First Education

For students with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), tutoring is essential for learning development and progressing in schooling. ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder affecting approximately 281,000 children in Australia. ADHD commonly affects people’s ability to focus and concentration, organisation, time management and impulsivity. ADHD can impact children’s learning because when concentration is weak it is more difficult to learn new concepts, or focus on complex ideas without getting distracted. This can hinder a student’s comprehension and performance in tests. To support students with ADHD it is important to engage in tutoring to provide a layer of extra support. The one on one support of tutoring means that learning can be tailored to the students needs and it is easier to maintain attention as teaching can be personalized to the student and their interests. Another reason why tutoring is beneficial for students with ADHD, especially young children, is that when inattention occurs in early years of learning this negatively impacts learning in the future. To prevent children missing out on key foundational content and skills in early years it is crucial to have the assistance of a tutor. Tutors can reinforce or re-teach the content learnt in school, ensuring that students are understanding. Furthermore, the idea of practice makes perfect is quintessential, as students with ADHD often have a weaker working memory, particularly in topics they are not interested in, tutoring can repeat concepts and make a student practice what they are learning. Additionally, tutoring is a supportive, positive and encouraging environment to learn. Often, children with ADHD experience rejection sensitivity. Tutoring can help students improve in their learning where they feel a sense of reward for understanding something or learning something new. Thus, tutoring for students with ADHD can significantly improve understanding and as a result, grades, through encourage, reinforcement, practice and tailored teaching.

Ursela O’Sullivan

Today, one of my students had to cancel unexpectedly, which gave me some time to reflect on how much tutoring relies on communication rather than just knowledge. Over the past few weeks, I’ve started to notice that the most effective lessons are not always the ones where the most content is covered, but rather the ones where the student feels comfortable enough to actively participate and ask questions.
One thing I’ve been learning is the importance of adapting explanations depending on the student. Even when two students are learning the exact same topic, the way they understand information can be completely different. Some students respond well to visual explanations and diagrams, while others prefer verbal step-by-step reasoning or examples connected to real-life situations. I’ve found that being flexible with explanations is one of the most valuable skills a tutor can develop, because it allows the lesson to feel more personalised and engaging.
Another strategy that has been really effective is encouraging students to explain concepts back to me in their own words. Rather than simply asking if they understand, I’ll ask them to teach the idea back or summarise the process we just went through. This helps reveal whether they truly understand the topic or if they were only following along in the moment. It also gives students more confidence, because they realise they are capable of explaining difficult ideas themselves.
I’ve also noticed that students become much more motivated when they can recognise their own improvement. Even small achievements, like solving a question independently or making fewer mistakes than before, can significantly boost confidence. Acknowledging that progress helps students stay positive and willing to keep improving.
Overall, this reflection reminded me that tutoring is not just about delivering information. It’s about adapting to students, encouraging active thinking, and helping them recognise their own growth and capability as learners.

Katreen Diab

It seems ridiculous to many senior students entering Year 11 that the one subject that they must do is English, an arguably artistic and philosophical subject which isn’t suited for many students, especially those students who align themselves with the sciences. Additionally, many students struggle to understand the real-world applications of English as a subject, with many believing that the only future profession they may have if they study English is to become an English teacher. And while, as a former Extension 2 English student, I may be biased, I do believe that senior English provides integral foundations for the future and other concurrently studied subjects.

Quite obviously, English teaches students about how to structure their language and their arguments. It allows students to understand how their control of language impacts the reception of their writing. For example, a student who learns to uplevel their writing from “this quote is powerful because it shows passion” to “this passage is integral in understanding the underlying passion which the characters had for life” not only sounds more professional, but conveys their point with more complexity, depth, and sophistication. This is applicable in future as this same student goes on to articulate themselves better in job interviews, reports which they may need to write, and generally expressing themselves in a better, clearer way.

Additionally, the analytical aspect of English teaches students high order critical thinking skills. The ability to truly recognise how choices an author makes impacts their writing is a transferable skill which teaches students the importance of their actions. This also expands into a more well-rounded, emotionally mature person who is more adept at recognising causality and responding appropriately to new situations.

Moreover, despite some students arguing that, unlike other HSC subjects, the only career to which English leads is an English teacher, this could not be falser, with English-based careers abundant. For example, journalism, teaching, editing, copywriting, law, research, and archivism all require strong understandings of English literature and a strong basis of English writing, especially control of language. Even careers which seemingly are completely irrelevant to English require a strong foundation of English, including Engineering and Science, which both involve report writing and a professional, academic voice to be used.

Ultimately, while at times English may seem like a useless subject to many students, its applications are bountiful and, more importantly, the skills which it teaches create well-rounded, intelligent individuals who contribute positively to the world. Thus, despite many debates regarding its legitimacy as a compulsory HSC subject, English remains an integral part of a students’ tertiary education, at least for now!

Shahaf Liraz

Today, I had the pleasure to observe Mary’s Year 9 maths session where they worked on probability. Mary was such an engaging and motivating tutor. Firstly, she went through Her enthusiasm for Mathematics was evident and this energy encouraged students to remain focused and motivated throughout the lesson.

