Centre Details - Class Venue

St Andrew's Church Hall, Gouldsmith Room (at rear of building, please use rear door only, thank you), Haughton, Darlington, DL1 2DD

Click here to view a map

Class Days and Times

Mondays 3.45 - 5.30pm

Last Arrival 5.10pm

See Darlington News for holiday dates.

Centre Manager

Sue Jennings, B.D., P.G.C.E.

Telephone: 01642 781111

Mobile: 07794 079173

Email: Darlington@firstclasslearning.co.uk

Sue qualified as a teacher in 1999, and has been involved in Maths and English after school classes for three years. She has been running the Darlington Centre since it opened in April 2006.

What we offer:

We aim to help our students gain confidence and to succeed in Maths and English.  Courses are tailored to suit the individual ability and learning style of your child and are based on and complement the school curriculum.

We welcome students of any age between 4 and 16 years old.  All abilities are welcome, but as a general rule the earlier your child starts the better.  However, even in Year 11 we can still give valuable help for the consolidation of G.C.S.E.s.

Initial Assessment:
Before a student commences study with First Class Learning, she/he will be assessed by the Centre Manager. This assessment will help to determine the specific needs of the student and ensure a suitable starting point in the course.

In the class:

On arrival at class students are greeted, they return their communication sheet and are then given their class work for the day.

Students typically spend 20-30 minutes in class or a little longer if they are doing two subjects.

The class work is always marked and assessed before the students leave.  Independent learning is encouraged.  All students are aware that sympathetic help is always available and that rather than being a sign of failure an error is always seen as a learning opportunity.

There are also other educational activities available for the younger students. Students starting a new topic or those that are having difficulty will receive one to one tuition.  Unlike a traditional tutor, this one to one tuition is reinforced with a weekly programme of regular homework.

If the student or parent have any issues they wish to raise, these can be mentioned on the communication sheet to be discussed in class or by phone later.

Home study:
At each visit to the  Centre the student will be given a detailed programme of home study to be completed before the next class. The home study plays a vital role in your child's progress by ensuring constant consolidation of the skills learned at the Study Centre. We ask the parents to assist the student in marking their work. This ensures that you will always be fully aware of the work your child is doing and the progress being made.

We lay great emphasis on effective communication with students and parents and on putting enjoyment back into Maths and English.  First Class Learning has an excellent record of improving students' performance at school and success in S.A.T. / G.C.S.E. exams.

Class Ethos:

We aim to create a calm welcoming atmosphere in class. We talk to every student while they are in the classroom and they can also turn to our trained assistant for friendly advice and help.

Personal organisation and consideration for others are encouraged.  Students are expected to bring a sharp pencil to class and to do their work quietly, without distracting others. 

However there is a gentle buzz of conversation – friendships are formed here. We take our studies seriously – but we enjoy ourselves at the same time.  Children arrive and leave with a smile. 

We are proud that most students come from parent or school recommendation!

Parents Comments:

“After one year, Charlotte’s confidence has translated into her being moved up a set at school.” Mrs.Mason

"Christopher has been delighted to find that there are many things in maths he can do" Mrs Wright

Quotes from Professionals:

“What these programmes do is directly address learning styles and so programmes can be tailored to meet individual needs.”  Dr.Madeline Portwood.  Senior Educational Psychologist.

“A very structured programme.  Short exercises involving instant feedback and plenty of variety.  Guaranteed success.”  Celia Stone.  Author, Beat Dyslexia!