First Education

Back in year 10 and the whirlpool of mixed interfaced learning that covid brought about, I had a math teacher who now thinking back was pretty instrumental in my journey to 4 Unit mathematics in HSC to 2nd year Aerospace Engineering mathematics. But at the time I hated her and I hated math (especially trig). She was a pretty run of the mill math teacher giving us all the homework in the world being just a mere page of it and worst of all she checked our works weekly! This however was what set me and our class especially apart through not only going back and fixing our mistakes and diagnosing them, but rather the hard truth of getting good at mathematics being the sheer repetition of studying it. Much like how writing sentences down for study notes being scientifically proven to improve memory and knowledge retention, consistently solving equations really does help speeding up the time to solve, as well as rewiring the brains way of going about solving abstract questions. I found this particularly rewarding once I started studying and solving integration throughout Advanced, Extension 1 and Extension 2, where a lot of aspects such as trigonometry and the location of variables trigger a form of pattern recognition that grows stronger with time and is rather quite fun. Now of course this goes without saying that some people simply just have a more of a mathematical affinity compared to other subjects the same way some people are better at acting or writing or music playing, however these same techniques can be applied to a vast range of subjects and is what study techniques utilise on a day to day basis. What I will say is that studying is generally speaking never fun and after going through 13 years of schooling till HSC I do sympathise with many of the young people who still have a few years left, however it is one of the many truths of learning that the one sure-fire way to get better at something, is practice, application, and repetition.

Starsky Schepers

From the minute I started observing Sophia, it was clear that she was experienced, being comfortable and concise with Pete, a year 8 Mathematics student. To start the session off, Sophia went through Pete’s homework for the week, looking at parallelograms and angles, ensuring that he understood the content by explaining an example at the start. She then let Pete go through the rest of the questions, observing and helping him as necessary as he went through the work, explaining concepts such as co interior and alternate angles expertly, and clearly. This approach was clearly effective, as by the end of the question set, Pete seemed confident and comfortable at attempting the questions himself.

Sophia then went ahead with algebra, but quickly realised that the textbook that Pete was using wasn’t the same Cambridge textbook as on the drive. To pivot, she managed to find a chapter on algebra in the year 8 Cambridge textbook, and then went through a variety of questions together. For the questions Pete got stuck on, she stopped him, and explained the concept before moving onwards.

Throughout the lesson, Sophia gave Pete her complete attention, locked in on his working out, and responding to his queries as necessary. Sophia was also very good at explaining different ways to approach questions. One particular example was figuring out an angle within parallel lines, by either working through with co-interior angles, or using alternate angles to work through to get the answer. She then went through a few questions with him, guiding him towards the answer, ensuring he felt comfortable with the content, before letting him do the last few himself.

Overall, the session was very insightful to me personally, offering me a different perspective with teaching early high school students Mathematics, and how to keep them engaged and bring up their confidence. Well done Sophia!

Samin Hossain

Samin Sadaf Hossain

I got to observe Jordan’s Year 11 Economics and English tutoring session. They were exploring topic 1 of Economics which is the market economy, this served as a more informative session with Jordan explaining the concepts in great detail which is far more effective than the student reading off his textbook. He kept his student engaged by constantly asking questions to make sure his student was absorbing the information he was providing him, rather than zoning out. This then led into them doing some multiple choice questions where Jordan would allow his student to have a valid attempt at the question, and if they were stuck, he would carefully guide them to answer the questions themselves, leading them in the right direction. In particular, the student needed help in a leakages and injections questions, where Jordan helped him by guiding his thought to remind him what were injections and leakages, then he answered the question which involved calculating growth within an economy. Later on, the student brought up specific questions that he struggled with during the week which allowed Jordan to cater to the students specific needs and questions. Jordan helped his student work through these questions in great detail, showing the student how to do calculations and answer the questions using economic language. To finish up the sessions Jordan went over what he covered and tested the student with questions such as “can a progressive taxation system act as a automatic stabaliser?”. Overall Jordan did a great job of keeping his student engaged and happy to learn throughout the session. The student was lively and actively listening to Jordan showing the respect he has for Jordan showing the great connections that Jordan creates with his students. Well done Jordan and keep up the great work/tutoring!

Lewin Fairbairn

Tutoring is much more than simply conveying information, it is an empowering form of mentorship that transforms the educational journey. In a tutoring session, the tutor often steps into the role of a mentor, providing guidance, encouragement and a personalised approach to learning that nurtures both academic and personal growth.

