I got to observe Charlotte’s Year 10 maths session today. The session focused on working through a booklet focused on data and statistics. Charlotte began by explaining the foundations of the specific data topic they were completing. Explanations were broken down into manageable steps which made it easier for the student to understand both the calculations and the reasoning behind them. She regularly checked for understanding and encouraged the student to explain their thought process when answering questions.

The student was clearly engaged during the session and I could tell he was becoming increasingly confident as the session transpired. Charlotte made sure to provide positive reinforcement and constructive feedback which helped the student recognise their mistakes and correct them in future questions.

On top of her technical approach, what really stood out to me about Charlottes tutoring style in general was how she balanced work with fun. All of her students come into sessions excited and eager to participate which is such a testament to the positive rapport she has built with them. Charlotte creates an engaging and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and challenging themselves. Throughout the session, she incorporated humour and friendly conversation while still maintaining a strong focus on the learning objectives. This balance helped keep the student motivated and engaged, allowing them to remain focused on the content without feeling overwhelmed. It was clear that Charlotte’s ability to make sessions enjoyable plays a significant role in building her students’ confidence and fostering a genuine enthusiasm for learning.

Annaliese Lakis