Balclutha Centre Details
About Us
The Balclutha Kip McGrath Education Centre was established in 2003 by teachers Tony and Sue Simpson to offer after-school tuition to the students of South Otago.
With 30 years between them of first-hand experience teaching High School Sciences (Tony) and Maths (Sue) they are able to recognise each child’s individual learning needs and ultimately help their students to succeed.
Sue and Tony are well known members of the community. Many locals know Tony because he taught them, their children or their grandchildren – and sometimes 2 of these.
Sue is probably best known for riding a mountainbike everywhere.
They have 4 children aged 21-31 who live in Dunedin or Christchurch.
Our Educational Team
The Balclutha Kip McGrath Education Centre’s tutors are an exceptional team who provide caring support to all students – from those needing extra maths tutoring to students wanting to push themselves a little harder with our Extension Programmes. The Centre’s tutors are fully qualified, encouraging and positive.
Lorraine Moffat has taught out-of-class Maths, Reading and Gifted students for many years, as well as a time as a Resource Teacher Learning Behaviour, so her experience is second to none.
Gail Sharpin is well known in South Otago education, having taught in local primary schools for nearly 30 years.
Lesley Martin has also taught for many years in South Otago primary schools.
All three enjoy the Kip McGrath experience.
Lewis Cross taught Physics and Maths at South Otago High School for many years before taking early retirement. His passion for his subject is infectious.
Lorraine works with an eager young mathematician
Our Teaching Philosophy
The Balclutha Kip McGrath Education Centre provides a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes self-esteem, boosts every child’s confidence, and helps them achieve their personal best. The team’s goal is to make learning fun!
We cater for students from year 2 to year 12. This gives us a privileged perspective of seeing exactly where the students are heading throughout their education.
Our Teaching Philosophy
The Balclutha Kip McGrath Education Centre provides a positive and supportive learning environment that promotes self-esteem, boosts every child’s confidence, and helps them achieve their personal best. The team’s goal is to make learning fun!
We cater for students from year 2 to year 12. This gives us a privileged perspective of seeing exactly where the students are heading throughout their education.
What We Do
Our Education Centre delivers the following individually tailored remedial programs and extension courses:
- Maths Tuition (yrs 2-12)
- Reading Tuition
- Spelling Tuition
- Comprehension Tuition
- English Tuition to yr 11
- English as a Second Language
- Study Skills
Features and Benefits
- Free educational assessment for all new students.
- Individual educational programs that get the best from every child.
- Work that provides a challenge but does not overwhelm.
Class Highlights
- 80 minute sessions featuring a positive and fun learning environment.
- Homework set and marked to reinforce classroom learning
- Computer assisted learning featuring the latest educational technology.
- Qualified and experienced teachers who are always happy to provide feedback.
- NZ curriculum
What Our Students and Parents Say
Kip McGrath. You people Rock.
Caitlin, 9
“I could not have done it without you. “
Dan, Successful Year 11 NCEA English student
“I feel smarter.”
W, 14.
“She moved up a Maths class at school when she came to you last year and she wants to come back to Kip so she can get into the top class.”
S, year 8
Contact Details