The student will be going into grade 10 in late August 2006. He is intelligent and capable, but managed to fall behind with his studies last year, leading to an inevitable drop in grades, and with this, his confidence. He is determined to make an effort so that recent events do not mar his academic future.

Outside of school, he enjoys horseback riding, web design and graphics, business, theatre and acting. He is reserved, cultured, intellectual and has a well-developed sense of humour, (Monty Python). It is essential that the tutor shares some of these interests and can develop a good working relationship and rapport from the outset.

The tutor will need to able to explain complex ideas in a straightforward way. Working consistently with the studen, the Tutor will ensure that each day’s learning at school is secure, that homework, tests, quizzes, and projects, are properly prepared. It is expected that when the student experiences success, his self-confidence and ambition will return.

The tutor will help the boy to develop sound study habits and organisational skills, how to learn in class, how to take effective notes, etc. It is also an important for the student to learn how to relax when necessary.

Subjects include Chemistry, English, History, Art, Geometry, and Spanish, and the tutor must be able to support all of these subjects at home. There will be plenty of opportunity for the tutor to work ahead with the textbooks and become familiar with the material, but clearly the post will suit someone who has excellent numerical and writing skills, and a personal interest in the Humanities. While competence in Spanish would be useful, it is the least important requirement.

The tutor will need to liaise closely with the school, and with the teachers, to insure that all assignments are completed within deadlines.

This is a full time position, Monday to Friday. The tutor will be expected to work around 4-5 hours per night with the boy, plus an additional 3 hours per day preparing material and liaising with the school. In addition, on every other Sunday, the tutor will work 3-4 hours with the student. (Meals occurring during the tutoring time will be taken with the family)

The tutor will be entitled to 9 weeks paid vacation, at times convenient to the client. In general, the tutor should expect breaks that coincide with the usual school holidays.

The tutor may be asked to accompany the family when they travel. In such circumstances the tutor should expect to be flexible about their working hours. The client will cover all expenses for such travel.

The client will make arrangements for the tutor to live in a nearby apartment. The tutor’s name will be on the lease and he or she will receive a stipend - in addition to their salary - to cover the costs of this apartment. The tutor will be responsible for paying the bills in a timely manner and ensuring that the property is properly maintained.

The client may supply the tutor with a car… OR… there will be an arrangement similar to the apartment, ie. a stipend to cover leasing costs for a vehicle in the tutor’s name. With the exception of fuel for personal use, the client will cover all expenses on the car, including comprehensive insurance.

The ideal tutor will establish a cordial relationship with the family while maintaining a professional distance.

This post would especially suit someone with around five years teaching experience, plenty of energy and a youthful outlook. The ideal candidate will be independent, a self-starter, and either married or single. A knowledge of the American system would be an advantage.

The position will start at the end of August 2006. If a suitable candidate has not been found by then, the client will consider a short-term tutor to fill in until December with the full term contract starting in January 2007.

The family is Jewish, though not observant. There is certainly no requirement for a Jewish tutor but it is essential that he or she is sympathetic and open-minded, and certainly has no agenda of their own in this regard.

The family has cats and a dog and so the tutor must be comfortable around animals.

The tutor should be a non-smoker.

In the event that the ideal candidate is not available until January 2007, an interim tutor for the intervening period is sought. Candidates for both alternatives are invited to apply at this stage.