Welcome to our Frequently Asked Questions. If you have a question that isn’t answered, please email us at info@tesbrightspark.co.uk or call 020 3194 3212.
Questions
- Is the technology complicated?
- Will I be speaking to a real person?
- What do I need to use BrightSpark
- How long does each session last?
- How will the Tutors know my standard?
- How can parents monitor quality and progress?
- What if I don’t like my Tutor?
- Why are the Tutors based internationally?
- How do you ensure quality and high standards amongst your Tutors?
- How well do your Tutors know the UK curriculum?
- How can I ensure that my Tutoring links into my classroom learning?
- Do I need to be concerned about online safety?
- Do I need to be with my child during their session?
- Is all my personal and payment data secure online?
Answers
1. Is the technology complicated?
Not at all. We’re a human business that uses simple technology to connect students to high quality tutors for live tuition.
There is nothing to be downloaded, and you don’t need to be a computer geek to enjoy the benefits of BrightSpark. We use simple online whiteboards with integrated voice technology to ensure clear and immediate connection to our tutors.
2. Will I be speaking to a real person?
Absolutely! All you need to do is book a session for a convenient time, and one of our expert maths tutors will be ready and waiting with your one-to-one lesson. They’re there to help you, so do make sure to ask if you are unsure of anything.
3. What do I need to use BrightSpark?
You don’t need much to get started – just make sure the computer you are using meets the following basic requirements:
- Bandwidth: Internet connection at home or wherever you want to work with our Tutors from (at least 512 kpbs bandwidth per session).
- Browser: Internet Explorer 7 or above (or an alternative)
- Java: JavaScript and cookies must be enabled, with Java 5 or higher
- Flash: Adobe Flash Player Version 10.2 – about 80% of computers already have this, and if not it can be downloaded for free in a minute. Our systems will prompt you to do this, it’s really easy.
- Headset: A headset with microphone to talk to the tutor – we recommend ones which fully cover the ears for less distraction. Some computers have built in speakers and microphones; however this causes feedback on recorded sessions so we recommend always using a headset.
- Tablet (optional): Some students like to work with a graphics tablet that can make it easier to write and draw on the whiteboard. This isn’t required, but is simple to use (simply plugs in) and relatively cheap to buy.
That’s it… though enthusiasm helps as well!
4. How long does each session last?
Each one-to-one session last up to one hour. Our tutors aim to cover the fundamentals of the chosen topic, working through relevant examples and tests, whilst always leaving time for plenty of questions throughout the session.
5. How will the Tutors know my standard?
When setting up an account, we require students to indicate which stage they are at – Key stage 2 or Common Entrance 11+ (age 7-11), Key Stage 3 (age 11-14) or GCSE (age 14-16), so our tutors can identify the relevant curriculum.
All our tutors are specialist mathematicians, fully trained in the National Curriculum. They will always start by focusing on the fundamentals of each topic and work from there upward. With every session being one-to-one, our tutors can ensure each tutorial is tailored to your personal standard and potential.
6. How can parents monitor quality and progress?
Parents will be informed by email when each session is booked with the time and subject. This is then followed up with emailed feedback from the student’s tutor, identifying progress and future topics for study. Furthermore parents have the option both to listen live and review historic sessions to ensure they are happy with quality.
7. What if I don’t like my Tutor?
We work hard to ensure all our tutors are well trained, friendly and professional. However, if you feel the tutor you are working with is not suited to you then simply request a different one when booking your next session. We employ a wide pool of expert tutors so there is always someone else available.
8. Why are the Tutors based internationally?
Being online, we can access a broad network of intelligent, specialist tutors from around the world, providing flexibility, affordability and expertise to the numerous students, parents and teachers who use BrightSpark to support their school work.
9. How do you ensure quality and high standards amongst your Tutors?
We employ a rigorous recruitment process to ensure the quality of our tutors. Only starting with graduates, they then have to go through five rounds of testing and interviews. Following this they are then put through on the job training, their individual sessions are reviewed periodically, whilst they constantly work with our in house supervisors, academics and curriculum team.
10. How well do the Tutors know the National Curriculum?
All our tutors are supported by an in-house curriculum team that builds topic guidance, tests and presentations from the primary sources of the National Curriculum for Key Stages 2, 3 and 4, the Independent Schools Examination Board for 11+ and 13+, and the GCSE examination boards Edexcel, AQA and OCR. This provides constant and detailed curriculum support on each and every topic that our students need to know.
11. How can I ensure that my Tutoring links in to my classroom learning?
When scheduling a session, students have the option to select topics from our drop down curriculum boxes, enter questions or concerns in text, or upload files or tests for review, ensuring that the same topics they are working on in class are covered in their one-to-one sessions. This allows students to identify and improve areas of academic strength and weakness on a consistent and individual basis.
12. Do I need to be concerned about online safety?
Online security is an area we all need to be increasingly conscious of, particularly in regards young children. At BrightSpark we take this very seriously.
We ensure all our tutors are thoroughly reviewed, both internally and with external criminal record checks. Tutors operate within our own premises, and with every session recorded and overseen by administrators, we can quickly review for quality and security. Furthermore personal data belonging to students and parents is stored independently in the UK.
For more information regards online safety, see Childnet International.
13. Do I need to be with my child during their session?
If your child is under 12 we would recommend you sit with them until they feel comfortable using the tutoring on their own. However, most children prefer to work independently with their tutor, so don’t be surprised if you are sent away!
14. Is all my personal and payment data secure online?
We ensure that all personal information is stored securely in the UK, not accessible by any of the individual tutors or third parties we work with. Our payment system is handled by HSBC who independently store all credit or debit card information.
