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Observation

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Today I was able to observe the second half of Kate’s 2 hour session with her student Will. They were going over his maths exam and fixing any of the questions that he’d struggled with. They were discussing how important it is to check your answers before moving on, to try and eliminate any silly mistakes that might have been made- for example, doing calculations in your head regularly and not checking them on a calculator, which might cause some avoidable errors. Kate was also offering advice on how to bounce back after a test when you do badly and might be scared to confront your mistakes. She suggested that sometimes doing badly can be the best motivator for fixing all your gaps in knowledge and working harder to do better in the next test. I think Kate’s advice was very valuable and a good lesson to learn- that only hard work can correct mistakes and gaps in knowledge. I learnt a lot from observing her that I can apply when I’m helping my students after they struggle in an exam. Thanks Kate! Sienna

Sienna Apted

Adding in more fun

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To make things more fun in my session with my year 2 student today, I tried to incorporate more games whilst still making sure they were learning. In today’s session, I wanted to work on sentence writing so after our mid-session uno game, I utilised the card and asked him to pick one. Whatever number was on the card would be the number of words in the sentence, and wild cards were 12. I believe this was a highly beneficial game as it encouraged the student to work with sentences of different lengths and learn how to incorporate different kinds of words into his language. For example, one of the sentences needed 11 words and he initially wrote “The beach is a fun place to visit on holidays” which is 10 words. He was struggling to add in another word, so I suggested he use a ‘describing’ adjective word. So, he added in ‘special’ before beach. Thus, this developed his ability and understanding of the importance of different types of words in the sentence.

I have also incorporated spelling into a game of tic tac toe. This works by specifying a specific category such as ‘colours’ and instead of putting an ‘x’ or an ‘o’ into the box, you must spell a word. This helps to make learning new words and spelling more enjoyable which is especially important for younger primary school children as they often find it harder to concentrate for long periods of time. It makes the session more engaging.

Riva Burkett

Literature Y7-10

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Studying Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare is a typical, and fundamental high school text for all students throughout high school. This famous tragedy follows the doomed love of two youth from feuding families—whose secret romance leads to devastating consequences. When approaching the play, it helps for students to first break down the key themes and language techniques, so students are able to comprehend its value. Major themes include love versus hate, as Romeo and Juliet’s deep affection is constantly challenged by the violent feud; fate and destiny, with the “star-cross’d lovers” line suggesting their lives are already mapped out; and youth and impulsiveness, shown in how quickly they fall in love and make life-changing decisions. Conflict is further present in the play—between families, within characters, and between individual desires and social expectations; Challenging students to consider themes like loyalty and family conflict may place them at a different standard to others, and is encouraged for more powerful writing.

Shakespeare’s language is rich and layered, so students must keep an eye out for his techniques. Metaphors and similes appear frequently, like when Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, showing how he idealises her. Oxymorons such as “loving hate” or “sweet sorrow” highlight emotional confusion, while dramatic irony creates tension, a core aspect of Shakespeare’s dramatic form—for example, the audience knows Juliet isn’t truly dead, but Romeo does not. When I have taught this play numerous times in the past, it was important to first let the students consider the structure of the play; it is written in iambic pentameter, a poetic rhythm that sounds natural but controlled, showing Shakespeare’s skill with verse. Studying this play also means looking at how scenes shift tone—from romantic to violent to tragic—and how Shakespeare builds suspense through turning points like Mercutio’s death or Juliet’s decision to fake her own. For students in Years 7–10, I have found t’s useful to annotate key passages, summarise each scene, and practise writing about how characters change over time. Understanding the social and historical context—like Elizabethan attitudes to marriage and family honour—can also deepen your analysis. By focusing on themes, techniques, and characters, you’ll not only understand the play better, but also build skills that apply to all kinds of literature studies.

Eleni Nicholas

How Tutors Can Help Students Through Frustration

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Academic frustration is something every student experiences at some point. Whether it’s struggling with a difficult concept, falling behind in class, or feeling like they’re “just not good” at a subject, these moments can lead to a loss of motivation and self-confidence. But with the right support, frustration can be transformed into progress—and that’s where a tutor plays a vital role.

Tutors create a safe, low-pressure environment where students can ask questions freely and make mistakes without fear. This emotional safety is essential for learning, especially for students who may feel embarrassed or overwhelmed in the classroom. A good tutor listens, observes, and responds with empathy, helping the student feel heard and understood.

Frustration often stems from feeling stuck. Tutors are trained to break concepts down into manageable steps, making even the most challenging material feel approachable. They adapt their explanations to fit the student’s learning style and pace, ensuring that the student fully understands before moving forward.

