Tutoring or independent revision: what does my child need?

When independent practice is a useful next step

A student who can explain an example, choose a suitable method and check an answer has a good starting point for independent practice. They might use a workbook, school questions or an online tool, then look carefully at any mistakes.

It helps to have a small, specific aim. “Practise finding a percentage of an amount” is easier to act on than “revise all of Maths”. After trying a few questions, the student can describe what worked and what still needs attention.

In the learning lab, Step by step shows one stage at a time, while Whole lesson keeps the explanation, example and questions on one page. Students can choose whichever view makes the task easier to follow.

When another explanation may be more useful

More questions are not always the immediate answer. Consider asking for help when a student cannot explain the first step, keeps repeating the same error or can follow a worked answer but cannot start a slightly different question.

These are clues to explore, not a judgement about effort or ability. A school teacher may be able to clarify the point, and the school’s own support should be part of the conversation. One-to-one tutoring is another option when a young person needs dedicated time on a gap or a different explanation.

A practical way to combine support and revision

1. Choose one idea. Use a school topic, a recent error or a specific question.
2. Talk through an example. Ask what each number or symbol means and why each step is needed.
3. Try a similar question. Give the student time to decide what to do before offering help.
4. Check the reasoning. Discuss a wrong turn, then let the student try again.
5. Return later. A fresh question on another day can show what is still understood and what needs another look.

This is a suggested routine, not a test or a fixed timetable. Adjust the amount of practice to the student and the schoolwork they already have.

Use a tool to make revision more active

In the fractions, decimals and percentages lesson, change the shaded amount and predict its percentage before reading the result. Then attempt a practice question with its own numbers. The different numbers help separate understanding a method from remembering one answer.

If the student needs help, there are hints, a breakdown of the question and a worked answer. Afterwards, ask them to explain one idea in their own words. The optional recap note stays in that browser; it is not sent to Maurice or synced to another device.

The lab covers selected topics and does not replace the school’s course or exam-board materials. Maurice can discuss which activities are a useful fit for the student’s level.

What to discuss before choosing tuition

Bring an example of what is difficult, the school year and any teacher feedback. For GCSE, the exam board and Foundation or Higher tier are useful if you know them. You can also discuss when the student finds it easiest to concentrate and what kind of explanation has helped before.

Maurice offers regular weekly lessons and help focused on particular topics. His free first assessment brings parent and student together on Zoom to discuss their needs and suitable times. The aim is to agree a useful starting point, rather than assume every child needs the same amount of tuition.

Research on tutoring supports its potential to improve learning, but it does not tell us that every student should replace private study with lessons. Read what the research can and cannot tell us, or explore the benefits of individual attention.