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Author: Beckie Furphy

Invigilators Wanted

We are currently looking for invigilators to assist with the Summer 2019 exam series, which takes place in May and June. The work involved is part-time and would require you to be available for the supervision and administration of morning or afternoon exams. Rates of pay are attractive and no prior experience is necessary, although you would be required to attend an invigilator training session at the College in advance of the exam series commencing.

If you are interested, please contact the Exams Officer on (01625) 501440.

2018: A Year in Review

Management Changes

This year has seen fundamental change in the makeup of the ownership of Macclesfield Tutorial College (MTC) and Expert Tutorials Limited. On 31st August 2018, Mrs Janet Richardson retired and her partnership position and shareholding were taken up by Mr Toby Vintin. Janet was a founding shareholder with Mr David Furphy when forming MTC in 1995.

Janet brought an experience of teaching and experience of working in the retail world to the business as well as a tenacity for detail and hard work. David brought a wide experience of teaching having held several senior positions in secondary schools over many years. Toby has been working for the college for over three years and continues to develop his knowledge of the curricula and the examination systems which form an integral part of the work at the college.  He has worked in the City of London for many years and has wide experience of business management, experience which will be invaluable as MTC progresses.

MTC continues to teach a wide range of subjects at Functional Skills, GCSE and GCE levels and to provide examination entry and facilities for this wide range.  In addition examination facilities and support are provided for external university examinations.

Exams for Private Candidates

As an approved examination centre for Edexcel, AQA, WJEC, OCR and Cambridge International, we have been providing examinations for our own students and independent students in the UK since 1995. Over the years we have hosted examinations for candidates throughout England and have had the pleasure of welcoming others from Scotland, Wales, Ireland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, USA, Canada, Brazil, South Africa, and Vanuatu via Belgium.

We are conducting examinations at MTC on behalf of universities and their distance learning students. These universities include Leicester, Robert Gordon, Arden, Queen Mary University of London and this year Harvard University.

In the last twelve months MTC has conducted examinations in Liverpool, Ellesmere Port, Warrington, Cumbria, Winsford in Cheshire, Tunstall, Urmston, Belper and Carlisle. The college has arranged these special provisions on behalf of various local authorities and universities: generally in the homes of students confined to home through physical illness or other difficulty. We have extensive experience of supporting candidates with special educational needs and have partnered with numerous local authorities and other agencies to offer a professional, supportive and discrete service.

College Facilities

The MTC building in Macclesfield has been extended to incorporate more office space.  This has allowed an increase in waiting-room space to be allocated with a view to refurbishing this area in the near future.

There are ongoing alterations to extend our laboratory space, particularly to enable more students to complete the increased number of practicals required by students to complete the new physics, chemistry and biology GCSE and Advanced Level qualifications.

Online Lessons

This year has seen an increase in the breadth and depth of our work.  Not only are we continuing to deliver online lessons we are now supplying those as far abroad as China and Holland.  The college and its tutors continue to develop an area of expertise in on-line teaching one-to-one and one-to-many. The changes and demands of UK education and the examination system continue to be met by the skilled team of teachers, experienced senior staff and administrators with enthusiasm and energy. It augurs well for the year and years to come.

David Furphy, College Principal

Private Tutors Wanted!

We are always on the look out for experienced and enthusiastic private tutors at all levels up to A Level. Most of our students are in or around the Macclesfield area and will often attend the College itself for lessons. We also offer online tuition, so your location is less important than your ability to engage with learners of all ages and to communicate your expert subject knowledge clearly and effectively.

We offer full and part time courses at GCSE and AS/A Level, as well as one-to-one private tuition in most subjects so, whatever your specialism, we’d love to hear from you.

We have regular customer enquiries relating to the more popular subjects at GCSE and A Level, namely maths, English and the sciences, but also history, geography, modern foreign languages, psychology and beyond. If you specialise in one of these subjects, we have customers waiting to be matched with an accomplished tutor.

Fur further information about the College, current vacancies and the application process, please visit our tutor vacancies page here .

