First Education

I had the opportunity to observe Eireyna’s lesson, tutoring a Year 8 student in English. The session highlighted her ability to create a learning environment that is both structured and flexible, adapting to the student’s abilities.
The content that was covered was analysis for the taming of the shrew. Eireyna started the session by reviewing the student’s progress and identifying any areas that needed additional support. This allowed her to pinpoint learning gaps and encourage the student to be more comfortable in addressing concerns and challenges they were experiencing. This built an initial strong foundation for the lesson, helping the student feel more at ease, and setting a positive tone for the rest of the session.
Eireyna continued to reiterate the importance of analytical concepts and techniques within the scope of the course to ensure that the student can draw the connection of its relevance. This approach not only deepened comprehension but also encouraged the student to apply their learning outside of the course. Eieryna employed interactive visual materials to help keep the session lively and allowed the student to take an active role in their learning. The method of breaking down language structure into smaller refined parts not only made learning enjoyable but also promoted confidence in the student’s ability to construct sentences independently.
To finalise the lesson, Eireyna provided a summary of the student’s strengths while providing constructive feedback on improvements that the student could make in the future to avoid challenges and concerns. This helped proactively concise the lesson content in an overview.
Eireyna’s attention to detail and his creative use of teaching resources made the session both educational and enjoyable. Her patient and adaptive approach helped the student feel supported, while her enthusiastic teaching style ensured engagement throughout. Well done, Eireyna It was a thoroughly productive session that showcased effective teaching techniques.

Evanna Manavis

Today, I observed Jenna working with Georgia, a Year 3 student, on simplifying fractions. It was impressive to see how Jenna adapted her teaching style to match Georgia’s learning pace and kept the lesson engaging.

Jenna began the session by introducing the concept of simplifying fractions in a relatable way. She used visual aids like fraction strips and drawings to help Georgia see how fractions could be reduced to their simplest form. This hands-on approach made the abstract concept much more tangible for Georgia, and I noticed how her understanding grew as she interacted with these tools.

One of Jenna’s strengths was her ability to make the lesson interactive. Rather than simply explaining the rules, she asked Georgia to explain her reasoning as they worked through examples together. This not only reinforced Georgia’s understanding but also encouraged her to think critically about each step in the process.

Jenna also used positive reinforcement effectively. Each time Georgia simplified a fraction correctly, Jenna celebrated her success, which boosted Georgia’s confidence and enthusiasm for the subject. When Georgia made a mistake, Jenna guided her gently, asking questions to lead her toward the correct answer rather than simply providing it. This created a safe and supportive environment where Georgia felt comfortable trying again without fear of failure.

By the end of the lesson, Georgia had a stronger grasp of simplifying fractions and was even tackling more challenging problems with Jenna’s encouragement. Observing this session reminded me of the importance of patience, positivity, and using interactive methods to help younger students grasp foundational concepts. Jenna’s ability to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment was inspiring, and I look forward to incorporating similar techniques into my own tutoring sessions.

Demetria Koutavas

I’m watching one of my fellow tutors teach an Maths Advanced session right now, and his use of the whiteboard is brilliant. The problem he’s working on with the student involves integration, and instead of just diving straight into the equations, he starts by writing the question in big, clear writing on the board. He immediately breaks it down into sections, circling the key terms and drawing arrows to show how the different parts connect.

As he explains, he doesn’t just talk; he constantly interacts with the whiteboard. He draws quick sketches, like a rough graph to represent the curve they’re integrating under. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t need to be. The visual is enough to help the student link the concept to the equation they’re solving.

What I find especially effective is how he pauses to ask the student questions while pointing to the board. He doesn’t give away the answers but nudges them in the right direction. For example, when they get stuck, he underlines a specific part of the problem and asks, “What do you think this tells us about the function?” It’s such a simple question, but it gets the student thinking actively instead of passively listening.

Now, he hands the marker to the student and lets them take over. As they write, he stands back and only steps in to clarify if needed. I notice how he keeps pointing back to earlier steps on the board, constantly reminding them how everything fits together. This approach really builds the student’s confidence, and they’re starting to solve more of the problem on their own.

Watching this makes me realise how powerful a tool the whiteboard is. It’s not just for writing answers but for creating a step-by-step map that makes complex Maths feel so much more manageable. I’m definitely taking notes on this technique for my own sessions!

Daniel Aghmesheh

I had the opportunity to observe Kate’s Year 12 Maths and History session. She did a great job going through a practice booklet with her student.

She came up with her own questions that were similar to the questions in the Maths booklet but were written differently or asked for a different component. This gave her student the ability to ensure he understood each aspect of the Maths concept.

They also went through exam technique and the best way to prepare for the exam. She gave him great tips to help him. He said that he didn’t study some of the topics that they skimmed through in class which was a mistake as it was in the exam.

They went through a range of different type of questions which he could then answer.

She had a great balance of letting him try and answer the question whilst also assisting him when he got stuck. She would also then check his working out to make sure he was on the right track. When he had any errors in his working, she would ask him to see if he could spot the errors or determine where he went wrong, which was great to see him double check his work. If he still needed help or was unsure what the next step was she would clearly break it down and step him through it. It was great to see the look on his face when he started to understand the solution.

