we offer zoom and in person tutoring
FAQs
Who performs the tutoring?
Each student will be suitably matched with one of our friendly tutors based on subject, age, needs and availability.
Our team are committed to the quality of tutoring. To that end we undertake extensive training when hiring to ensure that our tutors have the requisite knowledge but also the ability to connect with each student’s needs in line with our Sandbox approach.
Learn more about our team here
Is tutoring conducted one-on-one or in groups?
We offer one-on-one in person tutoring at our office in Edgecliff (in person tutoring is currently unavailable)
We currently do not offer group classes at our Edgecliff office. However, if you are part of a P&C, school or community group we are always interested in partnerships. We currently run several after school programs in the Eastern Suburbs. And would love to hear from you. Get in touch!
Do you conduct online zoom tutoring?
Yes. Our zoom tutoring operates the same way as in person tutoring.
How much does it cost?
1-on-1 in person and zoom online tutoring prices are as follows:
Years 4-10 $80/hr
HSC Years 11-12 $100/hr
For more information please see our services page.
What is the minimum commitment?
Improving confidence and understanding isn’t a simple quick fix and can’t be done in a session or two. We require parents to commit for the term.
This also allows us to lock in the same tutor for the term.
Will I have the same tutor each term?
We try our best each term to keep you matched with the same tutor. However, since each term student and tutor availability changes this is not always possible.
Before the start of each term we ask each for each Sandbox families availability to confirm possible times. The more flexible student’s can be with availability the more likely we are able to keep the match.
In the event that this isn’t possible, we have many other wonderful tutors ready to support.
Where does tutoring take place?
In person:
All our sessions take place at our office in Edgecliff. We are located at Suite 7 201 New South Head Road in the Edgecliff Mews building.
Over Zoom:
Student can be located almost anywhere. As long as there is stable internet. Headphones and a quiet space.
Do your tutors do home visits?
No. All tutoring sessions take place at our Edgecliff office. Or online over zoom
Will my child need to do homework??
Yes. Practice is a critical in reinforcing new concepts and making the learning stick. You wouldn’t try to get better at sport just by watching videos or listening to a coach’s lecture. You need to practice!
The exact amount of homework depends on each student’s needs but will be around 1 hr per week.
What if my child isn’t doing the assigned homework?
Without performing the homework students will forget what happens in the lesson.
At Sandbox Learning Australia learning is a shared responsibility between the student, parent and tutor. Everyone has a role to play.
Ultimately it is up to the student to be engaged in the lesson and to complete the homework.
However for the tutoring to work best parents need to be a partner. That means checking in that the homework is taking place and reinforcing that it needs to be done.
How often does tutoring occur?
We generally operate with a one session per week model during the school term unless otherwise agreed.
Is the tutoring aligned with the curriculum?
Yes the tutoring aligns with the Australian and NSW curricula
Do you work on school homework at tutoring?
In general no. The Sandbox approach focuses on addressing each student’s specific learning gaps. For most students this means going back to review concepts in previous terms or years. Most subjects are cumulative, therefore getting the foundation right is critical to allow students to succeed in later concepts.
With that having your tutor will also balance the need for long-term learning with short-term priorities like upcoming tests and assignments.
Do you help students prepare for NAPLAN and selective/scholarship exams?
Yes certainly. We support students by getting them to understand the underlying maths concepts. This in turn allows them to perform well on external exams. Additionally our tutors teach study skills to help students maximise their learning in less time.
What happens during the sessions?
Each student will be working according to an individual learning plan customised to their particular needs. At the start of the session tutors will check in on the homework and cover any areas that are still confusing. During the main part of the lesson tutors will work with the student on new content areas. But this is not a lecture. Rather students are active in their own learning, working through exercises to make the learning stick. At the end students practice ‘recall’ by reflecting on what they learned in that session.
If students aren’t completing homework then unfortunately some of the lesson time will be spent on them completing it.
What if I need to cancel a session?
If you need to cancel a session you need to provide at least 48hrs notice to us so our tutors can organise their time. Cancellation within 48 hours will result in the lesson being forfeited.
If you provide at least 48hrs notice we will endeavour to organise a make-up lesson. Please note that due to tutor availability, you child may be matched with another of our wonderful tutors for the reschedule.
How do we pay?
All payments are made by setting up direct debit. When you first get started with us we will send you a form to set up direct debit. This is handled by a third-party payments provider and we do not hold your card or account information.
Each week we will charge your nominated account for the lesson and you will receive a receipt.
Can I pay with cash?
No. All payments are to be made through our automatic direct debit.