First Education

Navigating big school changes can be pretty daunting, whether it’s stepping up from primary to secondary school or gearing up for university. That’s where tutoring can be a real game-changer, making these transitions a lot smoother and less scary.

Think about the jump from primary to high school, it’s a big deal. You’re moving from a smaller, familiar environment where everyone knows your name to a larger school with different teachers for each subject and way more students. It can feel overwhelming. But having a tutor during this time can help ease that anxiety. Tutors can prep you on what to expect academically, help you brush up on subjects you might feel shaky in, and even teach you how to manage a more complex schedule.

Then there’s the transition to university, which is another level of change entirely. You’re not just dealing with tougher classes, but also a whole new level of independence. This can include managing your time without parents nudging you to do your homework. A tutor can be incredibly helpful here too. They can help you develop strong study habits, guide you through tougher course material, and even offer tips on how to balance schoolwork with your newfound freedom.

Plus, tutors are great for keeping the stress levels down. They give you a space to ask all the small and big questions without feeling embarrassed. And when you feel prepared academically, it’s easier to handle the other new stuff like making friends and finding your way around a new campus.

So whether it’s moving up to high school or heading off to college, having a tutor by your side can make all the difference. It’s not just about keeping your grades up, it’s about building confidence and making sure you’re ready to tackle these new adventures.

Eireyna Papinyan

Since I had a late cancel I have decided to write a blog on key things to keep in mind when trying to study effectively.

1. Set Clear Goals
Start each study session with a clear goal. Whether it’s understanding a concept, completing a chapter, or revising a topic, having a specific objective keeps you focused and motivated.

2. Use Active Learning Techniques
Rather than passively reading or highlighting, try active methods like summarizing information in your own words, teaching the material to someone else, or creating mind maps. These techniques help deepen understanding and improve recall.

3. Follow the Pomodoro Technique
Break your study time into 25-minute focused sessions followed by 5-minute breaks. After four sessions, take a longer break (15–30 minutes). This method helps maintain concentration and reduces mental fatigue.

4. Eliminate Distractions
Find a quiet place to study and keep your phone on silent or out of reach. Consider using apps that block distracting websites or help you stay on track.

5. Test Yourself Regularly
Practice quizzes and flashcards are powerful tools for reinforcing memory. Self-testing helps identify weak areas and improves long-term retention.

6. Stay Organized
Keep your notes, assignments, and materials well-organized. A tidy study space and a clear schedule reduce stress and make it easier to focus.

By using these strategies consistently, you can study more efficiently, reduce stress, and boost your confidence before exams.

Julian Podgornik

Keeping students engaged in tutoring sessions can be challenging at times, but it is also one of the most rewarding aspects of tutoring. Over time, I’ve found that engagement is not just about making lessons fun and entertaining– it is about creating an environment where students feel motivated, curious and confident in their learning.

One of the most effective strategies I have used is personalised learning. Every student has different interests and strengths, and targeting these can make a big difference in a students learning and understanding. For example, if a student enjoys using the whiteboard or when things relate to them, incorporating examples that use the whiteboard to draw math problems out can help them see the relevance of what they are learning. In English lessons, letting students choose writing topics that connect to their passions fosters greater enthusiasm and investment in their work.

Another key engagement strategy is active learning. Rather than simply explaining concepts, I encourage students discover answers through discussion, questioning and problem solving. Techniques like think about it first, have a go and ask me if you don’t know how to do it, helps them take ownership of their learning. I’ve also found that hands on activities can help keep students more engaged than passive learning like note taking.

Building confidence in our students is also essential. Many students disengage because they fear failure. I make a point of celebrating small successes and reinforcing effort, not just correct answers. A simple, “that is great how you approached that question”, “proud you could do that on your own” can boost a student’s confidence and willingness to keep trying.

Finally variety is key. Changing up session formats can help maintain students interest. Sometimes, even as simple as standing up to brainstorm ideas on a whiteboard can energise a session. Engagement is not just about having fun with students; it is about helping them find meaning in their learning. By making sessions relevant, interactive and confidence building we can create an environment where students stay focused, participate actively and enjoy the learning process.

Annie Bulkeley

Tutoring is often seen as the process of explaining concepts to a student, however, it is clear that true learning happens not when answers are stated, but questions are asked. Simply relaying information to a student can feel lecture-esuqe and will prevent the student from engaging criticially with the content. However, a well placed question can unlock a student’s ability to make connections, and actually comprehend the information.

In tutoring, Socratic questioning is invaluable. Instead of asking, “Do you understand?” – which often yields a half-hearted, hesitant “yes,” it is clear a more effective approach is, “how would you explain this concept to someone.” This questioning shifts students from simple passive reception to active articulation, revealing gaps in their understanding and reinforcing knowledge through engagement.