A-Level Science Requirements

If you are already studying for, or considering taking an A-Level science qualification with one of the AQA, Pearson Edexcel, OCR or WJEC examination boards, you have probably already heard of the associated Practical Endorsement. It is very important that you are aware of what is involved and what is required of you before you start your A-Level Science course, to ensure that you choose the right options.

 

What is the A-Level Science Practical Endorsement?

 

In simple terms, the practical endorsement is a minimum of 12 practical activities to be carried out by students under controlled conditions and assessed by teachers using Common Practical Assessment Criteria (CPAC). Students who demonstrate the required standard across all the requirements of the CPAC will receive a ‘pass’ grade.

 

What You Need To Be Aware Of

 

First things first – the practical endorsement is not an obligatory component of A-Level study and does not contribute to the overall grade awarded to a candidate.

HOWEVER, there are a number of critical considerations to bear in mind before you opt out of undertaking the endorsement.

  1. if a candidate opts to omit the practical endorsement, their final certificate will show the endorsement as “Not Classified”, which is the same as if they had undertaken but not passed the endorsement.
  2. Overall, 15% – 25% of the marks for all A-Level science courses from AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC will examine the candidate’s knowledge of practical skills. That means, potentially a quarter of the available marks in the written exams will be based upon skills and competence acquired through laboratory work. The practical endorsement covers all of these required skills and competences.
  3. Many UK universities and further education establishments require an applicant to have passed the practical endorsement in order to enter into an undergraduate course. This is especially true where the undergraduate course in question relates to a scientific discipline, such as medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine. In fact, some of the universities which we contacted specified that, if a candidate has taken one of the sciences at A-Level, they will expect them to have passed the practical endorsement irrespective of which undergraduate course they wish to apply for. We recommend that each student verifies whether that is the case with their preferred institution(s).

 

Where Can I Do The Practical Endorsement?

 

You can undertake the A-Level Science Practical Endorsement right here at Macclesfield Tutorial College.

The Department for Education (DfE) and Ofqual have mandated that any candidate undertaking an A- or AS-Level Science specification with a JCQ awarding body (AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC) must be given the opportunity to attempt the accompanying Practical Endorsement at the same centre with which they are sitting the written papers. In other words, if you wish to attend Macclesfield Tutorial College and attempt the Practical Endorsement in our fully equipped laboratory, you must also be entered for the written examinations with our Examination Centre.

 

Want To Know More?

 

Please visit our GCE Science Practical Requirements page for full details, including the value for money Practical Packages we offer.

Online Tuition with MTC

Online Lessons: The Convenient and Cost Effective Way to Access Tuition from MTC

Online lessons offer the full benefits of face to face tuition with the added convenience of being able to participate in a lesson from literally anywhere with an internet connection and, preferably, a screen, webcam and microphone.

Enquire About Online Lessons

Online GCE Tutor

If you’re studying towards your GCSEs or A Levels, most topics can be effectively taught online. Whether that is learning about algebra and geometry for GCSE Maths, or analysing Shakespeare and modern poetry for A Level English Literature, an online lesson facilitates discussion with your tutor and the sharing of ideas, both verbally and visually. Both student and tutor log in to a virtual classroom and (assuming you have the use of a webcam) are able to see and talk to each other as if they were in the same room.

Maths Tutor GCSE

For maths lessons, a digital visualiser enables the tutor to share diagrams, charts and other visuals as if they were drawing on a whiteboard in front of you. Screen-sharing technology also allows both tutor and student to share their computer screen and better illustrate a point being made or work being done.

GCE English Tutor Online

Online tuition is also successful with more creative subjects, such as English Language and English Literature. Annotated scripts can be shared on screen, ideas can be discussed, and essays submitted all within the online, virtual classroom.

Science Online Tutors

Even science can be supported with online lessons. With the ever increasing expectation that students develop practical science skills and techniques at both GCSE and A Level, it is inescapable that some lessons will need to be conducted in a laboratory environment. However, we find that a supporting program of online lessons, covering the more theoretical elements of the syllabus can be beneficial.

