There are three young men aged 18, 17, and 14. All three are charming, intelligent and motivated students who will be a pleasure to work with. They have been home schooled for many years, and have followed a pathway which has enabled them to sit the exams they chose as they have become ready for them. As a result, they have taken several GCSEs already and are studying for further qualifications in preparation for the next stages of their education.

The main focus for 2017-18 is on the 14 year old. He is undoubtedly a bright boy, and at 14, is already very mature and engaging. He is currently studying GCSE geography and biology with a view to sitting the May 2017 exams. The intention for next year is that he work towards GCSEs in maths, physics, and perhaps one other subject.

The 17 year old has already passed several examinations. In GCSE subjects, he has passed Computer Science - A*, English Literature and Maths - B, Physics, English Language, Business Studies and Humanities – C. At AS Level (to sit the A2 in June 2017), he has English Literature, Computer Science and Maths - A.

The 18 year old is in a similar position to his 17 year old brother. In GCSE subjects, he has passed Computer Science - A*, Physics and Chemistry - A, Maths, Biology and Humanities – B, and English Language – C. At AS Level (to sit the A2 in June 2017), he has English Literature, Computer Science and Maths - A.

Both older boys will be concentrating on preparation for taking their SAT (for US College admissions), learning Spanish, and potentially resitting some GCSEs to improve earlier grades. The expectation is that these goals will be attainable by a combination of self-study and locally sourced specialist tutors. Anything that the TI Tutor could contribute to this would be useful.

The boys’ parents have expressed an interest that they attend a top university such as Stanford or Cal Tech. Although the boys clearly have the necessary intelligence to do well in these environments, their current academic record is quite narrow, and they simply don’t have the breadth of subject knowledge to make competitive applications. Added to this is the fact that they have been following a purely British curriculum. In order to be accepted to and thrive in an American college of this calibre the boys will all need to sit the SAT exams, and become more familiar with both the content and style the American curriculum, its teaching and assessment.

While the parents do have high academic ambitions, they do not wish to unnecessarily pressure the boys, and are comfortable with each of their children sitting the courses and exams when they are ready to do so. However, there is a balance to be found here – the boys are more than capable of increasing their workloads and will need to be working at a certain pace to ensure they can keep up with their peers on entering college.

Ideally, one Tutor will work with the boys to teach a range of subjects. It may be that additional tutors will be needed to cover some subjects.

This position requires a serious educator with a positive and enthusiastic disposition, and a clear interest in his or her subjects. They should have demonstrable experience working with students in the secondary stages of their education. The Tutor should have the expertise and knowledge to design a program for the boys that encompasses the local resources (wherever the family may travel), taking advantage of the freedom and flexibility afforded by home-schooling, and ensuring that where possible, structured learning takes place outside the classroom environment. The Tutor must be organised, self-reliant, and independent.

Given the requirement of broadening the boys’ subject range, the Tutor must be proactive in seeking out opportunities to extend and develop their knowledge and experience. Visits to galleries, theatre productions and museums are to be encouraged, as are lessons that take advantage of the local area, be it in terms of historical, geological or political significance.

The Tutor should be prepared to move between the family homes often, and should be flexible enough to adapt to last-minute changes to their timetables, and resourceful enough to cope with any necessary changes to their lesson plans.

As with all private tutoring roles, the relationship between the family and the Tutor is one based in professionalism and privacy. Although the family is very warm and friendly, the Tutor must be sure to maintain their professional integrity throughout the duration of the role, respecting the family’s time, space and private lives.

Ultimately, the parents want to raise three well-adjusted, happy boys who have had a good, solid education and the time to follow their own interests. They want the boys to flourish, and are searching for the right Tutor who can get the best results from their children, inspiring them to learn for learning’s sake, but without the pressure of school and constant assessments.

The Tutor will typically work with the boys for about six hours a day for five days a week, with preparation in addition. The timetable must be established with reference to the family’s travel plans, and should be flexible enough to accommodate unexpected changes. As far as possible, a consistent pattern should be established, with periods of formal classroom study as well as activity-based learning which makes use of their local environment.

The Tutor is entitled to two consecutive days off per week, but should not always expect these to occur at weekends or to be regular in their timing.

The Tutor will be provided with his or her own apartment, separate from the Client’s accommodation. Save for the Tutor’s personal telephone use, the Client will cover all bills on this apartment.

When travelling, the Tutor will have his or her own hotel room. All expenses for this, except for the Tutor’s own personal phone calls or use of hotel facilities (such as dry cleaning) will be covered by the Client.

The Tutor will have the use of a car for their local personal use.

The successful candidate will be able to offer more than the minimum requirements of this position. She or he will not only be an excellent educator, but also a good role model: educated and polished, with excellent manners and personal values. The Tutor should also have a kind and nurturing manner while nonetheless academically top notch.

The Tutor must be fit and healthy, a non-smoker.

The family is very private, and the Tutor will be expected to maintain complete confidentiality both during and after their appointment. They should remember that this is a professional appointment, and although the family are warm and generous, the Tutors should not develop any sense of entitlement in their role, nor should they act in any way which jeopardises the professional nature of this relationship.