Summer School TSFX/TSSM - Worth it?

[IntoTheNewWorld]

hmmm i guess you are right. (also what you said before), perhaps i will rethink doing it for methods, maybe just stick with a tutor or do those weekly classes they have at tsfx/tssm they seem really useful and it could be good as revision, has anyone here had much luck with them?

I also went to TSFX weekly classes (although in year 11). I had a dud teacher, I forgot her name though. It didn't help me, but I was half sleeping through the classes (Friday after school session). Basically all my teacher did was write down the answers for the questions in the book for you to copy down, which isn't really that hard to do.

[vexx]

Yeah I agree with SmRandmAzn, if you find you can not grasp the concepts yourself no matter how hard you try, it's probs best to find a tutor. Although I've never had a tutor so I can't really give my opinions on it, but at least it will be better than sitting there and getting confused by yourself.

Haha, i'm jealous that of you not needing one! Thanks anyway:)

I also went to TSFX weekly classes (although in year 11). I had a dud teacher, I forgot her name though. It didn't help me, but I was half sleeping through the classes (Friday after school session). Basically all my teacher did was write down the answers for the questions in the book for you to copy down, which isn't really that hard to do.

haha. oh really.. so they only really go over questions? did you do any relearning of the concepts each week?

[IntoTheNewWorld]

hmm my memory of it was mainly just going through questions >_>

Bad memories. Of course it might depend on the teacher. My teacher was really lazy.

[ngRISING]

don't go to them. get a private tutor if you need major help.

[vexx]

^ hmmm thanks to the above. i wont go to any summer school thing then, except lit... does anyone know anything of it? (i've asked this a few times sorry )

[biolstar]

I'm actually a teacher at TSFX as well as in a normal school so it you want any specific questions answered about their services you can email me and I'll be happy to help if I can

[ngRISING]

well im actually a student of TSFX, i find that the classes for maths methods are very very inefficient.
Why are we always sitting in class doing some questions and then copying answers off the board, it isn't hard, i've been copying things off the board since grade 2.
I can also write answers from books on to the board as well.
I mean i spend 2 and a half hours at school doing this for maths methods.
Why would i need to do it again? Instead of focusing on where people go wrong we're focusing on the basics, i mean for some its fine but wouldn't it be more useful if we actually went through the areas where people go wrong? SAC preparations? Something along those lines rather then just rushing things trying to follow the program set out by the head of TSFX Maths.
Because when you set out a certain schedule, it forces my teacher in TSFX to rush, and when he rushes it isn't good. Ever tried rushing in a shopping centre while trying to shop? You miss things.
For Example, my teacher goes we need to finish X-Pages today, and if we're falling behind he'll rush things causing frustration because of the inability to cope with the move from slow to fast.  
That book is 100% fine, don't get me wrong. But i can do those questions at home, it is pretty much another text book with solutions.

I find that the statement in TSFX's brochure contradicts with the program itself; taken from http://www.tsfx.com.au/vic/vceprograms/intenseworkshops/TSFX-IW2-Yr12-2009-FINAL.pdf
Page 3.
-Specialised instruction in examination techniques and problem
solving strategies, with significant emphasis on examination tricks
and common student errors.

I do agree that TSFX does give some suggestions on how to tackle questions but this is rare, its often covered once or twice a lesson. I have asked a few other friends in other classes, therefore this isn't an all based on my opinion. It's not exactly contradictory, BUT if your going to put that statement in, might as well make it honest and write 1 or 2 specialised instructions etc a lesson.

-Personalised attention and instruction when required.
-Question time opportunities after each class.

We go through material that is repetitive, we finish 10minutes early, what questions can i ask?

There are a few more things that are not exactly true on that brochure, i could sit here and type you a essay but i got exam papers to do. I could type you a 800 word essay on how TSFX is ineffective and a waste of money after my exams. I once did think it was good, after 2 lessons it is pretty much useless.

Biolstar, if you think my opinion is unreasonable, please speak to me personally. I am [removed, unnecessarily now]

For anyone else, if you want any further questions on my opinions i will be more then happy to respond. Help you save your money and spend it where it should be spent.

hope this constructive opinion helps.

edit; fixing the typos. i type fast .

[d0minicz]

how come you keep going then

[ngRISING]

because i've already paid for it. Can't take my money back. If i could i would have taken it a long time ago.

[biolstar]

Hi
I hear lots of frustration in your post and I don't know much about the maths at TSFX as obviously I am biol but the reason why I give up my spare time and work there is not because of the money (no teacher is in it 4 money believe me) but because I am fortunate enough to work in one of the bet schools in Melbourne with access to the best resources and the best professional development and wish to share it with a broader class of students. I think VCE is so tough on you all and I really want to help where I can. I really believe in TSFx and their philosophy and honestly think their heart is in the right place.  TSFX is there for you. You are paying alot of money and as a valued paying customer you have every right to question the service being provided to you if you are not happy about it. There are so many maths teachers there and I know myself how tough they are with the recruiting.  You should immediately ask to try another teacher as even though the materials are the same the approaches all vary.  But please don't sit in class after class if you are miserable, do something about it. I'm rarely on this forum, just browsing tonight looking for some resources but please if I can help you out email me. All the best of luck!!!

[ngRISING]

hi, fair enough.

i had no intentions of directing those questions at you, just my opinion. i will voice out my opinion tomorrow.
just one question, who is the head of maths at TSFX?

[biolstar]

Your opinion is very valid and you need to get these frustrations out. There is no head of maths as such but rather than talking to reception people who can be very busy with students questions etc, ring up and speak to someone. The big boss is Irena. Or go in early when there's not a rush at the desk. But do try another class. I always say to my students that that's one of the great things about TSFX in that it's not like school-if you don't like me or my approach please try out someone else. You can shop around for a teacher that suits you and like I said, there's many to choose from. These last few weeks are far too important and it's all about you, not the teacher.

[ngRISING]

oh okay. I will try another class next week as it is a bit late this week. I will call them up on Friday Night, after my SACS. Thanks for your help .

[vexx]

oh okay. I will try another class next week as it is a bit late this week. I will call them up on Friday Night, after my SACS. Thanks for your help .

Thanks for letting me know about it before, i'm slightly put off-- let's hope it's just your teacher:S. Let me know how the new teacher goes!

[Gloamglozer]

Your opinion is very valid and you need to get these frustrations out. There is no head of maths as such but rather than talking to reception people who can be very busy with students questions etc, ring up and speak to someone. The big boss is Irena. Or go in early when there's not a rush at the desk. But do try another class. I always say to my students that that's one of the great things about TSFX in that it's not like school-if you don't like me or my approach please try out someone else. You can shop around for a teacher that suits you and like I said, there's many to choose from. These last few weeks are far too important and it's all about you, not the teacher.

Anyone else reckon that it sounds like a TSFX representative?