(for schools that charge fees)  11+ & 13+ 

  Spring Term 2012 

Tuition with Dr Karen O'Rourke

Clear, purposeful tuition through motivation and understanding

LATEST NEWS: 

In the Spring Term 2012, between 20th January and 30th March,  I will be holding seven workshops which will focus on comprehension and composition (writing skills) for the 11+ 'premier-league' independent  schools' entrance tests.

The workshops will take place on Fridays for two hours, between 5.15pm and 7.15pm. Students will be required to complete two tasks for homework, for which they will be equipped and prepared thoroughly in the workshop: a comprehension and composition. 

The workshops are suitable for well-organised and motivated Year Five students from state or independent schools, who will be sitting entrance tests in the next academic year (i.e. from September, 2012).

Please note that because of heavy demand, there are no places available for students sitting the common entrance examination  (i.e. students aged 12 and 13 for entry into premier league public schools) between 2011 and 2015. 

Who is suited to independent schools' preparatory tuition? 

Individual tuition for independent schools is available usually for selected students from state schools who are enrolled in an 11+ group working towards the foundation grammar school tests with me. On rare occasions, and for tuition for a short period in the main school holidays, I might accept suitably well-motivated students who attend independent prep schools which set only a small amount of regular homework.   

What is the secret of my students' success?

• Before I accept a student for tuition for independent schools, I find out the key elements of the tests and assess a child in those areas. These are usually English, mathematics and reasoning.

• I offer group or individual assessments with a view to children entering tuition with me in the future. I charge a fee for this service, which is paid in advance.

• I offer preparatory tuition in  English, mathematics and reasoning for standard entry level, and English for scholarship level to individual students, or in small groups of five students or fewer.  

• Following an initial assessment and an offer of tuition, I propose and parents agree a written scheme of work, of which they receive a copy.

• I set a relevant and realistic programme of homework each week. 

• 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 relevant schools, and a range of worksheets which give clear explanations of features of the scheme of work.

ENGLISH 

English is my specialist subject and passion! 

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

• I teach students how to approach comprehension texts with confidence and, in particular, to recognise that different types of comprehension questions require diverse approaches.  

•  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 which they will respond  critically and with appreciation.

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 and understanding. 

• 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. 
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  The development and practice of children’s writing is my speciality subject and major interest.

MATHEMATICS

• I teach the full Key Stage 2 (primary) and, where relevant and necessary,  parts of the Key Stage 3 (secondary) 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.
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  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:   

 Will tuition with Dr Karen O'Rourke suit my child?   

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  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 and conduct, can be renewed each term.