Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have listed the most common frequently asked questions below and hope they are sufficient. If you have any additional questions please follow the link on our contact us or support pages and we will look to respond as soon as possible.

Q1 – Does it cost to use our learning materials or attend any of our learning centres?

Our ambition and core principle is to empower every child with free access to our learning programmes. The cost of using our learning programmes or attendance at a Learning Centre is entirely free of charge. Our students must demonstrate free will, dedication and discipline, fundamental qualities for success with our programme.

Q2 – Is the Stepup learning approach for all children, struggling or gifted?

Both, and every child in-between. We say this because our individualised approach which always finds the “right level for each child” Stepup welcomes students with special educational needs, gifted and talented children and all those who are prepared to stepup and believe they can achieve more.

Q3 – What age group do you have to be to join Stepup?

We have students as young as three years old. It is possible to start a programme as soon as children are ready to make the commitment to learn. The sooner children begin, the earlier they start on their journey of finding themselves and the key learning skills to obtain the greatest cumulative benefit.

Q4 – Why do children have to work everyday?

Working every day is indeed an approach that requires commitment and perseverance, even if the daily amount of work is quite small. We take this approach because working little and often is simply more effective than having longer study sessions – children will learn more efficiently, have less time to forget things and make stronger long term progress. We recommend around 20 – 25 minutes per day.

Q5 – How much time do you need to spend to achieve the best results

Children will complete at least seven 20 – 25 minute sessions per week. They will learn to love numbers and logic and are encouraged every step of the way. Children will answer over 100 questions per day, answering between 3,000 and 4,000 in a month. Practice, Practice, Practice builds self confidence and mastery of the skills required.

Q6 – How quickly will you notice an improvement?

Instantly. It is critical that children embed the knowledge and study skills until they become second nature. Nothing beats Practice, Practice, Practice. Research has proven that this strengthens the synapses in the brain and the learning stays with you throughout your life. Once you learn to “ride a bike” you never forget it.

Q7 – Do the learning programmes coincide with school curriculum?

Our learning programmes are developed to supplement the basic curriculum taught in most schools. Because we teach core concepts rather than subjects our approach is based on mastering knowledge in a structured way, our steps will not necessarily coincide with what children are learning at school, however you can select the most appropriate level or accelerate quickly dependant on your own study plan.

Q8 – Can teenagers and adults join?

Whilst our programmes our aimed at the 4 – 13 age group there is nothing to stop any person of any age participating and we would be perfectly happy to support you. We hope to develop a mature and adult learning level programme very soon.

Q9 – How often do children attend our learning centres and for how long?

Children will look to attend two sessions per week in their local centres and then follow the programme every day at home. In general the session lasts around 1 hour, with 45 minutes allocated to study and 15 minutes mentoring and personal support.

Q10 – How effective our the Stepup number boards?

Highly Effective! Our unique 144 number board generators are unique to Stepup with most other boards using the 100 number approach. Our boards can be used to aid with early counting, factors for addition, subtraction, division and multiplication, exploring number patterns and much more. Our board allows better alignment with most school curriculums. We highly recommend daily use of the numberboards to improve accuracy and speed.

Q11 – How does Stepup differ from other educational / learning methods?

The Stepup method facilitates self-acquisition of the skills, responsibility and study habits essential to improve all round performance. Rather than preparing for a specific subject, test or assessment, it empowers children to succeed on their own, giving them a sense of accomplishment that fosters further achievement. The method allows the individual needs and abilities of each child to govern his or her own progress, and this is why Stepup students can perform at their true potential.

Q12 – Why are children left to work by themselves?

Our approach focuses on the long-term: what skills and attributes will a child need to be successful later in life (not just in the end-of-term exams.  Success in later life requires good study skills and the ability to work independently. Parents and tutors can help, of course, but it is the way our children work when they are by themselves that will really determine the success they achieve. Stepup materials and methodology nurture independent learning skills that will serve them throughout school and beyond.

Q13 – How much help am I expected to give my child at home?

Children should be able to complete their workbooks independently (in certain situations, your Instructor may advise you differently e.g. for the very early levels, or holiday work, but these are exceptions rather than the rule). Your child may well ask you for help, but you should ensure that, as far as possible, they complete the work by themselves. If your child faces genuine difficulties with their work, ask them to stop and contact their Instructor for advice.

Q14 – Can my child study through distant learning?

Although the programme is designed to be studied five days at home and two days in the study centre, we have created the online programmes to study at home for children with disabilities or care provision circumstances or if they simply can not get to a learning centre in their city or country.

Q15 – How do I sign up / Register?

Just click on the register button and you can start using the programmes straight away.