There are two students, an 18 year old boy and a 16 year old girl. They are currently working towards IGCSE exams in November 2011, and aim to begin AS courses immediately after these exams; SAT tests are to be taken for the first time later in 2012. Both students are intelligent, articulate, and well motivated, and both are developing disciplined study habits. They are delightful young people, are willing to work hard both in class and during homework hours. The position offers educators a challenging and highly satisfying opportunity.

The boy is a confident and engaging young man with a strong desire to understand all that he encounters. Having passed IGCSEs in Maths and English, he is preparing for further IGCSEs in Science, History and Latin, and for his SAT. He has an inquisitive mind and often asks lateral questions. He thrives when the learning process is systematic, and when the material is presented with clarity and purpose. He will respond best to a Tutor who challenges him without moving too far from his comfort zone in any single step; the Tutor must be prepared to pay close attention to the different routes his mind takes when tackling a problem, and be ready to adapt the tuition process accordingly. He can learn quickly when motivated and when he can see his progress and achievements; it is vital that the Tutor is encouraging if any material needs to be repeated. It is also imperative that the Tutor tailors the lessons such that he can develop his writing and verbal skills as he proceeds through his work; this can be challenging for him, and it is crucial that his natural ability to grasp concepts and material is not frustrated when he is asked provide a response. The Tutor will therefore need to maintain a warm and highly supportive framework with plenty of sensitivity to any challenges in these areas. He has varied interests outside school, foremost of which is golf, for which he frequently travels to California for coaching and he competes at tournaments almost every week. His golf commitments are of utmost importance, so the Tutor needs to appreciate the impact that this has on his school schedule.

The girl is a thoughtful young lady who loves English literature and is curious about theological discourse; she also has a growing interest in Chemistry and History. She has already achieved A grades in IGCSE Maths and English, and is working towards exams in Science, History, Latin and Religious Studies. She would like to learn French or Spanish, and her increasing confidence in subjects across the board has demonstrated that she is capable of becoming an accomplished polymath. She is aiming for acceptance at an Ivy and requires a Tutor who will enable her to translate her enormous potential into success in public exams. She is keen to learn about theological and literary debates that are outside her curriculum, and is working on a literary program with the possible aim to study literature at college. She responds best to Tutors with whom she can relate and share experiences, and it is therefore essential the Tutor share some of her interests. She is a keen horse rider and competes regularly at prestigious shows across the country. She enjoys reading, music and period drama films, and is involved in many activities at the family’s church. Given the breadth of her interests and extra-curricular activities, and therefore the time pressures she is under, the Tutor will need to ensure the teaching is both dynamic and efficient.

The school day will begin at 8am and finish at 2pm with a mid morning and lunch break; there may also be occasions when the Tutor is needed after these hours. The children are taught individually, and the lessons must be structured to suit each child’s needs. Homework should only be set as required; it should be tailored according to the children’s individual schedules and progress, in order to consolidate the classroom learning and in preparation for assessment. The children and their parents recognise that developing good revision techniques and test-taking skills are an essential part of the learning experience. Frequent, relevant testing should therefore be carried out and reported; this allows the children and their parents to monitor the studies, and it provides the reassurance that normally arises from classroom environments where there is peer-comparison.

Until 2007 the children were taught following a US curriculum, then changed to the UK system and are preparing for a wide range of IGCSEs, and will soon begin A levels. The children are also working towards the SAT (and SAT subject tests), as an essential part of the US college admissions. The Tutor needs to be sensitive to the aims and needs of the students in both spheres of their assessed education, and should coordinate the material so that both areas are addressed. Regular meetings parents will be required to ensure that all is running smoothly and that progress is in keeping with the Client’s expectations.

The Tutor needs to remain flexible, with a youthful adaptability, but without any loss of discipline when accommodating the parents’ organic, fluid schedule. This can often mean that the children’s plans may change at short notice, and therefore the Tutor needs to be all the more structured and organised. The Tutor must also ensure that, despite their fluctuating schedules, the children are kept well informed of their progress and progression, and that they are always aware of what is being asked of them.

There is a dedicated schoolroom, which is well equipped, and the Tutor will be responsible for ensuring that this remains organized and properly stocked. The Tutor should expect Saturday and Sunday off each week, but will need to be flexible in this regard. Meals occurring during teaching times will be taken with the family.

This is a full time position. The tutor must be able to respond flexibly to the Client’s requirements in terms of availability and working time. The Tutor should expect to be working with the children for at least 35 hours per week, and to fit their preparation time in during evenings and afternoons as needed.

The Tutors should expect to travel with the family several times a year, for a few weeks at a time. At these times the Client will cover all expenses for the Tutor.

Fully furnished and pleasant accommodation with all modern conveniences including high speed Internet will be arranged and provided by the Client. Accommodation for both Tutors is suitable for a couple.

The Client will also make arrangements for a car for the personal use of each of the Tutors throughout their contract, and will cover all expenses involved in the running of this car for work-related purposed, including comprehensive insurance. The Tutor will be responsible for the costs arising from their own personal use, and for any damage they cause and which is not covered by insurance.

The family are active Christians whose commitment to their faith plays a central role in their lives. While it is not requirement that the Tutors be of any particular faith, it is essential they are sympathetic and open-minded, and certainly have no agenda of their own in this regard.

The family have a dog and the girl rides horses. The Tutor will therefore need to be comfortable around animals.

A non-smoker, who leads a healthy lifestyle and takes regular exercise, is preferred. This position would suit a man or a woman, single or married, of any ages, races or nationality.