Mistakes are often stigmatised as something to avoid in learning. Many students worry about getting the “wrong” answer, fearing judgement or disappointment. In a tutoring environment, however, mistakes are not setbacks; they are powerful learning opportunities. At First Education, one-on-one sessions create a safe space where students can take risks without pressure. When a student makes a mistake, it gives tutors valuable insight into how that student is thinking. Rather than simply correcting the answer, tutors can explore the reasoning behind it, identify misconceptions and guide students towards deeper understanding. This helps learning become more meaningful and is a process that I have grown familiar with whilst studying to be a primary school teacher.

Mistakes also play a key role in building confidence. When students realise that making an error does not lead to failure or criticism, they become more willing to try. This shift in mindset encourages persistence, curiosity and resilience, which are all essential skills for long-term academic success. Over time, students learn that mistakes are a natural part of learning, not something to fear. In Maths and English, mistakes are particularly valuable. A maths error might highlight a gap in understanding a concept, while a writing mistake can open discussion about sentence structure, spelling patterns or vocabulary choices. I strongly believe that each mistake becomes a teaching moment tailored to the individual learner’s needs.

Tutors should be modelling positive attitudes towards mistakes. By normalising them and responding calmly and constructively, tutors show students that learning is a process. This approach helps students develop a growth mindset, adopting the belief that their abilities can improve with consistent effort and practice.

Ultimately, progress does not come from getting everything right the first time. It comes from reflecting, adjusting one’s understanding and trying again. In a supportive tutoring environment, mistakes are framed as stepping stones. When students learn to embrace mistakes, they gain not only academic skills, but confidence in their ability to learn, problem solve and grow.

Kaelyn Tan

In a world where students are constantly compared through grades, rankings and timelines, it’s easy for learning to feel like a race. One of the most powerful messages tutoring can offer is this, progress doesn’t have to be fast to be meaningful. Every student learns at their own pace and that pace is valid.

Tutoring creates a rare space where students are allowed to slow down. Concepts can be revisited, questions can be asked without fear and understanding can take priority over speed. For many students, this is where confidence begins to grow. When the pressure to “keep up” is removed, learning becomes less about anxiety and more about clarity.

I often remind students that mastery isn’t measured by how quickly they understand something but by how deeply they understand it. A student who takes longer to grasp a concept but truly understands it is just a successful if not more so than someone who rushes ahead without a strong foundation.

Embracing individual pace also teaches patient and self compassion. Students learn to recognise their own progress rather than comparing themselves to others. Over time, this mindset helps reduce frustration, build resilience and encourage persistence even when learning feels challenging.

What makes tutoring so impactful is its ability to meet students exactly where they are. By honouring individual pace, tutors help students build sustainable skills, confidence and independence. Learning becomes a journey rather than a competition and students discover that their path, no matter how winding, its worth taking.

Isabella Naumovski

My favourite tutoring memory of 2025 starts with one of my Year 10 maths students, Oscar. Specifically, a topic we conquered that used to completely shut him down; index laws. In his half yearly exam he completely stuffed them up, and knew it. Every time they came up, you could feel the hesitation. He would second guess himself, rush, and almost expect to be wrong before he even started. It was easily his weakest area, and more than that, it was something he had quietly decided he was just not good at.

So, we slowed everything down and changed the way we worked on it. We took the pressure off getting the answer right and focused just on the process. We isolated index laws and stayed there, rather than jumping between different topics. He talked me through every step out loud, and I corrected his misunderstandings in real time. I made him explain his reasoning back to me so that he could start trusting his own thinking. We also completed very intentional homework and targeted questions; everything had a purpose. With that level of focused work, it would have actually been really difficult for index laws to not become his strongest suit.

Week by week we could see the changes; fewer silly mistakes, more willingness to have a go and less fear when exponents appeared on the page. The improvements were quiet but consistent, and his confidence grew naturally alongside his skills.

By the time his yearly exam came around, index laws were no longer a problem. In fact, they were his best area!! He did better in them than in anything else and by the end, watching him move through those questions calmly and confidently was one of those moments that really stuck with me. Not because of the mark, but because of the belief shift I watched happen inside him, in real time.

He started trusting himself, he spoke with more certainty and began backing his answers more instead of apologising for them. That confidence didn’t just stay in his maths, either. It showed up in how he carried himself into our lessons and in how he spoke to me.

Honestly, it’s the best part about tutoring. Yes, we help our students do better in their exams but ultimately, we’re really helping them change how they see themselves. When our students turn their weakest points into their strongest, the academic growth is legit, but the personal growth is even more powerful.

Thomas Koutavas

As a tutor, one of the most valuable roles we play is helping students transition confidently into the next academic year. Preparation isn’t just about reviewing content; it’s about building skills, habits, and mindset that set students up for long-term success.

I usually start by reflecting on the past year. Identifying strengths to carry forward and gaps that need attention, – focusing on the wins and things that is needed to improve on.