Another way tutors help is by shifting the student’s mindset. Many frustrated learners fall into negative self-talk, like “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never get it.” Tutors counter this by encouraging a growth mindset, reminding students that learning is a process and that effort leads to improvement. This helps rebuild confidence and resilience.

Tutors also celebrate small victories. Recognizing progress, even in small steps, reinforces a sense of achievement and motivates students to keep trying. Over time, students learn to manage their frustration more effectively and approach challenges with curiosity instead of fear.

In the end, tutors don’t just support students academically, they help them build emotional tools to navigate learning. With patience, encouragement, and tailored guidance, a tutor can turn a frustrating experience into a breakthrough.

Allegra Pezzullo

How Tutors Can Help with Exam Prep

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Exams can be a major source of stress for students of all ages. The pressure to perform, manage time, and retain large amounts of information often leads to anxiety and burnout. This is where a tutor can make a huge difference, not just in improving grades, but in helping students approach exams with a clear strategy and a confident mindset.

Tutors should provide personalised support, which is often missing in a traditional classroom setting. We should focus on identifying strengths and weaknesses, and help build a targeted study plan. This focused approach saves time and ensures that students spend their energy on the areas that need the most attention.

Beyond content review, we should teach effective study techniques and test-taking strategies. This might include time management, active recall methods, how to approach multiple-choice questions, or how to write strong essay responses under pressure. These skills not only help during exam season but build lasting academic habits.

Another critical benefit of having a tutor is accountability. Having regular sessions creates structure and encourages consistent study habits for students, which can prevent last-minute cramming and reduce stress. We should also adapt as the student progresses, adjusting goals and pacing as needed.

Perhaps most importantly, we should focus on building confidence. A student who understands the material and feels prepared is less likely to panic on test day. That confidence can lead to better performance and a more positive overall experience.

In short, tutors do more than help students study – we should assist in providing structure, support, and strategy. With the right guidance, exam preparation becomes less overwhelming and more productive, giving students the tools they need to succeed both in school and beyond.

Allegra Pezzullo

The Power of Tutoring: Why One-on-One Learning Matters

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In a world where education often moves at a fast pace, many students find themselves struggling to keep up. That’s where tutoring comes in — offering a personalized learning experience that can make a world of difference.

Tutoring provides something that traditional classrooms often can’t: individual attention. In a one-on-one setting, a tutor can quickly identify a student’s strengths and weaknesses, tailoring lessons to fit their unique learning style. This targeted approach not only helps students understand material more deeply but also builds their confidence, making them more willing to ask questions and engage in their studies.

Beyond academic improvement, tutoring teaches valuable life skills. Students learn how to break down complex problems, manage their time more effectively, and approach challenges with resilience. Over time, many students develop stronger critical thinking skills, laying the foundation for success not just in school, but in future careers and personal endeavors.

For parents, tutoring offers peace of mind. Knowing that their child is receiving customized support can relieve a lot of the stress that often comes with schoolwork. Meanwhile, students enjoy the chance to move at their own pace, celebrating their wins without feeling rushed or left behind.

Tutoring isn’t just for students who are struggling, either. Even high-achieving students can benefit by deepening their understanding, preparing for exams, or exploring subjects more thoroughly than a typical curriculum allows.

In short, tutoring empowers students to take charge of their learning journey. It’s not about doing the work for them — it’s about giving them the tools, strategies, and confidence to succeed on their own. Whether it’s mastering a difficult subject or preparing for future challenges, tutoring lights the path toward lifelong learning.

Daniel Aghmesheh

The importance of tutoring in Year 12

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Year 12 is often described as a “make or break” year—full of pressure, deadlines, and high expectations. With so much riding on these final assessments, it’s easy for students to feel overwhelmed, confused, or even disheartened. That’s where tutoring comes in—not just as academic support, but as a real game-changer.

First, tutoring creates space. Space to ask questions without judgement. Space to go over something again without the fear of slowing down a whole class. In a one-on-one or small group environment, students can work at their own pace, target their weaknesses, and stretch their strengths. It’s personalised, which is the exact opposite of how most students experience school.

Tutors can also offer strategies—not just subject content, but how to study, how to revise, how to plan. These are the tools that often get overlooked in busy classrooms but can make a huge difference to confidence and performance. Sometimes, it’s not about explaining what to learn, but how to approach it.

And maybe most importantly, tutoring adds a human element to the madness of Year 12. A good tutor becomes a consistent presence in a chaotic year—someone who understands the pressure, who can offer encouragement, and who helps students stay accountable without burning out.

