Tutoring on top of private prep school Post Reply

[phigoldenspiral]

Spending money on a tutor isn't necessary unless your child is struggling in a particular area, but no preparation isn't fair on the child either, particularly since many children ARE heavily tutored. We spent time ourselves going through past test papers with our son so that he knew what to expect and so we also knew where there were areas he may need more practice. One thing that is crucial is exam practice - taking a test is a technique in itself and a child may be totally comfortable with the material but if he/she doesn't know how to take a test, then this is a problem. Just basic stuff like - check the time, check the marks each question counts for, don't spend too long on a question you're struggling with - move on to the next one and mark it so you can come back to it etc. These things take some practice and are easy enough for all parents to manage without having to pay an expensive tutor. 

[parentpractice]

This is an age old issue and the reality is many are at it and few will admit it.

It's hard to be that parent who doesn't follow like sheep and in our quest to ensure our children are successful academically, we often feel that if our children are not tutored, then this will limit their future in terms of school and University selection.

The harsh reality is that if a child has to be ferociously tutored and hot-housed for years to pass an entrance exam, the pace and academic demands of that school might be too much pressure for them to manage, and I pick up the pieces either later in the teen years or in young adult life.

What use is it for a child/ young adult to have been tutored, taught and trained to within an inch of their lives to get into Oxbridge, only to find on arriving there they lack the pragmatic skills to actually survive.

My views may not be popular, but I believe strongly the next generation would be served better if we put time and effort onto their character education and to help them learn to understand others perspectives, think creatively, and become problem solvers. Tutor them on emotional self regulation, on EQ and value them for who they are and not their achievements. Work with the child you have and not who you want them to be and by all means use tutors to bolster self esteem and scaffold in subjects that may be challenging.

Good luck with whatever your decision is.