Blossom Tuition Private Tuition

Private Tuition

The idea of private tuition often divides people.

In fact, I once felt pretty strongly against the idea. Considering I am now a fully-fledged private tutor, that is perhaps a rather odd declaration to make.

Prior to establishing myself within the education system, I saw tuition as something that could divide classes. Many used it as a way to increase the possibility of their child gaining entry to a prestigious school using the 11+ test rather than as a boost to their child’s academia.

I started teaching in 2005 in an area of social deprivation. Many of the children’s starting points were below average, especially in terms of their speech and language. A class of 30 children with just one teacher, one TA and a 1:1 LSA for a child with significant special educational needs: I felt out of my depth and somewhat unable to help. Just two years in that school and my perception of private tuition was already changing. Thoughts of Wouldn’t it be great to have half an hour a week with Jack to improve his mental maths skills? popped into my head regularly.

In summer 2018, I established Blossom Tuition. I had years of teaching under my belt and, although I had moved in the special education sector working in a complex needs school, I felt I still had much to offer mainstream pupils.

B l o s s o m

T u i t i o n

By the time I started sessions in September, I had two pupils. By October half term, I had five. I couldn’t believe how many people in my local area actually desired a little extra support for their children. I felt privileged that these parents entrusted their children’s learning in my hands. I adored (and still do!) tailoring the lessons to their needs and interests. We had Harry Potter word problems and instructions texts about worms. I even taught one lesson where we baked a cake and then wrote about it afterwards - yes, the child got to take home the cake!

Lockdown has changed my approach. I am only offering online tuition now. The thought of teaching via Zoom absolutely petrified me for the first couple of weeks. However, in the end, it wasn’t anywhere near as daunting as I thought. In fact, some of my pupils are flying much higher than they were face to face. I’m being more inventive with my methods and challenging myself in the process.

As with Donald Schön’s swampy lowlands, where things can feel uneasy and too difficult at times, overcoming this has undoubtedly made the outlook much brighter.

Article By Vicki from Blossom Tuition www.blossomeducation.co.uk