Next, I reinforce foundational skills. The beginning of a new school year often assumes prior knowledge, so revisiting core concepts is essential. This might mean strengthening number sense in math, reviewing grammar basics in writing, or practicing key problem-solving strategies. Solid foundations reduce anxiety and allow students to engage more confidently with new material.

Equally important is teaching students how to learn. Study skills such as note-taking, time management, and test preparation often determine academic success more than content knowledge alone. Introduce age-appropriate strategies and practice them during sessions so students can apply them independently.

Goal-setting is another powerful tool. Working with students to set realistic, specific goals for the upcoming year, academic, organizational, or personal. This helps them feel ownership over their learning and gives direction to tutoring sessions.

Finally, focus on mindset. Encourage a growth mindset by normalizing mistakes and emphasizing progress over perfection. Confidence and resilience will carry students far beyond any single subject.

By combining academic review, skill-building, and emotional preparation, tutors can help students start the next year feeling capable, motivated, and ready to succeed.

Airi

Today I had the opportunity to observe Daniella tutor her year 7 student in maths.

They were working through integers and specifically focusing on order of operations, multiplication, division and worded problem solving. Daniella is an excellent tutor at building rapport within her sessions as she consistently maintains a positive attitude and is always checking in on her students to see how they are progressing. Her ability to direct the lesson is an indicator of her great leadership and sense of direction when teaching. Another thing that Daniella is great at is making good use of the white board. Coupled with this, she has very neat handwriting, a trait which is invaluable when tutoring others and makes it much easier for students to focus and follow along.

Daniella is an actively engaged tutor who explains specific concepts extremely well. I commend her for acknowledging her own mistakes, something that can be difficult for tutors but nonetheless a trait that is highly mature and human. As tutors we must know when to acknowledge our own mistakes and feel comfortable making errors in front of our students. Ultimately, we are all human beings and can expect to make errors from time to time, but it is our responsibility to refrain from acting with ego, impulse, and pride.

Another important note was how well Daniella’s student was engaged considering it was the last lesson of the term. Students may often lack the desire or motivation to work due to upcoming holidays, but Daniella’s presence ensured the work was done in a timely manner. Her student’s engagement was apparent as they completed work ahead of schedule.

Overall this was a great lesson to observe. Daniella maintains the perfect balance of professionalism along with friendliness. This polarity is highly appealing to students and is something that all tutors should strive to achieve within their own lessons. Well done Daniella.

James Petrakis

The HSC journey represents one of the most demanding periods for an adolescent, with increased workloads, reduced sleep, and high-performance expectations, all contributing to elevated anxiety levels. In the lead up to exams, students typically study 2-3 hours per day rising to 5-6 hours during trials and final examination periods. (The Typical Study Hours of a HSC Student, 2019). These extended study demands often lead to families prioritising academic preparation over exercise. However, research shows reduced movement during high-pressure periods is consistently associated with heightened stress, poorer emotional regulation, and disrupted sleep (Vandekerckhove & Wang 2017).  (See Figure 1)
This is particularly relevant in Australia, where young people aged 16-24 experience the highest rate of psychological distress, with anxiety disorders being the most prevalent mental health condition of this age group, affecting almost one in three adults (AIHW, 2023). A survey of year 12 students found that 42% report significant stress and anxiety during the HSC, highlighting the importance of strategies that help adolescents mange this stressful period. (North et al., 2015)
Understanding this issue is important for parents because anxiety during late adolescence has implications beyond immediate exam performance. Elevated stress during this developmental period is associated with long term risks, including persistent mood and anxiety disorders, reduced academic engagement and more difficult transitions into university or employment. (Stromájer et al., 2023) Yet, regular exercise helps reduce these effects, by regulating cortisol, improving sleep quality, and supporting cognitive function such as attention and working memory (American Psychological Association, 2020). Recognising the value of exercise provides parents with practical insights to support their child’s wellbeing and reduce anxiety throughout the HSC year.

James Petrakis

As the year has come to an end, many year 12 students feel extremely overwhelmed with a mix of emotions leading up to and finding out their ATAR. One of the most important things to remember is that whatever number appears on your screen doesn’t define you!!

It is completely normal to feel happiness, disappointment, confusion or even self doubt. You may be proud of how hard you worked, frustrated that things didn’t go as planned, or anxious about what comes next. All of these feelings are valid. Your ATAR reflects performance across a very specific set of exams at a single point in time. not your creativity, resilience, work ethic, or potential to succeed long-term.

What often gets overlooked is that there are countless pathways to reach your goals. University entry programs, pathway courses, TAFE, bridging subjects, internal transfers, gap years, and alternative degrees all provide opportunities to move forward. Many students who don’t achieve their “dream ATAR” still end up in their desired career; sometimes being both more prepared and motivated than they expected.

