Unlocking pupils’ potential

There’s a growing demand for extra support for children outside of school.

One local centre, which has over 200 pupils on its books, is holding an Open Day at The Forum next month for parents who want to find out more.

First Class Learning run centres in Cringleford as well as Taverham and Thorpe.

They aim to offer extra support and practice in English and Maths to help children get nearer to their full potential. Director, Charles Nevick, says they come for a range of reasons: “Some children come because they’re struggling and some come because they are bored at school. You get very bright, even gifted children who need to be stretched.”

The pupils range from age 4 upwards to GCSE. The director of First Class Learning explains: “No school can be all things to all children. Even the best schools are constrained by the other things they have to do, so the time spent practising Maths and English has been reduced.”

The children do a little work every day, typically 10-15 minutes per subject. During the sessions, the children are offered one-to-one support if they need it as they work through the programme: “Every child can do better with a little practice and support.”

Children who sign up with them, find they become more confident in key areas: “We get children who say ‘I know I’m thick’ which is a terrible thing for a child to say at any age. Given practice and help, practically everyone can do better. We get children coming almost every week who say they’ve moved up a set in school and they’re so pleased.”"

The work is linked to the National Curriculum, with practice papers provided for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 tests, and GCSE. First Class Learning also run additional sessions for Year 6 children coming up to the change from primary to high school: “A lack of understanding in Year 6 inevitably means allocation to a “low set” on arrival at high school, with the associated disadvantages that brings.”

A free trial is available at any time, subject to capacity. The cost of First Class Learning is £50/month for a child doing one subject.  For a second subject, or for a sibling, the cost is £35/month.  There is a one-off £15/family enrolment fee. There are no set times for arrival; parents drop at staggered times during a session. The centres are open on three afternoons per week after school, Saturday mornings and for part of the school holidays.

Prospective parents can call 01603 423405 for an information pack.

The Open Day at The Forum outside The Millennium Library is on Saturday 25th February 2012 between 9am and 4pm, giving parents a chance to see examples from the programmes, pick up leaflets, and talk to staff and current students.