How to Prepare for Your Child's Introductory Tuition Session and Assessment
If your child is joining me for one-to-one tuition, their journey will begin with an introductory session and assessment. This is the first step towards helping them achieve their academic goals, and I want both you and your child to get as much as possible from it. This guide explains exactly what to expect, what I'll need before the session, and how to prepare so we can make the best possible use of our time together.
What is the introductory session for?
The introductory session isn't just an opportunity for us to meet; it's designed to make sure tuition is the right fit for your child and to build a clear picture of where they are currently.
During the session we will:
Get to know each other.
Discuss your child's current level and their academic goals.
Talk about how they learn best and any areas they find challenging.
Complete a short assessment to identify their strengths and any gaps in knowledge.
Work through a short trial lesson so they can experience my teaching style.
The session lasts around 45 minutes. I recommend allowing up to one hour in case we overrun slightly.
What I'll need before the session
There are a few things I ask parents to send before the introductory session.
Recent Mock Papers
If possible, please send across any recent mock papers or assessments your child has completed.
These help me understand their current level of knowledge, their exam technique and the types of mistakes they're making. I can then start planning the session before we even meet.
Current Grades
Please let me know your child's current working grade or most recent exam result in the subject.
Their Goals
One of the most important questions I ask every student is:
"What do you want to achieve, and why?"
For example:
Are they aiming for a particular university course?
Do they already have an offer they need to meet?
Are they planning to study the subject at A-level?
Do they simply want to achieve a pass because it's an important subject for their future?
The more I understand where your child wants to get to, and the reasons behind them, the better we can discuss realistic expectations and create a personalised plan to help them achieve those goals.
A Topic of Their Choice
Before the session, I'll ask your child to choose one topic that they have already covered at school (or elsewhere) that they'd like us to work through together.
I ask for this beforehand because we cover a lot during the introductory session. Planning the lesson in advance means we can make the most of our time together.
The topic should be something they've already covered rather than something completely new. I prefer introducing new topics during ongoing tuition, where I can revisit them, check understanding, and make sure your child leaves feeling confident.
Joining the Session
The introductory session takes place online.
You'll be sent a joining link before the session, and you can simply click the link to join.
I recommend checking the link a few minutes beforehand to make sure everything is working correctly. If you have any issues accessing the session, just send me an email and I'll be happy to help.
Parents are very welcome to join at the beginning of the session. They can introduce themselves, discuss their child's goals, or ask any questions before the teaching begins. You're also welcome to rejoin at the end of the session to receive feedback and discuss the next steps.
During the teaching part of the session, I generally recommend allowing your child to work independently. This helps them settle into the lesson, build confidence, and gives a true reflection of how regular tuition sessions are run.
Where possible, I ask that cameras remain switched on throughout the session. This helps me monitor engagement, assess understanding, and provide the best possible support.
What Should Your Child Bring?
Please make sure they have:
A notebook or notepad
A pen or pencil
I'll share everything on screen during the session and send the lesson notes afterwards.
I also encourage students to make their own notes during the session. I'll often ask them to write down particularly important ideas, methods, or exam tips as we go.
Using both their own notes and the lesson notes I send afterwards is one of the best ways to build a strong set of revision materials.
Will There Be Homework?
Yes
Just like my regular tuition sessions, I'll set a small amount of homework after the introductory session. For students who go on to have regular tuition, I'll ask them to complete it before their first lesson so I can mark it and go through any corrections together once regular tuition begins.
Homework is one of the most effective ways to consolidate what we've covered, and I recommend that students complete it one or two days after the session. At this point, the information is still fresh, making it much easier to recall and reinforce what they've learned.
Ready to Book an Introductory Session?
If you're looking for specialist tuition in GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Maths, GCSE Biology, or A-level Chemistry, I'd be delighted to help.
Every student begins with an introductory session where we'll identify their current level, highlight their strengths, identify any gaps in knowledge, and create a personalised learning plan to help them achieve their goals.
Whether your child is looking to build confidence, improve their grades, or prepare for important exams, every lesson is tailored to their individual needs and learning style.
Ready to get started? Book your child's introductory session today.
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