Have a question?
Find answers to all of your questions here. 
If you are unable to find what you are looking for please get in touch.

1:1 Online Tuition Our 1:1 live online tuition service offers a unique, personalised and effective approach to helping your child succeed in their academic journey. We understand you have a choice, and wish to ensure you are making the right choices for you and your child. 1:1 tuition has many benefits for the students and although many students had a poor experience of this during lockdown, technology and systems have hugely developed, making online tuition the preferred option for many students, families and tutors. But why?... Here we look at the benefits of online learning and the specific approach from the team at Making the Grade. Personalised Attention: We understand that every child has unique learning needs and preferences. With 1:1 live online tuition, your child receives individualised attention from highly qualified tutors who tailor their teaching methods to suit your child's learning style. This personalised approach ensures that your child's specific strengths and areas for improvement are addressed effectively, maximising their learning potential. Customised Learning Experience: Unlike traditional classroom settings or larger online group sessions, our 1:1 live online tuition provides a highly personalised learning experience. We focus exclusively on your child's individual needs, allowing for targeted instruction and immediate feedback. This customised approach ensures that your child receives the attention and support necessary to thrive academically which results in much faster progress. Individualised Pace and Progress: In a traditional classroom setting, students often face challenges in keeping up with the pace of the curriculum or struggle to grasp certain concepts. With 1:1 live online tuition, your child can learn at their own pace, focusing on areas that require extra attention or spending more time on challenging topics. Our tutors continuously assess your child's progress and adapt their teaching strategies accordingly, ensuring optimal learning outcomes. Enhanced Confidence and Motivation: As with face to face tutoring, the individualised nature of our online tuition fosters a supportive and nurturing environment, promoting your child's confidence and motivation. Our tutors provide personalised feedback, encouragement, and positive reinforcement, instilling a sense of accomplishment and self-belief in your child. As they experience progress and success, their motivation to learn grows, leading to improved academic performance and a lifelong love for learning. Access to Expert Tutors: Making the Grade is proud to have a team of highly qualified and experienced tutors who are experts in their respective fields. Online tuition gives you access to all our UK based tutors who have knowledge of both the Welsh and English Curriculum and exam boards. Our tut ors are qualified teachers or subject experts and have access to our in-house tutor training, ensuring that your child gains access to exceptional educators who are passionate about helping students succeed academically and beyond. Flexible and Convenient: One of the greatest advantages of online tuition is its flexibility and convenience. Your child can receive high-quality education from the comfort of home, eliminating the need for travelling to and from a centre and waiting around for them to finish. Our tutors are available at flexible hours to accommodate your family's busy routine, allowing them to learn at a time that suits them best. Our Approach Personalised Tutor Matching: Based on your child's unique requirements, we will carefully match them with a tutor who possesses the expertise and teaching style that aligns with their needs. Our tutors are subject specialists who excel in delivering engaging and effective online tuition. Technology-driven Advantages: Online tuition offers unique advantages enabled by technology. Making the Grade utilises online learning tools and platforms to create a seamless virtual classroom experience. Online tuition provides an interactive and engaging learning environment for your child. Through video conferencing, virtual whiteboards, and other collaborative tools, our tutors foster active participation and discussions, bringing subjects to life and captivating your child's interest. This interactive approach not only fosters active participation, but deepens understanding, making learning enjoyable and effective, whilst enhancing your child's understanding of the subject matter and cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving skills, inde pendent learning, revision skills and effective communication. Free Consultation: We initially schedule a consultation to meet with yourself and the student either face to face or online. This is to discuss your child's learning needs, academic goals, and any specific areas of concern. This initial assessment helps us understand how we can best support your child's educational journey. It also allows us to match them with the right tutor and put an initial learning plan in place to ‘hit the ground running’ in their first session. Progress Tracking and Feedback: Your child’s tutor will continually monitor your child's progress, providing constructive feedback and identifying areas for further improvement. You will be provided with a lesson report for every lesson in your designated parent portal. Continuity and Consistency: Your child will benefit from continuity and consistency in their learning. Unlike sporadic tutoring sessions or constantly changing tutors, we strive to maintain a stable tutor-student relationship. This continuity allows tutors to understand your child's learning style, track progress over time, and provide consistent support tailored to their specific needs. Ongoing Support: Our commitment to your child's success extends beyond the online sessions. Our team is available to address any queries or concerns you may have throughout the tuition journey. We believe in partnering with parents to create a supportive learning ecosystem. Choosing 1:1 live online tuition with Making the Grade offers numerous benefits for your child's educational journey. With our tailored approach and experienced tutors, our online tuition service is designed to empower your child and enable them to reach their full potential. Ready to embark on this transformative learning experience for your child? Get Started Now! Book a FREE Consultation

Your Questions... Answered. How do you match students to tutors? We take great care in matching students with tutors. Following your assessment and meeting with the student, we will consider factors like the student's academic needs, learning style, personality, and the tutor's expertise and teaching style. We will then discuss the proposed learning pathway with a tutor before agreeing to assign them to the student. We may discuss the opportunity with several tutors before deciding on the right fit for your child (we never disclose any personal names or details to tutors at this stage). We believe in the importance of a good match for optimal learning and strive to ensure that every student feels comfortable and supported in their learning journey. If for any reason we feel we do not have the right tutor for your child we will happily search for you and use our colleagues and contacts within the industry to either provide you with, or put you in direct contact with the tutor that is right for you.

