'A' level Retake Courses (AS and A2)

Oxford Tutorial College gives students the opportunity to study for 'A' level re-takes at both AS and A2 level.

The college offers re-take students a motivating environment in which to take a fresh look at their work. The teaching style is purposeful yet friendly and informal and puts students at their ease, enabling tutors to unravel the threads of previous performance and help to develop both subject knowledge and technique.

Small study groups of three to six students are held in the more popular subjects and each student has one-to-one tuition either within the group framework or as a separate weekly slot. In less popular subjects or options or where the student prefers, a course of entirely one-to-one tuition takes place. Typical teaching patterns are six group hours, or four group hours plus a one-hour hour individual tutorial, or three hours including tuition.

Each course involves a systematic and thorough review of the main syllabus topics, checking understanding of the material and the ability to manipulate it under exam conditions. In order to fulfil the requirements of the 'A' level exam, a student must not only possess clear and detailed syllabus knowledge, which can be recalled at will, but must also have mastered writing and question-answering techniques, such as selection, planning and timing. It is a combination of knowledge and technique that enables a student to do well and our re-take courses address both, ensuring that you have all the tools you require.

One-to-one Tuition

There is normally some emphasis on one-to-one tuition, to help deal with specific difficulties encountered by the individual. This gives the re-take courses a unique focus for each student, enabling them to put particular effort into the areas of their work that need most attention, with maximum tutor support.

One-to-one tuition is an extremely flexible method which is ideal for re-take students, who tend to need specific help with a number of key subject areas. It allows students to work at their own pace and to focus on their own needs, with the tutor's undivided attention. To be effective, this method demands that the student is well-organised and motivated. An average of three to four hours' preparation should be expected for each one-hour tutorial.

Seminar Groups

The syllabus is carefully reviewed in the seminar groups, with an emphasis on key topic areas; guidance is given with analysis and application, with reference to previous exam questions. A set of revision materials is developed, to replace or supplement existing notes and materials. Study techniques, such as reading, note-taking and revision skills are developed. Seminar groups provide an active learning situation, with discussion of syllabus topics under the tutor's guidance. Small group sizes allow for a high degree of personal attention. One or two hours' preparation is required on average for each study group hour.

Practicals

Those who need to improve their grade in practical exams or assessments in the sciences are normally expected to take additional laboratory sessions. A thorough grounding is provided in the essential knowledge, methods and techniques required to satisfy this part of the exam. Other subjects with a practical component may also involve supplementary practical sessions.