CircleUp English

Stronger Listening, Better Reading

Small group listening and structured reading programs that build
the skills schools and exams value most. Led by Jonathan Bush,
with speaking ability developing naturally along the way.

Tutor teaching English to children online via video call, sharing a storybook on screen

Meet Your Child's Tutor

Jonathan Bush is a British English teacher with over 30 years of
international experience, CELTA certified, with a background in
teaching Chinese and Korean students. Watch a short introduction
below to see his teaching style before you book a placement test.

Find Your Child's Program

Take a placement test first so we can recommend the right level.
After your results, message Jonathan on WeChat (ID: Jonathan-ThriveOA)
to join the waiting list for a Listening and Speaking program, a
Reading program, or both. Once a group reaches 4 children, payment
opens and you'll be notified. To secure your child's spot for
multiple weeks at a discounted rate, ask Jonathan about our 10,
20, or 50 session packages.

Illustration of a tutor conducting a one on one online English placement test with a student

Placement Test

$8 / 30 min session

A short 1 on 1 session to find your child's right starting level
for both Listening and Reading programs.

  • Personal assessment with Jonathan

  • Mondays 7 to 9 PM, Wednesdays 7:30 to 9 PM (Beijing Time)

  • Written report in Chinese within 24 hours

  • Clear recommendation for next steps

Listening and Speaking Program

Builds listening comprehension and natural speaking ability. Choose
the level matching your child's placement test result. Message
Jonathan on WeChat to confirm a spot, since each group needs a
minimum of 4 children before it starts. Session packages are
available for families who want to secure a spot long term.

Level 1 — Rising Star

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a small glowing star rising above a hill, representing the Rising Star level

For children with basic conversational English skills.

  • Small group of up to six children

  • Weekly listening and speaking practice

  • Guided reading with picture support

Level 2 — Bright Star

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a bright star with light rays, representing the Bright Star level

For children who can hold short, simple conversations.

  • Small group of up to six children

  • Weekly listening and speaking practice

  • Reading practice with short stories

Level 3 — Shining Star

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a star with intense sparkle and shimmer, representing the Shining Star level

For children ready to lead their own conversations.

  • Small group of up to six children

  • Weekly back and forth discussion practice

  • Reading practice with longer passages

Level 4 — Super Star

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 30 min session

Illustration of a star with a sparkle trail, representing the Super Star level

For children who can discuss opinions with reasons.

  • Small group of up to six children

  • Weekly discussion and debate practice

  • Reading practice with comprehension review

Level 5 — Master Star

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of one large radiant star with glowing rings, representing the Master Star level

For children ready for advanced, unscripted conversation.

  • Small group of up to six children

  • Weekly extended conversation practice

  • Reading practice at near independent level

Reading Program

A separate track for building reading skills, using the Reading
Explorer series. Can be taken on its own or alongside a Listening
and Speaking program. Choose the level matching your child's
placement test result. Message Jonathan on WeChat to confirm a
spot, since each group needs a minimum of 4 children before it
starts. Session packages are available for families who want to
secure a spot long term.

Reading Level 1 — New Explorer

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a young explorer character starting a path, representing the New Explorer reading level

For children building early reading skills with picture support.

  • Small group of up to 6 children

  • Weekly guided reading practice

  • Uses the Reading Explorer series

Reading Level 2 — Trail Explorer

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a young explorer character walking a trail with a compass, representing the Trail Explorer reading level

For children ready to read longer passages independently.

  • Small group of up to 6 children

  • Weekly reading and comprehension practice

  • Uses the Reading Explorer series

Reading Level 3 — World Explorer8

  • Spots: 0 / 6 (minimum 4 to start)

$8 / 55 min · Schedule TBA

Illustration of a young explorer character looking at a globe with binoculars, representing the World Explorer reading level

For children ready for longer, more complex reading texts.

  • Small group of up to 6 children

  • Weekly reading and discussion practice

  • Uses the Reading Explorer series

Hear From Our Students

Sara, Dalian

Sara has been learning English with Jonathan for three years.
In her own words, she went from disliking English to looking
forward to every class.

30+

Years teaching English internationally

3

Languages spoken: English, Mandarin, and Korean

CELTA

Certified teaching qualification (Cambridge)

When Can My Child Join?

Current class times for each level. Schedules may be added or
updated as new groups open.

Message Jonathan directly on WeChat to ask about upcoming schedules
or request a different time.

Terms and Conditions

By booking and paying for a class or placement test through
CircleUp English, you agree to the following terms.Payment and sessions
All sessions are paid individually. Each payment covers one
session only. There are no automatic recurring charges. To
attend the following week's class, a new payment is required.Session packages
For families who want to secure their child's spot over a
longer period, session packages are available in bundles of
10, 20, or 50 sessions at a discounted rate. Packages
guarantee the student's spot in their scheduled class for
the full package duration. To enquire about packages,
message Jonathan on WeChat: Jonathan-ThriveOAPlacement test
The placement test is a paid session. Results are delivered
within 24 hours after the session as a written report in
Chinese. The report includes a recommended level for both
Listening and Speaking, and Reading.Group classes
Group classes require a minimum of 4 students before they
can begin. Once a group reaches the minimum, payment links
are opened and confirmed students are notified. Spots are
limited to a maximum of 6 students per group.Cancellations and rescheduling
Sessions may be rescheduled through the booking system up
to 24 hours before the scheduled time. Sessions cancelled
less than 24 hours before the start time are not eligible
for a refund or reschedule.Refunds
Payments are non-refundable once a session has taken place.
If a session is cancelled by the instructor, a full refund
or reschedule will be offered.Class access
Class links are sent by email after payment. Links are valid
for the paid session only and should not be shared with
others.Contact
For questions, message Jonathan on WeChat: Jonathan-ThriveOA

Other questions or inquiries?

For general questions, partnership inquiries, or anything not
covered above, send a message here. Parents looking to book a
class should use WeChat instead.

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