Cost Effective and Safe Tuition

Online lessons with Macclesfield Tutorial College are not only convenient, they are also increasingly accessible as they represent a cost saving when compared to traditional, face to face tuition. Not only are transport costs removed since you are not obliged to come into the college, but there is also a reduced hourly rate for online lessons.

All tutors with MTC are DBS checked and, with online lessons, you have the added security of all lessons being recorded and stored. Should there be any reason to review what was discussed in a lesson, a recording can be accessed. This also serves as a handy study aid as lesson recordings can be used as a revision aid at a later date to review concepts and ideas discussed.

If you haven’t yet tried online lessons with us and are unsure how they may work for you, contact us for a no-commitment discussion about how we can help you.

Macclesfield Tutorial College Contact Details

Private Candidate Exam Centre

A Leading UK Private Exam Centre

As well as offering private tuition and full/part-time GCSE and A Level courses, Macclesfield Tutorial College is also a fully accredited private exam centre. We cater for private candidates taking qualifications with the AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and Cambridge International exam boards.

Candidates of all ages

We accept applications from candidates of all ages, from all over the country to sit exams with us here in Macclesfield. We also have extensive experience of administering exams in external locations, such as a candidate’s home whenever there are verifiable reasons for a candidate being unable to attend the College exam locations.

Most subjects available

We consider applications for most subjects, from the ever popular English, maths, modern foreign languages and sciences, to ICT, business studies, humanities, art and much, much more. The College facilities enable students to undertake all manner of non-exam assessments, from language orals through to the full A Level science practical endorsement in our full equipped laboratory. If you are unsure whether your chosen subject will be covered, contact a member of the College exams office staff who will be happy to discuss your needs.

If you’re unsure, just ask

Taking exams outside a traditional school environment can be a daunting prospect – which exam board to use? which specification would be best suited to your needs? what are the correct unit codes? when are the exams? To make the process easier, we have compiled a wealth of useful information and made it available on our website. Whether you are looking for exam timetables, past papers, exam entry codes, fees, deadlines, science practical requirements, or exam board contact information, you can find it within the Examination Centre section of the College website: MTC website. Alternatively, call us and we will be happy to help you navigate through the examination process.

MTC – a leading private exam centre in the UK

Online Lessons

Online Lessons Make Learning Accessible

 

The tuition available at Macclesfield Tutorial College has enabled 100’s of our previous students to achieve the results they required to achieve their goals (view testimonials). Whether young or old, we have great experience working with students of all ages aiming to expand their skills and qualifications. Students come to us for many reasons but their common objective is to learn and develop. Whether that is obtaining GCSE or A Level qualifications necessary to gain entry to higher education, retraining for a career change, or learning a foreign language before travelling, our tutors have the skill and experience to help. Now, the convenience of online lessons means that it is no longer necessary to visit the College in person. If you have access to the internet (and preferably a webcam and a microphone!) you could be enjoying the benefits of MTC tuition from the comfort of your own home. Add to that the fact that online lessons are a more costs effective means of accessing tuition from MTC, and you can see why many of our students are now taking advantage of them!

Distance Learning Using Online Lessons

The technology for video calls and online meetings is now commonplace and education is just one area which has benefitted. It is now possible to seek out the best tutors irrespective of location so you can benefit from lessons with an MTC tutor without the need to visit the college in Macclesfield.

Lessons take place in a virtual classroom but you will still have face to face time with the tutor and be able to communicate freely as if you were in the same room. We use digital visualisers to enable the tutor to be able to write on a virtual whiteboard, sharing diagrams, ideas and concepts as they would in a traditional classroom so most areas of study are possible.

Many students find it beneficial to have a few sessions face-to-face in the College first, then they can have online sessions throughout term time and continue to supplement their school education.

A Level Online Study and GCSE Online Study

Online lessons can be used to support complete study courses with us, as well as occasional tuition. A full or part time A level or GCSE course with Macclesfield Tutorial College can be timetabled to accommodate your life outside college and our students benefit from schedules tailored to their needs. Online lessons can be used as part of a timetable, where appropriate, meaning that travel times can be limited. Certain components may require attending at the College, such as conducting science practicals in the College laboratory, but many elements of a modern syllabus can be covered via distance learning.

