General

Over the period 1st August 2009 to 31st July 2010, a total of 1,124.5 hours of tutoring was undertaken to a total of 55 students. A busy 'academic' year .

This report is largely based on the responses received by an independent researcher who contacted all parents (clients) plus some of whom replied direct, and covered 17 of the students.

Subjects covered

Mathematics from Key Stage 2 up to A level including Further Maths A level, Common Entrance (both for exams for 11 and 13 year olds), the IGCSE and, for the first time, the International Baccalaureate (A level equivalent).

Sciences (Physics, Biology and Chemistry) from Key Stage 3 to GCSE.Tutoring also included Physics at A level and providing assistance to both a student studying Biology A level and a student studying the science part of his International Baccalaureate.

How to learn

One student was tutored on how to organise and optimise how to go about learning all of her GCSE subjects, rather than just concentrating on the Maths and Science. 

Subject time allocation

Of tutoring hours, 81% was spent doing Maths, 7% doing Science and 3% doing sessions that included both. Key Stages 2 & 3 took up 5% of the time, Common Entrance 6%, GCSE and IGCSE 44%, A levels (minus the Biology) 36% and the International Baccalaureate 2%.  

Known Results (relating to the 17 replies)

A Level. There were 2 “A”s, 2 “B”s and 2 “C”s and a “good enough” grade. 5 of the 7 students achieved university places and 2 are continuing their studies.

GCSE. Grades gained included 2 “A*”s, 5 “A”s, 1 “B” and 2 “C”s.

Comments from Parents

Every parent who made a reply wanted to pass their thanks on to Mark Darling and stated they would have no hesitation in recommending him as a tutor. There were no negative comments.

Testimonials

There were many from both parents and students, and we publish here only 2 which cover the thoughts expressed by most.

A student said:

“The regular tutoring sessions throughout the year helped to drill the mathematical ideas into my head and made them feel like second nature. These sessions were very good and very clear. On occasions, I would have liked more opportunity to work through a problem under guidance rather than following the solutions, but this is a minor point. Overall, the tutoring made me more confident, it made revision easier and helped me to achieve a higher grade than I would have achieved otherwise.“ 

A parent said:

“Mark Darling tutored my daughter in Math’s prior to her GCSE exam as the independent school she was attending had failed completely in teaching the syllabus to her. The task he was given, and the time in which he had to do it, was daunting, but he was patient and thorough and my daughter was able to gain a decent grade in the two modules he had tutored her in. Mark also tutored my son in Physics prior to his GCSE exam, which was his weakest Science section. He passed with an A. I would have no hesitation in recommending Mark to any parent.”  

Summary by Mark Darling

"This is the first time such a report has been written from an independent survey, and I am grateful for the simplification of the survey detail as reported."

"It is very heartening to see the fruits of one's labour in terms of results, but even more satisfying is to know that so many students enjoyed and appreciated the stimulous they gained from being individually tutored, and that should remain with them as a positive learning experience for the future."