When a tutor works closely with a student, the focus isn’t solely on subject matter but also on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills. This one-on-one interaction creates an environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes and learning at their own pace. Much like a mentor, a tutor helps students see setbacks as opportunities for growth, fostering resilience and the determination to tackle challenges head-on.

The mentor-like quality of tutoring is evident in how tutors adapt their teaching methods to suit a student’s unique learning style. Rather than adopting a one size fits all approach, tutors tailor their explanations, offer constructive feedback, and share strategies that promote independent thinking. This level of individual attention not only enhances academic performance but also builds confidence, as students come to recognise that their abilities can develop with effort and perseverance.

Furthermore, tutoring cultivates meaningful connections that extend beyond the classroom. A supportive tutor can become a trusted guide, offering advice on academic planning, career aspirations and even life’s broader challenges. These interactions help students develop a lifelong love of learning, inspired by the mentor’s passion and dedication.

In essence, tutoring embodies the power of mentorship in education. By investing in students as whole individuals, tutors not only help them master academic content but also empower them to become confident, self-reliant learners, ready to succeed in all areas of life.

Isabella Naumovski

Today, I had an amazing opportunity to observe Demi T tutor her Year 11 Math student.

As soon as I began observing, it was apparent that Demi and her student share a great relationship. This is something I aim to have with all of my students as this allows the learning to run smoothly and ensures that the students are comfortable with asking questions and raising concerns throughout lessons. I enjoyed watching Demi’s approach to the lesson and found it valuable to watch how she allowed her student to explain processes back to her constantly. This approach was particularly helpful in ensuring that the student has a thorough understanding of the data topic they focused on. By not immediately giving the answer away and allowing her student the time to think about methods once she provided her with prompts, this ensured that the students had more of a level of independence. This led to her student to feel more confident in her abilities and slowly release the doubt she was experiencing. By completing questions set by her school teacher, this ensured that the exact style of questions expected by school was completed. However, Demi provided her student with some insight into harder questions, enabling her to move ahead in class and further increase her confidence in her abilities. Overall, while making sure the lesson was productive she also made it enjoyable for her student which I admire as the learning becomes more enjoyable and less anxiety provoking for students.

Well done Demi ☺️

Marina Nouris

I had the wonderful opportunity to observe Hugo’s Maths session. He did such a good job helping his student work through Maths problems.

Hugo did a great job allowing his student to work through the math problem step by step. When she got stuck he helped her to work through each step in chronological order. It was great to see how Hugo let his student try to work out each problem rather than giving her the answer straight away.

He helped her understand the question by getting her to draw diagrams. This helped her as she is a visual learner.

When his student was answering each question, Hugo would also answer it on a seperate piece of paper so he could then easily check if she got the right answer.

By Hugo also answering each question it meant that if his student had any questions on how to answer the problem, he was able to answer them straight away. This meant they could go through more questions and they could use their lesson time as effectively as possible.

I liked how Hugo was able to help his student understand what each question was asking. This helped her to build her interpretation skills. It was great that he applied mathematical theory to his students homework questions, so she was able to see how the theory applied in a practical example which could be easier for her to understand.

It was great to see how friendly they were and how comfortable she was with him. They had a great relationship and they got along really well.

Hugo did such a great job helping his student to build her confidence in Maths.

Overall, Hugo did such a great job helping his student to understand, interpret and practically apply mathematical theory to his students homework questions. It was a great session and such a pleasure to observe. Keep it up Hugo!

Ashley Cohen

After nearly two years of tutoring at First Education, I’ve learned that engagement is key to effective learning. No matter how well I explain a concept, if students aren’t interested or involved, the knowledge won’t stick. So, how do I keep kids engaged? Every student is different, so I take the time to learn their interests and strengths, integrating these into lessons. If a student loves sports, I use examples from their favourite game to explain concepts. If they enjoy storytelling, I turn math problems into narratives. Tailoring lessons to their interests makes learning more relatable and enjoyable.

Likewise, instead of lecturing, I encourage students to participate – whether through discussion, problem-solving, or hands-on activities. Simple techniques like asking open-ended questions or having students teach back concepts keeps them involved and reinforces their understanding. When students explain a concept in their own words, it deepens their grasp of the material. This active involvement also builds their confidence, making them more eager to tackle the next challenge.

A positive learning environment makes a huge difference, too. I celebrate progress, no matter how small, and frame mistakes as learning opportunities. I find that when students feel supported and confident, they’re more willing to stay engaged and tackle challenges. I also make it a point to check in with them throughout the session to ensure they’re feeling comfortable and motivated, adjusting the pace or activity as needed.