Of course, tutoring isn’t a magic fix. But for many students, it’s the difference between floundering and finding their footing. Between barely scraping through and actually understanding what they’re learning.

In a year that asks so much of young people, having someone in their corner—who believes in them, challenges them, and teaches them how to back themselves—can be one of the most powerful tools they have.

Because success in Year 12 isn’t just about marks. It’s about mindset.

Tom Gloster

Why is school important?

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School plays a crucial role in shaping the future of individuals and society as a whole. It is not just a place where students learn to read, write, and solve math problems—it is where they develop essential life skills, build character, and form social connections that shape who they become.

One of the most important aspects of school is that it provides a foundation of knowledge in subjects such as science, history, and literature. This helps students understand the world around them and encourages critical thinking. Through learning and discussion, students develop the ability to form opinions, solve problems, and make informed decisions.

Beyond academics, school also teaches valuable social skills. Interacting with classmates and teachers helps students learn teamwork, communication, and respect for others. These are essential qualities for success in both personal and professional life.

Additionally, school helps students discover their interests and talents. Through subjects, sports, and extracurricular activities, they gain confidence and begin to imagine future careers. Education also opens doors to opportunities and provides the tools to overcome challenges in life.

Moreover, school plays a key role in teaching responsibility, time management, and discipline—skills that are important long after graduation. It creates a structured environment where students can grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually.

In conclusion, school is more than a place of learning—it is the foundation for personal development, lifelong success, and a better society. The lessons learned in school stay with us far beyond the classroom.

Elise Petritsis

Teaching Primary

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Teaching primary school children is a unique and rewarding experience for us as tutors. At this stage, students are curious, enthusiastic and developing the foundational skills that will shape their future learning. As tutors, some may not realise but our goal goes beyond teaching content–it is about creating a positive learning environment where young learners feel safe, supported and motivated.

One of the most important aspects of working with primary students is building strong relationships. Children learn best when they trust their tutor and feel comfortable asking questions or making mistakes. I make it a priority to get to know each student–their interests, learning style, and what motivates them. For example, having a warm, encouraging tone and a patient attitude can go a long way in building this trust. By doing this, it will help a student feel more at ease within the sessions.

Engaging lessons are essential for younger learners. Attention spans can be short, so it is important to incorporate variety, and creativity. For example, creating a game or using visual prompts to help reinforce times tables or a writing task. When working with visual learners, I often use drawings, diagrams or stickers. These strategies not only keep students interested but also help them retain information more effectively.

Primary school children also benefit from clear structure and routine. I have found that setting clear goals at the beginning of a session like, “This is what we are going to work over today”, “I would like you to create three paragraphs” gives students a sense of purpose and helps them stay focused. Young learners also need positive reinforcement as their confidence is developing during these stages so recognising effort and progress is important. For example, using simple praises like, “Well done, this is great” can make a big impact.

Teaching primary students means laying the groundwork for lifelong learning. By creating a fun, supportive and structured environment, we can help them develop the skills and self-belief they need to thrive outside the tutoring walls.

Annie Bulkeley

Tutoring Disorganised Students

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As a tutor, I have worked with students across all walks of academic life – from the high achievers to those who walk into a session without a clue what they are learning or subject they need help with. It is the latter group, the disorganised students, who often present the biggest challenge but are also the most rewarding.

Disorganisation can take many forms: forgotten assessments, half ripped worksheets, last minute panic, or just the vague shrug of “It’s only due next week”. These students often are not lazy, they are overwhelmed, under-supported, or simply unmotivated. For some, school feels like a wave of deadlines, so they disengage to avoid the constant sense of failure. Tutoring these students is not about turning them into perfect planners overnight. It is about meeting them where they are and building trust to create progress. I have found that starting each session with a quick check in, “What assessments have you got coming up”, “Have you been given any assessment tasks?”, “Do you know when everything is due?” can go a long way. If they do not know, we look it up together. Slowly, they are able to start seeing the value in having a game plan.

I’ve also learned to be flexible. Sometimes, the best use of an hour is not drilling practice questions, it is helping them set up a planner or setting out how they will approach an assessment. These may seem like small wins, but for a student who is used to chaos, they are major steps forward. It can be easy as a tutor to project our values and beliefs, but it is important to adapt to the needs of each student. What we see as important – organisation, high achievement – may not hold the same value for them.

Progress does not always look like higher marks, sometimes it is the moment a student remembers their book two weeks in a row or says “I got my assessment task today, can we go over it?”. Working with disorganised students has taught me to value patience, and celebrate small wins, because when students finally believe they can keep up, everything starts to align better.

Annie Bulkeley