Education
Positive primary, intermediate and secondary school experiences in Invercargill were pivotal in Raewyn Hansen’s pursuit of her long-held desire to be a teacher.
After 30 years teaching in children from five years to fifteen years old, in primary and secondary classrooms around Southland, as well as training in Deaf Education and teaching in Palmerston North, the born and bred Southlander is still loving her role in the education sector.
NumberWorks’nWords Invercargill was established more than 18 years ago by Raewyn after she became aware of an opportunity to open the franchise’s southern-most centre.
Leaving the classroom was not an easy decision but after much research, the NumberWorks’nWords franchise proved to be a perfect fit for Raewyn’s personal educational philosophy of personalising teaching; ensuring children can progress at their own rate, along with targeting children’s specific needs whether they be for consolidation, catch-up, confidence, extension or exam preparation.
She sees the reciprocal relationships that develop between the student and the tutor as being crucial to success, as are the relationships that develop between the parents/caregivers and the manager.
The team of 19 tutors currently, who work after school is led by the manager Matilda Phillips. Matilda began her association with NumberWorks’nWords when she joined the team as an English tutor while a Year 12 student at James Hargest College.
After leaving Invercargill to attend Otago University and to pursue other opportunities, she realised that she loved it so much, she returned and progressed to the role of manager. Matilda is the “face” of NumberWorks’nWords Invercargill and has become paramount to the continued success of the centre.
Matilda is heavily involved in local musical activities, being a member of the Foveaux Harmony Choir and she has been cast in the Invercargill Musical Theatre’s “Matilda” which we think is quite ironic. Come along and see her in the July holidays in her role as Mrs Wormwood!!
The tutors who thrive under Matilda’s experience and guidance, are selected for their expertise and passion for their specialist area of English or Maths along with their ability to impart knowledge, and develop the confidence students often lack. As they are familiar with the current New Zealand curriculum requirements, their relevance to today’s students and their ability to build relationships with the students they tutor is second to none.
This feedback from one of the students speaks for itself:
“You guys have made Maths for me way much easier and you guys always have a cheerful attitude to lighten up the mood. Sometimes you guys make my day as to how you interact with the other tutors in the building. So I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for helping me. (A senior student)
Feedback from a couple of 5 star reviews
“It has been amazing for building the confidence of our daughter in maths. She has built a strong relationship with her tutor and the tutor is in tune with her next learning steps. The feedback and consultation to us as parents has been clear, regular and positive. I would definitely recommend you try it! Thanks Raewyn, Matilda and your fabulous team!”
“Very friendly and everyone makes you feel at ease. Regular communication is wonderful too. Very happy so far.”
The expertise developed over the past 40 years by NumberWorks’nWords ensures children are well supported in the New Zealand curriculum. The software updates and refined tutoring practices align with recent Ministry of Education announcement changes in Structured Literacy and Structured Maths in particular.
Personalised tuition ensures children cement their understanding with practice using the engaging, interactive software that generates many exercises to consolidate knowledge and understanding, alongside paper-based exercises and practice questions.
Children receive continual feedback on their progress from their tutor, and they receive acknowledgement through incentives built into the programme, and certificates for effort and achievement.
Every child who comes in for a free assessment is assessed personally by the manager to determine strengths and weaknesses and to take a close look at how they learn best. The results from this initial assessment form the basis of establishing a learning plan, in consultation with the parent/caregiver.
A plan is devised to help address the learning gaps, building confidence, extending knowledge and understanding of the crucial subject matter.
If parents/caregivers suspect their child is not where they should be for their age or school level, or their lack of confidence causes them to second-guess themselves, or to not be willing to give new learning a try, a no obligation free assessment at NumberWorks’nWords Invercargill, 80 Kelvin Street is a great place to start. Check out the Facebook page and website