He has been working hard to fill significant gaps in his knowledge as he works towards his IGCSE exams in the summer of 2015. He is keen to succeed academically, but his confidence has been known to hold him back. Although he is willing and eager to learn and his work ethic is good, he sometimes struggles to keep up, partly due to anxiety and questioning his ability to obtain good results in his IGCSE courses. He is capable of succeeding with the help of clear guidance and good support.

The 12-year-old is also a lovely boy who learns best from teachers who clearly define boundaries and who are firm but not strict. He is quick and intelligent, bright and engaging, and has little trouble learning when he is kept on task. There are still some gaps in his writing and reading of English, most likely as a result of learning three languages. This is an area that is receiving, and will require, on-going attention before he gets much older. His parents also want him to gain the same skills in German, his native language, since he has not had the opportunity to do so in his previous schooling.

Both boys are outgoing and personable, and have a warm demeanour and engaging sense of humour. They both enjoy a wide range of interests and sports and are well travelled. They are a pleasure for able educators to work with.

In particular, the Tutor will be fluent in German, and will be able to prepare the older child for IGCSEs in French and English Language to the highest standards. The Tutor will also be capable of offering KS3 geography, history, English, music and art to the younger child. Experience of the science IGCSE curriculum, skill in Italian (to a standard that could assist with ongoing IGCSE preparation in that subject), and some background in business or economics studies would be additionally advantageous.

At this stage, the family do not have a clear timetable for the number of years the boys will remain home-schooled, and it is possible that the boys will be expected to fit back into mainstream education in the future, with or without ongoing tutorial support.

Given the need to retain opportunities irrespective of a later decision about academic options, it will be important for the Tutor to follow a path that does not close down any options in terms of either continuing home-schooling or rejoining mainstream education. This should include the possibility of following an American or IB curriculum in a high school, or pursuing A levels at a college in England for example. The Tutor should therefore not exclude any of those three main options (US, UK, IB) in the presentation of material, while at the same time not overloading the students or jeopardising coherence.

Ultimately, the parents want to raise two well-adjusted, happy boys who have had a good, solid education and the time to follow their own interests, such as learning the guitar or pursuing the boys’ many sporting interests. The parents are also keen that the boys learn about the family business, and the Tutor should seek opportunities to help develop both boys’ understanding of principles of business and economics. Although neither is likely to take an active role in the running of any part of the family’s company, it is important to the parents and members of the extended family that everyone has a sound understanding of business skills and principles.

While teaching will take place within a clear and formal timetable of lessons, the Tutor should be prepared for a high degree of flexibility to accommodate changes in the family’s schedule, as well as for the possibility of occasional travel.

This role is based in Europe, so it is essential that any candidates for the position have full rights to employment and residency in a European country.

Furnished accommodation will be arranged for the Tutors in all locations. This may be an apartment, house, or guesthouse at the Client’s properties. It is likely that the Tutors will need to share the accommodation, on occasion.

The Tutors will have the use of a car for their local personal use. It is likely that this, like the accommodation, will need to be a shared resource.