A Guide to Music and Instrumental/Vocal Tuition

at

The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School

2015-2016

‘A Vibrant Christian Learning Community’

Working in PartnershipThe school works closely with Herefordshire Music Service who provide high quality self-employed tutors. We work in partnership to provide the highest standard of instrumental and vocal tuition.

The notes in this leaflet outline how the “accredited teachers” system operates and how it affects you and your son/daughter. We are very appreciative of the amount of parental support given, which is often a crucial factor towards students making a successful commitment to learning an instrument.

Starting lessonsParents/carers of Year 7 students who have accepted a place at the school are sent a pack in the second half of the Summer Term, which contains a tuition and instrumental hire request form. It is important to return this document on the date stated so tuition time and instrumental hire can be ordered from the Music Service in good time for the start of the following autumn term. Other years will need to request a ‘declaration of interest’ form from Mr P James (Head of Music). A contract from the relevant tutor will be sent to parents/carers which should be returned with a cheque for the stated amount. Students will receive a slip/timetable at the start of the Autumn Term informing them when and where to meet their tutor who will distribute any hired instruments together with any recommendations for purchasing music and/or consumables, i.e. reeds, strings, etc. Students will be given a permanent alphabetical letter against their name and a timetable is displayed on the relevant notice board in the rehearsal room by the name of the tutor concerned.

This is an example of a student who has the letter ‘A’. 6th January states their lesson takes place at 9.00am. To avoid too much disruption to the normal school timetable, lessons are rotated each week.

Time / Date Wk 1 Wk 2 Wk 3 Wk 4

9.00am A B C D9.30am C D A B

10.00am B A D C10.30am D C B A

Many elements of school life are new to year 7 students and it is easy for them to be confused. It is, therefore, important they understand when to leave a lesson and when to return. To ensure a smooth start to the term we ask parents/carers to go through what is required of them with the aid of this booklet.

Tutors’ QualificationsThe school always insists on well qualified tutors through the Music Service and the majority possess Royal College Associate Diplomas as well as other teaching qualifications. Some also possess Licentiate Diplomas, and a few staff, Fellowships and Doctorates. These are, therefore, the best tutors in the county.

When do lessons take place?Lessons may occur from 8.15am until 5.00pm. The exact time is negotiated according to need with some tutors starting later in the day. Students’ lessons are rotated (as illustrated on the previous page) over the organised tuition time for that tutor. Tutors who teach ‘shortage’ instruments may only teach a few hours on one day, which is then ‘floated’ over the day between other schools to minimise the effect on the school timetable. Student do not miss a whole subject lesson for tuition and as such will not miss much subject teaching, (even for GCSE) although it is expected that students copy up missed work and check with individual subject teachers about homework.

Does the school provide tuition for any instrument we want?Yes! We have obtained tutors for unusual instruments such as the Northumbrian Pipes, Cor Anglais, etc and to date we have not disappointed or turned down any request.

Contacting tutorsOwing to the new contractual arrangements tutors and parents/carers can contact each other directly via telephone and/or email. In the interest of child safeguarding, no student email addresses or mobile telephone numbers should be used in this process. Tutors and parents/carers must contact each other on telephones and email systems that belong to the tutor/parent concerned. If there is any difficulty in your son/daughter attending their allotted time slot, a telephone call or email must to be sent to their tutor.

How many lessons can I expect to receive?The Music Service recommend that tutors deliver 30-32 lessons per year, although there is no real limit if you are in agreement with your tutor to deliver more. Fees for these are charged at the published rate.

What if a tutor is absent for any reason?If a tutor is absent for any reason, they are obliged to make up those lessons later in the term or later in the year. A qualified ‘cover’ member of staff will be organised through

the Music Service, if required, owing to a longer period of illness by a tutor. In the exceptional circumstance of longer absence, a refund will be given to parents/carers proportionate to the tuition time lost if cover staff are not provided.

What if my son/daughter is ill or on a trip?If a student does not turn up to their instrumental lesson because of a school trip, peripatetic instrumental staff are not obliged to make up this time, although as a gesture of goodwill many tutors do. Any foreseen absence should be discussed with the tutor and if the tutor is in agreement he/she will arrange an additional lesson time slot.