Your Questions... Answered. What subjects and ages do you tutor? We offer tuition for a wide range of subjects, from the core Mathematics, Science, English and Welsh, to more specialised subjects like Computer Science and History. Our services cater to all age levels, from EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) to Key Stage 5. We also have tutors supporting Apprenticeships in the workplace, adult learners, ALN (Additional Learning Needs) students and students requiring focused support with aspects of their Degree studies. If you have any specific requirements we will be happy to discuss them with you and will endeavour to search for, or put you in touch with the right support. We offer online tuition to students across the UK and internationally but also face to face tuition in and around areas of Cardiff and Newport in South Wales. We also offer tuition delivered in the Welsh language although demand for this is high and so waiting lists may be in place.

As students embark on their A-Level journey, navigating through the conventional subjects, there emerges a distinctive pathway that encourages autonomy, critical thinking, and in-depth exploration of personal interests—the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). In parallel, a counterpart in Wales, the Welsh Baccalaureate, shares some common threads while introducing its unique benefits to students' broader education and preparation for work or further study. What is the EPQ? The Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) stands as an academic jewel, allowing students to venture beyond the boundaries of conventional subjects. Often undertaken in Year 12 or 13, it is a Level 3 qualification integrated into the A Level curriculum. What sets the EPQ apart is its essence—a self-driven project rooted in independent research and critical analysis. One defining characteristic of the EPQ is its hands-off approach. Students are entrusted with the responsibility of completing their projects independently, mirroring the self-directed nature of higher education and professional environments. While this nurtures invaluable skills, such as time management and autonomy, parents should gauge their child's readiness for the added responsibility. What are the benefits of doing the EPQ? Subject Freedom: One of the EPQ's virtues lies in its liberating embrace of subject matter. Students wield the power to choose a topic aligned with their passions, hobbies, or future aspirations. Whether it's dissecting the ethical implications of modern issues or exploring historical parallels, the EPQ is a canvas for intellectual exploration. Project Formats: The EPQ also offers diverse project formats, adding an element of creativity to academic pursuits. Students can opt for a traditional 5000-word essay, construct a tangible artifact, or curate a performance accompanied by a concise report. This diversity not only accommodates various learning styles but also invites students to express their ideas innovatively. Real-world Relevance: The real beauty of the EPQ lies in the preparation for life beyond academia. By emulating the challenges of university-level research and project management, the EPQ equips students with skills essential for navigating the complexities of the professional world. The Welsh Baccalaureate: A Companion in Exploration In Wales, students study the Welsh Baccalaureate at GCSE too, preparing them for either further study, training or employment. At A-Level, the Welsh Baccalaureate accompanies students on a journey that mirrors the ethos of the EPQ while standing out as an opportunity for a much broader experience with the different elements of the qualification. Subject Autonomy: Like the EPQ, the Welsh Baccalaureate encourages students to tread a path aligned with their interests. This holistic qualification integrates individual project work with a broader curriculum, fostering a connection between personal exploration and a comprehensive understanding of societal issues. Skill Cultivation: Beyond subject knowledge, both the EPQ and the Welsh Baccalaureate are conduits for skill development. Students immersed in these projects cultivate essential life skills, from effective time management and research prowess to resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. Maximising University Offers Both the EPQ and the Welsh Baccalaureate are recognised as Level 3 qualifications, akin to an AS-level. This recognition extends beyond academic merit, as universities often consider them valuable assets in the admissions process. Some institutions even extend dual offers—one without the EPQ or Welsh Baccalaureate and another that includes it. This flexibility can be a strategic advantage, offering students a nuanced approach to meet the entry requirements of competitive universities. The UCAS points awarded for the EPQ depend on the final grade obtained. A grade E will achieve 8 points and a final grade A, 28 points* which are comparable to the points awarded for an AS level. The UCAS points for the Welsh Baccalaureate are also calculated based on the overall grade achieved but carry a much higher