The recent lockdown, and need for home-based schooling, has given parents the opportunity to engage more directly with their children’s education.

But for some that’s meant a closer realisation about how much their kids do or don’t “get it”, and flashbacks to their own level of understanding at a similar age.

On Track Learning is an Invercargill-based service offering individualised tutoring through a ‘Catch Up, Keep Up and Get Ahead’ policy, administered by qualified and experienced teachers.

Patria Kerr and her staff have been tutoring since 1993, helping several thousand students over that time. The experienced, qualified, and knowledgeable staff enjoy teaching their students up to the next level of understanding so that success builds on success, and confidence follows.

“Our goal is to help kids be more successful at school, from year 1 to Year 13, including NCEA. We work in a coaching capacity, with parents as team managers,” she said.

“We know where your child needs to be to stay on track. We’re not just selling Maths and English – we’re selling success.”

The service starts with a free assessment to identify the starting point from which to build on learning. 

“We support the school curriculum for junior students with parallel reinforcement of the ‘basics’, playing the long game towards end of school goals of NCEA or equivalents, and beyond,” Patria said.

“Senior students drive their lessons based around school assessment requirements. Their teacher will also ‘go back’ to build on understanding of concepts if required.”

Acknowledging that families might be struggling economically post-lockdown, On Track Learning was keen to ensure that did not become a barrier to helping children grow and thrive as they returned to school, Patria said.

“To contribute towards our local economic recovery, we will return to last year’s prices – which will reduce the lesson price by $5.00 – for Term 2 of 2020 in the first instance. This acknowledges our current families’ ongoing support (we appreciate your trust and loyalty), and may also encourage other families to come on board to build their children’s understanding… watch their self-confidence grow.”

“Some funding or support might be available to you. Speak to us when coming in for your free assessment,” she said.

On Track Learning will resume services when all schools go back in Level 2. All currently enrolled families will be contacted beforehand to reconfirm their return.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the services offered should visit the On Track Learning website or phone (03) 214 4181 to book a free assessment appointment.

Patria said it was important for parents and caregivers to “go gently” when it came to their children’s return to school.

“Just as society is being eased gently through the COVID-19 Levels back to a new normal.”

— Published by arrangement.