Question 1

Why do I need English tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Apart from being a very challenging and complex subject, English is the only compulsory subject in the HSC. Our tutors will explain and reinforce concepts taught at school which students often struggle to understand or simply forget. Being the only mandatory subject in the HSC, students cannot afford to fail English, and excelling in this subject will certainly give them an edge over their peers at school. It will also set the foundation for future learning and progress in the real world. For many people, it is not until they enter the work force that they realise the value of accurate grammar and articulate written and verbal communication.

Question 2

Do you offer one on one tuition or small class tuition?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we can offer one-on-one as well as small group tuition, particularly for students who are significantly behind or require assistance with a particular topic in the short term. However, private tutoring fees are significantly higher, and places are strictly subject to availability.

Question 3

What are the benefits of group tuition?

Accepted Answer

Being part of a vibrant class definitely has its benefits. First of all, there is less pressure to answer difficult questions. Many students are daunted by the idea of sitting alone with a tutor for any extended period of time, so being amongst their peers is motivating and presents students with the opportunity to learn from both the teacher as well as their peers. Secondly, friendly competition amongst students alleviates boredom during lessons while it allows them to gauge how they are performing in relation to students from other schools. And needless to say, unlike one-on-one tuition which can be very expensive, group tuition is certainly much more affordable.

Question 4

Which students will benefit from this type of tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Whether your child is coming first in class and looking to accelerate, or they're falling behind and need assistance to catch up, HD Tutoring has a class to suit. Our aim is to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the demands of the English and Mathematics curriculum. We also endeavour to develop every student’s ability to listen, follow instructions and respond with confidence and clarity. Hence, students who are particularly shy and reserved will be encouraged to involve themselves in class discussions within an open and friendly educational environment. We are certain that the experiences gained by learning with us will assist students transition into university life and beyond.

Question 5

Why should my child join a class?

Accepted Answer

At HD Tutoring, we believe that the best way for students to learn is to be part of a vibrant, interactive and friendly classroom environment where every student is encouraged to participate in their own learning. Just like within any learning environment, the tutor’s primary role is to facilitate and guide the lesson so that students can respond to and share ideas with each other. A well managed classroom, where students are respectful and confident enough to share ideas, ultimately prepares them for interaction with peers and colleagues later in life.

Question 6

Do I have to pass a test to be accepted?

Accepted Answer

We are not interested in attracting only high achieving students to boost our reputation. Students are assessed during their first lesson to determine their strengths and weaknesses so they can be assigned the most suitable classes. No student will be turned away based on the outcome of this assessment as we strongly believe that the purpose of tutoring is to assist all students, particularly those who require the most help with their education. We pride ourselves on having assisted thousands of students achieve their full potential and in the process, appreciate and enjoy the whole learning process.

Question 7

How often do the tutors change?

Accepted Answer

One of the most important elements in education is consistency. At HD Tutoring, students can expect to be taught and monitored by the same tutor throughout their educational experience. Unlike most centres which rely on a pool of unqualified and inexperienced university students, at HD Tutoring, we pride ourselves on our ZERO staff turn around. Ms Hien Dang and Mr Anthony Cheong teach 98% of  the students enrolled at HD Tutoring.

Question 8

Can you teach the specific texts which my child studies at school?

Accepted Answer

Although we may analyse passages or extracts from a variety of texts which appear on the school curriculum, we do not focus on any particular text for any extended period of time. Because our focus is on developing students’ skills in analysis and writing, we believe that general discussion and modelling of exceptional responses is more than sufficient to equip students with the ability to apply their knowledge to their own work. We’re sure you’ve all heard of the Chinese proverb: ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day; show him how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’

Question 9

Can you help me with my school homework and assignments?

Accepted Answer

We do encourage students to approach us if they are struggling to understand certain aspects of their school work. However, at HD Tutoring, it is our aim to empower our students with the necessary knowledge and skills to complete their own homework and assignments. Most of our students produce exceptional results upon submission of their school homework and assessments which they complete independently. Students’ school results speak for themselves and are a testament to the knowledge and skills our students develop over the course of their tuition.

Question 10

Why are there younger students in some of the classes?

Accepted Answer

Students who show a marked improvement in their ability, or new students who perform exceptionally well in their initial assessment, are often encouraged to join more advanced classes if we believe it will be in their best interest. Younger students will only be accelerated to an advanced class if we are confident they can manage the content and pace of the lessons.

Question 11

What is the minimum duration for each tutoring session?

Accepted Answer

At HD Tutoring, our students attend a single 1 hour 45 min lesson once a week. During each tutorial, students are engaged in a range of reading, writing and speaking activities which are aimed at reinforcing their knowledge as well as their analytical and interpretive skills. Every lesson focuses on and develops specific areas. A 1 hour 45 min lesson is necessary as it allows the tutor sufficient time in which to provide students with detailed explanations, modelling of responses, workbook activities and correction of answers. Such in-depth and intensive in-class tuition means that students gain the most out of every lesson, thus minimising the need for excessive homework.

Question 12

What is your homework policy?

Accepted Answer

Unlike most tutoring centres, we do not burden our students with excessive homework. As most of the work is completed and marked during class time, homework is always kept to a minimum, with the majority of students expected to spend no more than 40 mins a week completing tutoring work. It is important for parents to understand that the main purpose of tutoring is to ultimately assist students with their school work. Tutoring should never overshadow a child’s school homework and assignments. Rather than distribute copious amounts of homework, we teach our students the necessary skills during class time so they can independently complete their own homework and assignments.

Question 13

How do I follow my child’s progress?

Accepted Answer

Parents are encouraged to regularly peruse their child’s workbooks. A student’s workbook contains all of the child’s work completed and marked during each lesson. If parents wish to discuss their child’s progress or any concerns they may have regarding tuition, they are welcome to call the centre and speak directly with the tutor.

Question 14

What happens if I miss a lesson?

Accepted Answer

Once a student enrols at HD Tutoring, it is an expectation that the student attends every scheduled lesson for the duration of his or her enrolment. If for any reason, a student cannot attend a particular lesson, it is the student’s responsibility to contact the centre prior to the missed lesson (if possible) to arrange a catch-up lesson. Please note that all tuition fees must be paid in full and are non-refundable. If a student fails to attend a catch-up lesson, he or she will forfeit the fee for that lesson. In the case of extended absence due to holidays or family circumstances, fees may be waived at the discretion of the tutor.

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