What does 'a different kind of tutoring' look like?
Our tutoring is interdisciplinary and strays unashamedly beyond the curriculum.
Here are some representative examples to show how we incorporate specific goals into a broader educational approach. Names have been changed.
Maths
Brief
To help a bright 9 year-old practise his times tables.
Our solution
We taught Harry the rudiments of public-key cryptography, the way computers exchange information securely online.
In fact, he taught himself: through a series of practical lateral thinking puzzles we helped Harry discover the principles of public-key cryptography all by himself. We then used the structure of encrypted communication to practise his multiplication (and division) with renewed enthusiasm. We linked the goals of cryptography to the Apple v FBI case that was in the news at the time.
“Harry loved his lesson with you today. When can you come again?”
Language Learning
Brief
To help a 15 year-old Japanese girl gain confidence with her spoken English.
Our solution
A chocolate-tasting, brownie-making party. (And a lot more besides...)
We provided regular private lessons to extend Tomoko's English beyond her school work and then supplemented these with a series of carefully conceived, one-off activity days. For the chocolate event we paired Tomoko and her friend Miyuki with two English-speaking girls of the same age and led them through a structured afternoon of cooking, conversation and cultural exchange.
“What an inspired idea. She loved every minute. Can you run it again in French?”
GCSE Preparation and Beyond
Brief
To prepare for the GCSE French oral exam and expand a 16 year-old's interest in French beyond the GCSE curriculum.
Our solution
We went to France.
We spent 6 days in France travelling from Dieppe to Rouen to Paris. We looked at key sites of Anglo-French history in Normandy and visited the Musée d'Orsay, Orangerie and Pompidou Centre in Paris (and much else). George was was encouraged to speak French at every opportunity and there were informal French lessons all over the north of France. We stayed with OJE's French friends to practise real conversation in an informal setting. George was helped writing a journal in French each night.
“Thank you again for the great time in France. C’était génial!”
“George has been so happy and keeps talking about France and the time he spent with you.”
Eton Interview Preparation
Brief
To help a shy boy increase his confidence for the Eton test interview.
Our solution
Multi-pronged attack.
We shared our inside knowledge of the Eton test interview with Henry and his parents and explained why it's impossible to prepare for the interview directly. (Read about this on our blog.) We worked with Henry over several years to develop his academic and non-academic interests, targeting his long-term personal development rather than 'CV building' for the interview. Then we set about boosting his overall confidence interacting with adults. We provided private LAMDA lessons at home (with an Old Etonian) and liaised with his school to arrange public speaking opportunities. As the interview approached we gave Henry practise talking to a number of adults he had never met before.
“Henry really enjoys his LAMDA lessons and his teachers have been commenting on his increased confidence in the classroom. Thank you so much for all your support.”
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