About Us
The First Class Learning maths and English programmes have been designed by a team of maths and English specialists with a wealth of experience in primary, secondary and special needs education and a commitment to enhancing children's learning.
Directors |
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Chris Jones |
Chris Jones is Managing Director of First Class Learning and also has responsibility for the development and implementation of the Maths Programme. Chris began his teaching career after leaving University when he joined Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) working in Fiji as a teacher of Science and Mathematics. Here he became convinced that secure arithmetical skills are fundamental to success in Maths. Chris has over 25 years' experience as a tutor, and has run a highly successful tuition centre for 17 years. Chris has been married to Pat for 27 years and they have two sons, Robert and Thomas. Chris lists his interests as science, history, and cricket and has served as a school governor.
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Pat Jones |
Pat Jones is Director of English at First Class Learning, responsible for the development and implementation of the FCL English Programme. As a Modern Languages graduate, she recognises the importance of strong basic grammar and vocabulary skills in mastering language and using it effectively and creatively. Following her degree, she qualified as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language - her experience in this field gave her a valuable insight into how students acquire and use language in everyday situations. Pat has worked for many years as a tutor of English and other languages, as well as gaining extensive experience supporting literacy in mainstream education. Pat runs the Middlesbrough FCL centre jointly with her husband Chris. She has been a School Governor for 15 years. In her spare time Pat enjoys reading, crosswords and escaping to Northumberland or the Lakes!
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David Taylor |
David Taylor is Director of Communications at First Class Learning, responsible for marketing and procurement as well as assisting Chris Jones in developing the maths programme. During a career in the telecommunications industry David taught key skills in maths and English and ran a training organisation responsible for conducting BTEC examinations in telecommunications. After a brief spell working on famine relief programmes in East Africa, he worked as a mentor for children with specific learning needs as well as teaching psychology and running a successful teacher training programme. He runs three successful tuition centres. David is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Training and Development and a graduate of the University of Durham. A qualified mountaineering Instructor, David enjoys mountain walking and motorcycling. |
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Advisory Board |
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Madeleine Portwood |
Dr. Madeleine Portwood is a Senior Specialist Educational Psychologist who has more than 20 years experience in the field. She has produced movement programmes for children with co-ordination problems. Her specific area of specialism is "Dyspraxia" and as well as her movement programme, she has written several books on the subject. An internationally known speaker, Madeleine is an Hon. Fellow of the University of Durham and has been a member of our Advisory Board since 2005
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Celia Stone |
As a trained teacher of dyslexics and co-author of the Beat Dyslexia Activity Packs, Celia Stone has a wealth of experience and has become a recognised authority in the field of learning. Driven by an appreciation of the significance of highly structured multi-sensory teaching as a basic requirement for concept building she was encouraged to develop her successful Addacus programme. Celia is Director, Irlen Centre North East and has been a member of our Advisory Board since 2005 |
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