Frequently Asked Questions

 

As English is the only compulsory subject in the HSC, performing well is not an option – it is imperative.

Excelling in English:

    •    encourages students to appreciate and enjoy a variety of literary and non-literary texts.
    •    assists students in their understanding and responses to a host of other subjects within the school curriculum.
    •    ensures students are well prepared for today’s competitive employment market, where articulation and confidence in oral communication and the written word are the key indicators of work place success.

 

An effective teacher and productive

lesson means less

01

Which students will benefit from this type of tutoring?

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Whether you’re coming first in class and looking to accelerate ahead of your peers, or you’re falling behind and need assistance in catching up with the rest of your class mates, HD Tutoring has a class to suit you. The aim of HD Tutoring is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to tackle the demands of the English 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 with their transition into university life and beyond.

02

Why do I need English tutoring?



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.

03

Why should my child join a class?
 

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 and conducive classroom where students are respectful and confident enough to share ideas ultimately prepares them for interaction with peers and colleagues later in life.

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What are the benefits of group tuition?

 

 

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.

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

 

 

Yes, we do offer one on one and small group tuition, particularly for students who are very behind in their work or in need of assistance with a particular area of English or Maths. However, one on one tutoring is more costly, and places are subject to availability.

07

Do I have to pass a test to be accepted?

 

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 to 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 helped hundreds of struggling students achieve their full potential and in doing so, learn to appreciate and enjoy learning.

08

How often do the tutors change?

 

 

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 many centres which rely on large numbers of unqualified and inexperienced tutors, at HD Tutoring we pride ourselves on our very minimal staff turn around. Ms Hien Dang has taught over 95% of all English students who have enrolled at the centre.

09

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

 

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.’

10

Can you help me with my school homework and assignments?

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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.

Why are there younger students in some of the classes?

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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 the tutor believes it would be more suitable for the students’ educational progress. Younger students will only be accelerated to a more advanced year level if the tutor is confident that they can manage the content and pace of the lessons.

11

What is the minimum duration for each tutoring session?

 

At HD Tutoring, our students attend a single two hour 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 two hour 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.

 

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What is your homework policy?

 

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 40mins a week completing tutoring work. It is important that parents understand that the main purpose of tutoring is to ultimately assist students with their school work. Tutoring should never overshadow a child’s school home work and assignments. Rather than distribute copious amounts of homework, we aim to provide our students with the necessary knowledge and skills during class time so that each child can independently complete their own homework and assignments.

 

14

How do I follow my child’s progress?

 

Parents are encouraged to regularly peruse their child’s work books. 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.

 

15

How much do you charge for tuition?

 

One of the benefits of conducting group tuition is that we are able to keep our fees very low. Depending on the child's year level, parents will only pay $120 - $140 a month (4 week cycles), which translates to around $32 for a two hour lesson.

 

In addition, we also offer multiple siblings as well as multiple subjects discounts.

What happens if I miss a lesson?

 

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.