Leaving to go to music lessonsIn KS3 students are allowed to leave any lesson five minutes before their vocal/instrumental lesson time. When tests are set in these subjects, music tuition has priority, as subject teachers can re-organise tests on an individual basis. It is generally good practice for students to inform the subject teacher at the start of the lesson they need to leave at a certain time or inform another class student of their location. Students can attend their instrumental lesson in their P.E. kit when leaving a P.E. lesson, if necessary. In KS4 there is no reason to stop instrumental tuition during these years as research has shown that music benefits students’ learning and achievement in other subjects. However, occasionally there may be clashes with ‘controlled conditions’ tests in some subjects. In this instance students should ask their tutor well in advance for another time slot, but this should never be requested on the day. Students should take responsibility and make a note of their next instrumental/vocal lesson in their planners.

Re-arranging instrumental lessonsStudents are not allowed to re-arrange their tuition slot by altering the timetable themselves or swapping with other students for any reason. If the reason falls into one of the categories listed above then any change must be made in consultation with the relevant tutor in advance and not on the day of the lesson.

Students failing to arrive for tuitionOccasionally a student fails to arrive for their tuition, even though they are at school. In this situation a message is immediately sent to the students concerned. In most cases, students then arrive late (which reduces tuition time). Where students fail to arrive, the absence is recorded and an email sent home informing the parents/carers of this absence, as this lesson will not be made up by tutors who will have waited for them to arrive. We ask parents/carers to check with their son/daughter whether they have received their tuition as expected.

If students miss their allotted time or miss tuition altogether on a regular basis, a recommendation will be made to cancel lessons.

Whole School EventsWhen enrichment days and sports days are held tutors are advised not to attend

and in this instance, lessons will be made up later in the term or year.

Finance IssuesCurrent charges are listed in the letters sent to parents/carers for tuition and any necessary instrumental hire. Any queries about charges should, initially, be addressed to the relevant tutor.

What do I get for my money?Your fee includes tuition on an instrument as well as tuition in an ensemble or master class (according to instrument chosen). This is a service paid by the school, the cost of which is not passed onto parents/carers. For this reason we expect all students to be part of an ensemble on a regular basis. Awards are given to students for regular attendance.

ExaminationsTutors can enter students for practical or theory exams with the ABRSM (Associated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music), Trinity College, Guildhall, London or Rock School boards. A tutor may agree to accompany students on the piano as part of the exam, but parents/carers ought to be aware that a fee will be requested for this.

WaiversIf you experience difficulty in paying fees contact the relevant tutor for payment arrangements or the school business manager.

Reporting on ProgressParents/carers receive an annual report in the summer term on the progress of students, although parents/carers are more than welcome to telephone the music team on 01432 347521 to arrange a short meeting with their son’s/ daughter’s tutor to discuss progress.

Staff

Head of Music: Paul James M.A., B.A., P.G.C.E.Paul James is a graduate of the University of London and a post-graduate of the University of Wales College, Cardiff with a Masters Degree (Distinction) in Educational Management. He was taught the piano by John Knott and Peter Croser (London) and the organ by Donald Bate and Robert Harry Jones (St. George’s, Windsor). His tenor voice was trained by Margaret Humphrey Clarke and by Michael Piers. He has held numerous Choirmaster /Organist positions in churches in South Wales and Hereford and is a proficient conductor and accompanist. He is a member of the Hereford Cathedral Voluntary Choir under the direction of Peter Dyke and also acts as the Secondary School representative on Herefordshire’s Music Hub. Mr James is a contributor to the national ‘Music Teacher’ magazine and held the post of Music Advisor for the Robert Owen Teacher Training scheme from 1997 until 2010. He is responsible for the school achieving five Artsmark Gold Awards and has been Head of Music since 1990.

Harry Sutton BMus. PGCEHarry Sutton is an accomplished trumpet and guitar player. He studied music at Huddersfield University where he was taught by members of Chethams School of Music, the Northern Sinfonia and the Halle Orchestra. During this time he recorded with the Black Dyke Brass Band. He graduated with a 2:1 BMus (Hons) and after University started a band and recorded an album with Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson's engineer, Matt Butler, at AIR Studios in London. This relationship continues and he frequently works as a session musician at the world famous Rockfield Studios. He has had over a million views on YouTube as a bassist for George Montague, with whom he has played at the Cheltenham and London Jazz festivals. He also plays bass for numerous theatre companies and runs a function band called ‘The Hey Yahs’.

