Tutor FAQs

I am concerned that I haven’t heard anything from Justin Craig Education (JCE), though I was offered a post at Easter. What do I do?

Contact the Teacher Liaison Manager as soon as you think you might be forgotten.

I was offered work for the whole of the revision period, but now find I can only work for 3 days. I feel that I may be letting JCE down, but feel embarrassed about contacting the office.

Good communication works with JCE so let us know immediately and we will then fill the post with another teacher.

I have been offered a post on an Easter Revision Course, which I have accepted, Will anyone contact me before the course starts?

The Teacher Liaison Manager will be in touch with you about six weeks before the commencement of the course and the Course Director from your centre will be in touch with you about two weeks before the course starts.

How do I make contact with the centre Course Director?

See above

Will the centre CD contact me before the course starts?

Yes. See above.

What materials will I need to bring with me?

As many resources as possible, including past examination papers from all the boards and exemplar materials for new specifications.

Will there be a photocopier?

Yes, but plan what you need for the first day and bring sufficient copies for all your groups.

What can I photocopy?

JCE does not allow whole examination paper copying (copyright issues) but you may copy selected questions, sections of your own personal material and notes + student requests. Please keep photocopying to a minimum.

Who does the photocopying?

The Course Director’s assistant but you may use the machine yourself

Will I know anything about the students beforehand?

Yes details of your students will be sent to you through your portal.

How do I become better informed about the students’ needs?

You should be able to pick up a lot of information about the students from the portal. However for AS/A2 level students you will need more information (ie topics they need help with) and we ask you to either telephone or e-mail all your students. This will need to be done as soon as you receive their details so you have time to prepare.

I have not taught all the specifications that the students in my group(s) follow. Will it be possible to transfer these students to another group and teacher?

Unfortunately no: JCE offers to help students with revision whatever specification they follow. It is really very important you familiarise yourself with all the Awarding Bodies specifications in your subject. The Examiners’ reports usually give a summary of past sessions, and provide invaluable insight into the pitfalls and characteristics of exam and Board. Make sure you read them before the course.

Is all this pre preparation really necessary?

Yes, absolutely

Where do I go?

The centre Course Director will have made contact with telling you where to go at the start of the course and how to get to the centre.

When should I arrive?

At least half an hour before you start teaching

What if a student is missing from my group or I have additional students?

Inform the Course Director immediately.

What if a student requests permission to miss a lesson?

A. Do not allow it but if the student is insistent it is important then send him/her to the Course Director

What if a student is showing problems with the way revision is progressing?

If the student addresses the problems to you personally, try to resolve it yourself but if the problem persists see the CD straightaway. If you become aware of the problem yourself try to solve it but if this is impossible see the CD straightaway..

What if I have discipline problems with a student?

Report it to the CD immediately.

Will students be following the same specification/at the same academic level/at the same year level?

Not always, so you need to be prepared before the course starts. Even if they are all the same year level they may be following different boards or want help with different topics. But you will know all this before the course starts as you will have already been in contact with all your A level students and will have seen the GCSE students’ details. You must ensure that no student is neglected or given undue attention.

Does JCE set tests?

No. Students spend all the time revising and honing examination skills.

Do I need to write reports?

No.

Can I vary the lesson times?

No

What happens during breaks?

Most staff members meet in the staff room for tea and coffee.

Is lunch provided?

Yes at a residential centre but no at a day centre

Are there any security implications at JCE centres?

Yes, of course. Classrooms are kept locked overnight but not during the day. So do not keep anything valuable lying around.

Can I leave my students to work on their own?

No . We have a duty of care, which we must fulfil. There may be odd occasions when you need to, but keep these to a minimum.

I need to stay the night before the course starts. Am I permitted to do this?

Yes, but please contact the Teacher Liaison Manager beforehand.

I do not have transport to travel between the hotel to the centre. Is there transport available?

We will link you up with another teacher with whom you can share car and cost.

Do I have to pay for accommodation?

Yes you do, but the costs are heavily subsidised by JCE

Are meals provided?

Yes, all of them.

What can I do in the evenings?

There are sports facilities on site (which may be used during the long lunch breaks, too) and there are always film shows.

Do I have to pay for accommodation?

Yes, you do but it is heavily subsidised.