BUSINESS
KENT BUSINESS PROFILE : insideKENT interviews Arthur Ponsonby of THE RIGHT TUITION COMPANY
Before launching The Right Tuition Company this year , what did you do , and what brought you to start your company ?
The Right Tuition Company is a continuation of our previous company , Bright Young Things . We have just changed our name ! Prior to starting our tuition centres in Kent ( Rochester , Tunbridge Wells and Sevenoaks ), I taught in a London primary school for three years , where I received my teacher training . Through teaching classes that often exceeded thirty pupils , many of whom had disparate levels of skill , ability and enthusiasm , I was awoken immediately to the importance of small class sizes ; a privilege enjoyed by many private schools . Like any teacher , I wished to exude my passion and creativity upon every class . Thus , I formed The Right Tuition Company to offer children a more personalised approach to education in the shape of small group learning , where each child ' s interests and objectives can be met .
What makes you stand out from other tuition companies in the South East ?
Unlike many tuition centres , we are not computerbased . We offer a traditional philosophy of education that is centred around the development of skills , knowledge and confidence through inspirational teacher-led instruction . When a new pupil arrives at one of our centres , we take time to meet with them and learn about their key interests and characteristics . Getting to know and understand the individual is vital . It is essential that a decent rapport is established between pupil and teacher and the child feels wholly at ease with their new learning environment .
At the outset , we conduct a free formal academic assessment , which enables us to identify areas of relative strength and weakness . Within 24hrs , parents receive a detailed report containing marks and full analytical feedback of performance in specific topics . This is not a horrible test ; however , a wonderfully effective learning tool that provides a pragmatic and systematic programme of action for that child ' s future progress and development . Every child gets their first class free of charge . This taster session allows a child to get a feel for their new surroundings . Both parents and children can feel relaxed , comfortable and assured that they have made the right choice in choosing The Right Tuition Company .
We strive to fill the gaps that schools find so incredibly hard to fill . We offer personal feedback to every parent after each class . Here , notable achievements and areas of progress are highlighted and gaps in knowledge are pinpointed . We outline homework for completion in the interim period between then and the following class . Work is marked meticulously , with a short report compiled at the end of each piece of work . Our exclusive learning materials can only be accessed by RTC pupils . They are revised constantly and are an indispensable factor in enabling our pupils to succeed and excel .
What do you consider to be the essential ingredients for a successful tuition class ?
Within our classes , our teachers get children to think for themselves . Teachers at RTC create an environment that encourages pupils to ask questions , develop an inquisitive mindset and become a curious learner that is incentivised to go beyond the textbook in their quest to learn . Inspirational and charismatic teaching , that is underpinned by a traditional philosophy of education , make lessons fun and stimulating . If children are enjoying themselves in the classroom , that suggests that they are engaged and motivated . The sight of children charging up the stairs with radiating smiles on their faces after a long day at school , ready for their weekly class at RTC , is my ultimate indicator as to whether we are providing the right sort of tuition for children .
It is imperative that children can accelerate learning at their own pace . No one size fits all . Our exclusive learning materials are designed in a way that allows children to not be forced on to a more challenging genre of question until they feel ready and suitably equipped to do so . Likewise , a child will never be in danger of plateauing through being stuck on a level of work
that doesn ' t challenge them sufficiently . Every child is different , and the small group environment affords the opportunity for each child to maximise their own potential and challenge themselves in a positive and productive manner .
How do you assess pupils ' progress during their time with you ?
Our teachers are always on hand to have regular consultations with parents – be that via telephone , email or in-person at the centre . Parents really appreciate the close contact that they get with their child ' s teacher and the bespoke feedback that we offer .
We also conduct formal Eleven Plus Mock Assessments at the end of each term for pupils in Year 5 . This allows children to get some exam practice , cite gaps in knowledge and gauge expectation of how much progress has been achieved within that term . Assessment is an integral part of everything that we do .
With Tuition Centres at : Tunbridge Wells ( 01892 800492 ) Sevenoaks ( 01732 441023 ) Rochester ( 01634 814420 ) www . right-tuition . co . uk
170