Instrumental StaffJon Weller BMus (Hons) PGCE—Voice Jon Weller graduated from Edinburgh University in 1998 with a degree in Music and became a qualified primary teacher the following year. He has 14 years’ experience as a Prep school teacher and 11 years running a music department. He was Head of Music at Hereford Cathedral Junior School between 2002 and 2007 before moving up to Derbyshire, returning to Herefordshire in 2013. He has taught piano, singing and theory throughout this time and has sung with some of the top choirs in the county, including the cathedral choirs of Manchester and St Mary’s, Edinburgh. He was also a part of the Amonico Consort and a member of the National Youth Choir of Great Britain as well as regularly working as a deputy singer at Hereford Cathedral. As a choral director he has led many choirs, both youth and adult, with performances at St Mark’s Venice, St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin and Stephansdom in Vienna. He is currently the musical director of the Ferndale Singers and Musical Director at St Paul’s Church, Tupsley. Rebecca Griffiths B.A. (Hons) LGSM—Clarinet

Rebecca has taught in schools in Herefordshire for over twenty years. She has had students in the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain and several former students have gone to music college. She conducts the Intermediate Concert Band for Herefordshire Youth Music and the Hereford Cathedral School Concert Band. She is a member of the British Clarinet Ensemble and the Chandos Orchestra and is principal clarinet with the Ludlow Orchestra and the clarinet quartet ‘A Touch of Wind.’She has performed the Copland Concerto and the Weber Concertino with the Ludlow Orchestra and regularly performs as a soloist and in shows in Herefordshire

Adrian Edwards—guitar and electric guitar'Recorded session musician who has been teaching for over 34 years, author of 12 tutorials, former specialist examiner for L.C.M. and R.G.T. Past students have gone on to various music colleges and since become professional musicians'. All lessons taught are accompanied by free paperwork relating to the lessons.

Barbara Kinnaird Dip TCM, LRAM—violin/violaBarbara Kinnaird studied the violin at Trinity College of Music for four years before spending a post-graduate year at the Royal Academy of Music. She has worked as a professional musician and teacher for over twenty years, playing in sessions, orchestras and as a member of string quartets. She has taught in Herefordshire from 2002 and conducted for Hereford Youth Music since 2005.

Hazel Davis LRAM—Upper Strings—Violin/ViolaHazel Davis studied the violin at the Royal Academy of Music. On graduating she became a member of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, followed later by the London BBC Radio Orchestra. On returning to Herefordshire she continued her playing career working for amongst others the English String Orchestra and the BBC Welsh Orchestra. She has long experience of teaching all age groups and is the joint conductor of Herefordshire Youth Orchestra. In 2006 she won the Elgar Award for her services to Herefordshire music.

Shirley Aston ARCM—Upper Strings—Violin/ViolaShirley has over 30 years teaching for the Music Service and Hereford Cathedral School. She is an experienced orchestral player having played with The Academy of the BBC, the BBC Radio Orchestra, the BBC Welsh Symphony Orchestra (now the National Orchestra of Wales) Orchestra da Camera, the ESO and many other groups. She is also a member of the professional string quartet ‘Serenading Strings’.

Nicholas Jones B.A. (Hons) - Drum kit/SaxNicholas Jones graduated from Liverpool University with a degree in Music in 1990. He started working for the Music Service in January 1998 and started teaching saxophone and drums at Bishops in 2001. He also teaches clarinet, flute and theory and plays piano and orchestral percussion. He plays drums with Hereford Concert Band and has been involved with other local music groups. He helped obtain grade 8 merits on saxophone and grade 8 distinction on drums with students from Bishop’s.

