Private Tutor - Humanities

Students: Three boys, 17, 16 and 13

Overview

An able and experienced educator is required as one half of a two-tutor team teaching three boys a combination of subjects at GCSE, A level, American SATs and College applications. There might also be the possibility of AP and SAT 2 subject test preparation. This is a full-time role, and will involve extensive travel between the family homes in Portugal, Ireland and the USA. The Tutor for this role (ORL 0416.1 B) must be qualified to teach English literature and English language to A level standard, as well as a range of other subjects (with a focus on humanities and the arts) to at least GCSE. One of the two tutors should also be able to offer Spanish to a decent level fluency.

Students

There are thee young men aged 17, 16, and 13. All three are charming, intelligent and motivated students who will be a pleasure to work with. The two eldest boys have completed seven GCSE examinations with moderate success, but the majority of grades have been in the B/C bracket. Both students will need to retake some of these weaker graded examinations and widen the subject range if they are to make competitive applications to the top US colleges. They are currently studying for AS qualifications in their respective areas of interest, and from September, will be studying computer science at A level under the guidance of a third Tutor. The youngest has started studying for GCSE examinations in geography and biology, which he is scheduled to sit in November 2016.

The oldest boy’s academic pathway is biased towards subjects which are connected to technology. He excels in mathematics and physics, and has a keen interest in computing science, particularly the field of augmented reality. When discussing topics along these lines, he is an animated and passionate conversationalist. However, when discussing other topics he is patient but can seem withdrawn.

The middle boy has taken a very different route to his brother. He is currently preparing for an AS examination in English Literature, and has embraced the syllabus with vim and vigour, although his written English is a little weak in certain areas. He is an open, animated, interesting and interested individual whose dedication to his studies does him credit. With guidance and encouragement he will go far. He has a natural empathy with the people around him, and a global perspective which helps him appear mature for his age.

So far, the youngest boy has not necessarily been the focus of the family’s academic efforts. He is clearly bright, and at 13, is already very mature and engaging. He is currently studying GCSE geography and biology but it is evident that he has the capacity to sit more subjects concurrently, and it is likely he will excel under the increased workload and the company of two very good Tutors.

The boys have the necessary intelligence to excel at Ivy League colleges, but their current academic record is too narrow, and they lack the breadth of subject knowledge to make competitive applications. They have been following a purely British curriculum – to be accepted to and thrive in American colleges they will also need to sit the SAT exams and become familiar with the content and style of the American curriculum. From September, the boys will start to follow a curriculum which incorporates both systems and increases their subject range. All three will need to start preparing for the SAT. The boys may be able to study some subjects together – for example GCSE Spanish. They should also engage in an extra curricula program to broaden their academic horizons. The parents do not wish to unnecessarily pressure the boys, and are comfortable with each of their children sitting the courses and exams when they are ready. There is a balance to be found – the boys are more than capable of increasing their workloads and will need to be working at a certain pace to ensure they can keep up with their peers on entering college.

Role of the Tutor(s)

This role calls for a Tutor to work as one half of a tutoring team in a coordinated and cooperative manner to ensure both breadth and depth in the boys’ education. In particular, this Tutor will be able to deliver the humanities and arts sides of the curriculum to GCSE level, as well as at least English literature and language to A level. Fluency in Spanish (or another European language) would be advantageous, as would experience with the American SATs and college entry processes. The other Tutor will teach the sciences and mathematics. Tutors must seek out opportunities to extend and develop the boys’ knowledge and experience. Visits to galleries, theatre productions and museums are to be encouraged, as are lessons which take advantage of the local area.

This position requires a serious educator with a positive and enthusiastic disposition. They should have demonstrable experience working with similarly aged students. Together, the Tutors should have the expertise and knowledge to design a program that encompasses the local resources, taking advantages of the freedom and flexibility afforded by home-schooling, and ensuring that where possible, structured learning takes place outside the classroom environment. Both Tutors must be organised, self-reliant, and independent.

The Tutors should be prepared for frequent travel – they should be flexible enough to adapt to last-minute changes to their timetables, and resourceful enough to cope with any changes to their lesson plans. The relationship between the family and the Tutors is one based in professionalism and privacy. The Tutors must maintain their professional integrity throughout the duration of the role, respecting the family’s time, space and private lives. The parents want to raise three well-adjusted, happy boys who have had a good education and a range of extra curricula interests. They want the boys to flourish, and are searching for Tutors who can get the best results from the boys without the pressure of school and constant assessments.

Hours, Holidays and Accommodation

The Tutor will typically work with the boys for about six hours a day for five days a week, with preparation in addition. The timetable must be established with reference to the family’s travel plans, and should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected changes. The Tutor is entitled to two consecutive days off per week, but should not always expect these to occur at weekends or to be regular in their timing.

The Tutors will each be provided with his or her own apartment. Save for the Tutor’s personal telephone use, the Client will cover all bills on this apartment. When travelling, the Tutor will have his or her own hotel room. The Tutors will have the use of a car for their local personal use.

Travel and Miscellaneous

The successful candidate will not only be an excellent educator, but also a good role model: educated and polished, with excellent manners and personal values. The Tutor must be fit and healthy, a non-smoker.

For a full job specification and instructions for how to apply, please visit; tijobs.net/435