First Education

James created such a positive and encouraging learning environment during his session with Owen. He never spoke down to him or made him feel uncomfortable about not knowing something. Instead, he had a natural way of explaining things that felt supportive, almost like an older brother guiding a younger sibling. Rather than just giving answers, he worked through the maths with Owen, saying things like, “See how I did that? It’s not too hard, hey?” This made the process feel collaborative rather than intimidating, helping Owen gain confidence in his abilities.

Beyond just maths, James showed genuine care for Owen’s learning experience. When he noticed Owen struggling to see the screen, he asked if he wore glasses. When Owen said no, James encouraged him to sit at the front of the class to avoid missing important details. It was a thoughtful moment that showed he was looking out for Owen beyond just their session. He wasn’t just there to teach algebra—he was making sure Owen had the best chance of succeeding in class as well.

They worked through all of Owen’s homework together, and whenever Owen hesitated or found something unfamiliar, James reassured him. When Owen found writing expressions like 2y strange, James responded, “I know it feels weird at first, but everything does when it’s new. The more you do it, the easier it’ll feel.” This kind of reassurance kept Owen engaged and willing to try.

James also frequently checked in to make sure Owen understood, stopping often to ask if he had any questions. When he didn’t get something, James used the whiteboard to break it down in a simpler way. His patience, encouragement, and ability to make learning feel approachable made the session not only productive but also a positive experience for Owen.

Briana Vaz

Finding a student’s best approach to learning involves identifying their unique preferences, strengths, and areas where they might need more support. Strategies include identifying the student’s learning style, providing clear and structured goals, encouraging active learning, using a variety of resources, creating a positive and encouraging environment, emphasising self-reflection, promoting consistent practice and routine, adapting to the students pace, incorporating technology and interactive tools, and building on strengths.

Learning styles can be categorised into visual learners, auditory learners, kinaesthetic learners, and read/write learners. Observing how the student naturally engages with content can help determine which style works best for them.

Providing goals can encourage a student to stay motivated and feel accomplished as they progress. This can result in a promoting of consistency and adapting to a students learning pace.

Encouraging active learning and self-reflection can lead to a better understanding of the material. This encourages a student to interact with the work provided. Self-reflection can include self-assessing progress and identifying struggle areas.

Furthermore, finding a student’s best approach to learning and study is vital in ensuring great communication between the tutor and the student, while also reaching goals and understanding difficult concepts.

Tamiah Mahoney

I’ve found that engagement is one of the most important factors in student success. When students are actively involved in their learning, they not only retain information better but also develop confidence in their abilities. Engagement isn’t just about paying attention—it’s about fostering curiosity, motivation, and a willingness to persist through challenges.

One of the most effective ways to engage students that I have found is by making the material relevant to them. Many students struggle with maths because they don’t see its real-world applications. I always try to connect concepts to their interests, whether it’s using statistics in sports, geometry in architecture, or algebra in financial literacy. When students see the purpose behind what they’re learning, they are more likely to stay engaged. I have also found in particular students often lack an overarching understanding of the content and where it is placed in the grand scheme of things. If i have noticed this, i usually stop my explanation and restart from a greater perspective. I have found students find this helpful and allows them to interact with the content more readily.

Another key strategy is interactive learning. Passive listening leads to disengagement, so I encourage active participation. Asking students to explain their reasoning not only deepens their understanding but also keeps them involved in the lesson. This also stops them from acting as if they have understood it just to move on. Students will often realise how little they understand something when they are trying to explain it back to you.

Building a positive and supportive learning environment is also essential. Many students come to tutoring feeling frustrated or anxious about maths. By being patient and celebrating small achievements, helps them build confidence. A growth mindset—where mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn—encourages students to persist rather than shut down when faced with difficulty.

(the image I added is from an online session I had during COVID, we made the sessions more engaging by drawing little characters with the answers in speech bubbles)

Venus

One of the most rewarding aspects of tutoring is witnessing a student’s confidence grow over time. Academic success is not just about understanding content. It is about believing in one’s ability to tackle challenges, think critically, and apply knowledge independently. A student who gains confidence in their learning is more likely to engage actively, persist through difficulties, and develop a lifelong positive attitude toward education.

Confidence-building starts with creating a supportive learning environment. Many students come to tutoring sessions feeling unsure about their abilities, often doubting themselves even when they know more than they realise. A tutor’s role is not just to teach but to encourage, validate progress, and help students see their own potential. Simple strategies, like acknowledging effort, celebrating small wins, and framing mistakes as learning opportunities, can make a huge difference.

