INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS and the COMMON ENTRANCE TEST preparatory tuition
(for schools that charge fees) 7+, 10+, 11+ & 13+
Spring term 2010 tuition with Dr Karen O'Rourke Clear, purposeful tuition through motivation and understanding
(Note before you call me that there are NO vacancies for children in Year Five, so please do not call me to enquire about this age group.
There are 11+ vacancies only for students in Year Four. Please call to arrange an assessment this term.) NEWSFLASH! 2nd March, 2010 All five students who sat the foundation grammar school tests have a place at either a King Edward Foundation or Queen Mary's Grammar School. The entrance tests for these schools is administered by the University of Durham C.E.M. tests.
NEWSFLASH! 20th February, 2010:
All four students who sat the independent schools tests have been offered places at KES or KEHS; and the two candidates whose parents applied for an assisted place were each awarded one!
Please call Dr Karen any morning, Monday to Saturday, for an informal discussion without obligation on (0121) 554 1220.
(Note before you call me that there are currently 11+ vacancies only for students in Year Four)
What is the secret of my students' success?
English for scholarship level to individual students, or in small groups of five students or fewer.
ENGLISH
English is my specialist subject and passion!
- I monitor progress and provide parents with regular, straightforward feedback and advice to address problem areas. I ensure that students’ progress is maintained by regular testing using past and sample papers from the relevant schools, and a range of worksheets which give clear explanations of features of the scheme of work.
Reading
I encourage all my students to become active and discerning readers at home. When I begin teaching an individual child, I make every effort to find a programme of suitable literature for them to enjoy, not endure!
Therefore, the tuition I offer is suited particularly to those bright girls and boys who are also reluctant readers!
Comprehension
With me, students preparing for entry into independent schools become familiar with a wide range of poetry, fiction and non-fiction which they will learn to read, to understand and to respond to critically and appreciatively.
Sentence grammar, punctuation, syntax and proof-reading
I ensure that my students understand the component parts of a sentence so that they are equipped to organise their ideas into clear, structured sentences.
I provide students with the building blocks of skill that enable them to proof-read and check their own work with confidence.
I support all teaching with clear revision notes, which I write myself.
Writing skills (composition) Writing skills go hand-in-hand with effective reading skills.
I teach narrative (story) and descriptive prose and poetry; argumentative, discursive, critical and evaluative writing skills.
My syllabus incorporates various fiction and non-fiction genres, including writing play-scripts, speeches and oral and written presentations. All students will be encouraged to read widely while they receive tuition from me.
The development and practice of children’s writing is my speciality subject and major interest.
MATHEMATICS
I teach the full Key Stage 2 (primary) curriculum of number, shape and space, handling data and basic algebra. I attach particular importance to understanding the basis of and a systematic approach to mathematics.
I break down explanations into bite-sized, manageable parts, and support this with clear handwritten or printed notes, which I write myself for students to revise at home.
REASONING
I teach techniques in verbal, numerical and (where appropriate) non-verbal reasoning.
My students make progress in reasoning by increasing their vocabulary through reading, and learning how a thorough awareness of grammar and Greek and Latin particles in words can improve their reasoning.
Practical matters: When will my next 11+courses be held?
In the spring term 2010, I will start a group of Year Four students, which will meet weekly on Mondays in term time. A planned programme of work will prepare children for all grammar schools in the Birmingham and Walsall areas. The group's focus is on the no-fee grammar schools; but I also offer individuals within that group the opportunity of individual or group tuition for for for the selective independent schools.
Please be aware that in providing a service of high-quality, mainly individual and small group tuition, I organise the teaching I undertake under clearly-defined terms and conditions and contracts with parents, which are reviewed and, subject to performance, can be renewed each term.
Therefore, the tuition that I provide is best suited to motivated, well-organised families for whom a balanced education and wider interests and the welfare of a child takes priority over parents’ work commitments and wider family and social functions.
Also, kindly note that in line with good practice, I will accept primary school-aged students for individual tuition only when they are accompanied by a responsible adult, preferably a parent, or a sibling over 16 years of age.
(Note before you call me that there are NO vacancies for children in Year Five, so please do not call me to enquire about this age group.
There are 11+ vacancies only for students in Year Four. Please call to arrange an assessment this term.) Telephone: (0121) 554 1220
SKYPE VIDEO CONFERENCE: (free to call on broadband) drkarenorourke
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