Take our client survey, new blogs, and what is your niche?
April 2023 Newsletter
It’s hard to believe another month has flown by already.
I hope you managed to take some time off over Easter to look after yourself? I certainly did.
I visited one of my school friends, who I’ve known for over 40 years. She recently moved to Wales, and seeing her again was good for my soul – just what I needed.
I also enjoyed several fantastic meals out with my son. Nepalese, Moroccan, Thai, and Sri Lankan – we’re working our way around all the fabulous restaurants in Bath!
Have you ever felt like you were on the right path, only to realise that you needed to make changes? 🤔
I’ve been feeling that way lately, and I wanted to share with you why.
As you know, I’ve been developing my next training course, ‘Finding the Gaps and filling them!’, and I’ve poured so much time and energy into it.
However, I recently started working with a business coach named Nicky, and she challenged me to reassess the direction I was taking in my company.
As part of this process, Nicky and I have re-examined and addressed each pain point that you, the tutors, are facing and the most beneficial delivery methods to support you in the best way possible.
As a result, I need to make some big changes to the course to ensure that it meets your needs most effectively. Specifically, I need to transform it into a
🌟Hybrid Training Course & Coaching Programme🌟
that offers personalised 1-2-1 coaching support alongside the course content.
I understand that this news may disappoint some of you, especially if you were eagerly anticipating the original release date. But please know that my motivation for making these changes is to provide you with a higher standard of training that matches your needs better.
This new format will allow you to get the most out of all the information, knowledge, systems, processes, and experiences that are already part of the course because it will become bespoke to you with the addition of the coaching calls.
I can only provide training via the most suitable delivery methods by understanding what matters to you. These may be webinars, workshops, online courses, coaching programmes, resources, and hybrid programmes.
Before I make these changes, though, I want to hear from you. I need your opinions and feedback to ensure I’m on the right track.
Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey linked 👉here 👈so that I can better understand what matters to you.
Thank you for your understanding and support. I’m committed to providing you with the best possible training, and this new direction will allow me to do just that. 🙏
As we approach the end of April, exam season is almost upon us again. However, I no longer focus on exam candidates. This year, I only have four GCSE candidates, and I hope to bring that number down even further in the future.
Preparing students for exams has become less appealing to me over the years, so now, unless I’ve already been teaching them, I don’t take on Year 11 students just for exam preparation, except in a few rare cases. This is a small part of ‘finding my niche,’ where I match my experience, interests, feelings, skill set, and abilities against the potential market of students out there.
Focusing on a niche that matches your passion and expertise makes your work much more enjoyable and satisfying. By specialising in just one branch of tuition, you are able to improve and hone your skills and knowledge in that specific area. One of the main benefits is that it helps you now stand out from the crowd within a crowded market. It’s a win-win!
For me, my niche is teaching highly anxious students who come to me with overwhelming Maths Anxiety. They are usually Neurodiverse like me. I currently have the narrowest niche I have ever done, but it is my most successful, and I am at my happiest just teaching in this very narrow part of the market.
Over the years, I discovered that teaching to a test doesn’t ‘bring me joy.’ Applying the KonMari Method, which encourages people to keep only the things that spark joy in their lives while letting go of items or activities that don’t bring happiness, is one reason why I’ve moved away from that style of tuition. I only wish I had done it sooner…
However, for you, that might be precisely what you love doing… Teaching exam candidates in the short term can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, especially if you thrive in high-pressure environments and love helping students achieve their goals. Share exam strategies and your expertise, and with clear objectives and measurable outcomes, you can easily see the fruits of your labour.
Plus, the variety of students you’ll encounter keeps the job fresh and engaging. Take satisfaction in knowing you’re making a significant impact during a critical time in students’ academic lives! And, if you value flexibility and have other interests to pursue, these short-term commitments could be perfect for you.
What is your niche? What brings you joy? Or what do you want to stop doing?
This month, I’ve been busy writing 4 articles. There are two interesting blog posts about Executive Functions and strengthening Working Memory. Executive Functions are like the ‘cogs’ that help us plan, organise, and adapt to goal-directed behaviours. These skills are crucial for success but can be extra challenging for us Neurodiverse individuals.
Want to learn more about empowering yourself or the Neurodiverse folks in your life?
Don’t miss these articles: 🔗 “Mastering Your Brain’s Cogs: How Executive Functions Impact Your Life“
🔗 “Strengthening Working Memory for Neurodiverse Individuals: Strategies and Tips”:
Also, I’ve revisited and updated an article from two years ago to share even more insights: 📚 “Unlocking Maths Potential: Debunking Myths and Embracing a Growth Mindset”: Learn about the importance of embracing mistakes, moving beyond speed, and offering praise that fosters a positive attitude towards Maths. Empower your students with the tools they need to excel in Maths and beyond.
And finally, I’ve written a blog about building trust and connections with your students: 🌟 “Building Trust and Connections with Your Pupils for Effective Learning”:
I share various strategies to build trust and connections with your pupils for effective learning. By understanding their interests, being authentic, and shifting power dynamics, you can create an environment where students feel supported and comfortable, ultimately leading to personal growth and academic success.
Read these blog posts, and let’s chat about supporting our learners together! 😊
Don’t forget that the next La Salle Complete Maths #MathsConf32 is in Derby.
If you want to attend the next conference, mark your calendars for Saturday, June 24th, in Derby. You can get your tickets here. These conferences are excellent value for money, and I hope to see you there!
I know we’re right at the point of rising to a crescendo of exam madness, and it can feel like a rollercoaster ride with our students freaking out and parents sometimes pushing too hard. But guess what? We’re all in this together, and I just wanted to say I’ve got your back!
To our amazing students, take a deep breath and remember that you’ve got this. Trust in the effort you’ve put in, and believe us when we say we know you can do it. Keep calm and rock those exams!
Let’s make sure we’re not just guiding our students academically but also being their cheerleaders, offering a listening ear and a shoulder to lean on. Open communication is key and can work wonders for everyone’s well-being.
And to all of you dealing with worried students and super-anxious parents, don’t forget to squeeze in some “me time” to recharge. Even just a quick break, a walk around the block, or a cup of coffee can do wonders for your sanity.
Sharing some self-care tips with your students is a great way to help them (and you) stay cool and focused. So, let’s keep going strong and help our students face their exams with confidence. Together, we’re building a supportive and positive atmosphere that’ll help everyone thrive.
👍 Keep up the awesome work, and best of luck to you and your students! 🤞
👉Please do remember to click through to answer the survey. By doing so, you will enable me to support you better.🙏
As we come to the end of this month’s newsletter, I want to thank you for taking the time to read it. I hope you’ve found the information informative and enjoyable.
If you encounter any issues with our website, voucher codes, course access, or anything else, please don’t hesitate to contact myself or Louise. We are here to assist you and ensure a smooth experience.
Finally, I want to remind you that I’m always here to support you. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out and book your free 15-minute call with me.
Thank you for your continued support of Jackpot Maths. I look forward to connecting with you again next month.
Best wishes, Judy Brice
Jackpot Maths is part of JMB Educational Services Ltd.
3 Princes Street, Bath, BA1 1HL