English, Maths, and Science

Taught at KS3 and KS4 (GCSE) level - by tutors who are always present in the room with the children, attentive to their needs, and who teach with a depth of expertise and breadth of experience.

Scroll down for more information about each of our three main subjects.

On English

We tutor pupils at all ages of secondary education so that they are prepared to take their GCSE English Language and Literature exams, should they wish to do so.

Lessons are planned with the National Curriculum Assesment Objectives covered across the year so that skills are instilled, in order for students to be ready for GCSE level study by the time they reach year 9 tutoring.

Pupils being tutored at Arise get a well-rounded English education. Nevertheless, they are encouraged to undertake private study to make sure they build upon skills and techniques learned through tutoring, as well as cementing understanding of literature and the themes surrounding set texts.

At Arise we understand that English Language and Literature comes with much cultural and historical context. We desire to teach these elements from a Christian perspective and so our text selection honours this objective. Our year 7-8 syllabus, for example, currently includes texts by Homer, biblical writers and C. S Lewis which is juxtaposed with writings from the Romantic Poets of the 18th and 19th centuries. Overall, students being tutored in English at Arise Christian Tutor Centre receive a wonderful package of literature, language and skills based learning, in the framework of a biblical worldview.

At Years 7 and 8
Pupils are introduced to the history of the English Language along with literary texts which have had a profound impact on the Western Literary World, helping them to understand both specific literary devices and techniques alongside textual context. Owing to our structure as a tutor centre, we are able to chose the texts we feel give the greatest foundation for students to understand what has gone before and therefore, what has formed the basis of the literary cannon we find today. Our teaching covers both fiction and non-fiction writing, poetry, plays and literature from Ancient Greece, the 19th century and 'modern' writings. Pupils are taught to consider character, themes, plot, conventions of different types of literature, authorial intention and textual analysis.

At Years 9 to 11
Pupils encounter the GCSE syllabus and build upon their analytical skills alongside their understanding of effective creative writing and writing to inform / explain / describe. Pupils develop a greater understanding of textual analysis and evaluation. By the time our pupils are ready to sit their exams (if they choose to do so), they are equipped to apply linguistic and literary concepts, using key terminology. They are also taught to consider how language shapes meaning in texts and examine the influence of context on the production and reception of texts. Finally, students are taught to compare texts' similarities and differences, using appropriate terminology and textual references.

On Maths

We aim to make learning Maths as engaging and relevant to the children as possible. We encourage a love of learning that the pupils can take with them when they complete their studies in Arise.

We try to link learning Maths to real life as much as possible, so that skills can be developed outside the classroom, complementing the more formal learning that takes place during lesson times. All our pupils learn differently and therefore we feel that it is important to teach in a variety of ways to ensure all pupils have a clear understanding.

In Maths, all concepts continually building on one another. It is important that the pupils have a strong foundational knowledge, to enable them to apply what they have learnt - especially at higher levels when problem solving plays a big part.

In KS3, pupils are taught key topics of maths from the national curriculum including:

Number

Algebra

Geometry and Measures

Ratio and Proportion

Probability

Statistics

In KS4, teaching of these topics are developed into learning that covers all of the GCSE specifications that they will need to take their exams, whether that be at Foundation or Higher level - depending on the pupil's desire and ability.

On Science

At Arise Christian Tutor Centre all of our teaching is centred on God’s Word. Our KS3 Science curriculum aims to give the students a strong foundation in biology, chemistry and physics. We have developed our own scheme of work for KS3. The core content aligns with the National Curriculum for Science and is bespoke to the needs of our learners.

Our aim in teaching Science is that we will enable each pupil to marvel at the wonder and majesty of our Creator God. We want them to be able to connect Science as a subject to the natural world around them.

We build on prior learning at KS2, encouraging the pupils to ask scientific questions about the world around them. We teach them how to set up fair experiments and investigations, make observations, and analyse data. In every topic, our lessons incorporate practical work which the pupils always enjoy. We are blessed to be building up our science cupboard with resources.

In Biology, we start by looking closely at cells, getting to grips with using microscopes. We study photosynthesis, including practical work using plants and pondweed to investigate what is needed for this process. We study health and the human body, giving our pupils the opportunity to conduct a chicken wing dissection as they explore the structure and function of muscles, bones, and joints. Our topic on ecosystems involves field work in the local area, using quadrats and exploring food chains.

In Chemistry we introduce pupils to the periodic table. They learn about the states of matter, using the Bunsen burner to learn about physical and chemical reactions. We teach the pupils about acids and alkalis. The Earth and Atmosphere topic gives us opportunity to investigate and identify different types of rocks.

In Physics we learn about Space and the Universe. We have a topic focusing on Energy and Power, for which we make a trip to Drax Power Station to see how these concepts learnt in the classroom are used in the ‘real’ world. It is always an eye-opener for pupils to witness first-hand how energy is produced on a massive scale. The students learn about electricity and magnets, learning to build their own circuits using components.

Through our KS3 Science curriculum we aim to deepen each student’s understanding of scientific concepts, whilst also developing their scientific skills. We hope to promote a life-long love of the subject through enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

In Ks4 science, pupils are expected to develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts and principles, build practical skills and learn to apply their knowledge in various contexts. We encourage pupils to take ownership of their learning, learn how to revise, and nurture an understanding of exam expectations.