About the centre

The Portobello classes run on Tuesdays between 3.30pm  and 5.30pm and Fridays between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. On Tuesdays students are given a specific time slot to help with the smooth running of the busy after-school class while on Friday the class operates presently on a drop-in basis. Students generally attend once a week, and each class visit lasts approximately 30 minutes per subject. During this time, parents are welcome to wait downstairs in the library (where tea and coffee is available) or directly outside class in the small waiting area.
 

The class visit is used to exchange the previous weeks completed (and marked) homework and receive new work.
 

The students complete their classwork while their homework is checked and recorded. The team of assistants and I are on hand to offer support and encouragement. Students following the English programme will read aloud to and assistant and maths students will practice times tables when appropriate during class too.
 

I see each student while they are at class on a one-to-one basis which gives me the opportunity to give feedback and help and for the student and I to discuss goals and progress.
 

The atmosphere is always positive and encouraging. The students become familiar with the routine of the class very quickly and this independent approach also helps build confidence and self-esteem.