I also watched them do some history to prepare him for his history exam. They looked at the topic WW1. They did some paragraph responses and then edited them to refine them. Through the editorial process, Kate gave him some great tips on different ways he can edit efficiently and effectively. They colour coded different sentences which they needed to add more detail to and other sentences to shorten or cut out completely.

Should would give him the opportunity to make any final adjustments before she would look over them and give any feedback.

He often got distracted so she did a great job getting him back on track to do some work.

Kate used a range of materials to ensure her student was equipt to answer a range of different theory and short answer questions so he can feel prepared and confident going into his history exam!

Her student asked her lots of questions to help clarify his understanding and to double check he was on the right track. Kate was great at answering all his questions.

Kate is a very compassionate tutor who
did such a great job!

Ashley Cohen

With education constantly changing, maths tutoring has become an essential tool for helping students overcome challenges and build confidence. One effective strategy is explicit instruction, where tutors clearly explain mathematical concepts before guiding students through practice. This approach lays a solid foundation for students to tackle more complex problem-solving tasks with confidence.

Another increasingly popular method is incorporating real-world applications into maths lessons. When students can see how mathematical concepts apply to their everyday lives-whether it’s budgeting, measuring, or understanding data-they are more likely to engage with the subject and see its relevance. Real-world examples not only make learning more interesting but also empower students to use maths as a practical tool.

However, tutoring in maths isn’t without its challenges. Many students face issues such as maths anxiety, gaps in foundational knowledge, or learning styles that don’t align with traditional teaching methods. Addressing these challenges requires tutors to be flexible, creative, and patient, often tailoring their approach to each individual student. Strategies like breaking problems into smaller steps, using visual aids, or incorporating games can make a significant difference.

Despite these difficulties, the one-on-one attention provided in tutoring sessions can lead to remarkable growth. Personalised support allows tutors to identify and address specific areas of need, giving students the confidence to face new challenges. Over time, this tailored guidance helps students not only improve their skills but also develop a more positive attitude toward maths.

In a world where maths is often seen as intimidating, tutors have the unique opportunity to make it accessible and enjoyable. By fostering understanding and building confidence, tutors play a vital role in helping students navigate the complexities of mathematics and unlock their potential.

Pasquale Simone Mendoza

Today, I had the opportunity to observe Demetra’s Year 10 English session at 4-5pm, where she worked closely with her student on a practice exam paper.

The session was very effective, and tailored to reinforce key skills for essay writing and exam preparation, with an emphasis on connecting to the question, managing time effectively, and presenting clear handwriting under exam conditions. Demetra’s approach was both engaging and highly effective, making the session incredibly productive.

Demetra began by guiding the student through the practice exam paper, focusing on deconstructing the question to understand its key demands. She emphasised the importance of tailoring responses directly to the question, ensuring that every paragraph built upon a clear and relevant argument. This approach helped the student see the value of structuring their essay logically and aligning each idea with the essay’s purpose.

As they worked through the example, Demetra provided specific feedback from previous exams, using it to highlight areas for improvement while celebrating the student’s strengths. For instance, she reminded the student about the importance of using sophisticated language techniques like allusion and contrast to elevate their writing. Demetra also took the time to discuss strategies for weaving these techniques seamlessly into analysis, making the writing both insightful and concise.

Time management was a central focus of the session. Demetra broke down the exam into manageable chunks, explaining how much time should be allocated to planning, writing, and reviewing.  She even introduced practical strategies, such as creating quick essay plans and showing a personal perspective in your own writing to create flair, and maintain consistency in essay writing.

Finally, Demetra stressed the importance of clear handwriting in exams, encouraging the student to practise writing legibly and efficiently. She reinforced how neat presentation could help convey clarity and professionalism, leaving a positive impression on markers.

Demetra’s ability to blend the academic stress a student can feel during exam periods with a supportive teaching style was highly effective. Her student left the session equipped with practical strategies, a stronger understanding of essay writing, and greater confidence to improve on their mistakes. It was inspiring to see her techniques in action and how they truly empowered her student to succeed.

Eleni Nicholas

I wanted to talk about how AI, and ChatGPT can greatly enhance tutoring by automating the creation of worksheets, questions, and study plans tailored to each student’s needs. For example, by typing in a few easy prompts of exactly what you need, ChatGPT can generate customised worksheets that target those areas for improvement, create a range of questions, easy to hard. This can save us so much time and provide a steady stream of relevant practice materials without too much outside /extra time and manual preparation. I found this particularly useful with a year 1 English comprehension student I had last term. I would ask ChatGPT to create a short paragraph using his key spelling words, and this made it really easy to create targeted reading practice that reinforced his vocabulary/school spelling lists while keeping him engaged. It streamlined my lesson preparation, allowing me to focus more on guiding his understanding of the content rather than wasting time crafting my own paragraph from scratch. This approach supported creating a customised lesson that was both effective and enjoyable for him.