Mary demonstrated a strong understanding of the content and explained probability concepts in a clear and accessible way. She carefully broke down each example step by step, ensuring students understood the reasoning behind the calculations rather than simply memorising formulas. This approach helped students build confidence and develop a deeper understanding of the topic.

One of Mary’s greatest strengths as a tutor was her ability to actively involve students in the learning process. She frequently asked questions, checked for understanding, and encouraged students to explain their thinking aloud. This created an interactive classroom atmosphere where students were engaged and thinking critically about the problems presented to them.

Mary also showed patience and adaptability when supporting students who required extra assistance. She moved around the room regularly, providing individual guidance and clarification where needed. Her calm and encouraging manner helped students feel supported and willing to attempt challenging questions.

he used practical examples and real-life scenarios to make probability more relatable and meaningful for the students. Her pacing throughout the lesson was excellent, allowing students enough time to process information and complete activities without feeling overwhelmed. Mary consistently reinforced positive effort and participation, which helped build student confidence. Stating things such as you got this’ created a sense of confidence in the student’s mind!

Ultimately, Mary was an effective Mathematics tutor. Her strong content knowledge, engaging teaching style, and supportive approach contributed to a highly productive learning environment. It was clear that the students respected her and benefited greatly from her guidance throughout the lesson.

Eleni Nicholas

Every student learns differently. Some thrive in fast-paced classroom discussions, while others need extra time to process information, ask questions, and practise concepts at their own pace. This is where personalised tutoring can make a real difference. In a traditional classroom, teachers work hard to support every student, but with large class sizes and strict curriculum timelines, it can be difficult to tailor lessons to individual learning needs. Tutoring offers students the opportunity to receive focused, one-on-one support that is designed specifically for them. One of the greatest benefits of tutoring is the ability to identify and address knowledge gaps early. Often, students struggle not because they lack ability, but because they have missed one foundational concept that affects their understanding of everything that follows. A tutor can pinpoint these gaps and rebuild confidence step by step. Personalised tutoring also helps students develop stronger study habits and learning strategies. Success in school is not just about knowing the content — it is about knowing how to learn effectively. Tutors can teach students valuable skills such as time management, note-taking, exam preparation, and problem-solving techniques that support long-term academic success.

Beyond academic improvement, tutoring often has a significant impact on confidence. Many students feel hesitant to ask questions in class or worry about making mistakes in front of their peers. A supportive tutoring environment creates a safe space where students can ask questions freely, practise without pressure, and build confidence in their abilities. At its core, tutoring is about more than improving grades. It is about helping students become independent, resilient learners who feel capable of tackling challenges both inside and outside the classroom. With the right guidance, every student has the potential to succeed. Sometimes, all it takes is personalised support to unlock that potential.

Audrey Stigter

“Why Every Student Can Benefit From a Tutor” explores the idea that tutoring is not only for students who are falling behind academically, but can be valuable for learners of all abilities and backgrounds. Every student learns differently, and classroom environments do not always allow teachers to cater to each individual’s pace, learning style, or personal goals. Tutoring provides personalised one-on-one support that can help students better understand concepts, strengthen skills, and develop confidence in their learning journey.

One of the key benefits of tutoring is the ability to learn at an individual pace. In a classroom setting, lessons often move quickly to meet curriculum requirements, which can leave some students feeling overwhelmed while others may not feel challenged enough. A tutor can adapt lessons to suit the student’s needs, spending extra time on difficult topics or extending learning for students who are ready to advance further. This personalised approach allows students to feel more comfortable asking questions and engaging with the material without fear of judgement.

Tutoring can also play a significant role in building confidence and motivation. Many students experience self-doubt when they struggle with schoolwork or feel pressure to perform well. Having a supportive tutor who encourages progress and celebrates achievements can improve a student’s mindset toward learning. As students begin to understand concepts more clearly and see improvement in their results, they often become more confident participating in class, completing assessments, and taking on new challenges.

Importantly, tutoring is not only beneficial for students who need extra academic support. High-achieving students can also gain a great deal from working with a tutor. Tutors can provide enrichment activities, extension work, and deeper exploration of topics that may not always be covered in the classroom. This can help gifted students remain engaged, develop advanced problem-solving skills, and reach their full potential academically.

Beyond academic improvement, tutoring helps students develop important lifelong skills such as organisation, study habits, time management, and independent thinking. These skills support success not only in school but also in future education and career pathways. Through consistent guidance and encouragement, tutoring creates a positive learning environment where students can grow both academically and personally.

Ultimately, tutoring should be viewed as a valuable resource for all students rather than something reserved only for those who are struggling. Whether a student needs support catching up, maintaining confidence, or extending their abilities, personalised tutoring can provide the tools, strategies, and encouragement needed to help them succeed.

Natalie Ha

Today I observed Isabella working with Vas, a Year 12 student, on annuities in mathematics. The lesson was extremely well structured and highlighted Isabella’s ability to simplify difficult financial maths concepts in a clear and approachable way.

