These sessions are designed for students who are achieveing highly in mathematics and want to extend themselves beyond the scope of their courses. While they can make a student better prepared for university admissions or for competitions such as the Olympiad, the focus is on improving students’ problem solving abilities and techniques, and stretching them with interesting material. I do not usually teach a great deal of higher level content, but rather focus on interesting problems involving content which has already been taught, introducing new material as appropriate.
Generally, these sessions work best for students in year 9 and above, who are self-motivated and interested in maths. I therefore encourage parents/guardians not to push their child towards these sessions, as they are unlikely to get as much out of it.
Structure of Sessions
Each session focuses on a particular style of problem or a particular problem solving technique. Before the session, I will provide a set of problems. Some will be easier, some will be difficult, and some may well be completely impossible without the material we will look at in the session. The aim is for students to spend time thinking about the problems, and trying out ideas. They should not expect to solve all, or even most, of the problems.
During the session, we will first consider the students’ approach to the given problem. I will then introduce a particular technique or idea and we will consider how it can be applied to the set problems, and also to some new ones. We then work to extend this material as far as we can in the available time.
After the session, I will provide a set of problems that apply and extend the material from the session. These will be discussed at the beginning of the subsequent session.
Timing, Frequency, and Logistics
To allow adequate time to consider the problems and to introduce the material, suppercurricular extension sessions are 75 mins. As looking at the two sets of problems will require a significant time commitment, I recommend they are held every 2-6 weeks, depending on the individual circumstances of the student. We can discuss an appropriate schedule in your free consultation.
Most of my sessions take place online, using Whereby. Technology requirements will be discussed in your free consultation session. In-person sessions may be available in the Greater London area. This can also be discussed in your free consultation session – please provide your postcode in the comments field when booking.
Getting Started
- Book a free consultation session – both the student and their parent/guardian should be present; we will discuss your goals and the best approach for you
- I will send some problems for the student to attempt and return to be marked – this serves as a diagnostic for me to gauge their ability
- First session – this allows the student to see if they enjoy the style of the session
- If the student and parent/guardian think we are a good fit, we will arrange a regular slot for lessons
Pricing
Diagnostic Problem Set + Discounted First Session – £40
For subsequent sessions, prices are from £72 for a 75 minute session. This prices applies if paying by direct debit or booking a block of five lessons in advance. Higher prices apply if paying and booking for lessons individually.
Additional charges apply for in-person sessions.
