Today I had the chance to observe Pasquale’s maths session. The session primarily involved quadratic equations and the factorising involved (explained through the PSF method). Pasquale commenced the session by addressing a few of the students homework questions and concerns regarding the factorisation and solving of monic quadratic equations. He explained to the student what leaving your answer as an exact value means and the purpose of it, by explaining that the evaluation of an exact value will typically give a large decimal number. Following this, Pasquale prompted the student to attempt a few similar questions of his own to consolidate his understanding. Where the student made mistakes, Pasquale made use of the whiteboard to work out the solution. Rather than simply writing out the solution and explaining it, Pasquale prompted the student to independently determine the course of action when working out the solution, to efficiently consolidate his understanding. Where the student was confused, Pasquale offered various hints to help inform the students working out without simply revealing the answer. This was a very effective way to actively engage the student, rather than simply solving the solution and having the student reflect on it. Overall it was a great session to observe, and I look forward to integrate some of Pasquale’s teaching methods my own teaching.

Kieran Fung

Today, I had the opportunity to observe Oli Fletcher tutor James, a Year 12 student, as they worked on his English HSC Module C response. The session was engaging and productive, with a relaxed vibe that made the session enjoyable.
Oli’s approach was supportive and encouraging, creating an environment where James felt comfortable working through his ideas and refining his writing, which is often a challenge for students needing help in English. Throughout the session, Oli asked insightful questions that prompted James to think about his response rather than just following the rubric. This helped James gain a better understanding of his work and gain confidence in his writing abilities.
One of the standout moments was when they reviewed a key section of James’ discursive. Oli worked through identifying areas for improvement by discussing James extracurricular interest, encouraging him to articulate his thoughts clearly and refine his expression while writing about something he genuinely cared about.. The discussion was collaborative, with Oli offering constructive feedback while also acknowledging the strengths in James’ writing. This balance made the session feel less like a lesson and more like a conversation, which kept James engaged and motivated.
Another good technique Oli used was making connections to real-world examples to clarify complex ideas. By relating the content to familiar concepts, he helped James see his writing from a fresh perspective, making revisions feel more intuitive and purposeful. This approach not only improved James’ response but also reinforced broader writing skills that he can apply to future tasks.
Overall, the session was a great example of how a positive tutoring environment can make a real difference. Oli’s ability to keep the discussion engaging while guiding James toward independent problem-solving created a session that was both enjoyable and beneficial. It was clear that James left the session feeling more confident in his writing and better prepared for his HSC Module C response.

Tom Gloster

Many students feel overwhelmed with their HSC English exams. But the first step to acing them is knowing how to effectively complete the short answer questions in the English Paper 1 exam. Here are some of my best tips to always excel in English short answer writing:

1. Read the text more than once! Ideally, a student should read through each text once in a thorough manner before re-reading it and underlining/highlighting key quotes they will be using to answer the question. This ensures that the student is not only ready to answer the question efficiently, but has a good understanding of the text.

2. Recall key language techniques and devices. When re-reading the text, students should be on the lookout for both language and visual techniques as sometimes students may be asked to analyse an image. Tutoring is the perfect time to create a bank of techniques that students can take in with them on the day of the exam to allow them to feel more confident.

3. Plan your time and know how much you should be writing. My first general rule is that whatever the mark value assigned to the question is, double it and that is the amount of time a student should be aiming to spend on that question. So, for example, a six-mark question should take a student approximately 12 minutes. My second rule of thumb is that whatever the mark value assigned to that question is, subtract one from it and that is a guide as to how many quotes/examples a student should be providing in their answer. This is certainly not a hard and fast rule but it provides a general overview of what each student should aim for at a minimum, whilst utilising their time efficiently.

4. Understand the PETAL structure. Tutoring is the perfect time to refresh a student’s understanding of how to structure their short answers and by using the PETAL structure, students can feel confident in the exam as they know exactly what they should be targeting.

Hopefully these tips help students feel confident for the short answer component of the English Paper 1 exam and show that everyone can succeed!

Kristina McLean

As the term comes to an end, many of our students will be receiving their exams back soon. Emotions can be high during this time, so I wanted to share just a couple of things that I try keep in mind when my students bring their papers in so that we can go through them together.

1. It can be easy to gloss over the things that our students did really well. I know that time is of the essence in our sessions, but I wanted to stress the importance of praising and commending our students on the stuff they got right/questions they showed great effort in DESPITE how few or how many instances of this there were in the exam! It can be super easy to focus on just the negatives, and I’m sure we’re all familiar with how far even one negative comment can go in ruining an otherwise perfect day! Please, please make sure to acknowledge the good stuff too. It’ll go long ways!!

