Science Extra Classes – Should You or Not?

Have you ever asked yourself: “Will it be worth enrolling my child for extra Science lessons?”. The short and easy answer is: Definitely! However, there are some crucial aspects to remember when deciding to do so. Below I will outline the factors to keep in mind when you are considering enrolling for extra science classes:

Choose your teacher carefully!

First, you should be aware that there is a difference between understanding content vs having the expertise to teach that content to another person. There is a big difference between enlisting a qualified teacher’s skills to help your child compared to a person offering their services for some extra pocket money. Choose your teacher carefully.

There is always room for progress!

Understand that every child’s needs are different, and the teacher or institution you choose should be able to address your child’s individual needs. This means no matter what level your child’s understanding of Science is, the extra class teacher should be able to meet them where they are at and facilitate the way forward. There is always room for progress – sometimes quickly, other times a bit slower – and the extra class teacher should be able to recognise this and work with your child accordingly.

Steady progress and consolidation!

Determine if your child needs help with science on a once-off (or ad hoc) basis, perhaps before tests or exams, or if they would benefit from continuous support and engagement with the Science curriculum. We recommend the latter. This allows for steady progress and consolidation, as well as continuous immersion in the Science curriculum, instead of trying to offer a quick fix to a potentially more profound problem.

Science should not be a subject that is dreaded or feared!

Learning and understanding are as much an emotional process as a cognitive one. Your child’s emotional connection they have made with Science in the past will, without a doubt, play a role in their academic performance (or lack thereof) in this subject. The right extra class teacher should be able to work with your child on an emotional level. Science should not be a subject that is dreaded or feared – it should be fun and exciting!

Your child can always know more!

The extra class teacher you choose to support your child should be able to help your child. They should know and understand more about the topics they learn in school – that means this teacher should be able to work within AND outside the guidelines of the school curriculum, sometimes delving deeper into the content than required at the school level. That is why the extra class Science teacher should be a subject specialist.

Trust The Tutor!

Lastly, the extra class teacher you choose should be professional and have a holistic approach to helping your child. Your child must know what is expected of them when they work with this teacher and trust this teacher to support them in their Science journey.

At Abakus Enrichment, our teachers offer a professional service, we are fluent in the curricula we present, and we acknowledge the role that emotional well-being plays in academic progress and success. We can meet your child’s needs where they are at and help them work towards their goals!