Current vacancy
Bilingual Mathematics Tutor - Surrey UK
Background to the role
A family based in Surrey, KT22, are seeking a highly specialist Russian Mathematics tutor for their son, aged eight and a half. The boy is currently home educated and working comfortably ahead of expectations for his age. He is bilingual in Russian and English, and Mathematics sessions may be conducted in either language.
The student is a fast, naturally analytical thinker with a strong intellectual capacity. His father is a mathematician and has shaped the family's approach to the subject considerably: the priority is the development of mathematical reasoning and the ability to work things through mentally, rather than rote learning or the mechanical application of methods. Times tables as a memorisation exercise are not part of the philosophy; ratehr the focus is to be on logical calculation, mental arithmetic and deep conceptual understanding.
The student is a highly intelligent and naturally curious boy with a great deal of energy and enthusiasm. He is a fast thinker who benefits from constant engagement and stimulation, responding best to those who can match his pace and speak to him on his own terms. Outside of his studies, the boy attends regular gymnastics and swimming sessions. He has a strong and confident personality and responds best to those who are calm, authoritative and measured, while remaining warm, engaging and inspiring.
Duties of the tutor
The tutor will deliver three in-person sessions per week at the family home in KT22, with each session lasting 2 hours with a 15 minute break in the middle. Sessions will be structured around a rigorous and systematic mastery of the core curriculum, with a clear trajectory towards Olympiad-level mathematics once the necessary foundations are securely in place.
The programme will be built around the textbooks of Peterson, Geydeman and Abramson, and the tutor is expected to be thoroughly familiar with these authors and their methodology. The emphasis throughout is on depth of understanding over pace of progression: the family are not seeking acceleration for its own sake, but the cultivation of mathematical thinking and independent problem-solving ability.
The tutor will maintain regular communication with the family, providing clarity on progress and feeding into the wider home education programme coordinated by the child’s Governor. Lessons will be co-ordinated in collaboration with the boy’s primary homeschooling tutor.
Desired tutor profile
The family are seeking a bilingual (Russian & English) tutor with a comprehensive grounding in traditional Russian Mathematics. Experience teaching within specialist programmes such as Matclass 2x2, School 57 or L2Sh, or equivalent rigorous mathematical environments, is highly desirable. Proven experience preparing students for mathematics Olympiads in Russia is essential.
Thorough familiarity with the Peterson, Geydeman and Abramson textbooks and a solid understanding of their pedagogical approach is a firm requirement.
Beyond this, the tutor will be familiar with a wide range of pedagogical and conceptual approaches to learning Mathematics, able to instil in the student a broad and deep understanding of the subject.
The family are not looking for general tutoring support or standard 11+ preparation. They are looking for a specialist of the highest calibre, capable of working with a highly able and intellectually demanding child in the tradition of rigorous, concept-driven Russian mathematical education.
Contractual details
Commencement Date: As soon as possible.
Contract type: Hourly.
Remuneration: £270 per 2-hour session. Reasonable educational expenses (excluding travel) covered.
Hours: 3 x 2 hour sessions per week. Some flexibility in scheduling would be beneficial, with specific times to be agreed upon with the child’s primary homeschooling tutor.
Travel: Travel to and from the family’s residence will not be reimbursed; additional travel with the family will not be required.
How to apply
Interested in this role? To apply please email info@witherowbrooke.com with your CV and subject line "Surrey Mathematics Tutor Application".
Witherow Brooke are offering a £250 referral fee for a recommendation of a candidates subsequently appointed to the role.