"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."
Rise in A-Level results but concern over university places
20/08/2009
After months of waiting patiently, thousands of excited teenagers around the UK will today be forced to think long and hard about their future and the opportunities that face them. As they open their envelopes or go online to receive their A-level results emotions will be high.
The initial results have revealed that there is an increase in the pass rate from last year. However, despite this substantial rise, there are a limited number of university places available through clearing and many thousands of students will be disappointed and have to look at other options such as taking a gap year and applying again next year.
In order to determine which students will obtain a place through clearing, universities will be forced to look at the students in more depth and not just at their grades. Other factors will be taken into consideration and more than ever students will be competing against each other in different ways.
Giles Hardwidge, Kumon Europe and Africa Materials Development & Instruction Manager said:
"The results today are positive, but I do feel sorry for the thousands of disappointed students who will not be able to go to university this year. As competition for places increases, universities will therefore be looking more at students' life skills and their ability to face the challenges of university life and beyond. Through our self-learning study programmes, we focus on helping our students to develop both study and life skills necessary for independent learning at university and in the workplace. We aim to give every child the skills and self-confidence to achieve their potential."
Kumon offers individualised maths and English study programmes that are tailored to the needs of each child. Through daily practice, students build their confidence, improve their concentration and gain effective study skills that will enhance their future learning. The Kumon study programme has been carefully designed to provide children with independent study skills, self-belief and a positive attitude to learning.
Alyson Smith mother of Kumon students, Leanne and Olivia says:
"Kumon 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."
From 21 September until 20 October 2009, Kumon is running a two-week Free Trial. This exciting offer is totally free of charge and open to all children in the UK. The Free Trial provides children with the opportunity to experience Kumon first-hand and also gives parents an insight into how the Kumon method can benefit their child, without any financial commitment. The offer applies to either or both subjects of English and maths, and is open to families who are new to Kumon, siblings of current students and those already on the programme considering a second subject.
The Kumon method of learning was developed in 1954 by Toru Kumon, both a parent and gifted teacher from Japan. Like any parent, Toru wanted the best education for his son and began devising a teaching method using worksheets in the core subject of maths. Soon word spread of the success of his method and now in 2009, there are approximately 58,000 students studying Kumon at more than 600 study centres across the UK and Ireland.
To enrol on the Free Trial or for general Kumon enquiries, please call our freephone number on 0800 854 714 or visit Kumon.co.uk to find your nearest study centre.