Academic Matters - Study Gym and Tutors

Academic Matters – Study Gym and Tutors

Ms Jo Inglis, Deputy Headmaster – Head of Learning and Teaching

Q: Where can I find a high quality tutor for my son?

A: TSS Study Gym and evening P&F funded Tutoring

TSS Study Gym began as ‘Homework Help’ in 2013 to address the perceived need by some students and parents that additional out-of-school-hours tutors were required, and by the observation of School personnel that the calibre of some of these external tutors was not as strong as the School would expect. Furthermore, School personnel felt strongly that parents should not feel the need to pay for additional tutors for their son whilst at TSS. In response, Homework Help commenced in the Senior Library at which TSS classroom teachers, specifically experts in English, Mathematics and Science were available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday after classes to assist students of every year level with their homework, assignments and provide extra help for students who need additional instruction in a specific subject area.

Rebranded in 2015 by surveying students – to which 332 students responded – for a more motivational name, these tutoring sessions became known as Study Gym.

Well attended by students of every year level, Study Gym provides expert assistance from TSS teachers who are immersed in, and thoroughly familiar with TSS curriculum and can assist all students.

Study Gym is up and running again this term and is staffed by experts to assist TSS students.

Tuesdays

• Ms Jackson: Assistant Head of English
• Ms McCarthy: Senior Teacher of Mathematics and Specialist Mathematics
• Mr Smith: Senior Teacher of Science, Biology specialist and Housemaster of Radcliffe

Wednesdays

• Mr McDonald: Head of English
• Mr Clegg: Head of Information Technologies and Senior Mathematics Teacher
• Mr Almaktoum: Senior Teacher of Science and specialist Physics Teacher

Thursdays

• Mr Ellis: Head of Department Life & Faith and English Teacher
• Mr Baldry: Senior Teacher of Mathematics
• Mr McQueen: Assistant Head of Science

Additionally, in response to the rigor of the New Senior Syllabuses, targeted Senior Study Gym sessions have been provided since 2019 as follows for Yr11&12 students.

Wednesdays

• Mathematical Methods: Mrs Gibson – Head of Department Mathematics
• Specialist Mathematics: Dr Schouten – Senior Teacher of Mathematics and Specialist Mathematics

Thursdays

• Physics: Mr Lees – Senior Teacher of Physics

TSS students can get any additional help they may need in the Senior School Library on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. Students can attend for as long as they need, or for the entire hour, and for as many afternoons as they wish.

P&F funded Tutoring

Further opportunities for tutoring are provided by TSS Old Boys, in the Nimmo classrooms on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursday evenings from 6:30pm – 8:00pm. Students may attend any/all sessions, receiving assistance from OSA members in most subjects. Funded and supported by TSS Parents and Friends, these sessions are free and open to all students – Day and Boarding, and no bookings/appointments are required.

TSS students can access high quality tutoring at no charge here at school – students and parents are encouraged to take advantage of these services.