From Struggle to Success: How Tutoring Transformed My Maths Journey

I consider myself to be lucky when I say that I have always worked with primary aged children. My first work experience when I was in Year 10 was at a local village school, and I pursued a career in teaching, and then to tutoring, from there. I suppose one of the main reasons for my lifelong engagement with primary life is that I loved it when I was a boy.  As I look back on my primary school days, I remember them fondly for many reasons: I loved writing stories, making masks, acting in the school play - and, of course, playtime! 

But amidst these cherished memories, there was one subject that consistently challenged me and filled me with dread: maths!

Maths, - with its rigid rules and numbers and abstract concepts - it seemed like a foreign language. While my friends appeared to grasp the lessons with ease, I found myself lost half of the time. The frustration grew with each passing day, overshadowing my love for learning. I preferred to immerse myself in the imaginative worlds of storytelling and art, where creativity knew no bounds. Maths, however, felt rigid and unforgiving, a puzzle with pieces that refused to fit together.

When I was about ten, my mum introduced me to a family friend who happened to be a tutor - Mrs Kershaw. I was hesitant at first, assuming that mastering maths was just not for me. However, one I got going , I realised this was different. Mrs Kershaw wasn't just teaching me maths; she was teaching me to see it through a new lens.

I remember it well. The kind encouragement; the lack of judgement; our tutoring sessions became a safe haven where I could express my confusion without fear of judgment from my friends. She patiently explained concepts in ways that resonated with me, often using analogies that made the abstract tangible. Using games, and creating stories from the numbers in front of me, were, now I look back on it, strategies that she knew I'd respond to well.

Over time, the confidence that had eluded me in the classroom started to build. I no longer approached maths with trepidation; instead, I tackled problems with curiosity and determination.

My progress was transforming my attitude towards learning. The skills I developed with my tutor —problem-solving, critical thinking, and perseverance—spilled over into other areas of my education and life. And to think that, years later, I was appointed maths lead in a range of school settings!

Many children struggle with subjects that don't come naturally to them. It's easy to become discouraged. But with the right support, every child has the potential to excel. Tutoring offers a personalised approach that traditional classrooms often can't provide, tailoring lessons to each child's learning style and pace.

For parents considering tutoring for their children, I can wholeheartedly say it's worth it. The benefits extend far beyond academic improvement. A good tutor doesn't just teach a subject; they inspire a love for learning, build confidence, and equip children with skills that last a lifetime.

In my case, the decision to seek help turned my biggest academic challenge into a source of strength. It showed me that with the right guidance and support, even the most daunting subjects can become manageable, even enjoyable.

If your child is struggling in class, do consider the profound impact a tutor can have. Sometimes, all it takes is a different perspective and a bit of extra support to unlock a child's true potential.