Dear parents, are you wondering why your son or daughter did not achieve the grades that were predicted? Perhaps they were bored at school? Insufficiently challenged, or unprepared and too late with their revision? Too many unrecognised gaps in their knowledge? They just didn’t ‘gel’ with their teacher, or perhaps even chose the wrong subject? There may be many reasons, and although their morale may be low, I can offer positive news, which after many years of experience of advising parents and students in this position, I would like to share with you.
At Greene’s our educational philosophy is based on a simple assumption: if students’ courses are individually designed to suit their unique qualities and needs, they are much more likely to succeed. We have a similar approach to anyone deciding to retake examinations. With exactly the right amount of support and guidance, our retake results prove (and our students consistently testify) that our approach is extremely effective in achieving the best outcomes. More importantly, tutors are carefully hand-picked so that students breathe new life into their learning.
As our 2021 Independent Schools’ Inspectorate report states: ‘Teachers have excellent subject knowledge and are skilful in developing students’ confidence, analytical and independent learning skills. External examination results are excellent.’
We blend small group and individual tutorials (with immediate feedback) with one-to-one weekly Personal Tutoring sessions to ensure all students have personalised guidance. Our wider curriculum includes regular Leadership sessions to prepare students for their future careers, alongside a wide variety of student-led societies.
Greene’s is not an ‘examination factory’. Choice, opportunity, and change make a ‘retake’ year at Greene’s a life-time experience. Students can fulfil their travel dreams, study online, work part-time, visit our sister college in Portugal – indeed, truly prepare themselves to make the best of university.
Thank you for considering Greene’s as your college. I am confident you will appreciate the warm welcome you receive, and the positive and realistic plans we can devise together for the next year, when you visit our college. I look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely,
Carmen Dare, principal
Click here to learn more about A level retakes at Greene’s College Oxford
