"It is highly rewarding to be a part of young people's success and to hear reports from school of how they are advancing and often outperforming their peers."
The Smith family
Devoted parents Alyson and David Smith from Cheadle Hulme have supported their children in their Kumon study and have witnessed how all three children have benefited in different ways from the Kumon maths and English programmes.
Their oldest, Danielle is now sixteen and is no longer studying with Kumon but she has by no means turned her back on it as she now works part time as a class assistant at Kumon Bramhall Study Centre. Danielle is currently taking her GCSEs and will be going on to further education at College and plans to study Law, Sociology, Psychology and English. Danielle has taken two of her GCSEs already in previous years and obtained As in both, and is currently predicted an A* in maths and As in all her other subjects. Danielle says that this is down to Kumon.
Alyson, mum of the three Kumon students said:
"Danielle was always very bright but Kumon has given her that extra something that has pushed her way beyond her peers. Kumon has made her mind more alert and given her the speed and accuracy to really focus and get ahead faster. Kumon is particularly great for teenagers because it gives them a focus when they can be totally distracted by all the things happening to them at that age."
She went on to talk about her younger daughter Leanne, aged nine:
"Leanne is actually the reason we initially came to Kumon in the first place. Leanne loves maths and English but has always struggled. She used to be right at the bottom of her set but now she is now at the top, so she's really moving forward with Kumon. Her teachers at school can't believe the improvement. She has so much more confidence now and without Kumon she would have without a doubt been lost in the system."
Leanne has been studying Kumon for three years now, alongside her younger sister Olivia who is eight years old. Olivia is very gifted and Kumon challenges her in ways that she may not find elsewhere. Kumon is an individualised programme for any child of any ability which means that each child can work at their own pace at the level that is right for them.
Alyson said:
"Olivia is already way ahead of her peers at school and I know that Kumon has really helped to ensure she hasn't been bored, and has provided her with work that challenges her. This has meant that she can now fulfil her potential. The girls really seem to enjoy Kumon. The aspect they particularly like is the certificates and the praise they receive. They all share a real sense of achievement when they complete levels and progress in the programme.
"I am thrilled that we found Kumon. It has become an integral part of our lives and one which I know has had a huge effect on the girls. We have seen them grow and develop in so many ways with Kumon. Their confidence has grown and they aren't afraid to work hard. Kumon has taught them to try and try again and never give up. This is a key skill for life as far as I'm concerned and one that will mean they can go on to lead successful and happy lives."