The EducateFirst Team provided students attending classes in Maths, English or Science at each learning centre the opportunity to put forward their thoughts on how the community-based learning project was being delivered.

The students, aged 5–16 years, were asked what they liked about the classes, whether they provided them benefit, and what changes they would like to see in the near future.

For their efforts, students who provided feedback were entered into an Easter prize draw. One student from each of the four Key Stage groups had the chance to win Easter eggs – well it is the last day of term. So, well done to all those who won those fabulous Easter eggs.

Fantastic feedback

The feedback from the students was very positive. The majority of students were pleased with the tutoring service and support they were receiving; however, some minor adjustments could be made to the classes to ensure the needs of students are fulfilled. Below is a selection of comments received from students in each Key Stage:

What we like about EducateFirst classes

Key Stage 1

“The teachers are really friendly. They help us with some of the things we find hard at school”

“I like coming here as I have lots of fun”

Key Stage 2

“Our teacher is the best. I did not like Maths as it is hard, but the teacher explains things and makes it more interesting so I am starting to enjoy it”

“I find my work at school easier now as I have been coming to EducateFirst. I want to keep on coming for as long as I can”

Key Stage 3

“The classes are just like being at school and we learn lots of new stuff”

“Topics are interesting and even though I have sometimes already done the work at school I find I understand it a lot better now and am confident to answer exam questions”

Key Stage 4

“We can bring in our school work and get the teacher to help us with the parts we do not understand”

“Everything about EducateFirst is brilliant – no suggestions for improvement”

“The classes provide a great atmosphere for learning – better than having a home tutor”

What changes we would like to see at EducateFirst

Key Stage 1

“I want to play more games”

Key Stage 2

“Please do not change my teacher as she is very, very nice”

“Can we have some sweets like we did at Christmas?”

Key Stage 3

“We should get more holidays like we do at school”

“We have to sit a test after completing each unit. This makes me quite nervous and I wish we did not have to do this”

Key Stage 4

“There should be the option of one-to-one tuition at the learning centre, but I do feel that group tuition has been of benefit to me personally”

“Although exam papers are provided and teachers help us with the questions, we should be allowed to sit a full mock exam during the class to see how we get on”

Next steps

The feedback received will be discussed at the next senior management team meeting and any necessary/feasible changes will be implemented moving forwards.

Parents, students and teachers can provide additional feedback online at the following link:

http://www.educatefirst.co.uk/classes-maths-english-science/submit-your-feedback-classes

We will be holding more competitions and opportunities to win prizes in the coming weeks so stay tuned.

Key Stage 3 English students at our learning centre in Dewsbury were praised for their exceptional hard work and effort during the month of February.

The students mastered the characters in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet and were able to give a descriptive account and interpretation of the play. The essays and texts produced by the group received outstanding marks by the tutor, Ms Leone, who wanted to acknowledge the group’s efforts and achievements.

Well done to Aaisha Nasir, Aayza Afzal, Aman Mujaid, Ayesha Ali, Haydar Khan, Nazma Ali, Rosina Jamil, Saif Tariq, Umaiyal Hussain and Zahra Hussain for their superb effort. Keep up the good work.

Join the Forum discussion on this post

12 January 2012

A big thank you to The University of Huddersfield for hosting another successful PGCE recruitment fair.

EducateFirst attended the event alongside other renowned names in the field to help new graduates from the university obtain teaching positions. Attendees specialised in a wide range of areas from the core subjects within the National Curriculum (Maths, English and Science) to Geography, ICT and Music. Many were looking for teaching jobs in Huddersfield as well as surrounding areas, including Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Manchester and Rochdale.

High numbers of PGCE graduates as well as NQTs has led to the few teaching jobs available in local schools being quickly snapped up, leaving many graduates looking for a way to improve their chances of obtaining a permanent teaching post. Last year EducateFirst offered new teachers a variety of options to help kick start their teaching career and this year is no different. Opportunities for new teachers are available to work as one-to-one home tutors, offering a flexible solution to suit individual needs. Teachers also have the opportunity to work as lead tutors in our learning centres in Leeds, Huddersfield and Dewsbury to support students in Key Stages 1–4. There is also the option for voluntary work in our centres to help tutors gain valuable teaching experience by shadowing qualified teachers already working within our centres.

To complement the nibbles and freebies EducateFirst offered free, impartial advice to tutors looking for specific work or wanting to keep their career options open. We also offer a CV service to tutors where we walk through their CV, application form and cover letter for teaching posts they may wish to apply for. This is a free service offered to tutors specialising in any subject area and level of education.

Missed us at the event? Don’t worry, you can still register with us here.

17 December 2011

Children attending classes at our learning centres had the opportunity to enter our Christmas competition to win one of three 4GB MP3 players. Students had to answer a series of questions, the answers to which could be found on our website and blog pages. It could not be any easier.

The competition provided children with an incentive to explore our new website and blog, allowing them to become familiar with some of the content and information available.