Isabella began by breaking down the formula and terminology involved in annuities before attempting any questions. She carefully explained concepts such as interest rates, repayments, and future value, ensuring Vas understood the meaning behind the formulas rather than simply memorising them. This helped create a strong foundation before moving into more complex calculations.

One of the standout aspects of the lesson was Isabella’s pacing. Financial mathematics can be overwhelming for students due to the amount of information within each question, however Isabella worked through each example slowly and methodically. She showed every step clearly on the board and regularly paused to check for understanding before continuing.

Isabella also encouraged Vas to actively participate throughout the lesson. Rather than completing the questions for her, she asked guiding questions that prompted Vas to identify which values to substitute into the formula and what each number represented within the context of the problem. This helped develop both understanding and confidence.

Another strength was Isabella’s ability to connect the topic to real life situations. By discussing how annuities relate to loans and repayments, she made the content feel more relevant and practical, which helped increase engagement.

Throughout the session, Isabella created a calm and supportive environment where Vas felt comfortable asking questions and making mistakes. Her patience and clarity allowed difficult concepts to feel manageable.

Demetria Koutavas

Some past students I have taught for a few years have shown consistent difficulty with learning. Through continuous tutoring, sometimes individuals still display struggles with in their marks, struggle with study habits or study effectiveness, struggle to understand content, and do not enjoy certain subjects or school as a whole.

At this point, it is important to be aware that some students may have learning disorders that may severely impact their learning in a negative way. Sometimes parents, the school or students may not be aware of this. As a tutor, we play a very large role in their formitive years and it is important to support the child to the best of our ability. As we speak with, teach and interact with many children over the years, we develop a pattern of understanding how children and teenagers grow and learn.

Through these many observations, it is important to trust our gut and if a student is having an overly difficult time changing their study habits, having extra difficulty in focusing or being attentive in tutoring or school, we consider that they may have a learning difficulty that heavily impacts their learning.

Through speaking with teachers who have been a part of gifted and talented programs, intervening and identifying a student who may have a learning difficulty is extremely effective at in improving their participation in school.

Identifying they may have a learning disability can lead to their parents communicating with a local gp and other support services, and pottentially provide them with the differentiated learning support or medical support they need to thrive in their learning.

The slowly decreasing stigmatisation of learning disorders and mental health difficulties has been a fantastic way at supporting these students who may have low self esteem, high anxiety and frustration about school, and provide them with a positive pathway towards adulthood.

I have realised that being aware and looking out for signs of students who struggle extra with their learning, and opening up to fellow tutors as well, can overall produce drastic improvements in the lives of our students

Sebastian Zois

One of the best methods for teaching writing is modelling. Students benefit greatly from seeing examples of high-quality paragraphs and responses that are unpacked step by step. I find it useful to analyse exemplar responses with students and explicitly discuss why certain word choices, sentence structures, and techniques are effective. This helps students move beyond simply identifying techniques and towards understanding how writers construct meaning.

Another highly effective strategy is the use of guided writing. Many students struggle when they are expected to write independently without support. Breaking the process into smaller stages such as planning, topic sentences, integrating evidence, and analysis allows students to develop confidence gradually. Scaffolded activities and sentence starters can be particularly helpful for EAL/D learners and students who lack confidence in analytical writing.

I also believe feedback is one of the most important parts of teaching writing. Constructive feedback should be specific, achievable, and focused on improvement rather than just errors. Students respond best when feedback highlights strengths while also providing clear strategies for growth. Conferencing individually with students can also help them better understand how to improve their writing style and expression.

Additionally, students should regularly engage in reading sophisticated texts. Exposure to quality literature helps students absorb vocabulary, sentence structures, and stylistic techniques naturally. Encouraging students to imitate certain writing styles or experiment with different voices can strengthen their control over language.

Ultimately, teaching the craft of writing is about building student confidence and helping students recognise that writing is a process of drafting, refining, and shaping ideas; I hope this helps!

Eleni Nicholas

For many Sydney high school students, Year 9 and 10 maths can feel like a turning point. This is because students soon need to choose their senior subjects for Year 11 and 12. In NSW, maths options can affect future study pathways, especially for students interested in health, engineering, business, science, or technology.

Maths tutoring can help students understand where they currently sit before making a subject choice. Some students may want to choose Mathematics Advanced but feel unsure about algebra, trigonometry, or problem-solving. Others may be deciding between Standard and Advanced maths and need honest support to understand which level suits them best.

A tutor can also help fill gaps from earlier years. If a student struggled with fractions, equations, graphs, or indices in junior school, these weaknesses can make senior maths much harder. Tutoring gives students time to revise these skills properly before Year 11 begins.

Another benefit is confidence. Many students avoid higher maths because they believe they are “bad at maths.” A good Sydney tutor can explain concepts clearly, provide targeted practice, and show students that improvement is possible with consistent effort.

Tutoring is also useful for parents. It gives families clearer feedback about a student’s strengths, weaknesses, and realistic subject options. This can reduce stress when school subject selection forms are due.

Overall, Year 9 and 10 maths tutoring is not just about improving marks. It helps Sydney students make smarter senior subject choices, build stronger foundations, and feel more prepared for the demands of the NSW HSC.

Gabrielle Tran