The capital of New South Wales (NSW), Sydney, is the largest city in Australia. Along with Melbourne (capital of Victoria), Sydney is a very popular destination for both international and domestic students who wish to pursue further academic studies.
Although it can be a bit pricey, the lifestyle in Sydney is one of the biggest drawcards for students. From the temperate climate and beautiful beaches and parks to the nightlife and other activities, there is plenty for students to experience when not studying.
If you wish to study at a university in Sydney, you have 5 major universities to choose from — all of which are known for their high standard of research and teaching. Most of the university campus locations are in the inner city, however, there are some out in the western and northern suburbs if you prefer areas that are slightly less crowded.
In addition, Sydney also has campuses for interstate universities, such as the Australian Catholic University (also located in Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra) and Notre Dame University (also located in Perth).
One of the benefits of living in an area with such a diverse student population is that there are also a lot of tutors — not only for help or extension in maths, English and science subjects (like chemistry, biology and physics) but also for students who are preparing for their HSC or other ATAR subjects, and for students who need help with study skills, essay writing or research skills.
So, that's what this article is about. Who needs tutoring help? And where can you find a tutor in Sydney?
Who Needs Tuition Services?
Many years ago, tutoring was seen as a service for students having difficulty with advanced academic content or who were desperately behind with their work in class. In addition, tutoring was really only available for the struggling maths or English student, or perhaps a student trying to get through a hefty chemistry or physics course.
These days, however, tuition is available for any student (primary school, high school, university or post-school age), at any level (beginning, intermediate or advanced) and in any subjects you can imagine — both academic and recreational — and you can guarantee there will be a private tutor in Sydney who can cater for your learning and study needs.
First, let's get a few things straight about what tutoring is and what private tutors are responsible for when it comes to the learning and education of their students.
What is tutoring?
Essentially, tutoring is one of the oldest teaching methods. In Ancient Greece, during the time of Socrates and Plato, tutors provided private or small group lessons and education for children of the wealthy. Much later, when formal school institutions were introduced, many tutors stayed in their roles, providing private education to the rich.
Today, however, tutoring is more about supplementing and complementing formal education, rather than being the sole provider of education for a child or group of children or older students.
What is a private tutor responsible for?
The ultimate goal of tutoring is for the student to improve their academic performance or gain mastery over new skills. A tutor is not responsible for providing answers but for providing students with the means to obtain the answers themselves. Another equally, if not more, important goal is for the tutor to help the student gain confidence in the subject or skills they are learning.
Who needs a tutor?
Students who have tutors are not necessarily struggling to learn. There are many other reasons to access tutoring in Sydney and find a tutor to support your out of class learning, including:
- catching up on work missed because of illness
- consolidating understanding and practical application of new concepts or subjects
- extension in an area of interest
- learning subjects that are not available at your school
- building confidence in specific subjects, such as maths, English or science
- learning work and study skills, such as time management and exam techniques
- preparation for a specific exam, including HSC or the interstate equivalent
- learning and practising a language for travel, or a learn skills that you're personally interested in (e.g. learning an instrument).
Once you decide to get some tutoring in Sydney, it is up to you as the student to determine how long you need to maintain the tutoring service. It may be that you only need a couple of sessions with your tutor to clarify a concept, build your confidence or prepare for a test.
On the other hand, you may want tuition for the duration of a particular course or you may decide you need the support of a tutor on a regular basis throughout your studies for several years.
That's the point — private tutoring is flexible and driven by the needs of the student.
Where to Look for Tutoring in Sydney
As mentioned already, in a place with so many education institutions and so many students, naturally you will find a large number of tutors and tutoring agencies. It is up to you whether you decide to engage a private tutor who works in a freelance capacity, or whether you decide to go straight to an agency.
Our best advice is to shop around. Know what your goals are, your budget and your learning style and then look for a tutor who can meet these requirements. Ask your friends, other students and teachers for recommendations and always ask the prospective tutor for references when you are trying to find a tutor in Sydney or anywhere else in Australia.
Here are a few agencies with good reputations to get you started.
Alchemy Tuition
Online and face-to-face lessons for all subjects in the primary school and high school curriculum. Alchemy's tutors also support students with test preparation for HSC, VCE, NAPLAN, scholarship testing and IB. Lessons start at $54 an hour for online tutoring.
A Team Tuition
With locations throughout Australia, including Sydney, Adelaide and Darwin, A Team Tuition offers private online and at-home tuition for primary school students starting in Prep, through to high school Year 12 students.
Subjects offered include maths, English, social science and science for primary school students.
For high school students, tutoring is offered in a full range of subjects including all levels of maths, English, chemistry, physics, biology, legal studies, physical education, business studies and the arts.
C3 Education Group
Located in the western suburbs of Sydney, the C3 Education Group caters for students from the first year of primary school through to the end of Year 12. Subjects include maths, English, science (chemistry, physics, biology), business studies, history and economics. Tuition is available online to students from anywhere in Australia, or on site for Sydney locals.
What about university students who need to find a tutor in Sydney?
Most tutoring agencies mainly cater to primary school and high school students, rather than university. But, don't worry, there is plenty of help available for you as well.
Probably, the best option for university students is to find students who are in a higher year level in the same degree. These students often advertise their services on university noticeboards in the relevant faculty, the library and in student administration. Or, they may also leave their names and details with lecturers and university tutors. It wouldn't hurt to check community noticeboards as well.
Checking online platforms like Gumtree, or even advertising that you are looking for a tutor, is also a good option.
Don't forget Superprof!
Superprof is not a tutoring agency but an online platform with the aim of promoting tutors and assisting students to find the right tutor for their needs. There are literally thousands of tutors available throughout Australia on the Superprof platform so we'd be surprised if you can't find anyone.
Narrowing down your search is easy. Simply fill in the subject you are looking at and your location. This makes it easy to find a tutor in Sydney. Of course, almost all Superprof tutors work online as well, meaning you can be in Sydney but work with the best tutor for you, even if they are over in Western Australia — or even overseas.
What to Expect from a Private Tutor in Sydney
First and foremost, it's essential that you establish a rapport with your tutor. If their teaching style doesn't work for you, or if there is a personality clash, it simply won't work.
A good private tutor will get to know you. They will understand your needs and adapt their teaching to suit your learning style.
Don't expect your tutor to work magic, though. They are there to guide you and provide you with the tools — it is your job to make these tools work for you.
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