Step Ahead Tutoring And Educational Services

Fulfilling Our Remit

 

We are very grateful to a parent - of a young lady whom we tutored earlier in the year for a place at an independent school - for sending us a copy of a very positive and encouraging school report received by him from the independent school this week. 

In addition the parent has written to me saying, ”I conclude that due to her ‘enhanced studies’ (with you) she entered Dollar with no disadvantages whatsoever” – which is certainly our clear intention for all our tutees.

As we have now reached November, even greater efforts are required from youngsters, parents and tutors alike to be ready for the highly competitive entrance examinations.

Hallowe'en Happenings

With the clock change and dusk earlier, the opportunity is there for youngsters to get fully in to their study plans and get their homework routines well established for over the forthcoming winter period.  Some prefer to work straight after school and have evenings free, whereas others like to have a break and have tea, before sitting down to study.  There are those who choose to do considerably more at weekends, while some like getting done as much as they can during the week, leaving their weekends much more free. 

We at STEP AHEAD see many, of varying ages, who work sensibly and meticulously most days, and are certainly reaping the benefits.  A fine example of using the October holidays profitably has been shown this year by 11year old, Caitlin Finlay.  Also worthy of mention - 10 year old, Caine Dooley and 11 year old, Cameron Gray.  It is very difficult to establish an appropriate study plan at S3/S4 stage if little has been done in previous years.  The earlier the better........ 

I had a most enjoyable and profitable morning in Dollar Academy this week when I was able to chat with the new Head of Junior School, Mrs Louise Emmett.  I was very interested in her philosophy and her teaching experience, and I feel sure that she will be a huge asset to her new school.

Notes of interest have been coming in regarding our franchise opportunities, and we are greatly encouraged by the quality of a number of these.

A Sound and Light Experience

First this week, apologies for the "News" page on the main site not having been updated recently :  technical problems will be solved soon.  In the meantime, as was suggested, we hope that everyone is keeping up to date through this "Diary".

We would like to recommend an exciting event for children and families, which we attended earlier in the week :

Perthshire Big Tree Country’s award winning The Enchanted Forest® sound and light show is a feast for your senses. The event takes place at Faskally Wood and offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the outdoors, at night and with spectacular imagery.

Using the forest as a natural backdrop, you will experience a lighting show that is, quite simply, out of this world.

The Enchanted Forest® is renowned to be Scotland’s premier sound and light experience and attracts around 20,000 visitors every year.

This year they have pulled out all the stops to bring Scotland's history to life. They've got faeries, witches, kelpies and bogey men, not to mention stunning water features, lighting displays and fabulous pyrotechnics.

Meet Tam O Shanter and his horse, play with the faeries in an interactive wood, or look deep into Robert the Bruce's cave.

Advertising for Franchisees

Advertising : this week in s1jobs.com and the Scottish Educational Journal

Dreamed of being your own boss?   STEP AHEAD could be the answer!

We are looking for enthusiastic educators, who are interested in running a STEP AHEAD business in defined areas throughout Scotland.

Are you passionate about teaching and learning?

Do you have good people skills?

Do you enjoy meeting new people?

Are you good at communicating?

Do you want to have your own business, but know there is a safety net providing support and advice when you need it?

Do you want to be rewarded for your efforts financially and not just paid to do a job?

Do you want to have the flexibility to work when you want and where you want (within a predetermined territory)?

STEP AHEAD Tutoring and Educational Services is the leading teacher organisation offering one-to-one tuition in the homes of clients or tutors, currently throughout East Central Scotland. Tutoring is in all subjects for all ages, children and adults:  building self-esteem and self-confidence as well as helping improve their abilities within their chosen subject(s).

STEP AHEAD is a well established company with a proven track record.  Working with STEP AHEAD gives you the opportunity to build a successful business through establishing a network of tutors and clients and strengthening the links with other establishments, both locally and nationally, always ensuring that your business has the ability to continue to grow through the activities of the STEP AHEAD brand.

Even during the current recession, STEP AHEAD's services continue to be in demand, with enquiries from clients and tutors from all around the country.  As a result, the Company intends to expand its business throughout Scotland over the next year or two. We are looking for the right people to fulfil this goal.

We are now giving suitable candidates the opportunity to be part of this highly rewarding and lucrative business as we launch our caring, professional services to an even wider public.

The position requires the suitable applicant to be capable of running each aspect of the STEP AHEAD business. Whilst you will have the freedom of being your own boss, we will provide full training and support to ensure you have all the necessary tools to support you, thus creating a successful business in your area.

If you would like to find out more, then please contact us.

Closing Date:     30-Nov-2009

The Educational Arms Race

The education charity, the Sutton Trust, have found that 43% of London pupils aged 11-16 years have been tutored, an increase from 36% just four years ago.

The Government has recently promised 10 hours of one-to-one tutoring for state pupils who are not performing "as expected"  in maths and English.  Its "Making Good Progress" initiative aims to reach 300,000 children between 9-14 years in both English and maths.

