Preparations are well underway as we get ready to launch this exciting new venture. Here’s some of the many items we are checking off our ‘To Do’ list as we get ready to run our first English classes – virtually, and in our Toronto studio:
Prepare the Centauri Arts Academy to open safely
As we open our doors for English Tutoring and Arts Workshops, we will do so with safety as a first priority. We’ve installed a new HEPA air filter, there are plenty of hand sanitizers and our tables are exactly 6ft long, to facilitate social distancing. Students and instructors will wear masks, and we’re instigating new cleaning measures, too, so everyone can join us with peace of mind.
Process registrations and complete assessments
Our English Tutoring program has proven so popular that we already have classes booked 6 days a week! For the first few weeks, all classes will be taught by Julie Hartley, the program creator. As each new student registers, we look carefully at the needs of existing students, and either match the new registrant to an English class already scheduled, or open up a new class. How do we figure out the needs of each student? Through a virtual one-on-one assessment. This is an opportunity for us to chat with the student to learn more about them, and have them complete several short pieces of writing.
Build resources and create individualised programs for each group
This is such an exciting – and essential – part of the process! We’re creating a huge database of resources to inspire English tutors and students alike. Each class will follow a similar format, designed to maximise learning and ensure variety. We’ll begin each session with a free write – an opportunity for students to focus and to warm up to the act of writing. After that, students move on to a reading comprehension, which may be an article, poem, novel excerpt or piece of creative non-fiction. The aim is to develop close reading skills, help students to respond articulately to a range of written texts, and encourage a love of literature. After that, classes will have a ‘taught’ segment. This may include grammar, essay structure or whatever else is needed by the class. For the last half hour, students move on to an extended writing piece, and each English class is supplemented by a 1-hour writing or reading assignment completed by the student during the week.
Learn as much as possible about each student attending our English Tutoring program
Some of the students who register with us are doing so because they hope to improve their writing and reading skills, for school and for life. Perhaps they struggle with essay structure, for example. We have several parents who have signed their students up with us because they feel COVID has disrupted their child’s education more than they are willing to accept. In addition, about 40% of our students are gifted readers and writers who do really well in English classes in school and are looking for enrichment: a chance to delve more deeply into the classics, to talk about literature, to take on more advanced writing challenges.
We will be accepting new students onto our English Enrichment Program throughout the year, matching new applicants with others who have similar needs. Students remain in the program for a minimum of 12 weeks, but many will stay for the whole year.
With just twelve days to go, we’re counting down the hours to our big launch!
Click here to learn more about our English Tutoring program