At the end of the day, learning doesn’t have to be a drag… When students are engaged, they enjoy the process, and the knowledge sticks far better than if it’s just delivered in a one-size-fits-all manner. Ultimately, as tutors, our role is not just to impart knowledge but to inspire curiosity and a love of learning. When students feel motivated and see their own progress, the educational experience becomes much more rewarding for both them and us.

Carmen Yuen

Today I observed Adrianna who was tutoring two of her maths students. for one of them she was going over compound interest and the methods to solving questions. She specifically explained Compound interest by breaking it down and trying to use real life concepts like investing to help her students understand. She allowed her students to try examples to implement what they had learned and utilised textbook examples as well as the board to thoroughly highlight the methods that would maximise their marks. She dedicated her time very well between both students which can be difficult in a short 1 hour session. I believe I can’t take a lot away from the session particularly when I have a session with multiple students during which splitting attention can be quite difficult. Overall she did an amazing job!

I also observed another tutor, Andrea, in the room who was tutoring her English student. She specifically went through how to write responses in English. She would walk through how to breakdown an essay and how to alter responses to suit what a marker would expect. She highlighted the importance of rereading to make sure students pick up all key ideas. She continuously gave him pointers and pushed him to correct himself rather than giving him all the answers. Tutor and student discussed key terms in English and exactly what they mean when analysing questions and how these key terms can be used in responses to get as many marks as possible. However, she also highlighted how important it is not to overuse words that may disrupt the flow of a written piece. She continuously asked him to reflect on his choices and writing while also giving him feedback herself. These methods can be implemented in any written based subject and helps build confidence in students. Overall amazing work!

Olga-Liana Athanasatos

How to Support Well-Being
A well-rested, emotionally balanced student is more likely to perform well academically. Here are some simple ways to enhance well-being:
1. Prioritise Sleep
Lack of sleep affects memory, concentration, and mood. Students should aim for 7–9 hours per night to stay alert and focused.

2. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity boosts brain function, reduces stress, and increases energy. Even a 15-minute walk or quick stretching session can make a difference between study sessions.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management
Techniques such as deep breathing, journaling, or prayer help manage stress. Taking time for self-reflection and relaxation is crucial for mental well-being.

4. Maintain Social Connections
Spending time with family and friends fosters emotional support and reduces stress. Older students, especially during exams, should make an effort to stay connected.

Final Thoughts
Achieving a balance between school, life, and well-being is not about perfection; it’s about creating a sustainable routine that students can achieve. By implementing effective time management techniques, prioritising self-care, and making intentional choices, students can lead a well-rounded life without sacrificing academic excellence or their health.
Remember that success is not just about grades, it’s about growth and well-being, elements that students will carry through with them for the rest of their lives.

Vicki Synesios

In today’s fast-paced world, many of my students, including younger students, often juggle multiple responsibilities: academic deadlines, extracurricular activities, sports, part-time jobs, and social commitments. The challenge of maintaining a balance between school, personal life, and well-being can feel overwhelming, often affecting student’s performance and confidence in their schooling. However, effective time management techniques allow students to create sustainable routines that support their academics.

Why is this important?
A healthy balance is crucial not only for academic success but also for personal growth. Prioritising only studies puts students at risk of burnout, stress, and poor mental health. While not enough focus on schooling affects their knowledge. A well-balanced life ensures that students can remain productive and motivated.

Effective Time Management Techniques
1. Eisenhower Matrix
This tool helps students categorise tasks by urgency and importance:
– Urgent & Important: Complete immediately (e.g., assignment due tomorrow).
– Important but Not Urgent: Schedule for later (e.g., studying for an exam in two weeks).
– Urgent but Not Important: Minimise or delegate (e.g., answering non-essential emails).
– Neither Urgent nor Important: Eliminate (e.g., excessive social media scrolling).
Using this method, students can focus on what truly matters, reducing stress and improving productivity.

2. Create a Weekly Schedule
A structured schedule helps allocate time for studying, social activities, and rest. Digital calendars like Google Calendar make it easy to visualise commitments and adjust plans when needed. A well-planned week ensures students meet deadlines without sacrificing well-being.

3. Pomodoro Technique
This method improves focus by alternating work sessions (25 minutes) with short breaks (5 minutes). After four cycles, a longer break (15–30 minutes) helps prevent burnout and enhance retention.

4. Set Realistic Goals
Clear, achievable goals help students stay motivated. Instead of vague targets like “study more,” a better approach is “study maths for 30 minutes every evening before dinner.”

5. Learn to Say No
Overcommitment can lead to exhaustion. While extracurricular activities and social events are important, setting boundaries ensures students focus on essential tasks without compromising well-being.

Vicki Synesios