AIBU to think this tutor has an attitude?

But all of that said, this really was a good punchline:

I’ve got friends who are teachers and I hear a lot from them about teaching

At least the OP didn't say " ... so I know a lot about teaching."

Well, they also show their ignorance ... What the tutor is doing is absolutely standard. @SoCloseToNothing1981 is questioning his approach when it's clear she knows very little about studying, studying history, and techniques of teaching, and learning.

People need to understand that teaching is only one part of the equation: a student needs actively to learn. The OP's DS is not actively learning - not knowing what subject he's studying is just one example, not taking notes is another.

And the OP is aiding & abetting this laziness and lack of engagement,.

Everything he is doing sounds right, you are just assuming your child is a genius.

I'm quoting myself here. Of course I meant I don't want to be unkind.

I am unfollowing this thread as OP is obstinate and totally delusional.

To be fair, I've really enjoyed reading it!

This is clearly a windup about parents who think they know best 'i work in a school, not a teacher, but know teachers'. 'already gone through 2 tutors'. Nicely drip-fed though for maximum comedic value😂

I suspect we are flogging a horse that wasn’t even alive in the first place here

I'm wondering the same. I think the OP is being overbearing and wanting a certain narrative for her son that he quite clearly isn't capable of, or wants. Pushy parents will always make the kids rebel or not care.

In order to be able to revise a subject.... you need to KNOW the subject.

If your son has massive knowledge gaps... flashcards and revision tips aren't going to help.

Whether the tutor is a university student or a fully qualified teacher isn't really the point. The OP has criticised the tutor's strategy for helping her son. However, the tutor's assessment of the son's needs seems to be identical to teachers at the school who have already advised OPl. That suggests the tutor is on the right path. Nothing OP has said in her posts suggests any failure by the tutor. They do, however, suggest plenty of failing by the OP, her son and her DH. This kind of head in the sand denial isn't uncommno unfortunately. It will be the school and/or tutor's fault when her son doesn't get the grades he wants because that's how this will end.
University students make great tutors for lots of reasons. They're just out of the GCSE/A Level process themselves, they've done all the strategies, they remember it all. They are probably tutoring the same subject they're studying themselves so will have good subject knowledge. They got good enough grades to get into university so they've demonstrated they know what they need to do.
They also probably really need the money which would explain why this poor tutor is still battling away trying to help OPs son. But a tutor is a support role, the real work has to come from the student themselves.

I wrote it just before a fitness class in a rush!

Don’t really agree with any of this. I was born in the mid-80s and my parents who were born in the 60s were both still very invested in my education. That’s a personality and values thing, not an age thing. I also take an active interest in my own child’s education, despite having the option to leave school at 16 if I’d wanted to (I didn’t).

Also, your post implies that A-Levels are OP’s DS’s only option and that just isn’t true. If he was so inclined there are many apprenticeships and/or vocational study options he could pursue instead. If OP was a realist, she would have already been encouraging him in that direction.

I don't think it's an age thing a few of DD2 friends and parents had a shock over what was next - some very late in Y11. Plus here in wales you can still leave education at 16 - it's a devloved matter but most do something more.

Looking now is good - college open days are happening now onwards and there maybe local careers services - there's time to give a kick up arse for Y11 slacking off so they know what they need - and to have a few plans going forward.

In defence of OP, I am guessing she was born in 1981. I think people born in 1981 could leave school at 16, which she probably did.
Without being unkind, her parents probably took very little interest in her education. She has probably not taken much interest in her son's education for the past 16 years - hence she hasn't been aware of what he's been up to at school and the grades that he has been achieving. All of a sudden, she has woken up. Maybe she has heard someone else boasting about their wonderful child, or parents' whatsapp chatter. Panic stations!!
I sometimes think it is cruel to keep kids in education until they are 18. In 1981, this boy would have left school at 16, got a job or an apprenticeship; he would be earning money and would be far happier. Not everyone is meant to study until they are 18.

More to the point, is there anything that the tutor advised that was wrong?

Thought not.

Doesn't mean they wouldn't be competent tutors.

Cogent English would help your point here.

I think it depends on the fit. what the OP sold the job as being fits what it actually is doesn’t.

although I am not convinced history should be the focus

They are not trained teachers though. Dd1 had a grad student helping her with maths in early years of secondary but as GCSEs approached she actually asked us for someone more qualified. We found a retired head of maths who tutored her. She got a 7 which was amazing for her (8s and 9s everything else she’s always struggled with maths).

but it isn’t - the world of tutors now is a LOT of University and A level students - because as I said their skill set is very useful for bringing up a couple of grades. DD is ex grammar and a lot there used ex pupils and it cycled through really as people graduate new ones start. And it works because the baseline is a 6/7 and getting them to an 8/9 is fine

And given how the OP thought the job would be it makes sense he would take it

No. It is a fact that he is a student. Being a student doesn't mean that he is not a real tutor.

What an arrogantly-worded post.

That's not insulting
It's a fact

Of course a university student is perfectly good option but OP was not the posters criticizing a university student being a tutor

"So, you’ve picked a tutor who is a university student and not a qualified and experienced teacher. "
"So the tutor isn't an actual tutor just an 18 to 21yo doing some tutoring while at Uni?"
"OK. I hold my hands up. Just reread ALL of this thread. Your tutor is a uni student? SO basically not even a qualified teacher?"

"Almost a perfect ending to the sorry tale! Let’s hope the tutor/student was doing the same syllabus/ same exam board and kept all his notes, because it doesn’t sound as though either the tutor/student or the OPs child have the foggiest idea what they are doing."

This was just a quick search