High school can feel like a juggling act. Between schoolwork, sports, part-time jobs, clubs, friends, and family commitments — not to mention sleep — it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with the right approach, it is possible to find balance and thrive across all areas of life.

Start by recognising that balance doesn’t mean doing everything equally. Some weeks school might take priority, while other times you might focus more on a big sports event or important personal time. The key is being intentional with your time and energy.

Time management is crucial. Using a planner or digital calendar can help you map out your weekly commitments and find windows for study, rest, and fun. Planning ahead also prevents last-minute stress and missed deadlines.

Learn to prioritise. You don’t need to say yes to every opportunity. Choose extracurriculars that genuinely interest you, not just the ones that look good on a résumé. Focus on quality, not quantity.

Make time for rest and wellbeing. Sleep, exercise, and downtime aren’t luxuries — they’re essential. Overcommitting might seem productive at first, but it quickly leads to burnout. Regular breaks and time to relax with friends or family help recharge your mind and boost your academic performance in the long run.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for support. Whether it’s a teacher, tutor, parent, or coach, talk to someone if you feel like you’re slipping behind or stretched too thin. Often, small adjustments can make a big difference.

Balancing a busy schedule is a skill — one that takes practice. But with planning, self-awareness, and a focus on what truly matters, you can succeed academically and enjoy everything else that makes school life fulfilling.

julian podgornik

Almost every student will face a disappointing test result at some point — and while it can feel discouraging in the moment, it’s also a powerful opportunity for growth. What matters most isn’t the mark itself, but how you respond to it.

1. Keep it in perspective.
One result doesn’t define your intelligence or your future. Even the most successful people have experienced failure. It’s a snapshot of your performance on one day — not a full picture of your potential.

2. Look closely at what went wrong.
Was it a lack of preparation? Misunderstanding the question? Poor time management? Analysing your mistakes helps you pinpoint the gaps and avoid repeating them. If you’re unsure where you slipped up, ask your teacher or tutor for feedback.

3. Learn from it.
Once you identify the issue, focus on solutions. Maybe you need to revise differently, ask more questions in class, or work on exam technique. Every mistake is a lesson in disguise — if you let it be.

4. Set goals for next time.
Use the experience to fuel your progress. Set clear, achievable targets for your next assignment or exam. Having a plan helps shift your mindset from disappointment to action.

As a tutor, I’ve seen students go from near-failing grades to consistent success — not because they suddenly got smarter, but because they took charge of their learning after a setback. They became more self-aware, more motivated, and more resilient.

Everyone has off days. The key is using them as springboards, not roadblocks. So take a deep breath, dust yourself off, and remind yourself: the next test is a new opportunity — and you’re better prepared for it.

julian podgornik

The Geminids meteor shower is one of the best parts of December for star lovers and space buffs everywhere. Running from December 1 to December 21 and hitting its peak around December 12 to 13, it’s often regarded as one of the strongest and most reliable showers, and is visible from both the northern and southern hemispheres. During its peak, under the right conditions, you can see about 120 Geminid meteors an hour. These meteors are bright and fast, and usually have a yellowish colour.
The Geminids have been lighting up the sky for nearly 200 years, and believe it or not, they’re actually getting even better! This is because Jupiter’s gravity has been pulling the stream of particle from the shower’s source closer to Earth over the centuries. Unlike most meteor showers that come from comets, the Geminids are come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. The name Phaethon comes from a character in Greek mythology who drove the chariot of the Sun-god, Helios, which is fitting since this asteroid gets pretty close to the Sun during its 1.4-year long elliptical orbit. Astronomers think Phaethon might have collided with another object a long time ago, creating a cluster of debris. This debris burns up when it enters Earth’s atmosphere, creating bright streaks of light that we know as the Geminids. However the strange “comet-like” nature of this asteroid makes it difficult to classify and determine Phaethon’s past.

While 3200 Phaethon may be the source of the shower, from our perspective on Earth it appears to come from Gemini constellation, which is also where the celestial event gets its name. The apparent source of a meteor shower is known as the radiant, but the shower passes across the night sky during its period. Luckily, the Geminids are generally visible with the naked eye, but it is still best to go as far away from sources of light pollution and avoid looking at your phone before stargazing.

Gemma Vinciguerra

For many students, math equations can look quite daunting and be a source of stress and doubt. This math anxiety can cause students to freeze during tests or avoid homework. One-on-one tutoring offers a powerful resolution, helping students replace fear with confidence and resilience.

The first step is normalising mistakes. Tutors can reassure students that errors are part of the learning process and not evidence of failure. By modeling patience and persistence, tutors can show that even complex problems can be solved step by step. This shifts the student’s mindset from “I can’t do this” to “I can learn how to do this easier!”

