16 year old tutor?

[justastudent]

I am a sixth form student predicted all As and Bs, I got 6A*s and 7As for my GCSEs. I also go to a well-known grammar school and I'm considering tutoring younger students for either 11+ exams or GCSEs. Obviously there would be an issue in terms of me not having a CRB check as I am in full time education and haven't had a job which requires one.

I know that as a student who went through GCSEs last year, I'd be able to help students much more effectively as I know how they feel and can relate to them a lot more than an adult tutor can.

Anyway, I was wondering if a) you would hire someone my age as a tutor for your child/children (if not, why?), and b) how much would you pay (obviously not as much as a professional tutor).

Thanks!

[busymummy0411]

Yes absolutely. I think it is a good idea for you to get experience and children can sometimes relate better to someone closer to their age. Around my area we pay £20-25 per hour for a "professional" tutor (not through an agency) so maybe in the region of £15-20. I haven't asked my son's tutor to see her CRB check, we are in the house at all times and can hear/see what goes on, so are not leaving him in her charge. So that wouldn't necessarily be an issue anyway, although I think you can pay to have one done if it is an issue.

[scaevola]

I would not (sorry).

Because I would be looking for an effective tutor, not a friend/revision buddy. So would expect someone who knew the syllabuses inside out, could assess strengths and weaknesses rapidly and had effective teaching methods to deal with any and all weaknesses and gaps.

[justastudent]

Just to add, in terms of syllabuses pretty much all GCSE ones are the same, they are just taught in a different order. However, I'd definitely find out the exam board and make sure I am completely up to date with the syllabus.
Also, having gone through GCSEs/11+ exams I feel I know what's effective in terms of learning and revising, etc.

[teacoffeesomethingsweet]

OP, I was a tutor at the age of 18. The key was to set boundaries, as in: I am not your buddy, we are here to study!
In terms of the ultimate "how much" question, I started off charging a half of the professional tutor rate. Recommendations helped hugely and new people didn't get such favourable rates.
Good luck.

[BackforGood]

It depends what you (as a parent) are looking for - for many people, a few hours going through past papers or set homeworks or revision guides is all they need to just boost their confidence - or, in some cases, just to ensure your dc focuses on that subject for an hour. It will boost them tremendously and be well worth paying £15 for.
If the child really is behind / not likely to make the grade / has not understood fundamentals earlier on in the subject / etc. then I guess people would rather find an older, more qualified person to do the job.

Your key - as teacoffee says is getting the first one or two customers and then picking up recommendations from there - much more likely to be able to get work, after you've proved yourself effective, so you might have to come right down with you prices until you can say you are experienced. So, for example, at 14, my dd did babysitting work for free (with me sat in the living room doing nothing but reassuring parents I was there), and some 'Mother's Help' work, so she had references and was able to cite experience when branching out a bit at 15... it's about investing for a longer term gain.

Not so sure about 11+ tutoring as I don't know a lot about it - only the stress I read about on here.

[DancingDinosaur]

I might do on a trial basis and see how it goes. Depends how good you were at explaining things and teaching. Age wouldn't necessarily be a barrier to that.

[AtomicDog]

I would not, as at 16 you could not possibly have the depth and breadth of understanding a graduate would have.

11+ has changed a lot in last five years, so it's definitely a no there.

[balletgirlmum]

What do you know about the various teaching & learning methods & how to work out what kind of learner a student is?

Do you have a knowkwfge of SEN & Specific learning difficulties & what strategies can be used to help these learners?

[AtomicDog]

Btw, our 6th formers "buddy-up" with younger pupils to support them with homework/subject knowledge etc in school and after school. Also, some are mentors to help with socialisation/friendship issues. (unpaid, obviously) Does your school not already do this?

[Pico2]

I would want a qualified and experienced teacher. Wth 11+ and GCSEs , you only get one bite at the cherry, so I wouldn't take a risk if my child needed a tutor.

[CountryLovingGirl]

One of my old school pals was very bright at school. She got top marks, just like you. I was told she tutored younger students while she was at university to make a bit of money (and not rely on student loans so heavily).

Last I heard, she was head teacher of an outstanding secondary school!

BTW, I would pay you. I have an 11 year old and a 7 year old. My 11 year old is a bright spark but his younger sibling could do with some help once we approach SATS in year 6. Start off cheaper and go from there, it will be useful income for you (and experience) if you go to university.

[ErrolTheDragon]

in terms of syllabuses pretty much all GCSE ones are the same
I've got a yr11 and comparing with other parents with kids doing different boards this is really not true. But you're probably au fait with looking up the specifications.
I feel I know what's effective in terms of learning and revising, etc.
You know what works for you - clearly a bright and self-motivated individual. The children who need tutoring may well be quite different.

DD's school does the 6th formers mentoring/tutoring younger pupils. I think you should ask your school if you could do that, and gain some experience that way - then no need to worry about DBS checks or professional indemnity insurance (as soon as you start charging for a service you have to take things somewhat seriously). You wouldn't get paid, but it would be a good 'leadership' type thing for your university applications.

[nagsandovalballs]

I'd be offering a babysitting plus service - ie homework support for year 7-9. Charge more than a babysitter but less than a tutor.

I'm a tutor and have been for years - since I was 19. I now have a PhD and am highly sought after. I don't touch 11+ with a barge pole! Too much pressure, too difficult, too many hopes pinned on one person and one student.

However, there is a massive market for supporting students struggling to make the transition to senior schools - kids who need an academic ally and support at home. Parents sometimes don't have the time to deal with it, or they don't want to be trapped in endless battles over revision etc. I feel someone your age could, potentially, offer that support. Why not try advertising in your local area where babysitters do? Or asking at school? I agree with joining any mentoring schemes at school for experience.

The thing with tutoring is that it either works for you and the student - or it doesn't. A parent may try you out and then decide you don't suit. Offer some free sessions and see how they go. I have a parent who used to pay me £15 when I first started out and was still working out how to do things. She now pays me £40 per hour and I'm on child number three!

[Stillwishihadabs]

We used a lad of 16 to help get my son through the 11+, it was perfect. I also helped a girl I babysat for every night 4-5:30 to prepare 25 years ago. She did very well. I think it can work well we paid £7:50 an hour.

[Pepperpot99]

I definitely would not employ a 16 year old. You say you can "relate to (students) a lot more than an adult tutor can" - which of course is not the case. Experienced, adult educational practitioners are far better able to relate to students by virtue of their training and academic expertise. A 16 year old, no matter how bright, has neither of those advantages. What do you know of teaching and learning strategies? Do you really think a lary, restless 15 year old is going to view you with the same eyes as they would a proven, experienced teacher of that subject ?

And btw, GCSE boards are not 'the same' ! I tutor (and teach in secondary school) for one of the core subjects and I can tell you the OCR board is vastly different from, say, the EDEXCEL iGCSE version of that subject.

Lastly, many teachers and tutors have marked for the exam boards which gives them a lot of insight regarding assessment criteria and skill sets. Do you have this experience?

It is a mistake to think that because you have done well in your GCSEs you are suddenly an expert. Lots of people do well in their GCSEs - that doesn't make them all natural born teachers.