Mrs Andrea Harries - CelloMrs Harries studied with William Pleeth at the Guildhall School of Music, and for the two years prior to that. She is also a qualified teacher, having undertaken her PGCE. She has taught cello and double bass widely throughout both the West and East Midlands, and her students have won many prizes and awards. She has played in many amateur and semi-professional orchestras over the last few decades, and is currently a member of the Cheltenham Symphony Orchestra.

Simon Allen GTCL LTCL—Keyboard/PianoMr Allen graduated from Trinity College of Music in London in 1991 with a Graduate Diploma in Music (Hons) and a Licentiate Teaching Diploma in piano. He has, therefore, twenty years’ experience in teaching the piano, keyboard and theory. His Students have a 100% pass rate. He has a vast knowledge of film music repertoire and is familiar with a wide range of popular music, which gives him the resources to help students choose their pieces. He arranges music (either simplifying or elaborating) to suit a student’s standard. Along with scales and sight-reading he incorporates theory into lessons, as he believes a pupil’s musicianship is significantly enhanced through this. He has played in several bands, composes frequently and is currently completing MD work for a local pantomime.

Anja Caffelle BMus (Hons) PGDP—BassoonAnja Caffelle left the Royal Northern College of Music in 2004 having spent five years studying bassoon, gaining a BMus with Honours and a Post Graduate Diploma in Performance. She then entered the orchestral world free-lancing on bassoon and Contra bassoon working with orchestras such as the BBC Philharmonic, Northern Sinfonia, Manchester Camerata and Opera North. After returning to Herefordshire six years ago, Anja began teaching woodwind for the Herefordshire Music Service, and still continues professional engagements with orchestras around the country.

Esther Kay MA (Oxon) LGSM (flute) DipABRSM (singing)Esther Kay has a music degree from Oxford University where her special subject was History of Wind Instruments, a teaching diploma from the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and a performance diploma from the Associated Board. In her many years of teaching experience she has prepared hundreds of students for exams at all levels from Grade 1 to Diploma. She has a particular interest in encouraging ensemble playing and singing. She is a member of the Hereford Cathedral Voluntary Choir and the Cantemus Chamber Choir of Wales, appearing with them on The One Show and BBC Radio 3. Esther plays flute and piccolo with the Midsummer Ensemble and the Ringerike Ceilidh Band.

Louise Richardson BA, PG Cert Ed.—Acoustic GuitarMiss Richardson studied classical guitar at Hereford Cathedral School before majoring in performance during her music degree at Nottingham University, where she achieved a 2:1 BA (Hons), going on further to complete a P.G.C.E in Secondary Music Education. She found the classical guitar an excellent foundation on which to build technique, and it has given her a great knowledge and experience of the repertoire. She now plays a mix of finger style guitar, focussing on acoustic folk, blues and contemporary genres. She is also a singer/songwriter and this has allowed her to perform at many venues and festivals across the country. She

released her debut album of original material a couple of years ago, and is currently recording a second.

Ian Russell—Drum kitMr Russell has played drums since age 13 and has taught for 16 years from primary through to 6th form. He attended a two year jazz course at Birmingham University and an intensive certificate course at the internationally renowned Drumtech in London. He has extensive playing experience having worked on the Midlands club circuit playing in dance/pop bands for many years before moving to Hereford. He has worked with members of Portishead, Dexys Midnight Runners, the AuPairs, Midland Youth Jazz Orchestra, Gong and Hawkwind to name a few. He has worked in professional theatre productions in Birmingham and Hereford and believes that it is this varied background which brings success in the lesson situation. A player who teaches rather than a teacher who plays!

Neil Taylor—Electric GuitarMr Taylor has been playing guitar for 28 years and has been teaching professionally for 18 years. He passed his grade 8 music theory with the Associated Board in 1998 and went on to pass level 4 Associate Diploma in Music theory and Critical Analysis in 2007. As well as his classical and theory studies he has a passion for electric guitar and has played in rock bands for 23 years. His bands have played with major chart acts at some of the large and famous venues around the country.