Breaking problems into smaller parts is another effective strategy. Instead of presenting a daunting equation, tutors can guide students through each stage, highlighting their progress along the way. These small achievements build momentum and reinforce the idea that success is possible.

Tutors can help students to find a meaningful link between the math and real life. Relating concepts to shopping, sports or everyday decisions makes the math less abstract and helps the student find the purpose and usefulness of using these equations. When students see relevance, their motivation increases and anxiety decreases.

It is also important to praise effort over results. By highlighting persistence and problem solving strategies, tutors cultivate a growth mindset. Students begin to understand that ability in math is not fixed, but rather grows with practice and determination.

Therefore, with consistent support, self doubt regarding solving math equations can transform into an improved confidence in math with the help of some extra guidance. Gradually, tutors empower students to see themselves as resilient problem solvers ready to solve any equation that comes their way!

Sophia McLean

Studying effectively isn’t just about putting in hours – it’s about using the right strategies and seeking support when you need it. With thoughtful planning and purposeful tutoring, any student can boost confidence, improve grades, and develop long-term learning skills.

One of the most powerful study strategies is active learning. Instead of passively rereading notes, try explaining concepts in your own words, teaching someone else, or creating practice questions. These methods engage your brain more deeply and help information stick. Pair this with spaced repetition (reviewing material over time rather than cramming) and you’ll strengthen memory and reduce last-minute stress.

Another essential strategy is breaking big tasks into smaller, manageable pieces. This prevents overwhelm and allows you to celebrate small wins along the way. Setting clear, achievable goals for each study session keeps you focused and gives your learning direction. Don’t forget to build in short breaks, too as they help maintain concentration and reduce burnout.

While independent study is important, tutoring can elevate your learning even further. A good tutor doesn’t simply give answers – they guide you to think critically, uncover gaps in understanding, and build strong academic habits. To get the most out of tutoring, come prepared with specific questions or topics you’re struggling with. Bring examples of your work, tests, or homework so your tutor can see where improvement is needed.

Active participation is key. Ask questions, attempt problems before being shown the solution, and summarise what you learned at the end of each session. Finally, apply new skills right away. Reinforcing what you learned through practice ensures your progress extends beyond the tutoring session.

By combining intentional study habits with purposeful tutoring, students can learn more efficiently, feel more confident, and achieve their academic goals with greater ease without unnecessary stress. Good luck!

Amanda Susanto

Quantum mechanics is a field of physics that investigates the behavior of matter and energy on atomic and subatomic scales. In contrast to classical physics, which dictates the movement of larger bodies, quantum mechanics functions in a domain where particles act in unusual and counterintuitive manners. A key idea in quantum mechanics is wave-particle duality, which proposes that particles such as electrons and photons can behave as both particles and waves based on the observation method used. This duality fundamentally questions our comprehension of the essence of light and matter.

Another important concept is Heisenberg’s uncertainty principle, which asserts that one cannot precisely know both the position and momentum of a particle at the same time. The more precisely you assess one, the less precisely you can assess the other. This uncertainty arises not from limitations in measurement instruments but is an intrinsic characteristic of the particles.

Quantum superposition is an essential principle, indicating that particles can be in several states simultaneously. The particle “collapses” into a single state only when it is observed. This is famously demonstrated by Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment, in which a cat is regarded as both alive and dead until it is observed. Quantum entanglement also explains how particles can become connected such that the condition of one particle immediately influences the condition of another, regardless of the large distances between them.

While these principles may appear odd, quantum mechanics is utilized in everyday technologies, including semiconductors, MRI devices, and lasers. In addition, it establishes the basis for new areas such as quantum computing, which aims to transform computing capabilities. Although it is intricate, quantum mechanics is essential for comprehending the universe at its most basic level

Starsky Schepers

One of the most meaningful realisations I’ve had as a tutor is that the most important thing we teach isn’t content, it’s confidence. Not the loud, dramatic kind, but something quieter, sturdier, and far more transformative: micro-confidence.

Micro-confidence is the small, consistent belief students build in themselves through achievable wins. It’s the moment they finally understand why a formula works, or when they explain a concept back to you with clarity they didn’t have ten minutes earlier. It’s seeing a student sit up a little straighter because, for the first time, the task in front of them feels possible.

In tutoring, these moments appear subtly but steadily. Sometimes a student begins a session convinced they’re “bad at maths” or “not a strong writer.” But with patient questioning, scaffolded steps, and zero judgement, you see a shift: a hesitant “I don’t know” becomes a thoughtful pause, then a guess, and eventually a correct, confident explanation. These micro-moments compound not just in academics, but in how students approach challenges in the classroom and beyond.