The Government's stance is a recognition that personal tuition is the bridge to attainment whether from illiteracy to reading, or from a poorly performing school to the top sets of a successful comprehensive, or prep school to a leading independent school.

The "arms race" in education is well underway !!

To be continued

Congratulations to Tutors

One of our longer-serving tutors, Scott Murphy, received a very welcome and well-deserved promotion last week.  In an imaginative move, his Falkirk school appointed him to the post of Citizenship Co-ordinator, and we believe that this modest and hard-working teacher will fully justify this selection. Many parents and youngsters know of, and have recorded in writing to us, the value and commitment of Scott's tutoring, and I believe that he has considerable potential still to be realised in his chosen profession.

Another tutor - a more recent acquisition to STEP AHEAD - is Michael Milne - and one of his clients wrote to us indicating that her son had failed his English higher prelim before they had contacted us, but that she had been "immensely impressed" by Michael's manner and professionalism, and that her son had been helped to achieve a "B" Grade.  This kind of "story" has become more the norm than the exception, and reflects really well on our tutors.

Further letters have recently been received commending :  Ian Cooke, Dominic Hines and Dr Colin Mitchell, all considered amongst the best of tutors.

Sapphire Years !

Something got me reminiscing this week and it dawned on me that this Friday will mark exactly 45 years to the day since I got the bug and first started working with youngsters.  Wow !

I started recalling names - Billy and Allan Kirkwood, Thomson Aikman, David Anderson, Tommy Lothian, Graham and Ian McMillan, Allan Poole, Billy Oliver, Stuart Gray - as if it was yesterday ---- and not September 1964 !  In fact, I wish I could remember last week as easily !

Marianne Faithfull, Herman's Hermits, PJ Proby were all on "Top Of The Pops", and of course "The Beatles" were riding high - very high.  But it was "The Bachelors" with their song, "I Believe", which I remember most vividly because we taught the above lads that song so that they could perform it in a concert.

In those days it was voluntary work and I am proud that throughout all the subsequent decades I have been able to offer the talents which God gave me in a wide variety of ways voluntarily, as well as a result of professional training and paid occupations, with people at virtually every stage of life.

Those who have the privilege of working with, building the self-confidence of and influencing the potential of others are very fortunate, and through all my involvement with people, I have met and experienced some truly incredible, amazing and talented human beings.

And for that, I give thanks.

Engaging With Independent Schools

Above : our new banner - on display at "Dynamic Earth"

Last Sunday, George, Andrew and Malcolm represented STEP AHEAD, the only one-to-one tutoring organisation present, at The Scotsman Independent Schools and Learning Event in "Dynamic Earth" in Edinburgh. We spoke to just about every one of the 250 people who attended.

Virtually all the leading private schools were there, represented by Heads and/or senior or marketing staff. Already known to, and involved with, several schools, we took the opportunity of introducing ourselves to all of those with whom we have had no dealings as yet.

Some of the schools already use STEP AHEAD tutors, and during the week two of ours made very favourable impressions on the Headmaster and promoted staff in one of those independent schools which has evolved an outstanding on-going educational strategy and vision.

With a number of highly talented tutors, including some who are no longer serving in schools, full-time or part-time, we are in an ideal position to provide support / supply teaching to schools, whether for illness, short-term or longer cover.

A Frantic August

In one way it will be good to see the end of August - as it has been an extremely busy and full month !

In another way, however, it has been a very exciting one as we develop our future plans.  Our preparations for franchising are steaming along, with the outstanding Management Consultant, whom we have appointed, very much the driver.  Malcolm Hawkins has been appointed our Franchise Manager and is already working closely with our Director and with the Management Consultant.

Examination results have again been outstanding, with lots of passes gained despite youngsters having failed their prelims before tutors were appointed, and many General Standard predictions turned in to Credit passes.  At Higher Level, we are delighted that we have helped tutees to achieve As and Bs as distinct from Cs, thus opening up the possibility of university entry.

Just to take one example - out of dozens - under Brian Ogilvie's tutelage, Lindsay Morlock is a perfect example of a youngster who has achieved to the highest level.

As time goes on, as well as growing our tutor numbers, we are developing various "teams" of experienced tutors :  George is leading a team of six "assessment" tutors, another team of eleven people engaged in preparing children for independent school entry, and the most recent group of seven who are helping adults to gain places in services such as police, fire, ambulance and uniformed.  Tutors interested in learning more about such teams - and other planned initiatives - should contact STEP AHEAD HQ. 

Refreshed !

Hello again !

After a great, relaxing break,it's time to get started again. 

Yesterday we had a LONG meeting with our Management Consultant and many important decisions were taken in regard to our potential franchising plans.

Our Operations Manual is taking shape, as is the Franchise Agreement which is being prepared by our Solicitors.

Malcolm is taking a much greater hands-on involvement about which we will detail in due course.

Existing tutors who have provided upto date email addresses will receive information during August.

Next month we shall be starting the process of identifying suitable franchisees.