Congratulations to the following winners:
Haashim Nadeem (Leeds)
Eila Sarwar (Huddersfield)
Aaisha Nasir (Dewsbury)

Don’t worry if you did not win this time, there will be plenty more competitions and prizes to be won in the New Year.

All you tutors who felt left out, don’t worry you will also get your chance to shine.

12 November 2011

Today, members of the senior management team requested feedback from all students attending classes at EducateFirst Learning Centres. This feedback is essential to ensure we continue to provide a service that is of benefit to the local community.

It quickly became apparent that students were very much enjoying their attendance to the classes and recognised the benefit the community project had made to their overall performance at school. Details from the feedback received will now be discussed by the management team and, if necessary, tweaks will be made in early January 2012 to ensure the students achieve maximum benefit from their attendance and participation in class.

Missed out on the feedback session? You can provide us with feedback at any time throughout the academic year – simply fill out the feedback form here.

8 October 2011

  
Today, EducateFirst celebrated the opening of its new Dewsbury learning centre which paralleled with the start of the new academic year in both Leeds and Huddersfield.

The day had it’s fair share of minor hiccups (of some shape or form), but these were quickly resolved professionally by the tutors and management team. The students (both old and new) all very much enjoyed the class sessions. This year sees some adjustments to the teaching and learning methods used in the classes and were welcomed by all returning students who indicated that the revamped classes were definitely a positive move.

Thank you to all those involved in the preparation to start of this new year. Your fantastic support has been key to the success of this learning project for local communities.

A fabulous start to the new academic year.

1 October 2011

As part of our commitment to the community-based learning initiative, the new academic year began with a tutor briefing session / training day. Sessions were held at our learning centres in Leeds and Huddersfield. The sessions comprised presentations from members of the management team, providing guidance and highlighting key objectives of the project as well as the important role of each tutor participating in the project.

There were some familiar faces and of course some new ones just joining the project. Delegates each received a tutor handbook with details information of EducateFirst‘s syllabus and programmes of study for each subject and Key Stage. Key sections of our code of conduct were also communicated to ensure all participants are aware of the correct procedures and to ensure the smooth running of the project. In addition, a Q&A session provided tutors with the opportunity to convey their thoughts to the management team and other delegates.

This was a key part of the ongoing long-term commitment by EducateFirst and we look forward to another successful year.

- The EducateFirst Team.

Working closely with tutors, parents and children, EducateFirst has become aware of an unmet need for educational support within communities in and around West Yorkshire. We therefore teamed up with a group of talented young teachers committed to helping children achieve their educational goals.

Our open day on 17 September at the Ravensthorpe Community Centre was held to raise awareness that educational assistance is available outside of school. With over 100 attendees, the open day was a great success; students and parents received free, impartial advice on matters related to education and many sought additional support by signing up for tuition classes in Maths, English and Science for children aged 5–16 years – part of EducateFirst’s community-based learning initiative.

There were some fabulous freebies as well as a prize draw for all students who registered.

 CONGRATULATIONS to Iqra Afzal (aged 10), our top prize winner.

Iqra is the proud owner of a 10″ Google Android tablet PC.

Classes commence on Saturday 8 October at the Ravensthorpe Centre. The objective of these classes will be to help children improve their knowledge and understanding in core subjects as well as provide support with exam revision and coursework.

We look forward to working with parents and other members of the community to help children in the region reach their potential.

Not yet registered to attend classes? Only £5 per lesson – what are you waiting for? Visit http://www.educatefirst.co.uk/classes-maths-english-science.

8 September 2011

With the official education open day just around the corner, members of our marketing team volunteered to take to the streets of Dewsbury to talk to members of the community and help raise awareness of the support that will soon be available to them.

Natasha, James, Ahmed and team leader Sam roamed the streets of Ravensthorpe and Saville Town in Dewsbury, eager to chat to children and their parents, informing of the one-off FREE open day event in their area.

Over the next few days the team will be targeting different areas and handing out some fantastic freebies. So, grab them while you can.

FREE Open Day for Children’s Education (5–16 years):
Maths, English and Science

Saturday 17 September, 12-3pm

At the Ravensthorpe Community Centre

The open day will provide an opportunity for students and parents to chat to our qualified tutors about matters that are of interest to them. Free goodies, refreshments and prize draw to win a 10″ touch screen tablet computer. Details of our specialist private tuition classes in maths, English and science will be at hand. Only £5 per lesson. Students may enrol to attend classes, which start on Saturday 8 October. Don’t miss out. You can pre-register for classes here. Places are limited and we are operating on a frst come, first served basis.

Yesterday, two representatives from EducateFirst hosted a competition in collaboration with a local radio station in West Yorkshire to help raise awareness of our community-based learning initiative. The prize…an amazing 7″ Google Android tablet PC loaded with applications.

Children were encouraged to phone in and attempt to answer a series of questions live on air. There were over 70 correct entries; however there can only be one winner.

Congratulations to Attar Aslam from Huddersfield

Attar’s name was picked out of the hat after he correctly answered all questions. Well done and enjoy the prize.