Online Security

Online lessons with Macclesfield Tutorial College are designed to provide peace of mind and offer the same degree of security as if you were attending the College itself. All of our tutors have a valid DBS certificate. The additional benefit, when compared with the traditional classroom environment, is that all lessons are recorded and are made available to the student to review and reinforce their learning. Lessons can also be reviewed by parents so they are kept informed of progress and reassured of the quality of subject matter and delivery. Online lessons are also subject to review by College staff for safeguarding and quality control purposes.

 

Find Out More

Read more on our website or contact us now to enquire about booking an introductory online lesson with us – CONTACT DETAILS

Macclesfield Tutorial College – The Private Exams Centre

Private candidates from all walks of life for the last 20 years

Macclesfield Tutorial College is offering November, January and Summer Examination Entries to home schooled, distance learning and all private candidates for the 20th year.

Local Authorities

The College is experienced working closely with local authorities across the country to provide tuition and examinations for their clients, including cared for children, children in need, or individuals with SEND. For instance, the College has facilitated examinations for students confined to their homes through physical, emotional or mental difficulties.

Distance Learning

Additionally, individuals enrolled on distance learning or online learning programs can apply to sit GCSE/A Level or university organised examinations at our centre. Distance learning courses are increasingly popular, with the widespread availability of internet-enabled devices and reliable and fast internet connections. However, many learning agencies do not offer a facility for learners to take the final exams required to earn to overall qualification. Furthermore, some qualifications, such as the sciences, modern foreign languages or ICT, include controlled tests which require attendance at a physical facility which online agencies typically do not provide. Macclesfield Tutorial College accepts private candidates needing to undertake any such controlled tests and offers facilities for science practicals, language orals and other controlled tests.

Apprenticeships

MTC has successfully partnered with training companies and apprenticeship agencies and conducted examinations for 16-19 students on behalf of their employers or other organisations. Exam sittings usually take place at our centre or on the commercial property according to need and suitability.

 

For further information related to taking exams with Macclesfield Tutorial College, please visit our website – MTC Private Exam Centre. Alternatively, contact us directly for a discussion about how we can help you or your organisation – Contact Details.

Summer 2017 Examinations – Special Consideration

Please note the following statement from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ), the membership organisation comprising the main UK exam boards, namely AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and WJEC.

If you sat GCSE or A level exams with us in May/June 2017 and have any questions or concerns relating to this, please contact us directly on (01625) 501440.

 

 

Special consideration: Minimum requirements for enhanced grades reduced to 25%

The move to linear qualifications and recent tragic events have led the awarding organisations to review how enhanced grades are awarded for GCE and GCSE qualifications.

When a candidate has missed a timetabled component/unit for acceptable reasons and the exam centre is prepared to support an application for special consideration, an adjustment may be made to the terminal grade.

Current minimum requirements for enhanced grading in cases of acceptable absence require candidates to have sat at least 40% of the assessment. Awarding organisations have decided to lower this percentage to 25%.  In rare and extenuating circumstances, awarding organisations have the discretion to make an award on a lower percentage.

Therefore, candidates who have missed a timetabled component/unit for acceptable reasons and the centre is prepared to support an application for special consideration, the candidate must have taken at least 25% of the assessment for the awarding organisation to consider an enhanced grade.

The change will be implemented retrospectively for candidates who were due to take examinations in May and June 2017. Please note that for unitised AS/A level qualifications, an A level award will not be issued on the basis of AS units alone.

 

 

November 2017 – Cambridge International Examinations

IMPORTANT – CHANGE TO THE LATE ENTRIES DEADLINE FOR THE NOVEMBER EXAM SERIES

 

Please note that there is no longer a late entries deadline for the November exam series when applying for exams with Cambridge International Examinations (CIE). The entry deadline for the November series is 21st September 2017 after which entries may not be accepted. If an entry is accepted after this date, a Very Late Entry fee will be charged. Fees for exam entry can be found on our website here.

Entry deadlines for November 2017 exams with the JCQ examination boards, namely AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC, are yet to be confirmed and will be published on our website as soon as they become available.

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