High school tutoring can really help students excel and achieve their goals. To be clear, tutoring is not absolutely required to score highly; many high-achievers each year receive no external tutoring. But tutoring can help many students with many different goals, and if you’re looking into tutoring for your child, there are lots of factors to consider.

Choosing an appropriate tutor and/or program for your child’s individual needs is important. Below are some potential considerations before investing in a tutor or tutoring program, along with how we address those considerations at our own tutoring program, TuteSmart.

How qualified and relatable are the tutors?

Perhaps the most important consideration is whether the tutor is suitably qualified. For example, do they have a valid Working With Children Check? Have they undergone training? Do they have experience working with - and for - a range of students with different goals? If it’s unclear, you might consider asking these questions for peace of mind before beginning tuition.

Students don’t necessarily need to ace a subject to be a good tutor in that subject, but a lot of the most in-demand tutors tend to be top scorers. Terminology changes from state to state, but student success might be defined by the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), which provides an overall snapshot of success across subjects, and individual subject scores, which give an indication of achievement in a certain subject area.

About qualifications and relatability at TuteSmart

At TuteSmart, we ensure tutors are both qualified and suitably trained to ensure students receive the best quality assistance. You can find out more about TuteSmart tutors here. Our tutors are high-achievers in their areas, but they also demonstrate care and commitment to each of their students. As recent graduates themselves, our tutors know how to achieve highly from a student perspective.

How flexible are the tutoring choices?

Given each student has different needs, it’s important to recognise that there is no “one size fits all” approach when it comes to high school tutoring. Having access to varied teaching styles and formats means you and your child can pursue the options best for your circumstances.

About flexibility at TuteSmart

There are two main types of tutoring offered at TuteSmart: weekly classes, and one-on-one private tutoring sessions.

TuteSmart weekly classes

The weekly classes run for 90 minutes each week, working through the syllabus methodically and comprehensively. The classes are interactive, and are geared toward helping students feel confident walking into exams.

Importantly, classes are recorded, meaning students can go back and watch or re-watch content as much as needed. They can use the classes as end-of-year revision, or as an easy way to brush up on a tricky concept.

Learn more about TuteSmart weekly classes.

TuteSmart private tutoring

We also offer one-on-one tutoring via video calls with our tutors. The private tutoring sessions run for 60 minutes.

Private tutoring sessions can be personalised to the student’s specific goals and needs. Students can also access EdUnlimited - the best study guides across a huge range of subjects.

Learn more about TuteSmart private tutoring.

How reliable are tutors?

Many students achieve highly each year, but not all past students are suited to deliver tutoring sessions. You may like to consider whether tutors have undergone training, or themselves have access to support for professional development.

Being involved in a broader tutoring program means tutors can access support, but it also means sessions will less likely be cancelled at the last moment (as, if needed, another tutor can more easily cover that session).

About reliability at TuteSmart

TuteSmart hiring is competitive and thorough, and new tutors are only hired if they are considered to suit the TuteSmart standards and ethos.

TuteSmart weekly classes occur at the same time each week, whilst one-on-one private tutoring sessions are also booked in advance. Our dedicated tutors and management team will ensure your child will always have a tutor for their session.

Is there dedicated support available?

Having access to one tutor is great, but if you have any concerns, it can be difficult to know where to turn. Some tutoring programs have dedicated support channels, where you can speak with a customer service representative. Having this option, particularly if you can check in with them about your child’s tutoring and progress, can help build confidence that your child is getting the best possible support.

About student and parent support at TuteSmart

All students and parents at TuteSmart have access to support via direct interaction with our Enrolment Manager. Bookings can be made for personal phone call appointments to discuss enrolment or your child’s progress. Email support is also available.

Is there a proven track record?

Although tutoring is different for everybody, a positive record of student success can indicate robustness and value.

Check for student and parent testimonials, along with Google reviews, to ensure others have had a positive experience with the tutor or program.

About past results at TuteSmart

You can find out more about TuteSmart results and what past students thought of the program here. You can find TuteSmart’s Google reviews here.

Is there a focus on exam preparation?

Although consistent tuition throughout the year can help with content knowledge, sitting exams is a skill in itself. Success in exams requires more than just knowing the syllabus; students also need to be skilled in time management, exam strategy, and handling exam-day nerves.

Having time to focus on these skills through mock exams or other dedicated exam skills can help put students ahead.

About exam preparation at TuteSmart

Exam revision is a dedicated part of TuteSmart weekly classes, including revision sessions, mock exams, and mock exam reviews.

Can you “try before you buy”?

Given the options available and the inherent uncertainty of starting with a new tutor, it’s useful to be able to see if the tutoring is right for your child without locking yourself in to a contract or ongoing arrangement.

About free trial periods at TuteSmart

TuteSmart weekly classes come with a 7-day free trial period. If interested, you can enrol your child here, or find out more via our website: https://tutesmart.com/.

Best of luck with your tutor search for your child!