AI can generate questions at various difficulty levels, to adapt to a student’s progress. It also can assist with providing tutors with a roadmap for each session, to ensure we get through all the content in the term, and ensures all time is used effectively. Instead of wasting anytime planning the next few weeks out / searching for resources, a few minutes typing prompts into AI, and it is done. This means we can spend more quality time working through questions together, teaching content and preparing for exams.

By automating these resources, AI allows tutors to focus on interactive teaching and addressing complex concepts rather than preparing repetitive tasks. AI-generated materials also help maintain consistency in learning, providing an accessible and flexible framework that complements the tutor’s guidance and support.

Shyla Gloster

I have a Year 9 English student at the moment who really struggles with enhancing his vocabulary and improving his essay/short story writing because of this. Hence, I thought I would share a few tips and tricks of how I’ve tried to work on improving his vocabulary to solve this issue.

1. Use Words in Context
One thing I’ve noticed is that students remember words better when they see them in action. Instead of just giving definitions, I highlight words in stories or articles and encourage them to use these words in sentences. For example, if we’re reading a short story, I might ask, “How would you describe the character using this new word?” or “Whats a synonym for this word that also works?”

3 Reading in your spare time.
I always encourage students to read as much as they can. I’ve found that recommending books or articles that align with their interest like fictional books or sports related texts keeps them motivated.

4. Revisit and Reinforce
I’ve learned that repetition is key. I like to start each session with a quick review of words we’ve covered before with vocabulary worksheets or in comprehension practice sets. Sometimes, we’ll even turn it into a fun quiz or casual chat where they can practice using the words.

5. Noting down new words
One thing I always encourage is for students to notice new words in their daily lives, on TV, in the book their reading on social media and write them down and look up their definitions. Then they can bring these new worlds to the session and try to implement the new vocabulary into their writing.

6. Re-writing sentences with synonyms
I will often have students re-write a sentence using better vocabulary, where I get them to replace basic language with synonyms that exhibit a higher level of sophistication to enhance their writing and elevate imagery in short stories, textual analysis of poems or evidence in essays.

Bianca Douroudis

Today, I had the opportunity to observe Isabella working with Jasmine, her Year 12 student, as they tackled a past exam paper on non-linear relationships. This session highlighted Isabella’s ability to guide her student through challenging mathematical concepts while maintaining a clear focus on exam success.

Isabella’s teaching stood out for its structured approach. She started by helping Jasmine identify the key components of each question, ensuring she understood what was being asked before attempting to solve it. Isabella consistently encouraged Jasmine to break problems into smaller parts, which made even the most complex equations more manageable. This method not only improved Jasmine’s confidence but also reinforced her problem-solving skills.

A notable aspect of the session was Isabella’s emphasis on real world connections. To explain non-linear relationships, she introduced relatable scenarios, linking the abstract mathematical concepts to practical examples. This approach made the content more engaging and helped Jasmine see its relevance beyond the classroom.

Isabella also excelled in providing practical advice for tackling exam papers. She demonstrated effective techniques for managing time, such as prioritising higher-mark questions, and explained how to present answers clearly to maximise marks. Additionally, she offered detailed feedback on Jasmine’s work, highlighting strengths and providing constructive tips on areas that needed refinement.

Throughout the session, Isabella maintained a calm and supportive demeanor, ensuring Jasmine felt comfortable asking questions and expressing uncertainties. She celebrated small wins, like when Jasmine applied a new concept correctly, which motivated her to stay focused and keep improving.

This observation underscored the importance of blending subject knowledge with practical exam strategies. Isabella’s thoughtful and thorough approach showed me how to combine clear guidance with real-world connections to empower students. It’s a technique I’m excited to adopt in my own tutoring sessions.

Demetria Koutavas

Tutoring is as much about personal connection as it is about academic support. One element I’ve found particularly impactful is the ability to provide tailored feedback to students. When done effectively, it can transform a student’s learning experience, turning confusion into clarity and fostering a sense of achievement.

Tailored feedback goes beyond simply correcting mistakes. It involves helping students understand the “why” behind their errors and guiding them towards strategies to improve. For example, in subjects like Legal Studies, offering insight into a marker’s perspective, explaining how to structure responses, and highlighting key terms can help students bridge the gap between understanding content and excelling in assessments. Similarly, in maths, constructive feedback might include breaking down a solution into steps or rephrasing a concept in relatable terms.

One of the most rewarding aspects of providing feedback is watching students gain confidence. Many students hesitate to engage with challenging material for fear of making mistakes. By framing feedback positively and focusing on their progress, tutors can create a safe environment where students feel encouraged to take risks and learn from them. It’s not just about the grades, it’s about cultivating a growth mindset.

I’ve also learnt the importance of feedback being actionable. Telling a student their argument is “too vague” doesn’t help unless paired with guidance, like how to expand on their points or include specific evidence. Constructive feedback empowers students to actively engage in their learning process, making them partners in their own academic growth.

Ultimately, effective tutoring isn’t just about delivering information, it’s about meeting students where they are and equipping them with the tools to succeed. Tailored feedback remains one of the most powerful strategies to ensure students leave each session feeling more capable and confident.

Demetria Koutavas