Nelson Mandela once said  “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world”.  Education is not only developed through the amount of words on a page or number of pages in a book; but also through one’s confidence in their ability to learn. In the fast-paced and competitive world of education, parents are constantly seeking ways to provide their children with a competitive edge. One avenue that has gained increasing popularity is enrolling children in extra lessons outside of regular school hours. These supplementary classes, whether in subjects like math, science or language arts can have a profound impact on a child’s academic success and overall development. In this article, we will explore the myriad of benefits that extra lessons offer to school children and why parents might consider incorporating them into their children’s educational journey. Extra lessons help build the foundation of a child’s confidence – children feel more valued as their time is spent with a smaller student-tutor ratio. Extra lessons provide additional support in homework, test preparation, additional reviews as well as a stronger drive for the child to perform his/her very best. The confidence experienced is indispensable for the child, and the success of each child is focused on without distraction.  Extra lessons can help to save time and effort, especially in busy homes where parents have limited time to help their children with schoolwork. As private tuition generally takes place in a quite area or even at home, students feel that they have a safe environment for open discussion, they will be more willing to ask questions with confidence and will experience a freedom of speaking out. Extra lessons allow for teaching through innovative methods and tutors are more than willing to experiment with new teaching styles that work more effectively for their individual students. Personalised lesson plans One of the key advantages of extra lessons is the opportunity for personalised lessons which create a learning experience tailored to your child’s individual needs. In a traditional classroom setting, teachers are faced with the challenge of accommodating a diverse range of students learning styles, needs and work pace. In contrast, extra lessons are either done in small groups, or individually, which allows tutors to adapt their teaching methods to suit the individual child’s needs. This individualised attention helps children to grasp challenging concepts more easily which in turn builds a solid foundation for future learning to take place. Improved study techniques Tutors build good relationships with the students they teach. This enables the tutors to understand how each child learns best. They have the time and capacity to guide their students in the best study techniques. Most tutors are equipped with knowledge, skills and resources to bolster a child’s study techniques. Learning this lifelong skill effectively has a lasting impact on a child’s education. Increased self confidence Confidence is a cornerstone of academic success. Sadly, many children struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, particularly in subjects they find difficult. Extra lessons offer a safe and supportive environment for children to tackle their weaknesses head-on, free from peer judgement or time constraints. Success breeds confidence! As students grasp difficult concepts and see improvement in their academic performance, they gain a sense of accomplishment. This newfound confidence often extends beyond the classroom, positively influencing other aspects of their lives. A confident child is more likely to actively participate in class, ask questions and approach challenges with a positive mindset. Improved academic results The most obvious benefit of extra lessons is the positive impact they have on a child’s academic performance. Whether a child is struggling with a specific subject, or aiming to excel in a particular are, the additional instruction outside of the classroom can help to make a significant difference. The focused and targeted approach of extra lessons helps to reinforce core concepts, fill gaps in knowledge and provide additional practice, all of which contribute to improved results and a better understanding of subject content. Increased responsibility Enrolling in extra lessons requires a commitment of time and effort, which fosters valuable skills such as time management and discipline. Children learn to balance the demands of school work, co-curricular activities and extra lessons, which develops important life skills that will serve them well in the future. The structured nature of extra lessons creates a sense of responsibility and helps children understand the importance of setting goals, managing their time and staying organised.  Increased determination to succeed In the age of digital distractions and instant gratification, cultivating a genuine passion for learning has never been more critical. Extra lessons have the power to reignite this spark by infusing subjects with creativity, enthusiasm, and real-world relevance. Extra lessons prioritise meaningful engagement, employ interactive activities, hands-on experiments, and interdisciplinary approaches to captivate young minds. By instilling a love for learning from an early age, extra lessons lay the groundwork for a lifelong journey of curiosity, exploration, and intellectual fulfilment. A safe space to ask questions Every child is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. Extra lessons recognize this individuality and offer tailored support to address each child’s specific needs. Whether it’s providing additional practice exercises, adapting teaching methodologies, or offering one-on-one guidance, tutors can personalize the learning experience to maximize each child’s potential. This personalized approach extends beyond academic pursuits, fostering holistic development by nurturing essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication. By catering to the diverse needs of every learner, extra lessons unlock a world of opportunities for personal growth and development. In the modern educational landscape, the quest for academic excellence is a journey that both parents and children embark upon together. As parents, we constantly seek avenues to enhance our children’s learning experiences and equip them with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly competitive world. By harnessing the power of supplementary learning, we empower our children to unlock their full potential and embark on a journey of lifelong learning and achievement.