As tutors, we see this firsthand. Students grow, change, and thrive when given the right support and direction. Success is rarely linear, and setbacks often lead to valuable learning experiences. Everyone grows and develops through different experiences and at different paces!

If you’re a student reading this: be kind to yourself. Your ATAR is just one step in a much longer journey. Focus on what you can control next: your choices, your mindset, and your willingness to keep learning. The future is far bigger than a number, and you are capable of far more than you might realise right now.

Sarah Constantinidis

Every student learns differently. Some grasp concepts best by seeing them written out, while others need to talk ideas through or learn by doing. In a traditional classroom, teachers do their best to accommodate many learning styles at once, but time and class size often make personalization difficult. This is how one-on-one tutoring makes a powerful difference.

One of the greatest benefits of individual tutoring is the ability for tutors to adapt to a student’s unique learning style. Visual learners, for example, benefit from diagrams, charts, color-coded notes, and written examples. A tutor can slow down, draw models, or reorganize information visually until the student fully understands the concept, something that may not be possible in a fast-paced classroom setting.

Auditory learners thrive when they can discuss material out loud. In a one-on-one tutoring session, students are encouraged to ask questions, explain concepts in their own words, and engage in back-and-forth conversation. Tutors can adjust their teaching approach to include verbal explanations, storytelling, and repetition, helping these students process and retain information more effectively.

Kinaesthetic learners often struggle the most in traditional academic environments because they learn best through hands-on activities and movement. One-on-one tutoring allows tutors to incorporate interactive strategies such as problem-solving with physical objects, writing while explaining, or applying concepts to real-world scenarios. This active engagement helps students connect learning to experience.

Beyond accommodating learning styles, personalized tutoring builds confidence. When students feel understood and supported, they are more willing to participate, make mistakes, and ask questions. Tutors can identify which strategies work best and adjust lessons in real time, ensuring that learning remains effective and frustration stays low.
One-on-one tutoring also helps students develop awareness of how they learn best. Over time, students gain tools and strategies they can apply independently in the classroom, during homework, and on exams.

By meeting students where they are and teaching in ways that align with how they naturally learn, one-on-one tutoring creates an environment where students can truly thrive, not just academically, but with confidence and motivation that last well beyond the tutoring session.

Ceara Kearnes

Education plays a crucial role in shaping the future of children, offering numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. One of the most significant advantages of education is that it provides children with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand the world around them. This foundation helps them develop critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and creativity, which are essential for personal growth and success in life.

Moreover, education fosters social development by encouraging children to interact with their peers and teachers, enhancing communication skills and building confidence. It also teaches important values such as discipline, responsibility, and respect, which are vital for building strong character and positive relationships.

Another key benefit of education is that it opens doors to better opportunities. Children who receive a good education are more likely to access higher education and secure well-paying jobs in the future. This, in turn, can lead to improved living standards and the ability to contribute positively to society.

Education also promotes equality by giving all children, regardless of their background, a chance to succeed. It helps reduce poverty and social disparities by equipping children with the tools they need to break the cycle of disadvantage.

Furthermore, education encourages lifelong learning and curiosity, inspiring children to continue exploring new ideas and skills throughout their lives. This adaptability is crucial in a rapidly changing world where new knowledge and technologies constantly emerge.

In summary, education benefits children by equipping them with knowledge, fostering social and emotional development, opening up future opportunities, promoting equality, and encouraging lifelong learning. Investing in education is investing in the future of children and society as a whole.

Saoirse Early

One of the quiet truths about tutoring is that progress doesn’t always come from better explanations or extra practice. Sometimes, it comes from something far simpler, a student realising that someone genuinely believes they can do this.

Many students arrive at tutoring convinced they’re “bad” at a subject. Not struggling, bad. That belief shapes how they approach every question. They hesitate. They apologise before answering. They expect to be wrong and once that mindset takes hold, learning becomes ten times harder than it needs to be.

Tutoring gently disrupts that story.

When a tutor responds to mistakes with calm curiosity rather than disappointment, something shifts. When effort is praised instead of just correct answers, students start to take risks. They stop freezing. They try and trying is where learning actually begins.

Belief is contagious. A student who hears, “You’re closer than you think” or “That idea makes sense, let’s build on it”, begins to internalise a new narrative. Such as, “Maybe I’m not bad at this. Maybe I just haven’t understood it yet”.

That “yet” is powerful.

Over time, students carry that confidence beyond the tutoring session. They participate more in class. They attempt questions they would have skipped before. They approach assessments with less dread and more resilience and often, their results improve. Not because the content suddenly became easier, but because their mindset did.

Tutoring creates a space where belief comes before achievement. Where students are allowed to learn imperfectly. Where mistakes aren’t proof of failure, but evidence of effort.

Sometimes, the greatest outcome of tutoring isn’t a higher grade or a perfect score. It’s a student who finally believes they capable. Once the belief is in place, everything else becomes possible.

Isabella Naumovski