value. The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC), is graded in only 4 stages: - Pass: 40 points - Merit: 50 points - Distinction: 70 points - Distinction: (D*) 80 points The Welsh Baccalaureate often includes various components, including the Core Certificate and Additional Specialist Endorsement. The UCAS points are primarily awarded based on the achievement in the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate. Remember that these points contribute to the overall UCAS tariff score, which is considered by universities during the admissions process. Students can use these points to meet the entry requirements for their chosen university courses**. Beyond the realm of academic accolades, the EPQ and Welsh Baccalaureate cultivate essential skills for navigating the complexities of adulthood and the world of work. Let’s take a closer look at some of these skills: Independent Inquiry: Both qualifications champion the spirit of independent inquiry. Students are not merely consumers of information; they become creators, architects of their intellectual journeys. Time Management: Navigating these projects demands a keen sense of time management. Whether it's meeting deadlines or refining strategies, students emerge with a heightened awareness of the temporal dimensions of their work. Resilience and Adaptability: Challenges are inevitable, but it's in overcoming them that students truly grow. The EPQ and Welsh Baccalaureate present opportunities for students to navigate setbacks, fostering resilience and adaptability. Effective Communication: From crafting articulate reports to presenting findings, effective communication becomes second nature. These skills are not confined to academia but become invaluable assets in professional and personal spheres. In essence, as students consider their opportunities, the EPQ and Welsh Baccalaureate stand as gateways to a different educational experience—one that not only enriches their understanding of subjects but also cultivates skills essential for a future of limitless possibilities. Whether it's a deep dive into personal passions or an exploration of societal complexities, these qualifications empower students to be architects of their own academic journeys, preparing them not just for university admissions but for the ever-evolving landscape of life beyond the classroom. *UCAS points and qualifications are subject to updates, so it's always advisable to check the latest information on the official UCAS website or with relevant educational authorities. **Always check with the latest UCAS guidelines and the specific requirements of the universities you are interested in for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Bringing the Festive Cheer to Learning with Making-the-Grade. As we dive into the season of nativity plays, festive melodies, and winter wonderlands, the joy of learning doesn't have to take a back seat. At Making-the-Grade, we believe that every holiday experience is a learning opportunity, contributing to your child's confidence and well-being. So, how about blending the holiday magic with a sprinkle of education? Here are a few fun activities to weave some educational magic into your Christmas celebrations. 1. Crafting Christmas Decorations: Fine Motor Skills Unleashed! Gather around the table, and let the creative juices flow. Crafting Christmas decorations and cards is not just about decking the halls; it's about honing those fine motor skills. Crafting is a fantastic way to enhance a variety of abilities at any age! 2. Letters to Santa: The Art of Persuasion! Encourage your little ones to pen down their Christmas wishes. Writing a letter to Santa isn't just an exercise in wishlist creation; it's an excellent opportunity to understand the art of letter writing. For the older kids, challenge them to draft a persuasive letter to the "buyer" of that super-expensive game console, in their own words explain what they have done this year to warrant such as gift! (Just be prepared to fulfil their wishes if the letter is compelling enough!) 3. Yuletide Baking: A Delicious Lesson in Measurements! Transform your kitchen into a festive learning zone. Baking delicious Christmas treats is a chance to revise calculations, weights, and measurements. Tailor the complexity of the baking process to suit different age groups. Younger ones can help with simple tasks like counting or identifying when the measurements are just right. Older kids can take charge, converting grams to ounces or experimenting with American recipes measured in cups. These activities are not just festive fun; they seamlessly connect with the school curriculum. They also serve as brilliant responses to the age-old question, "Why am I learning this?" The promise of delectable Christmas biscuits might just be the motivation your child needs! At Making-the-Grade, we believe that learning is a continuous journey, even during the merriest season of the year. You can download our Top 10 Ideas for Educational Christmas Activities on our Facebook Page @MakingtheGrade Wishing you a season filled with joy, laughter, and a touch of educational magic!