2. If the outcome is poor, I like to be dismissive of the result (unchangeable) and instead focus on the opportunities right in front of us for learning and improvement. It can be all too easy for our students to interpret bad marks as scarlet letters; “I suck at maths,” “it’s just too hard for me,” “I’ll never be good at this,” etc. This is where we as tutors must step up to the plate and show our students just how doable these questions can be if we break them down and always go back to basics. Please don’t ever make a student feel dumb or stupid for the way that they did something in an exam; it’s a surefire route to the student putting their walls up and encourages them telling you things like “yes, this make sense” when you explain stuff (even though it may not), just to avoid potential embarrassment.

The centre is first and foremost a safe space for our students and it is our job as contextual leaders to see that this is always the case.

Thomas Koutavas

Something which I have been trying to work on in my session and always striving to improve is relating topics back to a student’s passion. This can have a profound impact on their learning by improving their engagement, motivation, and passion for learning.
1. Engagement: when students can see how a subject matter they care about relates to what they are learning, they are more likely to engage in the session and creates a deeper connection to the material.
2. Motivation: People are naturally more motivated to learn about things that interest them, so by linking a subject to a student’s passion it will help them to feel more inspired to learn more and persist through challenges
3. Retention: When students are invested in a topic, they are more likely to remember the information because they are able to make stronger connections between ideas and the information is more meaningful.
4. Love for learning: Relating learning to passions doesn’t just make one subject more enjoyable—it can help students see the broader value of education. When they see that learning can be connected to something they love, it can fuel a lifelong interest in learning.
By tailoring the tutoring experience to a student’s passions, the tutor can make the learning process more enjoyable, engaging, and productive. This not only helps the student in the moment but can also have long-lasting benefits for their academic journey.

Riva Burkett

Tutoring isn’t just about nailing the next exam or mastering a tricky maths problem; it’s also a fantastic way to relieve the stress that comes with school life. Juggling assignments, tests, and expectations can be overwhelming, and that’s where a tutor can really make a difference—not only as a teacher but as a genuine ally in the battle against academic stress.

When students feel like they’re drowning in schoolwork, having a tutor can really lighten the load. It’s about having someone who can break down complex topics into manageable pieces, making a big difference in how students handle their workload. Instead of feeling lost and stressed over where to start or fearing they won’t grasp the material, students can rely on their tutor to guide them through their studies in a systematic and efficient way.

Tutors also offer personalised tips on time management and organisation, which are crucial for reducing academic anxiety. They help set realistic goals and deadlines, ensuring students are prepared for tests and projects without the need for last-minute panics. Tutors also provide a safe space for students to express their frustrations and confusions, which is a huge stress reliever in itself.

Plus, the boost in confidence that comes from understanding difficult concepts with a tutor’s help can’t be overstated. There’s real comfort in knowing that help is just a tutoring session away, changing the whole dynamic of dealing with school stress. Instead of feeling isolated with their struggles, students have a dedicated mentor to help them face challenges head-on.

In essence, tutors do more than just teach; they transform stress into success by providing the tools and support needed for students to approach schoolwork with confidence and calm. This turns learning into a more enjoyable and far less stressful experience.

Eireyna Papinyan

Time is one of the most valuable resources a student has, yet it often feels like there’s never enough of it. Between classes, homework, extracurricular activities, and social life, it’s so easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why mastering time management and organisation skills is essential—not just for academic success but also for reducing stress.

The Power of Planning
One of the most effective ways to stay organised is to plan ahead. Using planners, digital calendars, or to-do lists can help students map out their tasks, prioritise assignments, and avoid last-minute cramming. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps also makes challenging assignments feel less daunting and more achievable.

Avoiding Procrastination
Procrastination is the enemy of productivity. It leads to rushed work, higher stress levels, and lower-quality results. By setting realistic deadlines and sticking to a schedule, students can tackle tasks in manageable chunks rather than leaving everything until the night before. Techniques like working in focused intervals with short breaks—can also help improve concentration and efficiency.

Balancing Responsibilities
Good time management isn’t just about getting schoolwork done—it’s also about creating a healthy balance. Allocating time for relaxation, hobbies, and socialising ensures that students don’t burn out. Learning to say no to unnecessary distractions and setting boundaries can help maintain focus while still allowing room for personal interests.

