25th June 2010 9:00
By Harriet Boulding
By now we are all familiar with the phenomenon of private tuition, a practice which has become increasingly popular over the last few years. In London, where I myself work as a tutor, 43% of pupils aged 11 to 16 have at some point had a private tutor, up from 36% just four years ago. This trend has attracted criticism from the media and concern from child psychologists and welfare organisations who claim that pushing children too hard can have damaging effects later on. However, whilst there is indeed a great deal of pressure mounted on students to succeed these days, I maintain that private tuition can be part of the solution rather than the problem.
To be clear, I’m not a fan of pushy parents, and I think pressurising children is extremely unhealthy. I am also, like many educationalists, quite sceptical about the new A* grade at A level. However, in my experience of tutoring in London, private tuition can be an excellent way for students to enjoy exploring their subject and also to let off steam. Done properly, tuition allows a student a break from memorising theorists and formulas, allowing them to really apply their knowledge to interesting problems under the supervision of a qualified tutor.
Further, I have found that tutors actually help students manage stress, rather than contribute to it. With a private tutor, students are free to express their concerns over exams and revision without worrying that they will disappoint their parents or school. Tutors are often university students and graduates who are all too familiar with the stress of exams, and are able to give honest, sympathetic advice on constructive revision and managing stress levels.
Tutors are also able to give bottom-line advice which schools and parents might not be able to provide. In particular, Oxbridge tutors will cut through the myths schools and parents often attach to Oxbridge applications, ensuring that students get straightforward, honest advice about applying to these institutions. At this time of year as exams draw to a close, we collect feedback from students and parents on how their lessons have gone. By far the most common response is that students and parents alike are tremendously grateful for the outlet that the tutor provided for the student, whilst managing to make lessons enjoyable.