Clubs & Classes Unlock your child’s learning potential As we look to the start of a new school year, it’s time to think about how you can support your child’s learning. At your local study centre, Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes tailored to all ages and abilities. Established for over 50 years, Kumon’s unique worksheet-based method can help your child to excel academically, develop their capacity for learning independently and boost their all-round confidence. We all know the importance of maths and English. At the start of a new term it’s especially important that your child gets to grips with these core subjects and with the learning skills vital for academic progression. Kumon’s unique method of learning focuses on your child’s individual needs, providing them with transferable study skills such as concentration and time management and ensuring they progress at their own pace. Before enrolling, your child will benefit from a Free Assessment. This will determine where on the programmes they will begin and will ensure that their Kumon study is individualised to their needs from the outset. Once enrolled, your child will visit the centre every week and have daily worksheets to study at home. They will begin studying at a level they are comfortable with, consolidating familiar topics before moving on to something new. At the study centre, the Instructor will monitor their progress, setting new work as appropriate and encouraging them to take ownership of their learning. By working at a steady pace with guidance and support, children acquire a strong grounding in maths and English as well as fundamental tools such as self-motivation, confidence and independence in study. With a focus on advanced study, each child, regardless of age, can realise their unlimited potential. As a result, children improve their all-round academic performance and also gain the confidence to tackle new challenges both in and outside of the classroom. The Kumon programmes complement classroom learning; building speed and accuracy and developing abilities such as time management and problem solving. Above all, the programmes develop confident, independent children with a passion for learning. To book a Free Assessment, call 0800 854 714 or visit kumon.co.uk. See advert on page 2 for your nearest school.
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Improve your Child’s Reading Reading Assistant is a computer based reading program developed to boost children's reading ability. The use of advanced speech recognition and verification technology which helps children to increase their reading fluency, vocabulary and comprehension makes it unique. Once the program has assessed the child's reading ability it will allocate books at the appropriate level. With over 300 fiction and non-fiction books to choose from there is something for all tastes. The book choices offered change as the child progresses through the levels. The child selects an interesting book and the session starts with a review of the story's vocabulary. The computer then 'reads' the story to the child. There is also an option to lock the selection of books so the child goes through the appropriate grades. Then the child reads the story to the computer using headphones. As the child reads, the software records the child and provides immediate corrective feedback, enabling him/her to learn from their mistakes. The child then reviews the words that they found difficult after which they can listen to their recorded reading and read again to improve their fluency. To finish off the session there are some comprehension questions
about the story. Sessions normally last for 30 minutes and It is recommended to read from three to five times each week. Because the Reading Assistant is computer based, the student can work at home in their own environment at a time that fits in with their other activities. Judy K of St-Albans says: "My son (6yrs), for the first time, enjoys reading. I came home from work and he completed two chapters on his own. He loves to listen to himself reading." So that parents and teachers can track progress, the program gives an automatic calculation of the number of words read correctly per minute as well as a report showing how fluency and comprehension has improved over a period of time. If a child has any visual /tracking issues, parents or teachers can see the pattern of reading and can put in place an appropriate remedy. Reading Assistant can help prepare your child for the 11+ comprehension test. It is totally flexible so you can decide when to start and stop the program. There is a two week free trial available. To find out more call Florence Gardam on 07919 067343 or email centre4excellence@btconnect.com
Best Theatre Arts Launches Best School of Acting Best Theatre Arts have announced that they are joining with Tip of the Iceberg (who run drama at Trestle in St Albans and also in schools) to launch ‘Best School of Acting’ this September. Best School of Acting is a part-time school for children who are serious about learning to act and it will fill the gap between Best’s usual courses and what a child might do at stage/drama school. The schools Principal, Lisa Schulberg comments: “There are schools that offer fun drama, a bit of everything, an exploration of performance in enjoyable and nurturing ways. But what happens when you are that little bit more serious, when you want to focus on acting, when you have talent and potential that needs nurturing – but you don’t want to give up everything else or head off to a full time drama school? Take a bow, Best School of Acting - a new format that is going to help develop a new generation of performers.” The school will run on Saturday afternoons during term-time with optional classes in other disciplines like singing, audition technique or LAMDA to help create wellrounded performers. It is aimed at 8-18 year
Lisa Schulberg
olds. Best’s co-founder, David Bevan says: “We are very enthused about the potential for a school like this. We’ve already had huge interest from our students at Best Theatre Arts and we’re sure this will be a helpful, inspiring and rewarding place for young actors to come. Best’s popular weekend theatre arts classes will continue as usual.” Prior to the full launch in November there is a four week taster course starting on 29th September. Call 0845 901 1908 email info@bestschoolofacting.com or visit www. bestschoolofacting.com for more information and to book. To find out more about Best Theatre Arts call 01727 759634 email bestarts@aol.com or visit www.besttheatrearts.com