Personalised learning also plays a key role. Every student learns differently, and when tutors tailor explanations to suit individual needs, it helps bridge gaps in understanding while reinforcing a sense of capability. Whether it is using visual aids for a visual learner, breaking down problems step by step, or providing real-world applications, adapting teaching methods ensures students not only grasp concepts but also feel more in control of their learning.

Another powerful confidence-building strategy is guided independence. Instead of immediately providing answers, encouraging students to attempt solutions on their own while offering subtle support reinforces their ability to think critically and trust their instincts. Over time, they begin to rely less on external validation and more on their own reasoning skills.

Ultimately, tutoring is not just about improving academic performance. It is about shaping resilient, self-assured learners. When students leave a session feeling more capable than when they arrived, it is a sign of meaningful progress that extends far beyond the classroom.

Demetria Koutavas

Developing a unique voice in creative writing is one of the most valuable skills a student can cultivate. Writing isn’t just about following structure or using impressive vocabulary—it’s about expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas in a way that feels personal and authentic. A strong voice makes writing more compelling, allowing readers to connect with the story and feel engaged from the very first sentence.

A writer’s voice is shaped by their word choice, sentence structure, and perspective. Some writers use short, sharp sentences to create tension, while others favour flowing, descriptive language to build atmosphere. The key is to find a style that feels natural and distinctive. In creative writing, originality is what makes a piece stand out. Examiners and readers alike are drawn to stories that feel fresh, not those that rely on predictable phrases or borrowed styles. A strong voice makes writing memorable, helping students communicate their ideas with confidence.

Developing this voice takes practice. One of the best ways to refine it is by writing regularly—whether through storytelling, journaling, or experimenting with different perspectives. Reading widely can also help, exposing students to various styles and techniques. However, the goal isn’t to imitate but to learn what resonates and adapt it in a personal way. Drawing from real experiences and emotions also strengthens authenticity, making writing feel more vivid and believable.

Finding a unique voice isn’t something that happens overnight, but with consistent effort, it becomes second nature. Beyond creative writing, this skill is invaluable in all forms of communication, from essays to speeches. Students who develop their own voice don’t just write better—they express themselves with clarity, originality, and confidence, ensuring their words leave a lasting impact.

Emily Mackay

Technology has revolutionised education in making learning more accessible, interactive and efficient, however has led to the rise in distractions and reduced focus. In other words, it’s really a hit or miss situation.

As a result of this distractions have increased and led parents and teachers on edge. With phones and laptops being highly accessible, it places students into a new world, one that leads them away from their educational responsibilities. This has lead to the constant itch to check new notifications and our phones at any chance throughout the day, as students struggle to maintain focus during school, tutoring sessions and study. By being so deep into the technological world attention span is reduced, just as marks follow this trend.

However, there are positives. Technology has most certainly played an important part in pulling students in, keeping them engaged in order to fulfil their academic requirements. As new interactive ways to teach and access content are brought into the picture, a variety of teaching methods rather than straight textbook notes are adapted, such as videos and virtual simulations. It enables personalised learning to enhance ones struggles and provide extra support through practice quizzes and tutorials. Resources used to communicate with students such as google classroom promote a positive learning environment, however how often are students really checking it. Although there a tonne of positives, within this generation the negatives are catching up. When technology is used effectively, it enhances learning, improves collaboration, however challenges such as screen addictions and the alternative social world are still present.

On one hand technology enhances learning, engagement and accessibility allowing for students to learn at their own pace using adaptive learning methods; On the other hand the distractions of social media, over reliance on AI and digital tools create a divide in perspective that cannot be ignored, raising the question: do the benefits truly outweigh the drawbacks?

David Hanna

Time management is a crucial skill for success in the NAPLAN writing exam, particularly when tackling creative writing. Many students make the mistake of jumping straight into writing, only to run out of time or lose track of their ideas. A well-structured approach—focusing on planning, pacing, and organisation—can make a significant difference in both the quality of writing and the ability to complete the task within the allocated time.

Step 1: Allocate Time Wisely

The NAPLAN writing exam typically lasts 40 minutes, so managing time effectively is essential. A good breakdown is:
5 minutes for planning – Develop key ideas, characters, and structure.
30 minutes for writing – Focus on clear, engaging storytelling.
5 minutes for editing – Check for errors, improve clarity, and refine language.

Skipping the planning stage might seem like a time-saver, but it often leads to disorganised writing and weak storytelling.

