FAQs

We are always monitoring the latest changes in teaching methods and adjust our materials accordingly. Where a child is studying material which they have already covered at school, we try to support the method they have been shown, to avoid any confusion or conflicts developing.

We offer revision programmes at all levels, including NAPLAN tests and Opportunity Class. We also provide work for those taking selective school exams. Your local Principal will also be aware of other exams commonly taken in your area and will be able to advise you on the best options for your child.

Every child works with the Principal, at enrolment, on what we call a Placement. This is not a test, but a way of establishing their individual need. This forms the basis for the starting programme. On a week-to-week basis, their progress is monitored and changes are made to the programme if necessary. Twice per year we carry out more formal testing.

Unfortunately, there is no "magic wand" we can wave - despite our name! What you will find, however, is that children will receive an almost immediate confidence boost. This happens because they are receiving the support which they, as an individual, need. Improvement in a subject does take time, which is why we ask everyone to give us three months in which to start to see specific improvement. However, the psychological improvement is almost instant!

At home, children work mainly on core skill worksheets that are chosen and printed for each individual as appropriate. These too can either fill gaps in earlier knowledge or can take a child beyond the confines of material that they have already met. They normally receive a core skills pack, containing five assignments, as they leave each workshop. Each assignment is intended to take 5-10 minutes. We suggest that one assignment is completed each day, giving one day off in every week. If completing work at home is not possible, then you may be able to complete this at the Tuition Centre. Your local Principal can discuss this with you.

We provide an answer key so you can give your child immediate feedback and they can do corrections while the work is still fresh in their mind. If you feel that you will find this difficult, then please explain this to your local Principal. All work should be returned to the Principal for review.

Of course, if you wish. However, for most students, this will not be necessary. The youngest will need support and may need help understanding instructions. Older children should be able to complete their core work independently. We provide crib sheets for some work, which act as a reminder for method, just in case! If your child does get stuck on something and you are happy to help then please just let us know you have done so. Otherwise, simply leave out the question and let your Principal know there was a problem.

Not necessarily. In fact, a qualified teacher is not always the best choice for a MagiKats mentor. After all, if you had a six year-old child studying English, a High School science teacher would not necessarily be the best person to work with him or her – despite being a qualified teacher! All of our mentors are appropriately qualified to work with the subject and age range they are allocated to. In addition, they receive full training from us. As all of our materials, right down to lesson plans and choice of resources, are provided to each mentor, they are simply supporting a child as they work – NOT needing to plan lessons or curriculum themselves.

Of course. We carry out a Working With Children Check, or state equivalent. No member of staff with a pending check is left alone with a child. In fact, it would be very rare for any member of staff to be alone with a child anyway - one of the great benefits of our workshop environment!

Weekly attendance is the basis of the programme and coming at a regular time allows students to get to know each other. We are aware, however, that family life is complex and there is lots to juggle. Subject to availability, you can swap to and reserve a place at any available workshop just by giving us a call.

Each lesson (or workshop as we call them) lasts for 40 minutes and are available weekly, for at least 46 weeks of the year. As MagiKats is a long-term programme, we opt for a fixed monthly payment, rather than a per-week charge. This is a much simpler structure and leaves more time for working with the children and less time required for admin! Therefore, in some months, there will be four workshops, sometimes five and sometimes fewer. However, this does not matter.

We maintain a staff:student ratio of 1:6 or better. Each child is allocated to a study group where they receive one to one support and also have the opportunity to work with others.

Within a group, there can be an age range of up to two years, also with mixed ability. However, we make sure that each member of the group is a good "fit" - i.e. that they will work well together. As we keep the groups small, this still leaves plenty of opportunities for a child to work 1-2-1 with their mentor when necessary.

No - in fact we advise against it. A child works much better when mum/dad is NOT watching! Most centres provide a waiting area just outside the workshop and this is the best place to wait - unless there is a coffee shop nearby!

We operate a special holiday programme during the long break. We will occasionally close for a week, but core work (homework) continues all year round.

Most commonly, you simply take the work away with you that you would normally have during that period anyway. However, if you want special work, or if you are travelling for an extended period of time, then please speak to your local Principal.

Absolutely not! After the initial placement session and enrolment, there is simply one monthly fee. No extras are charged. Please contact your local centre for details of monthly fees. These will be in the range of $110 to $130 per subject, per month.

We ask that everyone enrols for an initial period of at least three months, to ensure that every student has the chance to feel the benefit of their efforts. After that, we simply charge on a month-by-month basis. One month’s notice is required, by month end, to finish the next month. All fees are paid in advance by direct debit and there are no refunds available for part months.

Sorry - no. To keep things simple, there is a flat monthly fee, regardless of the number of workshops available and also regardless of the number of workshops you attend. We have to ensure that we maintain our staff:student ratio, so have to pay the staff, whether your child turns up or not!

We do not normally offer any multiple enrolment discounts, but please ask your local Principal for their policy.

Schools can be sceptical of any out-of-school programme. This is understandable. However, once a MagiKats Tuition Centre is successfully established in an area, it works alongside local schools to provide support to specific pupils. Many schools recommend us to their parents and most, in an established area, will also be happy to hand out our flyers etc. We do not ask schools to endorse our programme as this is not a fair question to ask of them.

There is no need to tell the school - unless you wish.

MagiKats, the company, was founded by people in the UK (see the "About Us" page for more details). It operates as a franchise, so each Tuition Centre is owned by an individual or a small company, with all training and materials supplied by MagiKats. Each Tuition Centre is therefore independent, but benefits from the support and expertise of the parent company.

Give us a call or send an email. We will answer any questions that you have and, if you wish, book an enrolment and placement session. We will then be in a position to discuss with you the best way forward. Our approach is always flexible, so we can give the best help to students and their families. Our priority is unwavering - it is your child's education.