This is why one-on-one tutoring remains one of the most effective forms of education. Schools are fast-paced, noisy, and built around standardisation. Tutoring is the opposite: calm, personalised, and focused on depth rather than speed. It creates space for students to think aloud, make mistakes safely, and build understanding at their own pace.

What I’ve learned is that tutoring is less about delivering information and more about helping students rewrite their inner narrative. When a student starts believing “I can figure this out,” everything else follows (e.g., grades, motivation, and genuine curiosity).

And that’s the magic of this work: not just helping students get answers right, but helping them feel capable, prepared, and proud of themselves. In the end, micro-confidence becomes macro-confidence, one session, one question, one win at a time.

Nicole Stamatelatos

English tutoring has become one of the most meaningful parts of my week, not just because I get to teach skills I love, but because I get to watch students discover their own voices. So many of my students come to me believing English is subjective, confusing, or “just not their thing.” Yet, session by session, I get to show them that English is not a mystery; it’s simply a language of patterns, perspectives, and possibilities.

One of my favourite moments in tutoring is when a student realises that writing isn’t about sounding smart—it’s about communicating clearly. Helping them unpack a text, identify a technique, or craft a thesis that actually says something is incredibly rewarding. The shift from writing because they “have to” towards writing with intention is transformative. And during these moments, I see their confidence grow, not just academically, but personally too.

English tutoring often becomes more than analysis and TEEAL paragraphs. It becomes a space where students learn to express their ideas, question assumptions, and connect texts to their own experiences. Whether we’re analysing Shakespeare, constructing arguments for Module C, or refining an imaginative piece, I’m reminded that English empowers students to think critically and articulate their identity. Watching them reach that stage is one of the greatest joys of being a tutor.

What surprises me most is how deeply relational English tutoring is. Students open up through their writing, sharing glimpses of their worldview, their insecurities, and their hopes. My role becomes guiding them not only in structure and technique but also in trusting their voice. And when they finally craft a paragraph or essay that feels authentically theirs, it feels like a small victory for both of us.

English tutoring is more than improving marks, it’s about nurturing confidence, clarity, and self-expression. And being part of that journey is something I value every single day.

Kassandra Pegios

Today, Pamela tutored her two year 6 students in Maths.

They were working through area, volume and capacity and worked through an array of worksheets together. Firstly, Pamela did a great job at monitoring both of the students and ensuring that they were attentive and engaged with the lesson. This can be a difficult thing to accomplish as two students require more attention and focus as opposed to one. Pamela made a great recommendation to promote order and neatness – she instructed her students to write the answers to the questions on the worksheet, but to do the working out in their exercise books. This is a great way at promoting organisation, especially from a young age, and is something that I will definitely translate into my own tutoring sessions.

Secondly, Pamela is great at maintaining approachability, a trait that is particularly important when tutoring younger students. Given that they were in year 6 the hesitance to ask for help was sometimes apparent. However, Pamela’s friendly and energetic demeanour neutralised any doubt and hesitance in both students. Additionally, Pamela often took initiative by frequently asking her students if they needed help or assistance with their working out.

Further, Pamela made great use of the whiteboard, especially as she was teaching them about volume and area. She has a very pronounced teaching method and maintained a thorough and prominent voice, pattern, and silence where necessary. She asked both students numerous questions in order to gauge their progress, learning, and areas of weakness – a very mature and appropriate style of teaching. Another interesting point of observation was how Pamela advised her students to refrain from being solely dependant on the calculator and develop a strong ability to do mental maths or manual working out. Although high school requires calculators, Pamela’s message was understood and received.

Overall this was a great lesson to observe. Well done Pamela.

James Petrakis

During my observation of Eric’s tutoring session, I noticed how effectively he combined encouragement, structure, and creativity to support the student’s learning. The focus of the lesson was spelling, which can sometimes feel repetitive for students, but Eric transformed it into an engaging challenge. By introducing small rewards for correctly spelled words, he created a sense of incentive that motivated the student to participate more confidently and willingly.

One of Eric’s strengths was his ability to maintain the student’s focus, even when the student found it difficult to stay on task. Rather than redirecting the student in a strict or negative way, Eric used gentle encouragement and positive reinforcement. He incorporated redirection into the spelling challenge, helping the student return to the task without feeling discouraged. This approach allowed the student to remain engaged while still feeling supported.

What stood out most was Eric’s calm and patient presence throughout the session. His tone was consistently positive, and he celebrated even small improvements, which helped build the student’s confidence. Observing this session highlighted how a tutor’s attitude can shape the entire learning experience. Eric’s ability to balance structure with warmth created an environment where the student felt motivated, capable, and willing to keep trying.

Tira Rustom