What is MagiKats?

Frequently Asked Questions [back]

Click on the question and you will be taken to the answer:

So I bring them to the same workshop every week do I?

But isn't this all very expensive?

I do like them to do some work at home.

But my child doesn’t like the idea of being the one who has to do extra!

What are the materials like?

So, what’s the next step?

I would like to find out more.

So I bring them to the same workshop every week do I?

Certainly, weekly attendance is the basis of the programme and coming at a regular time allows students to get to know each other.  We are all too aware, however, that family life is complex and there is lots to juggle.  You may find that your attendance time needs to be changed sometimes to fit in with, say, rehearsals in school play week!  Subject to availability, you can swop to and reserve a place at any available workshop just by giving us a call.  If attendance is especially difficult, or impossible, then speak to your local Principal - they may be able to offer you a home based programme. [back]

But isn't this all very expensive?

Absolutely not!  After the initial placement session and enrolment, there is simply one monthly fee.  This covers your weekly workshop but, if you can not make it, it also covers replacement work (by request) that can be completed at home plus, of course, the weekly work pack.  We keep careful track on your child’s programme and progress so that we have exactly the right materials available to teach them whenever you can bring them to a workshop, but their efforts (supported by you) at home mean that progress is made the whole time.  Every minute with MagiKats counts - of course! [back]

I do like them to do some work at home.

Excellent!  Just what we like to hear.  Students normally receive their own weekly work pack as they leave.  This contains five assignments, each intended to take 5-10 minutes, plus 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.  We suggest that one assignment is completed each day, giving one day off, but you are in the best position to work out what is most appropriate for your child.  If family commitments make it especially hard to complete homework, then it may be possible to attend workshops for a little longer instead.  Again, it is your local Principal who you need to speak to. [back]

But my child doesn’t like the idea of being the one who has to do extra!

And who can blame them!  This is why we have several students attending at the same time, whilst normally maintaining a staff:student ratio of 1:6 or better.  Each child is allocated to a tutor group where they receive one to one support and also have the opportunity to work with others.  The working environment is relaxed and child friendly but without distractions.  Most Centres also operate an incentive/reward scheme. [back]

What are the materials like?

They are all of the very highest standard, carefully prepared to support the National Curriculum.  When national requirements change, so do the MagiKats materials.  At their workshop, students are taught topics of direct relevance to their current school year.  The sessions are structured so that every individual works at their own level meaning that those needing extension benefit as much as those who need consolidation or remedial help.  At home they work mainly on core skill worksheets that are generated and printed for each child 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.  Nothing can get around the fact that work has to be done if progress is to be made but we do try to make sure that there is entertainment value included in the materials that we use. [back]

So, what’s the next step?

You need to make the decision that to help your child you will give us a call or email.  We will answer any questions that you have and, if you wish, book a placement interview and assessment.  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. [back]