Our Approach
Why Shanghai Methodology?
Shanghai Maths embodies the belief that every child can do well if they are taught well. The Shanghai Maths approach has attracted widespread public attention since Shanghai started topping the OECD’s PISA rankings in 2009. This systematic approach has seen China win the international maths Olympiad competition 14 times in the last 20 years.
We have taken the principles and systems of Shanghai Maths and applied it to the UK curriculum to design a programme that helps them to develop a maths mindset for analysis and problem solving.
Why TOpic SPecific Sessions?
At the core of Shanghai Maths principles is the belief that children learn better when a topic is fully explored and taught in depth.
We have taken all available past and sample exam papers (totalling over 200 papers in all), from top London day schools and UK Boarding schools, and categorised questions into specific maths topics. This allows us to cover each math topic in depth, layering questions from relatively easy to most challenging.
Our courses are designed to prepare children for both primary and secondary school admission exams - 7+, 8+, and 11+.
Why SMALL GROUPs?
Why SMALL GROUPs?
We believe small group lessons are more effective than one-on-one tutoring or teaching in larger groups, as it allows everyone to participate and promotes peer-to-peer learning. We currently run small groups of c.6 students to optimise participation and learning outcomes.
Our programme promotes understanding over memorisation and builds a firm foundation in maths. At the same time we put the fun and games back into learning with in-class competitions and group problem solving at the Maths Olympiad level.
Shine Term-Based Programmes
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Accelerated learning for 7+
£60 per session
YEAR 2: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Accelerated Learning for 8+
£60 per session
YEAR 3: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 1: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 3: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Laying a Solid Foundation
£60 per session
YEAR 4: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 4: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 3: 1.5-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Building a Robust Toolkit
£80 per session
YEAR 5: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 4: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 5: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Accelerated Learning for 11+
£80 per session
YEAR 6: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 4: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
YEAR 5: 2-HOUR weekly SESSIONS
Preparing for Secondary School
£80 per session
Shine Holiday Programmes
Easter 2021: Maths Camps
Maths Camps bringing back the fun and learning to think of maths differently
Easter 2021: PMC and JMC Workshops
Easter 2021: PMC and JMC Workshops
Daily PMC and JMC exam paper
with detailed exam review
holiday Maths Camps and Clinics
Shine 11+ maths clinics have proven to be a hit and we have received great feedback.
Parents were especially impressed with the high level of engagement and enthusiasm that their children showed toward the Shine camps/clinics. "He was keen to start and came out each day saying how much he enjoyed it." (feedback from parent)
Despite being 3 hours every day, the Shine 11+ maths clinic is very popular with students - making a positive step change in their maths abilities and exam techniques.
"I asked my mum if I could do it again the following week because, as strange as it sounds, it was good fun, and I learned a lot." (feedback from student).
Our Courses
Providing SKILLS FOR LIFE
Our courses are built on extensive research based on the UK National Curriculum, exam requirements at different levels, Shanghai maths teaching techniques and systems and the seven core maths competencies. We want our students to look forward to their next lesson and there is no better approach than peer-to-peer learning.
Due to the coronavirus situation, we currently deliver our lessons online via Zoom. The lessons are still provided in small groups, split by maths ability. We are monitoring the situation closely and will update our website once in person lessons can resume.
We have categorised questions from over 200 past and sample 7+, 8+ and 11+ exam papers, and deliver these in topic specific sessions. Our courses are designed to prepare children for both primary and secondary school admission exams - 7+, 8+, and 11+.
Our groups are c.6 students split based on ability. To secure a place, full payment must be received by the start of the term.
Frequently Asked Questions
What subjects do you Teach and at What levels?
We offer both term based programmes for all primary school years as well as holiday camps and clinics. Our Year 1 and 2 programmes are targeted toward 7+ and 8+ preparation and our Year 5 programme is focused on preparing students for 11+ exams. Years 3 and 4 is to ensure they have strong foundations and to provide maths able children with sufficient stretch. While we cover the full UK curriculum, our programme is generally more advanced and focused on building strong problem solving skills.
Do you offer one-to-one Tuition?
Our programme is designed for small groups. We strongly believe that small groups help students engage better with the materials and produce better results. On a case by case basis, we may offer one-to-one tuition to our existing students, who require additional help to bridge specific gaps.
Why do you only teach maths?
The Shine Academy believes education is a serious responsibility and each child’s learning process is irreversible. Currently our focus is teaching maths, as the benefits and disciplines learned within the subject can bring great advantages to children across all areas of study. We may consider offering additional subjects in the future.
Does my child need to undertake an assessment before enrolment?
We group children by ability to ensure that the pace is right for them and to ensure they are able to engage at the same level as the children around them. Since every child has a different academic background and thinking process, we require every child to take an assessment/evaluation before enrolment.
Where are you located?
Our classes are currently online as a result of COVID. However, we anticipate going into classrooms soon (perhaps as early as April term). Classroom based sessions will be in Fulham (at Fulham Prep School near Fulham Broadway Station). We have students who join us from different parts of West London, including from Hammersmith, Chelsea, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Barnes, Putney, Battersea, Wimbledon and of course Fulham.
We are seeking new locations - please join our mailing list if you are interested in our Programme and we can keep you posted when we open a centre near you.