.g. absence due to illness or hospitalisation, change of school, education system or learning difficulty.
  • Students who learn best in a structured setting where participant numbers are kept small.
  • Students who require that little extra, individualised assistance that may not be readily available at school when it is needed. (Schools and teachers are under enormous pressure especially where there is such a wide range of students for whom they must cater.)
  • Students whose parents sometimes feel unsure about how they can best help their children with their schoolwork.
  • Students (and parents) who may like to know their ability level when compared to others of a similar age.
What payment methods are accepted?

Top Class Tutoring Brisbane accept the following payment methods:

  • Cash or Credit Card at centre
  • Bank Transfer