CribNotes: Where Math and Science Finally Make Sense
Let’s be honest—math and science can be rough. Whether it’s trying to figure out what on earth sine and cosine actually do, or why atoms behave like tiny drama queens, most students hit a wall at some point. That’s where CribNotes comes in.
CribNotes isn’t your average tutoring center. There are no boring lectures, no one-size-fits-all worksheets, and definitely no judgment. Instead, CribNotes is all about meeting students where they are and helping them feel confident (dare we say, even excited?) about subjects that used to feel impossible.
What’s the Deal?
CribNotes specializes in math and science for school students, from primary school through high school. Whether you’re struggling with algebra, or trying to survive Chemistry and Physics, We have your back. The tutors here aren’t just math whizzes—they actually know how to teach. That’s a big difference. Most of our tutors were former students which enables them to apply our methods with ease
They take complex topics and break them down into bite-sized, digestible pieces. Think of it like having a super-smart friend who’s really good at explaining things and doesn’t make you feel dumb for asking questions.
A Tutoring Center That Gets It
Walk into CribNotes and you’ll notice something right away: it doesn’t feel like school. The vibe is relaxed, the tutors are friendly, and the whole place is designed to make learning less intimidating. You won’t find rows of desks and harsh fluorescent lighting here. It’s more like a chill study space where you can actually focus (and maybe even laugh a little).
The sessions are flexible too—whether you want one-on-one help, small group sessions, or a crash course before a big test, they’ll work around your schedule.
Real Results, Real Confidence
Students who come to CribNotes don’t just walk away with better grades—they leave with more confidence in themselves. And that’s huge. It’s not just about acing the next test (although that’s great, too). It’s about helping kids see that they can understand the material, they can solve the problems, and they can succeed.
Parents love CribNotes because it takes some of the stress out of homework time. Students love it because they’re finally getting the hang of topics that used to make their heads spin. And tutors? They just love seeing that “lightbulb moment” when everything clicks.
Bottom Line
If math and science are causing more groans than “a-ha” moments, CribNotes might be just what you need. It’s a place where learning feels doable, and maybe even (don’t tell anyone)… fun.
About - Michelle
Meet Michelle van Heerden, the visionary behind Cribnotes. With a background as a researcher and lecturer in the field of Oceanography at CPUT (Cape Peninsula University of Technology), Michelle brings a wealth of academic expertise to the table. Her journey in education began as she contributed to the curriculum and lectured in the Marine Science program.
However, her passion for teaching mathematics and physical science at the school level led her to pivot her career towards a more impactful direction. It was this vision that gave birth to Cribnotes, where she could channel her dedication towards providing tailored educational support and empowering students to excel in these critical subjects. Michelle’s unwavering commitment to education drives the heart of Cribnotes, making it a place where every student’s success story is nurtured.
A Tailored Approach to Learning
Each topic in the Cambridge, CAPS or IEB curriculum is approached with meticulous care, starting from scratch. We supplement this learning journey with comprehensive notes and exercises designed to empower students with in-depth understanding. But we don’t stop there. Our commitment to your child’s success is unwavering, which is why we strive to stay ahead of school classes. In essence, your child will be taught the same material twice, reinforcing their understanding and ensuring that school homework becomes a breeze.
A Welcoming Learning Environment
We believe that learning should be an open dialogue. That’s why we encourage our students to bring questions from school to our classes.
We’re here to guide, clarify, and expand on what’s taught in the classroom. Our main objective? To invest as much time and energy as possible into your child’s education. With this personalised approach, we empower every student to thrive academically and confidently pursue their educational goals.
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Welcome to Cribnotes,
where learning is a journey,
not a destination.
Our Tutors
Our tutors, comprised of medical students and master’s degree candidates in related fields, bring a wealth of subject expertise. Many of them are also former Cribnotes students, guaranteeing their familiarity with our teaching methods and offering a more personalised learning experience to our students.
Nadia
BSc Honours in Biodiversity and Ecology
Postgraduate Certificate in Education
David
BCom Mathematical Sciences
(focal area: Operations Research)
Jayda
BCom Mathematical Sciences
(focal area: Operations Research)
Leah
Jeffson
Bachelors of Science in Human Life Science
Focal Area - Biology
Joshua
BSC Math
Zazzie
BSc: Mathematical Science
Focal Area: Applied Mathematics
Classes / Services
With all classes the facilitator will provide notes that are Cambridge, CAPS or IEB accredited and work through the material with the student/s.
Concepts will be retaught from the beginning and additional exercises will be provided for home and class work. The Student may contact their facilitator at any time with question if they are struggling with schoolwork or homework between 8:00 and 21:00.
Min 1 person and Max 3
A tutor will facilitate class in the comfort of your own home or online.
Routine weekly classes small (6-9 students per class) to ensure individual attention.
If we have more than 6 learners in a class, a marker will accompany the teacher.
Each workshop is focused on the work covered in the previous term at school.
Students are provided with a summarised version of notes, and we cover the “highlights” of the previous term.
We will revise each topic and provide additional exercises for each section covered.
"Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think" - Albert Einstein
Cribnotes specializes in math and science education. What sets us apart is our personalized approach, experienced tutors, and tailored learning strategies.
Many of our tutors are Cribnotes alumni, ensuring a personalized learning experience.
We offer three types of classes: Group classes for collaborative learning, Individual sessions for personalized instruction, and Workshops for specialized learning experiences.
We cover the CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) learning curriculum, IEB and Cambridge providing all the necessary materials for our students.
While we are currently at regular class capacity, you can join our morning-, drop-in classes or workshops. Fill out the inquiry form on our “Apply Now” page to express your interest.
Joining the waiting list ensures you have priority access when spots become available. We’ll contact you as soon as there’s an opening.
You can contact us by phone at 084 904 7497 or by email at info@cribnotes.co.za
Our team will be happy to answer your questions.
We currently do not offer trial classes, but our workshops provide an excellent opportunity to experience our teaching methods.
We primarily focus on school-aged children, but we can discuss specific cases to determine the best fit for your child’s needs.
Group classes are offered in – person at one of our two current venues.
Private classes can be conducted in-person or online, depending on your preferences and current circumstances. We offer flexibility to accommodate various learning environments.
Please refer to our Pricing page for detailed information on class fees and any available discounts or packages.
We provide regular progress reports and updates on your child’s academic development. You can also schedule meetings with our tutors to discuss progress and address any concerns.
Cribnotes is an independent extra class school and is not affiliated with any specific educational institutions. We do however follow the prescribed curriculums.
To apply, please fill out the inquiry form on our “Apply Now” page, providing your details and preferences. We’ll guide you through the application process from there.
Locations
WELGEMOED
Welgemoed Plaza, Bakker St, Welgemoed, Cape Town, 7530
MILNERTON
Milnerton Methodist Church, 37 Ascot Rd, Milnerton, Cape Town, 7441
- Note: We also offer at home tutoring sessions
- info@cribnotes.co.za
- 084 904 7497
- Welgemoed Plaza, Bakker St, Welgemoed, Cape Town, 7530