Students turning to tutors after tumultuous academic year

More than 200,000 Victorian students are still struggling after a school year like no other, with the uptake of a tutoring program exceeding expectations.

Year 10 students Lucy and Amelie studying at home in preparation for the academic year ahead. Picture: Andrew Henshaw.

More than 3000 tutors have been hired so far to help 200,000 struggling Victorian kids left behind during the coronavirus lockdown.

Exclusive figures obtained by the Herald Sun show the system has already exceeded expectations. So far, 3700 tutors have been hired – 200 more than planned by this point in the school year.

Tutors have started in many schools, with testing to identify the one in five kids who need help completed in most schools.

The total number will meet the target of 4100 tutors set last year.

It comes as education experts say kids also need to be prepared emotionally by their parents in case of another tumultuous year of disrupted schooling.

Robert Evans, principal of Bayside P-12 College Altona North Campus, said most children had come back to school well “but a handful had fluctuating anxiety levels”.

“We’ve now got some evidence of where the holes are and have two full-time tutors to help in the junior school with literacy and numeracy,” he said.

Education Minister James Merlino said that while “some children thrived during remote and flexible learning, others found it challenging and that is why this initiative is so important”.

Amelie, 16, from Mont Albert, said she was excited school was back and hoping she and her friends can keep studying in the classroom.

“I’m keen to watch my friendships develop and grow over year ten at school,” she said.

“Fingers crossed we can stay at school. It is much easier to stay focused especially in practical subjects.”

Melbourne educator Sharon Witt, author of Surviving High School, said many children would need the key skills of resilience and adaptability they learnt in 2020.

“These are skills that can’t necessarily be taught in school- they are developed through facing challenges, going through adversity and developing coping strategies,” she said.

“With mental health issues soaring with our young people, it is most important that as parents, we help our children and teens maintain a sense of healthy wellbeing and happiness with robust supports in place.

“If your young person is not completing school work at the highest standard they are capable of, but their sense of self and wellbeing is healthy, I would much prefer that.

During a major life event such as a global pandemic, school is not the be all end all,” Ms Witt said.

“I think just maintaining a positive approach with our kids is the best way to go, and if we go into lockdowns, we will be just fine,” she said.

“We have already experienced it, learnt what works and doesn’t work for us as individuals, and made adjustments as needed.”