Online Tutoring for GCSE Maths, Well I Never!

As you'll know JJ is my eldest at 8 years so I have not really started to think ahead to GCSE's yet, the adolescent years ahead are still scary to me. As someone who got a D in her GCSE maths I do have a niggling worry that I might not be able to keep up with JJ when he gets to a certain level. He is a very bright boy and excels in maths and luckily I can still keep up with him right now but roll forward a few years and add algebra, trigonometry or Pythagoras into the mix and I truly have no idea.  On some levels it does baffle me how I managed to get a BA (Hons) and a Masters (both with outstanding results if I say so myself) and still be rubbish at maths.

I learnt this week that I do not need to worry though, help is at hand and not just any old help but assistance that is convenient and not going to cost me the earth. Have you heard of iTutorMaths before?  No I had not either, but do read on if you have children who are preparing for their maths GCSE as iTutorMaths may just be the answer to your prayers for help. 


First off take a quick look at this video and see what it is all about. It is only 2 minutes, what are you waiting for?



And here are a few questions that I thought every parent would want to know the answers to -

In a nutshell what is iTutorMaths?
iTutorMaths is an innovative new way of providing top-class tuition to a techno-generation within the constraints of an economic recession. It takes the very best maths tutors, and broadcasts them live to small groups of students anywhere in the country, via the Internet.

I have never heard of online tuition before? How does it work in practicality?
Like traditional tuition, iTutorMaths is based on the principle that interactivity between pupil and teacher is key to understanding and success. Students log-in to their own, secure, online environment, and engage with their teacher as if face to face, except from the comfort of their own home.

What about if my child works better on a 1:1 basis rather than in a group setting?
Many parents believe that 1:1 tuition would be “more effective” for their child. The fact is that iTutorMaths incorporates different methods of teaching into its practise, and students are placed individually into “break-out rooms”, to complete exercises and worksheets, wherein they have ample opportunity to ask questions and engage their tutor in 1:1 conversation.

It should also be considered that leading educational psychologists have confirmed that group learning and peer-to-peer learning plays a vital part in the learning process, and can contribute to the achievement of a better level of comprehension than 1:1 alone.

What are the benefits of online tutoring rather than the traditional face-to-face?
The benefits are simple. It is much easier to access tuition via the Internet than it is to get your child to a tutor’s home; it’s a fraction of the price of traditional, face-to-face tuition; and the variety of method that it enables us to offer means that your child has the best possible chance at achieving the grades they need.

Will I need to buy expensive new equipment to access your tutoring?
Alongside a computer/laptop and the Internet (of which most households in Britain already possess), all that is required is a simple, USB headset (with microphone). This can be set up in minutes, and the one that we recommend using costs only £15!

How much are the tutoring session going to cost me?
Our sessions run at only £15 per lesson, lower than the national average cost of tuition!

What age range is your tutoring aimed at?
GCSE students, either Year 10 or 11; younger children who are being encouraged to take their exams earlier; and we even run a separate service for adult-learners who are returning to their GCSEs, and feel they require help.

Is this just something for very smart kids?
Not at all. In fact, we run courses that are tailored specifically to students who are struggling with their maths, as well as courses for those keen to achieve the highest grades.

How can I rest assured that the tutor will be suitability qualified and checked? And does my child retain the same tutor on an on-going basis?
We are committed to the highest standards. We only hire experienced and proven teachers, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience of tuition, who are experts in the curriculum. They are all required to submit to a CRB check, and provide the appropriate credentials to prove their quality.

Will my child receive homework that they have to complete outside of the tutoring session?
Students receive worksheets and other revision materials to be completed outside of the sessions; however, this work perfectly compliments any homework that they are set from their school, and is weighted in order that it does not distract priority from their existing school work.

How often will their tutoring be? Is it one session each week?
Our support course consists of one session each week, however iTutorMaths also has revision courses, which start later, but entail two sessions a week.

I showed JJ this clip showing a sample tutorial and his response was, 'that's cool Mum when can I start?', I had to explain he had just a few years yet. I do have to admit I have bred a bit of a Maths/ IT/ Science nerd, lucky he is super cute.




So what do you think?  Would you use an online tutoring service? After seeing the demo I think I would if JJ needs thne help at that stage.

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post