There's no getting away from it.. AI is everywhere and rapidly increasing. But it's not just changing the way we live and work but also shaping the future of education for our children. Does what our children learn in school now, still serve them for future learning or work? Do we need to adopt more innovative ways to develop the skills we need and recognise where to use the plethora of digital tools available to us? Is your child using AI for their studies? Do you actively encourage or discourage this and why? There was once a time we had to embrace the capabilities of the humble calculator... this didn't hinder our ability to learn Maths but enhanced it; as have so many other technological developments. So is our current curriculum truly attuned to the needs of our students in the age of artificial intelligence (AI)? The classics, once revered as educational cornerstones, now stand juxtaposed with the transformative capabilities of AI, prompting a re-evaluation of the essence and efficacy of our educational content. Consider the enduring presence of Shakespearean works within our classrooms. While these literary masterpieces undeniably enrich our cultural understanding, the question arises: In a world increasingly dominated by algorithms and data analytics, how pertinent is this to the practicalities of our digital age? Historically, education has been synonymous with rote memorisation, culminating in high-stakes exams. However, as technology and AI progresses, the emphasis shifts from memorising facts to cultivating critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In a digital era where information is omnipresent, the ability to analyse, evaluate, and apply knowledge emerges as more valuable educational skills. The traditional paradigm of exams as the sole measure of academic success is also under scrutiny. The real world demands skills beyond the ability to regurgitate information under pressure. Creativity, adaptability, and digital literacy are becoming the bedrock of the future workforce. An education system poised to meet these demands must transition from exam-centricity to prioritising practical, real-world skills. AI isn't just a tool; it's a game-changer. Learning to harness it's power and utilise it in the right way to analyse massive amounts of data, means we can focus on the actual tasks at hand, deciding where it's needed the most. Although this will enhance services offered by all industries, the application of this in mainstream schools will still be challenging. Imagine a world where mainstream education is tailored to each child’s unique needs. AI is helping us inch closer to that reality. From personalised learning platforms that adapt to a student's pace to virtual tutors providing extra support, AI is becoming a valuable tool in the education toolbox; marking a departure from the conventional one-size-fits-all approach. This shift holds the promise of maximizing each student's potential, fostering a dynamic and responsive learning environment. It may take several years yet to replace the human tutor with a virtual alternative that can get to know a child's personality, temperament and feeling towards their work not just the academic content, but for some it could be an alternative. Do We Still Need a Human Eye? Absolutely. AI might analyse data, but it can't understand the nuances of a child’s emotions, motivations, or struggles like a human teacher can. The personal touch, encouragement, and mentorship that teachers provide are irreplaceable. In addition to this, AI will have extreme difficulty in managing classroom behaviour, deciding how sick a child is feeling or orchestrating interactive discussion, debate, experiments and inspiring young learners with passion and excitement. One of the big questions is, will AI replace essential skills? The answer, I believe, is no. While AI can handle repetitive tasks and crunch numbers like a champ, it lacks the creativity, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking skills that humans bring to the table. It complements, not replaces, our unique capabilities and our curriculums should be reflecting this. The current curriculum will need to broaden its scope to encompass a diverse array of voices and experiences; preparing students for a globalised society. In this recalibration of education, the question isn't about dismissing tradition but about adapting it. AI presents an opportunity to redefine our educational approach, aligning it with the needs of the 21st century. It calls for an emphasis on skills, adaptability, and knowledge that equip students for a future where change is the only constant. The challenge is not only to keep pace with technological advancements but to lead the charge in preparing the next generation for a future where the traditional and the technological coalesce. As we navigate this intricate intersection of tradition and progress, our responsibility is clear: to provide an education that empowers students with the resilience and agility needed to thrive in an ever-changing world. Who knows when our education system will catch up? Will less relevant content ever be replaced to allow time for the development and study of additional skills? As we venture into this AI-powered future, rest assured that we're committed to a balanced approach. Of course we will leverage the benefits of AI to enhance learning experiences for our students; along with guiding them in the responsible and effective use of such tools using our expertise and experience to recognise its limitations. Supporting and guiding students through their academic journey's is just one way to support... recognising and helping them prepare for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow is a job for us all. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this topic, please feel free to share them in the comments. #curriculum #edchat #edtech #education #AI #teaching #edreform #tutor #learn #prepare