A unique approach
At Kumon, we have a desire to create a new generation of independent learners: confident children who take pride in their studies, set their own goals, and continue to learn throughout their lives. Our approach to learning is therefore different to traditional methods of supplementary education. We develop children through the acquisition of independent learning skills, rather than teaching in the conventional sense.
The Kumon programmes are worksheet-based study programmes, designed to pursue the potential of each child. Central to the Kumon Method is the principal of giving students the confidence and courage to confront new challenges and to set and achieve their own goals. The Kumon worksheets have been created with the aim of producing the greatest effect in the shortest time through self-learning. We equip our students with the ability to learn for themselves so they do not become dependent on – or limited by – the skills and knowledge of others.
Discovering potential and developing ability
In the UK we offer two programmes: the Kumon English Programme and the Kumon Maths Programme. Each student follows their own path of study; they will start the programme at their own individually set starting point and will move through the programme at their own pace.
Students initially start at a comfortable level with a focus on building a strong foundation in the way they study. By ensuring the work is manageable, without being too simple, we are able to develop pace, concentration and rhythm, laying the foundations for independent learning.
Kumon worksheets are designed with examples and instructions to support students in becoming independent learners. They will learn to correct their own mistakes, further increasing their ability to solve new problems. Each student will need to complete their work with a certain degree of speed and accuracy before progressing to the next level. This focus on fluency will ensure they can tackle more challenging work with confidence.
The students will then have the ability to apply the knowledge and skills they have gained through the earlier levels to more complex problems. They will be able to independently select which methods and techniques will best help them to tackle higher-level work. Through completion of advanced work we are able to maximise the students' ability as they progress beyond the international standard for their age.
These analytical thinkers will take ownership of their learning as they work towards completion of the programmes. At Kumon, learning is always for the long run: our programmes prepare students for a successful future filled with endless opportunities.
