Frequently Asked Questions
How are students selected for this opportunity?
There are currently two ways that students can be selected:
Individual application using the application form available online
Collaboration with one or all of the following: IWI groups /Individuals / Businesses / School Mathematical leaders / Whanau / MFAL. This provides direct support for identified kiwi youth. Collaboration is key to selection.
What are the criteria?
Financial need
Mathematical need
Whanau support to attend weekly lessons
MFAL Approved Tutor
How long is each lesson?
1 hour. Most students have 1 lesson a week, unless there is urgency eg NCEA exams.
What is the Tutor / Student ratio?
1 Tutor to 2 students maximum.
Does the student need to bring resources?
The Approved Tutor is expected to supply all the resources. MFAL also supports Tutors with recommendations of suitable resources.
Each student is working with the NZ Curriculum. Does MFAL support this?
Absolutely. We would not consider including material or Approved Tutors who are not aligned with the NZ Curriculum.
Whereabouts are the lessons held?
Each Approved Tutoring business is responsible for a specific location.
What lesson times are available?
Usually the tuition is after school hours but this can vary if collaboration with the school creates alternative times.
How are the Approved Tutors located?
Jean McKenzie is responsible for this as part of her role as Founder / Chairperson of MFAL. Mostly Tutors are located by researching once a sponsorship has been granted for a specific area.
What does MFAL put emphasis on for selection?
MFAL particularly focuses on the following:
- Mathematical need or extension of the student
- Whanau support for the student
- Students in isolated areas
- Students identified as needing extra support for wellbeing and education
What is the investment per child?
- Investment for individuals at end of financial year (33.33% tax credit) $1600
- Primary or Secondary Full year $1067.20
Are there other levels of investment?
Yes there are four levels. Please refer to the website for specifics on what is offered for your investment.
- Pavlova: Full school year
- Jellytip: One term
- Chocolate fish: general donation
- Jetplane: Voluntary help in another way
What does the MFAL database record?
- Applicant information
- Sponsor details
- Student results (individual)
What student results are recorded?
Each term the results are recorded for each individual student. These results are collated from Approved Tutors and are based on National standards including NCEA results. An ongoing record of each student is paramount to reflect the development of their learning plus reporting back to sponsors.
What results are recorded?
We use a Below / At / Above Level rating for Primary school. We use specific Topics and rating of Not Achieved, Achieved, Merit, Excellence for Secondary school.
How often are the results collated and presented to stakeholders?
The results are collated and recorded in the database each term. They are available on request.