Guiding students through problem-solving is far more beneficial than simply providing solutions. Asking, “what information do you have?” or “what would be my the next step?” encourages students to practice logical reasoning and pattern recognition. These strategies help students internalise methods, able to apply it to foreign scenarios and real world applications.

Beyond content, effective questioning makes the student feel more confident. Most students hesitate to speak up, fearing mistakes, being embarassed by stating the wrong answer. By normalising inquiry and reflection, like “what do you think the author was trying to achieve?” or something along the lines of “why do you think this step is necessary?” – students gain the comfortability to be wrong, and see it as an opportunity, not a weakness.

Thus, the notion of questioning invites us to consider that great tutoring isn’t just about teaching; tutors are only with students for a few hours a week, thus, it’s about empowering students to think and explore independently. Because, the real success of a tutor isn’t measured by how much they explain, but by how much their students learns.

Oliver Fletcher

As a tutor, I see many students push themselves to the limit, believing that constant studying equals success. But the truth is, without good well-being, good grades are much harder to achieve. Burnout—feeling exhausted, unmotivated, and overwhelmed—can seriously affect both academic performance and mental health. That’s why I always remind my students that balance is key.

It may feel like long, uninterrupted study sessions are the best way to get ahead, but research shows otherwise. Short, frequent breaks improve focus and memory retention. Techniques like the Pomodoro Method (25 minutes of study followed by a 5-minute break) can keep your brain fresh and engaged. Giving yourself permission to pause and reset is not a sign of laziness – it’s a strategic way to sustain productivity. A tired brain is far less effective than a well-rested one. Pulling all-nighters or sacrificing sleep for extra study time may seem productive, but it actually makes learning harder. A well-rested brain processes and retains information far better than an exhausted one. Sleep is when our brains consolidate new knowledge, so skipping rest can undo hours of effort. Likewise, eating nutritious meals, staying hydrated, and exercising regularly all contribute to better focus, energy levels, and overall academic performance. Taking care of your body is just as important as taking care of your studies.

Grades are important, but they don’t define you. Pushing yourself to perfection at the expense of your well-being can lead to stress, anxiety, and even a decline in performance. A healthier mindset is to focus on consistent progress rather than flawless results. If you tie your self-worth to grades alone, setbacks will feel crushing. But if you see them as opportunities to grow, challenges become stepping stones rather than roadblocks.
Mistakes are not failures – they are part of learning. Some of the most successful people in the world failed many times before they succeeded. Instead of seeing mistakes as a weakness, use them as a guide to improvement. Every difficult problem, every incorrect answer, and every frustrating moment is shaping you into a stronger learner.

Success isn’t about grinding until exhaustion – it’s about working smarter, taking care of yourself, and embracing the learning process. True achievement comes when you balance hard work with self-care, knowing that growth takes time.

Carmen Yuen

Throughout my time as a tutor, I’ve experimented with many different pedagogical practices to determine what works best for both my students and me. While it’s important to recognise that what works for one student may not work well for another, it’s equally important to experiment and learn about each student’s specific learning needs. In this piece, I will discuss a particular method of questioning that I believe works well for the majority of my students and, in turn, helps me as an educator as well. You may or may not have used this method before or had your teacher or tutor use it with you. It is the method of asking your students to teach back to you what you’ve just taught them. I believe that this method is mutually beneficial for several reasons.

It Increases the Likelihood of Information Entering Long-Term Memory

Of course, it’s incredibly difficult to ensure that the information and knowledge you’re providing to your students is entering their long-term memory and not just their short-term memory. When you ask your student to relay the content that you’ve taught them, it signals to their brain that the information is important and should be stored for future use. The more you do this and the more you ask your students to teach you the same content, the more likely it is that they’ll begin to remember it, often without realising it. I’ve found this works well when asking students to recount the details of the plot of the prescribed text they’re reading. I tell them that I have no idea what the plot is about (which isn’t true), and they often surprise themselves with how well they know it!

It Provides Educators with Valuable Insight into Our Students’ Knowledge and Gaps

When asking our students to recount the information they’ve learned, we can listen carefully and pinpoint what exactly they understand and what might not be clicking as well as it should be. This is a subtle and gentle way of testing their knowledge without them even noticing!

Sophie Marchant

Keeping students engaged and motivated during tutoring sessions can be a challenge, but with the right approach, you can help them stay focused and excited about learning.

1. Build a Positive Connection
Students respond better when they feel comfortable and supported. Start sessions with a friendly check-in, show genuine interest in their progress, and celebrate small achievements. A little encouragement goes a long way!

