This is general educational guidance. Check the linked official sources and your child’s school instructions for the applicable syllabus and assessment year.
Before the lesson
Prepare a recent marked paper, school materials and one or two questions the student genuinely finds difficult. Tell the tutor the level, subject and immediate concern.
Set up a quiet space and the required device or stationery. Avoid filling the trial with a large pile of unrelated worksheets.
During the explanation
Notice whether the tutor first checks what the student understands. A suitable explanation should respond to the error rather than begin as a generic lecture.
Look for changes in approach when the student remains confused: a new example, representation, question or smaller step.
During student practice
The student should attempt something independently. Observe whether the tutor waits, asks useful questions and gives feedback that helps the student make the next decision.
A lesson can feel smooth because the tutor completes most of the work. Independence provides better evidence of learning.
After the lesson, use these questions to evaluate the student’s experience:
- Was the pace appropriate?
- Could the student ask questions comfortably?
- Did feedback explain what to improve?
- Could the student apply the idea to a fresh task?
After the lesson
Ask the student what became clearer and whether the tutor’s explanation style helped. Ask the tutor what they observed and what the first few lessons would prioritise.
Confirm rate, schedule, mode, materials and communication before deciding. Take time to compare the fit rather than feeling pressured to commit immediately.