Charlotte Poulter PGCE(Mus), BMus, ATCL, PGDip(Mus)—HarpAt the age of 10, Charlotte started learning the harp with John Thomas and the following year was awarded a major music scholarship to Badminton School, Bristol. By 1985, she commenced the BMus course at Goldsmiths College, London University under Danielle Perrett, gaining Grade 8 on the harp, flute, piano and saxophone. She regularly competed in and won music festivals and Eisteddfods in both Gwent and Bristol, including the Blue Riband at the Chepstow Eisteddfod. She also played with numerous orchestras including the Tenerife Symphony Orchestra and the West of England Symphony Orchestra performing the “Last Night of the Proms”. She then spent 2 years studying for a Postgraduate Diploma in Performance under Valerie Aldrich-Smith at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, Cardiff, which included 3 months on an exchange scholarship at Turin Conservatoire under the guidance of Gabriella Bosio. Upon returning from Turin, she won the advance harp class at Bristol Music Festival. In June 2004 she attended a harp course in Naples and later won the advanced harp competition in the National Eisteddfod of Wales.

She currently works for both Gwent Music Service and Hereford, as well as teaching privately in Monmouthshire and Herefordshire.

John Griffiths B.A. (Hons) — Brass and Steel PansJohn specialised in trombone while studying for his music degree. Today he is involved in a wide range of musical activities from brass bands to steel pans. John is principal trombone with Tarrington Brass, Ludlow Orchestra and plays in show orchestras in Herefordshire and neighbouring counties. As well as playing trombone he performs vocally and conducts the Hereford Concert Band. John is also a tutor and conductor for Herefordshire Youth Music and music courses.

Wynne Harries Mus B GRSM ARMCM Cert Ed—OboeWynne Harries trained to diploma level on the oboe and also has a university degree in music. He has a wide experience in music education as an instrumental woodwind teacher, class teacher, manager of music services and orchestral conductor. He teaches the oboe to Grade 8 and beyond and is also a competent pianist.

Parent Staff Choir Rehearsals for Hereford Cathedral Carol Service(Music Department)

Saturday 7th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70, Music DepartmentSaturday 14th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 21st November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 28th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 5th December 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 12th December 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentDress Rehearsal Tuesday 15th December 1.00pm-2.45pm HerefordCathedral Choir StallsCarol Service: 7.00pm-8.15pm Hereford Cathedral Important Dates Autumn Term 2014Open Evening Thursday 15th October 6.00pm-9.00pmGCSE Year 11 Composition 3.30pm-4.15pm Music Department (t.b.a.)Autumn Concert Thursday 12th November 7.00pm-9.00pm Main HallPresentation of Prizes and Certificates Evening Thursday 26th November Sports Hall‘Young Voices’ Assemblies—Monday 7th December / Tuesday 8th December‘Young Voices’ Royal Albert Hall Wednesday 9th December (all day)Carol Service Tuesday 15th December 7.00pm-8.15pm Hereford Cathedral

Spring Term 2015Spring Concert Tuesday 9th February 2016 7.00pm Main HallCounty Singing Strategy Thursday 3rd March 2016CBSO Herefordshire School’s Choirs, Hereford Cathedral

Wednesday March 16th 7.00pmEaster Taize Service Wednesday 23rd March (daytime) St Paul’s Church, Tupsley GCSE Practical Exams Monday 14th and Tuesday 15th March  Summer Term 2015Herefordshire Festival 17th-23rd AprilProm Concert Thursday 5th May 7.00pm Holy Trinity Church, Whitecross, HerefordYear 6 Leavers Service and Workshops Thursday 30th June / Monday 4th July Hereford Cathedral (all day)Year 6 Induction Day Wednesday 30th JuneStrawberries and Cream Concert Wednesday 13th July 7.00pm-9.00pm Main Hall County ConcertsAutumn 2015 ConcertsThursday 19th November 7.30pm, Shire Hall. Herefordshire Youth OrchestraWednesday 25th November 7.00pm, Shire Hall. BandsThursday 26th November 7.00pm, Shire Hall. Strings, Starter Concert Band / UkuleleSpring 2016 ConcertsSaturday 7th April 2016 7.30pm, St Peter’s Church, Bromyard. Herefordshire Youth OrchestraSaturday 23rd April 2016 7.30pm, Weobley Church. Concert BandTuesday 26th April 2016 7.00pm The Courtyard Centre for the Arts. Bands.Wednesday 27th April 2016 7.00pm The Courtyard. Strings, Starter Concert Band 

