The boy is academically able (measured IQ in the 140s). He has an inquisitive mind and relishes challenges of any sort. Currently he is studying International Baccalaureate (IB) courses in French, English, Physics, Economics, Chinese and Mathematics, as well as Advanced Placement (AP) courses in Spanish and Calculus.

Whilst he has little problem with the content of any of these courses, his poor study skills let him down at times. Time management is a key concern and a lack of forward planning has meant that his homework is sometimes hurried and occasionally not done at all.

He has been diagnosed with ADD and while he demonstrates some of the characteristics that one might attribute to this condition there is a palpable sense that much of his behaviour is derived from a lack of motivation. One source of this may be the teaching at his school, which can at times - particularly in the case of Physics - be lacklustre.

On a social level, a visiting tutor has recently described him as being, “unfailingly polite, with a down-to-earth persona and a good sense of humour.” He is at times highly confident but this confidence is said to waver at times. Outside of school he has a keen interest in the outdoors and individual sports such as scuba diving, hiking and squash. Music is also a passion of his and he enjoys playing the guitar and drums with a particular emphasis on rock and heavy metal. In terms of his future, the world of business is his passion and it is hoped that he might go on to study at a top business school such as Wharton or Stern.

The family’s daughter is also very able, but unlike her brother, has no difficulty in organizing her time. Her work is always done to a high standard and in a timely fashion. The only subject of concern is science, and the tutor may occasionally be asked to assist with this.

It is not expected that the tutor will work intensively on any other subjects with the exception of English, where the boy is underachieving slightly perhaps due to a larger class size and a resulting lack of individual attention. That said it would, of course, be an advantage if the tutor had some knowledge of the other subjects being studied. Naturally the right person will have experience teaching the IB system and be able to gear his teaching towards the specific requirements of the IB Physics syllabus and the compulsory IB Theory of Knowledge course.

The family is also looking for an individual who can act as a mentor for their son. They want someone who exhibits the characteristics that they would like to develop in their boy and someone who is able to engender skills such as good time-management and strong exam technique. They feel that by having an educational role model to emulate, their son will grow to be the best that he can be. This also carries through to extra-curricular activities and it will be of great advantage if the tutor has similar interests and passions in his own life. The family also has firm principles on a number of issues. Firstly they practice sobriety at home and secondly they embrace all religions without practicing any. Any candidate for this job would have to be sensitive to and respectful of such principles.

The paid vacation entitlement, is at least nine weeks per annum. It is likely that the majority of this will be taken during the children’s summer vacation.

The Client will provide meals that occur during the tutoring time. All other meals are the Tutor’s responsibility.

The family will provide a monthly allowance to cover the costs for the Tutor’s travel from their apartment to the family’s home and back.

The family have a second home in Switzerland and spend time there particularly in Winter. It is expected that the tutor will join the family on these and any other trips providing they take place outside of designated vacation time. When travelling, the Client will be responsible for all the Tutor’s expenses. For a variety of reasons it is practically impossible for a non-Chinese national to get a Chinese driving license. Consequently the tutor will need to use public transport or a bicycle to get around outside work hours. As stated previously the family will ensure that the tutor is driven to and from work each evening.