Lifelong Benefits
Developing these skills early sets students up for future success in higher education and the workforce. Employers value individuals who can prioritise tasks, meet deadlines, and stay organised. By mastering time management now, students build the foundation for a productive and stress-free future.

As a tutor, teaching time management involves helping students create personalised schedules, break down tasks into manageable steps. Encourage the use of planners or digital calendars, and teach time-blocking to allocate specific times for study and personal activities. Discuss procrastination triggers and develop strategies to overcome them. Emphasise the importance of balance by including time for relaxation and hobbies in their schedule. Regular check-ins allow for adjustments and ensure the student stays on track. These strategies foster organisational skills that lead to improved productivity, reduced stress, and long-term success!!

Shyla Gloster

Today I had the opportunity to observe Sophie tutor! Her session was filled with energy, and her student was highly engaged, which immediately caught my attention. Her approach was notably patient and encouraging, creating a positive learning environment where students felt comfortable and confident.

One of the standout techniques she used was storytelling. She effortlessly integrated stories into her lessons, whether teaching concepts or discussing deeper themes. These stories helped clarify complex ideas and made the material more relatable for the students. It became evident how powerful this method could be in making abstract concepts more accessible and memorable.

Another aspect of her teaching that stood out was her focus on active listening. She gave her students the space to articulate their thoughts and guided them toward solutions without giving immediate answers. This approach encouraged independence and critical thinking, which seemed to build the students’ confidence and problem-solving skills. It was clear that this method helped foster a deeper understanding of the material.

Her ability to connect with her students, her creativity in lesson delivery, and her supportive yet empowering teaching style provided valuable insights. Observing her today highlighted the importance of patience, storytelling, and listening in creating a more engaging and effective learning environment. These are techniques that can easily be applied to any subject, showing how versatile and impactful they are in teaching.

Nabil Harrar

In a world of constant stimulation through TikTok videos, instant notifications and endless scrolling. Boredom has become something we actively avoid. But what if boredom was actually good for learning? What if, instead of filling every silent moment, tutors should embrace those pauses?

One of the biggest challenges students face today is the inability to sit with difficult problems. When something doesn’t make sense immediately, the instinct is often to give up or Google the answer. But deep learning happens in those moments of struggle, when the brain has time to process, connect ideas and problem-solve without an instant solution.

Tutoring provides a rare opportunity to reintroduce constructive boredom into education. When a tutor resists the urge to fill in the gaps too quickly and instead lets a student wrestle with a concept, something powerful happens, they start thinking for themselves. That slight discomfort of not knowing forces the brain to engage at a deeper level.

Neuroscience backs this up. Studies show that when the brain is given space, without constant input it starts forming stronger neural connections. This is why students often come up with solutions after a lesson ends, when they’re walking home or lying in bed. Their brain has finally had time to catch up.

So, how can tutors use boredom as a strategy? By introducing deliberate pauses, asking open-ended questions and resisting the urge to over-explain. A tutor’s role isn’t to provide all the answers but to create an environment where curiosity thrives.

In a world that moves too fast, maybe the greatest gift a tutor can give is the ability to slow down, sit with uncertainty and discover the joy of thinking for oneself.

Isabella Naumovski

One of the key goals of tutoring is not just to help students understand content but to equip them with the skills to learn independently. While it can be tempting to guide students through every step, effective tutoring encourages them to take ownership of their learning, building confidence and problem-solving abilities that extend beyond the session.

A crucial part of fostering independence is teaching students how to approach challenges on their own. Instead of providing immediate answers, tutors can encourage students to think critically by asking guiding questions such as, “What strategies have worked for you before?” or “How could you break this problem down into smaller steps?” This shifts the focus from simply getting the right answer to understanding the process behind it.

Another way to build independence is by helping students develop effective study techniques. Many students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they haven’t been taught how to revise efficiently or structure their responses. Tutors can introduce strategies such as active recall, summarising information in their own words, or creating study plans that allow for consistent review. Teaching students how to self-assess their work also empowers them to identify their own areas for improvement rather than relying solely on tutor feedback.

Encouraging students to take initiative in their learning also helps build resilience. When students learn to approach difficult tasks with a problem-solving mindset rather than frustration, they become more confident in their ability to tackle challenges independently. Over time, they develop the skills needed to manage their own progress, reducing their reliance on a tutor.

Ultimately, the most effective tutoring doesn’t just improve academic performance in the short term; it equips students with the tools to become self-sufficient learners. By fostering independence, tutors help students build the confidence and skills they need to succeed beyond the classroom.

Demetria