2. Set Clear, Achievable Goals
Setting realistic and specific goals helps students stay on track. Instead of saying, “Let’s improve your math skills,” try, “Today, we’ll master solving quadratic equations.” Seeing progress keeps them motivated.

3. Make Learning Interactive
Engage students with active learning techniques like quizzes, discussions, and the “teach-back” method, where they explain concepts in their own words. Games and real-world applications also make sessions more exciting.

4. Encourage a Growth Mindset
Help students understand that mistakes are part of learning. Praise their effort rather than just results, and remind them that persistence leads to improvement.

5. Adapt to Their Learning Style
Each student learns differently. Use visuals for visual learners, discussions for auditory learners, and hands-on activities for tactile learners. Adjusting sessions to their needs makes learning more effective and enjoyable.

6. Give Them a Sense of Control
Let students have a say in what they focus on. Offering choices in how to approach a topic makes them feel more invested in the learning process.

7. Keep Energy Levels Up
Be enthusiastic, use a positive tone, and switch things up when students lose focus. Taking short breaks when needed can also help maintain engagement.

Allegra Pezzullo

Today I observed Mary’s year 12 English Advanced where she introduced a new module, Module C: The Craft of Writing.

I gained insight into how the tutor effectively introduced key concepts of the module, focusing on the importance of creative expression and the techniques writers use to shape meaning. The session emphasised the development of personal voice and style in writing!

Mary effectively encouraged her student to analyse how language choices can influence an audience. I found her effective use of questioning engaged her student and built on his critical thinking skills. Mary started off with the Module rubric and applied that to George Orwell’s Political Essay, and explored the language techniques and concepts that can be used within the student’s personal writing.

Chris Mylonas

The perception of a tutors intelligence, approachability and confidence in a session is key in conducting a positive a focused session. The perception of a tutor can be heavily influenced by the clothes they choose to wear.
Clothing plays a significant role in the image and professionalism of a tutor. It helps to set the tone for the learning environment, fostering respect, and authority. When a tutor dresses appropriately, they convey competence and seriousness about the subject they teach, which can positively influence the student’s perception of the lesson and their focus on the material.

Firstly, dressing well can help establish a sense of professionalism. Tutors are often seen as role models by their students, and their appearance reflects their commitment to the tutoring session. Wearing suitable clothing shows that the tutor values the learning process and is prepared for the task ahead. It also demonstrates that they respect both themselves and their students, reinforcing a sense of structure in the educational setting.

The right clothing can also contribute to a more effective learning environment. Tutors who dress appropriately for the context of the lesson create an atmosphere of seriousness, signaling that the time spent learning is valuable. Whether it’s a formal setting or a more relaxed one, dressing suitably can help set expectations for behavior and create a more focused, professional dynamic.

Additionally, how a tutor dresses can influence their confidence. When tutors feel comfortable and confident in their attire, they are likely to perform better and engage more effectively with students. This confidence can enhance communication, making it easier for tutors to build relationships with students and create a positive, productive learning environment.

Dressing professionally can also help with building rapport with the students parents as they will draw the conclusions that the tutor takes the sessions more seriously. This will help when interacting with more involved parents who are unsure if tutoring is the correct path with helping their child improve.

In conclusion, clothing is more than just a matter of personal preference for a tutor. It plays a critical role in establishing professionalism, promoting respect, and fostering a productive learning environment. By dressing appropriately, tutors set a positive example and support the overall educational experience for their students.

Olivia Moustakis

Today I observed Shyla Gloster teaching Mia’s Year 5 maths/english lesson. It was a highly engaging and educational lesson ! From the start it was clear that Shyla had built a strong, positive relationship with the student which helped her create a supportive environment.

Shyla was incredibly responsive and observant to the students’ needs. I’ve noticed that Shyla has tutored this student for a while as she was able to pick up on subtle moments of hesitation or confusion and adapted her approach to accommodate the student. At one point, when the student struggled with a maths question, she reworded her explanation and guided the student through it without ever making Mia feel rushed or self-conscious about her answers. The sense of encouragement she provided was clearly genuine to the student, which I think was enhanced by the sense of familiarity that Shyla had established with Mia over the time she has been tutoring her.

What really impressed me was the way Shyla maintained the student’s engagement throughout the entire session, especially tutoring a young student. She used a variety of strategies to keep the lesson dynamic so the student remained engaged. This included mixing direct instructions with open-ended questions, and also dedicating time for the student to complete questions on her own to build Mia’s confidence. It was clear that Shyla was able to create a thoughtfully planned lesson from the start, but was adaptive enough to change it when the student demonstrated confusion, which I thought was very impressive !

Great job !

Annaliese Lakis