Teachers' articles, thoughts and opinions

Maths is one of the most in demand classes in the world of private tuition. If we're lucky enough to be good at maths and have a solid understanding, it's normal that we start thinking about giving private maths classes to others. But where do we start? There are many things to consider if you want to become a maths tutor, but one of the first things is how much you should charge for giving maths lessons. We know that it is not an easy tas...

Knowing how to prepare a class is one of the basic skills required of a good tutor. Although there are tips that can be used to teach any subject, maths classes have characteristics that make them differ from other subjects. In this article we will teach you everything you need to know to become a maths tutor. Maths is probably the subject that students in schools and colleges have the most problems with. It is the one that needs the most after...

Mental maths is an essential aspect of maths lessons that we generally learn to master in childhood. However, improving our mental maths is something we can do throughout our education and lives as it comes with a host of benefits. Before we explain to you how you can improve your mental maths skills, we've outlined some of the benefits of mental maths in order to highlight the importance and necessity of this skill. The benefits of menta...

As the academic year progresses, so too is the 2025 GCSE and A-Level exam season. This statement isn't meant to scare you or cause anxiety; it's simply a reminder that with exams soon near, we should do our best to start preparing early. Ensuring we prepare and organise with ample time means we can minimise the stressful, last-minute cramming that often arises around exam time. In this blog, we´ll give you an overview of the GCSE and A-Lev...

If you´re taking English lessons or you want to learn English as a foreign language, something you may find confusing is the use of formal and informal language. It´s not as obvious as in other languages like French or Spanish when you have particular verb formations for formal and informal you. Just when you thought English couldn't get any more complicated!  Trying to convert sentences from formal into informal English, or vica versa, may...

Having experimented a little with ChatGPT, this is my reflection on the essay-writing results that it produces. I also assess the extent to which ChatGPT could be used to replace the support provided by specialist study skills tutors. It is argued that although ChatGPT may provide a useful starting point for students who are struggling to write an assignment, it cannot replace the thinking and academic skills needed to produce the quality of wr...

Maths, like other science-related subjects, is one of those feared by most students. In general, few say they have it easy when it comes to passing maths and it is undoubtedly one of the most in-demand subjects. So, if you want to teach maths, good for you! There are many people who, seeing that they are good at calculus and problem solving, are looking for ways to become a maths tutor. Tutoring maths is a great idea as it´s a subject with very...

Mock exams are used to allow students to undertake a practice exam in exam-like conditions, which can in turn allow them to see how well they performed and what areas they may need to improve during their maths lessons and in revision before the final exam. It acts as a prediction to what a student will achieve in their final maths exam.  Some students may be tempted to not take their mock exams seriously, as they don´t have any ...

If you want to really understand the Quran when you read it, and feel more connected to it, it's crucial to learn Arabic to do so. Below I´ve outlined just some of the reasons why: When you read translations of the Quran, you might miss some of the important details. Learning Arabic helps you understand the subtle meanings and the special ways words are used. It's like getting the full picture instead of just bits and pieces. Learning...

Multiplication is an important aspect of maths lessons which we start learning in primary school. For many students, starting the times tables is when maths can start to feel quite difficult and daunting. Therefore, it's essential that we do what we can to make learning easier and more enjoyable, and that we help our children tackle the subject with confidence and a positive attitude.  The multiplication tables lay the foundation for m...

From my eight years of experience as a private tutor for Italian, I have learned some great tips for language learning and can give very useful advice on the best way to start learning Italian. Many of the students that contact me have already started to learn Italian by themselves, but after a few months, when they don't see any progress, they decide to contact a private tutor. The reason progress can be very slow when you study alone is that ...

If you're preparing for your GCSE maths exams, you're probably feeling a tonne of emotions. Excitement at the prospect of crossing another academic milestone and getting closer to finishing school, but also anxiety about the pressure to perform well. To do well in maths, you need a strong foundation in the basics and the ability to apply mathematical concepts in various scenarios. This is where the role of tutors for maths comes into play. ...

As a tutor for English as a foreign language, something I often hear from my students is how much they dread doing an interview in English. So if you´ll soon be applying for new jobs or taking part in an interview, look no further than these tips to ace any interview! 1. Prepare for the interview. Give yourself time to read over all the documents you have so it's fresh in your mind. Read over the job specification and requirements making sure y...

As a potential tutor for maths, you may be wondering where to start. Tutoring primary school children in maths can be a rewarding experience. This subject is fundamental to a child's education and plays a crucial role in their cognitive development. You're not just teaching them how to add or subtract; you're helping them understand the world in a more rational and logical way. Tutoring children requires a unique approach. Unlike older students...