If your child is struggling in class and needs help with language and Maths skills, small-group tutoring can help them catch up, keep up and get ahead.

What is small-group tutoring?

Small-group tutoring typically means a small student-to-teacher ratio, that is, a small number of students working with one teacher. It mimics the familiar dynamic of a classroom, but operates on a much smaller scale, allowing for one-on-one attention as well as time for independent learning.

Why do students need tutoring?

Unfortunately, many students fail to develop essential skills in English, Afrikaans, and Maths.

A recent report by the Grattan Institute stated, “Studies estimate that typically about 20 percent of students will need additional learning support, on top of universal classroom instruction, to develop foundational literacy and numeracy skills.”

What are the benefits of small-group tutoring?

• Small-group tutoring offers a more personalised experience, increased attention and a learning program customised to a child’s learning needs. This approach includes the one-on-one support needed to achieve students’ learning goals, as well as time for the student to work independently on tasks and build confidence.
• Small-group tutoring allows tutors to observe learning in action. The tutor can closely monitor individual progress and identify areas of improvement and provide constructive feedback.
• Small-group tutoring means students are not learning in isolation. Students actively participate in a group setting which builds confidence and a sense of belonging.

It’s no surprise that small-group training is becoming a popular option in education to help students falling behind in essential English and Maths skills.

In fact, a 2021 review of international evidence by Australian-based organisation Evidence for Learning showed small-group tuition can boost student learning by as much as four months, on average, over the course of a year!

How does Kip McGrath small-group tutoring work?

Kip McGrath has used this trusted method to successfully deliver foundational learning and has the track record to prove that this approach works. Over the past 45 years, Kip McGrath has helped millions of children catch up, keep up and achieve their learning goals.

Kip McGrath programs are designed for success and are individually created for your child’s learning needs and their own style of learning.

As a first step, Kip McGrath offers a free 40–60-minute ability assessment with a qualified teacher to identify your child’s strengths and learning gaps and to start them at the correct level.

Our weekly tutoring sessions run in small groups of up to five for approximately 60 minutes.

Students have the flexibility to undertake tuition either in a local centre, or online via our purpose-built online tutoring platform, or a combination of both.

Weekly sessions are fun and engaging and include a mix of computer and written work, short-burst activities, one-on-one time, and feedback. Importantly, they also include independent learning to build confidence and increase self-esteem.

One topic is covered per tuition session allowing for focus on the subject matter and students have the same teacher every lesson, which helps build a trusted relationship.

The tutor will set goals and timeframes and keeps parents updated with progress reports along the way.

“Small-group tutoring at Kip McGrath has been an absolute godsend for my daughter. With their unwavering support she has gone from having severe anxiety and panic attacks regarding mathematics, to an extremely happy and confident young lady who can now tackle any math equation that comes her way.”

Crystal Sargeant

Kip McGrath offers personalised learning programmes for primary and secondary students in their core subjects.  A free assessment helps to identify a child’s strengths and learnings gaps. Individualised lessons are planned and offered by qualified teachers tailored to address each child’s specific learning needs. The learning programme specialises in comprehension, reading, spelling in English and Afrikaans, as well as Maths.