Music Ensembles and Master ClassesStudents who receive tuition also receive tuition in an ensemble context. Students cannot learn an instrument in isolation without other musicians and it is important they learn ensemble skills. The schedule of ensembles are listed in the year Expectations Booklets as well as below…

MondaysKeyboard Group 1.30pm Practice Room 4 (Mr Allen)Advanced Clarinets 1.45pm Room 70 (Mrs Griffiths)Sax Choir 1.45pm Rehearsal Room (Mr Jones)Ukes of Hazzard (instruments) 1.15pm-1.45 Session 1 Room 71 (Mr Sutton) Clarinet Quartet 1—by arrangement (Mrs Griffiths)

TuesdaysIntermediate Flutes 1.30pm Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)String Ensemble 1.45pm Room 70 (Mrs Aston)Senior Flutes 1.50pm Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)Year 11 Chamber Music 8.30am Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)Brass Ensemble 1.45pm Music Office (Mr Griffiths)Ukes of Hazzard (singers) 1.15pm-1.45 Session 1 Room 71 (Mr Sutton) Steel Pans (by rotation) Steel Pan Room (Mr Griffiths)

WednesdaysJunior String Quartet—8.30am-9.00am (Mrs Kinnaird)String Quartet—1.15pm-1.45pm (Mrs Kinnaird)Clarinet Ensemble 1.45pm Rehearsal Room (Mrs Griffiths) Concert Band 1.45pm New Dining Hall (Mr James) - Spring Term Only (Mr James)Senior Strings 1.45pm Room 70 (Mrs Kinnaird)Clarinet Quartet 2—by arrangement (Mrs Griffiths)

ThursdaysChamber Choir 1.45pm Room 70 (Mrs Kay)Ukes of Hazzard (instruments and singers) 1.15pm-1.45 Room 71 (Mr Sutton) Concordia (selected voices) - by rotation—Mr WellerBishop’s Baritones (rotation) Practice Room 4 (Mr Weller)Flute Quartet 1.45pm Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)

FridaysCeilidh Band 1.55pm Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)Bishop’s Girls Vocal Training Group 1.30pm Room 70 (Mrs Kay)Bishop’s Boys Vocal Training Group 1.55pm Room 70 (Mr James)Woodwind Quartet (by arrangement - on rotation) Rehearsal Room (Mrs Kay)

Being on TimeWe expect students to arrive on time to their rehearsal and to re-schedule any meetings with staff at break time or at other times, as students arriving late and leaving rehearsals early have a detrimental effect on the music group.

Parent Staff Choir Rehearsals for Hereford Cathedral Carol Service(Music Department)Saturday 7th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70, Music DepartmentSaturday 14th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 21st November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 28th November 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 5th December 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentSaturday 12th December 10.30am-12.00 Room 70 Music DepartmentDress Rehearsal Tuesday 15th December 1.00pm-2.45pm Hereford

Cathedral Choir StallsCarol Service: 15th December 2015 (7.00pm-8.15pm Hereford Cathedral)

Get the most out of Instrumental/Vocal TuitionStudents who gain the most of out the system participate in the musical life of the school and are able to appear in high profile concert venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Lichfield Cathedral, Symphony Hall, Westminster Abbey as well as more local places such as Hereford Cathedral, Hereford Town Hall, Hereford’s Shire Hall, Griffin Arts Centre, Courtyard Centre for the Arts as well as in many churches in the Diocese of Hereford.

AwardsStudents who participate regularly in music groups are awarded a white Musician’s metal badge (after an initial probationary period) and can earn a bronze music award (four terms), a silver music award (additional four terms) and a gold music tie (additional four terms). Committed regular instrumentalists may be appointed music captains (medal and badge). Praise cards are sent to parents/carers when exceptional effort has been made.

Notice to stop tuitionIn order for tuition to stop, parents/carers need to ask for a ‘Cessation of Tuition’ letter, which help parents/carers make the decision in a more informed way. The school requires one half term’s notice period to stop tuition. Tutors have to organise their time between many schools and need a notice period to organise any changes. The notice period also supports students in their learning by helping them through what may be a more difficult stage of learning.