The boy currently attends a day school near Monaco and is on the IB Middle Years Programme. He is a bright student who is achieving reasonable grades, but with the guidance of an exceptional private tutor he will likely excel. His favourite subjects are the sciences, mathematics, IT and anything technology based – he has a particular fondness for topics involving hardware. His range of interests outside the classroom include chess, tennis, skiing and swimming. He is also a keen fencer, and enjoys many other sports as a player and spectator, and he is happy to try out and get involved in new sports.

The student is a typical 14-year-old boy – he is relatively quiet, a little shy and perhaps a bit unsure of the pathway from childhood to adulthood. This can make him appear wary and aloof, but it is likely that this will dissipate when he becomes familiar with the changes that are underway in his schooling and relocation. Certainly, when he is in a situation where he is relaxed, he is a warm, funny and engaging young man.

A native Russian speaker, he also has good spoken English and French. However, there is certainly room for improvement in both languages. He will benefit from strengthening his skills in spoken and written English – gains made in this area will likely help him improve his academic performance overall.

The student responds best to the kind of teachers who show great energy and enthusiasm for their subject. Those who can inject a sense of fun and excitement into their lessons will capture his attention and natural curiosity. His favourite teacher to date was able to lead the class whilst maintaining a feeling of being in a permanent state of play. The teacher was fun and light-hearted but balanced this with a good sense of productivity – his students always left the classroom feeling like they had done good work and learned new things.

In contrast, his least favourite teachers are those who see themselves as being above reproach and more important than the students they are charged with teaching. He also does not like those who make mistakes but don’t admit their errors either voluntarily or when challenged.

This role potentially signals the start of a long-term tutoring position. The family plan to home-school until at least September 2018. At this point, the student may rejoin formal schooling in a British school in NW London, or it may be that the home-schooling is so successful he opts to continue studying with a Tutor independently for the duration of his GCSE years and possibly even beyond.

While periods of formal study are to be expected – and a designated classroom will be provided to this end – a significant portion of the tuition should take place outside the classroom. One of the benefits of private tuition is the extent of learning opportunities afforded by leaving the classroom, and London (and the UK in general) is exceptional in this respect. The Tutor should design a series of activities, integrated study and excursions that all lend themselves to exciting, project based learning adventures. Trips to museums and the theatre as well as sites of scientific or historic importance are to be encouraged, and this could well include trips outside London to places such as Stratford-Upon-Avon, Bath, Bristol, Edinburgh or elsewhere.

Establishing a routine is also important, as is encouraging healthy habits, regular exercise, diet and mindfulness sequences, all of which will help the boy to mentally prepare and perform to his highest abilities. He is a student with enormous potential, and it is hoped that taking a holistic approach to his studies will help him improve across the board. The Tutor will need to explore activities, events and clubs local to Hampstead as it is important that he build up and maintain a healthy social network in his area. Both rugby and cricket have been mentioned as potential sports clubs, but rowing and sailing are also possibilities, as are drama and music groups or volunteering with a local charity.

The Tutor will need to combine excellent and inspiring teaching with superb record keeping and administrative skills. They should have a wide knowledge base and a range of interests that they can share with the family, and should look to extend the student’s breadth of knowledge by covering subjects as diverse as astronomy, engineering and art. The Tutor should act as a mentor as much as an educator, helping to navigate the route from adolescence to adulthood and providing guidance for him as he becomes more independent and mature.

This role will suit a Tutor who has an excellent academic record, a strong sense of adventure, a passion for teaching and the ability to keep detailed plans and records of work covered. The Tutor must be organized, self- reliant, and independent. They should not require hand-holding for any aspect of the position, even if technology lets them down or their lesson plans for the day fall through. They should always keep something up their sleeve to interest or amuse. The Tutor should be eloquent, able to explain concepts simply, and to inspire with their enthusiasm for any given subject. He or she should be a natural communicator with a kind and caring disposition, and a firm-but-fair approach to their work.

Over the course of the contract, the Tutor should expect to work an average of about 40 hours a week. He or she will be entitled to at least two consecutive days off per week, but should be flexible with their timing as they will need to fit their ‘weekend’ around the family’s travel plans or extra curricula activities. The Client will give the Tutor as much notice as possible regarding the timing of their ‘weekend’.

A typical week will likely be Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, with preparation time in addition. It has been suggested that the first part of each school day should be spent doing some kind of physical activity or exercise before the day’s academic learning begins.

Standard contractual vacation allowance of a minimum of 9 weeks per annum applies to this contract. As per the Terms, the timing of breaks will be at the Client’s convenience.

Accommodation in the form of a furnished apartment will be provided for the Tutor near the family. The Client will be responsible for all utility bills on this accommodation save the Tutor’s personal telephone use. The Tutor is responsible for the cost of their meals save for those taken with the student while tutoring.

If the Tutor does not already have a car, the client will cover all costs associated with public transport.

It is essential that the Tutor is a non-smoker and leads a healthy lifestyle. They must ensure that they hold adequate medical and travel insurance.