Step 2: Plan Using the Narrative Structure

NAPLAN creative tasks assess a student’s ability to craft a clear and engaging story. The best approach is to follow a simple narrative structure:
1. Orientation (Beginning – Introduce Characters & Setting)
• Start with a strong opening sentence to engage the reader.
• Introduce the main character and setting quickly. Avoid spending too much time on background details.
2. Complication (Middle – The Problem or Conflict)
• Every good story needs a challenge.
• Keep the conflict simple and focused—whether it’s a sudden event, a difficult choice, or an unexpected discovery.
3. Resolution (End – Solution or Reflection)
• Don’t leave the story unfinished.
• Resolve the problem in a logical way, ensuring a satisfying ending.

Step 3: Keep Sentences and Ideas Clear

• Use short, punchy sentences for impact.
• Avoid overcomplicated descriptions—quality over quantity.
• Show, don’t just tell—use dialogue and action instead of long explanations.

Step 4: Edit for Clarity and Accuracy

If time allows, reread the piece and check for spelling, punctuation, and grammar errors. Small adjustments can improve readability and make the writing more polished.

By planning first, structuring ideas clearly, and managing time effectively, students can maximise their performance in the NAPLAN writing exam and produce a well-crafted creative piece.

Emily Mackay

Teaching primary school kids can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding. At this stage in their learning, children are naturally curious, eager to explore, and full of energy. The key to keeping them engaged and motivated is to create an environment where learning feels exciting and fun. Here are a few effective strategies for making lessons enjoyable while helping students retain important information.

Celebrating small victories can make a huge difference in a child’s attitude toward learning. Recognise and praise effort, progress, and creativity. Whether it’s through verbal affirmation or small rewards, positive reinforcement boosts students’ confidence and motivates them to keep going. Remember that a little praise goes a long way in building their self-esteem and keeping them motivated to learn.

Teaching primary school children is about more than just passing on knowledge; it’s about creating a love for learning that will last a lifetime. By making lessons interactive, relatable, and creative, you can help your students not only understand the material but also develop a passion for it.

Elise Petritsis

Year 12 English is more than just an academic requirement—it teaches students how to think critically, interpret complex ideas, and engage with texts on a deeper level. Literature is not just about storytelling; it reflects the human experience, exploring themes that transcend time and place. By studying English, students develop the ability to analyse texts beyond their surface meaning, uncovering the universal messages embedded within them.

A prime example of this is the poetry of T.S. Eliot. His works are deeply layered, filled with symbolism, intertextual references, and philosophical questions about modern life. Without a strong foundation in literary analysis, it’s easy to miss the depth of his poetry.

Take The Waste Land (1922), often regarded as one of the greatest poems of the 20th century. At first glance, it may seem fragmented and confusing, but with careful study, its themes of despair, disillusionment, and the search for meaning become clear. Eliot weaves together historical, religious, and literary references—from Shakespeare to Hindu scriptures—to create a poem that speaks to the fractured state of the modern world. Without the analytical skills developed in Year 12 English, appreciating the significance of these references and the poem’s broader commentary would be nearly impossible.

Beyond Eliot, Year 12 English equips students with the tools to engage with all forms of literature, from novels to films. It teaches them to recognise themes of identity, power, and morality, skills that extend beyond the classroom into everyday life. Strong communication and interpretation skills are invaluable, whether in university, the workplace, or personal relationships.

Ultimately, studying English in Year 12 is not just about passing an exam—it’s about learning how to engage with ideas, think critically, and understand the world in a more meaningful way.

Emily Mackay

Mary tutored year 12 English focusing on Module A: Language, Identity and Culture. This student was catching up on an Asian Australian poem, ‘Home’ by Miriam Wei Wei Lo, which she had missed out on in class. This student was practicing her analytical skills, particularly focusing on identifying techniques. Once Mary helped her student identify these techniques through prompting, they discussed the purpose of the techniques and their impact on the audience.

In addition, Mary incorporated the poet’s context in order to understand the cultural references throughout the text. Alongside this, the incorporation of syllabus terminology linked the texts to ideas surrounding paradoxes and anomalous expereinces. Finally, Mary linked the text to the themes of the module; specifically focusing on the cultural links to the idea of home and how one can define what home is.

In order to consolidate the student’s knowledge Mary was testing them on specifically the five kinds of sensory imagery throughout the hour. Going through them whilst analysing, once more in the middle of the session and finally at the end of the hour as a form of recall. Overall, Mary’s session was insightful in terms of her strategies for prompting answers out of her student as well as consolidating knowledge through recall.

Angelique Lambrinos