The future of our nation depends on our capacity to innovate and lead in a rapidly changing world. As an educator and a parent, I am deeply concerned by a trend that threatens this very future: the declining participation in VCE Maths and Science. This isn't just about individual students' grades; it's about the pipeline of talent we need to drive Australia forward in fields like AI, Robotics and Data science. My mission, and the very foundation of Jasmine Tutors, is to reignite a passion for these critical subjects and ensure every Victorian student has the opportunity to contribute to a brighter, more innovative Australia.
Beyond the Rote Learning Trap
Our students are our most valuable resource, yet we are seeing a worrying erosion of foundational STEM skills. The latest data from the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) confirms that enrolments in higher and intermediate mathematics remain at alarmingly low levels. In 2022, only 10.1% of Year 12 students were enrolled in higher maths, with a significant gender gap persisting.
This challenge is further compounded by a critical issue: a chronic shortage of qualified STEM teachers. According to AMSI reports, up to 40% of teachers delivering secondary school mathematics are teaching "out-of-field", meaning their major university qualification is in another subject. This problem is particularly acute in disadvantaged schools and has a direct impact on students' confidence and engagement with these subjects.
This
challenge is further compounded by a critical issue: a chronic shortage
of qualified STEM teachers. According to AMSI reports, up to 40% of
teachers delivering secondary school mathematics are teaching
"out-of-field", meaning their major university qualification is in
another subject. This problem is particularly acute in disadvantaged
schools and has a direct impact on students' confidence and engagement
with these subjects.
While some believe that high-pressure tutoring focuses on rote learning and exam technique over critical thinking, we must focus on preparing students for the rigour of tertiary education and beyond, and that starts with understanding what works.
A Personalised Partnership for a Stronger Future
At Jasmine Tutors, we believe that reversing this trend begins with a personal, one-on-one approach. This is where we fundamentally differ from larger, more impersonal services and Tutoring agencies. The research shows that "one-on-one tutoring" is "highly effective for individual learning needs, boosting academic achievement and building confidence". It is particularly beneficial for a wide range of students, including those who are struggling, gifted, or disadvantaged.
We cater to what parents and students are truly aiming to achieve:
For Academic Excellence: We offer focused, personalised ATAR tutoring, specifically one-on-one or small group sessions led by subject-matter experts. This approach is proven to boost academic results, build exam technique, and directly address the selection criteria for competitive university programs. Our one-on-one sessions enable tutors to identify individual strengths and fill knowledge gaps.
For Building Foundational Skills: Our tutoring goes beyond rote learning to foster genuine understanding and critical thinking. For students with learning gaps in numeracy and literacy, targeted one-on-one or small group tutoring can help them catch up quickly and build confidence.
For Broader Development: We focus on developing the whole student. Tutoring can help students with behavioural issues by providing a personalised, relationship-focused environment that improves engagement and self-esteem. For gifted students, our well-structured tutoring challenges and motivates them, improving critical thinking and building deeper conceptual understanding.
We are an experienced educational partner invested in your child's long-term success. We work with families as a team, providing regular progress updates and sharing strategies to create a supportive learning environment at home. This collaborative effort ensures that the student is not just succeeding during their tutoring session but is developing a growth mindset that extends to all areas of their life.
Most Effective Tutoring Types for University Entry
The table below provides a summary of the most effective tutoring types for university entry and beyond
Beyond the Exam Room
My vision extends far beyond the final VCE exam. A solid foundation in mathematics and science is the bedrock for the skills needed in the jobs of the future. The analytical frameworks of these disciplines are indispensable for navigating the complexities of the 21st century and are the driving force behind technological innovation. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2023 shows that Australia's Year 4 and Year 8 students are performing at levels that suggest a need for improved support to ensure they are on track for future success. By empowering students with these skills, we are not just giving them a career path; we are equipping them to become the next generation of problem-solvers, engineers, and researchers who will shape our nation's future.
The decline in STEM participation is a national challenge, but it is one we can meet, one student at a time. At Jasmine Tutors, we are dedicated to making a tangible difference in the lives of our students and, by extension, in the future of our nation.
Want to find out more? Contact us