When students struggle at school it is easy to assume the problem is the content. In reality many students understand the material but are held back by something less visible. This is often referred to as the hidden curriculum. These are the unspoken expectations that students are assumed to know but are rarely taught directly.

The hidden curriculum includes skills like knowing how to study for a test, how to manage time across multiple subjects and how to interpret assessment instructions. Teachers may explain what to learn but not always how to learn it. Students who naturally pick up these skills tend to progress smoothly, while others are left confused and frustrated despite putting in effort.

Assessment tasks are a common example. Students are often given a rubric and expected to know how to use it. Many do not realise that rubrics are essentially roadmaps for success. Without guidance they may focus on the wrong areas or misunderstand what higher level responses require. Tutoring helps students unpack these expectations and learn how to turn criteria into clear action steps.

Organisation is another hidden expectation. Students are expected to track deadlines, keep notes in order and plan ahead for exams. These skills are rarely assessed but strongly influence results. When organisation slips, stress increases and performance drops. Tutors often work with students to create simple systems that make school feel more manageable.

There is also an expectation around communication. Students are assumed to know when to ask for help, how to email a teacher or how to seek clarification before a deadline. Many feel uncomfortable doing this and end up falling behind unnecessarily. In a one on one setting students can practise these skills and build confidence using them at school.

Once the hidden curriculum is made visible, students often improve quickly. They realise they were not failing because they were incapable but because no one had shown them the rules of the game. With the right support these skills can be learnt and applied across every subject.

Freddie Le Vay