Our methods

Learning is the gaining of knowledge and skill. Some students learn best from visual presentations, others from verbal presentations, and others from actually doing the task themselves. We incorporate all three learning modes in an interactive manner that encourages deep understanding and memorisation. In the calm, positive and motivating atmosphere of our group coaching sessions, students are encouraged to achieve their academic potential. Our unique approach to learning helps students develop self-confidence and an “I can do it” attitude. Students become self-motivated and keen to study. By developing powerful concentration and using the best study techniques available, they learn more in less time . The boost in self-confidence developed by academic success leads our students to become happily involved in life at school, at home and in the community.

Our programs

We cater for students from pre-school to Year 12 of all levels of ability, from remedial to average to extension. We help students to catch up, keep up and get ahead. We cover Mathematics, English, Reading and Science. We help students prepare for exams, including the Opportunity Class, Selective Schools, Basic Skills, SNAP, ELLA, School Certificate and the HSC. For more information, see Coaching Programs.

Our centre

John and Carole Hales opened the learning centre in Winmalee in 1997. The centre has expanded since then and a second branch was opened in Blaxland while the Great Western Highway was undergoing its widening and travel between the lower mountains and Winmalee became problematic. In 2002 a new Centre was purpose built in Springwood and both existing centres were closed and moved to the new Springwood Centre which provides an ideal learning environment in a convenient location. The centre is air-conditioned and each room is soundproof. The safety of students is a prime concern, so they are able to stay on the premises before and after their coaching session until parents come to pick them up. Cold drinking water is provided, and students are able to eat in the lounge area.

Our staff

John and Carole have been educators since 1976, working with students at all levels from pre-school to HSC and university. John has a B.Sc. degree and a Diploma of Education while Carole has a B.A. and a Diploma of Education. John is a Director of the Centre and is primarily concerned with Mathematics teaching at the Centre and is responsible for writing our new Maths programs. Carole is also a Director and has helped develop the English programs used in the Centre and is responsible for supervising the Reading and Pre-school Programs. Both share responsibility for all staff recruitment and training and supervise all coaching programs. Carole is also Director of Administration, responsible for coordinating the day-to-day operation of the Centre.

Christine McIntyre is the friendly receptionist. She can make appointments for you to speak to the directors or your child's coach, process your payments and account inquiries, and arrange for your child to catch up on a missed session.

We select our coaching staff upon the basis of their personal qualities, communication skills, academic qualifications and coaching experience. All staff have passed a “Working with Children Check”.

All staff are trained in the philosophy of the learning centre and undergo specific and ongoing training related to the methods of coaching and the format of coaching sessions for the subjects and levels that they coach. Many of our staff have considerable SC and HSC marking experience and are senior teachers at their schools.

Our motivation program

We help students to establish goals that they work towards achieving at coaching and at school. Our ongoing motivation program is designed to help students through the ups and downs of daily life, especially their life as a student. Our “thought for the week” provides the stimulus for a discussion of issues relevant to the students. We help students to find learning intrinsically rewarding — the accomplishment of new learning or a personal best performance is the reward in itself. This type of motivation is sustaining. Younger students appreciate the positive comments written on their books and the stickers and merit awards. All students look forward to a lolly at the end of their session.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What subjects do you offer for each age group?
Mathematics and English are offered for Years 2 to 12. Science for Years 9 to 10 and Physics, Chemistry and Biology for Years 11 to 12. Other subjects may be offered subject to demand e.g. Legal Studies, Economics, Ancient History. Reading is offered for pre-school and primary and remedial secondary. Opportunity Class test preparation for Years 3 to 4 and Selective Schools test preparation for Years 5 to 6. Adult programs include examination preparation, reading and writing skills, research skills and statistics.

Do you assess students before they begin coaching?
Students enrolling in English, Mathematics and Science programs are usually assessed in their first coaching session so a comprehensive program of work can be planned to address their needs. If necessary, an assessment can be arranged before the first coaching session. Assessments are usually required before enrolling in a reading program.

How long is each coaching session?
45-minute sessions are held for the pre-school reading program, all primary programs and secondary programs for Years 7 to Year 10 are 60-minutes. 90-minute sessions may be offered for Years 11 and 12 Mathematics.

How often should my child attend coaching?
We do ask that students make a commitment to their coaching sessions. Most students attend one coaching session each week for each subject. Extra sessions are available depending on the needs of the student.

What happens if my child misses a session?
Student attendance at coaching each week is vital for continued progress to be made. We require a commitment towards the coaching program from students and their parents. Make-up classes are available for all subjects. Fees are payable for any missed sessions. If a child is not available to attend an alternate lesson then the work may be posted out. For Reading students, the lesson information will be mailed out to them the day following their missed lesson.

How do I find out about my child’s progress?
Detailed reports on each student’s learning are written at the end of each term to inform students and parents of the progress made at coaching. The directors and coaches are also available for phone or face-to-face meetings during the term. Parents will be contacted should any problems become evident.

Are your staff trained?
Our coaches are people who have been selected for their positive personalities and passion for helping students. Teachers in charge of each group have appropriate qualifications. Further, we have trained them in our own unique coaching methods to make sure they cover the most important parts of each subject in the most effective way. All staff have been cleared to work with children by the NSW Police.

Do you do I.Q. tests?
No. I.Q. tests are conducted by registered psychologists. We often interpret these test results for parents in planning the coaching program for their children.

Why do you coach students in groups?
Learning is maximised when students are calm, confident and concentrating on the task in front of them. A small group setting allows for the most effective learning. The skills and confidence students develop in the small class lead to independent learning and the willingness to ask questions and get full value from classes at school. By contrast, one-on-one tutoring can be a quite intense situation. Sometimes students become dependent on their tutor, and are not able to perform well in the school and exam setting. If a child only performs well in a one-on-one setting, they will fail at school. Our groups are limited in size, and some groups may have a teaching assistant. These assistants are mainly ex-students who have proved to be exceptional individuals. They do not give the lesson but are available to provide individual assistance should it be required. Students are assessed and are provided with an individual learning program.

Do you have a special way of helping students learn?
Our learning formula helps students to improve in the four key areas of motivation, calmness, confidence and concentration. We foster positive attitudes of persistence and patience that help students overcome obstacles and learn from the mistakes that are an inevitable part of learning. We help students to use advanced learning techniques to learn quickly and remember easily.

Why don’t you send tutors out to my home?
When students come to our learning centre they are ready to learn. We have created an environment that promotes maximum learning, free from the many distractions at home. We are also able to supervise our staff and provide them with ongoing training. This ensures quality control.

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