The Vector Method

Vector Academy was founded to tackle two major challenges in the tutoring industry:

  • The confusion that arises from premature exposure to advanced material
  • The lack of engagement that makes tutoring unappealing to many students. 

 

Our goal is to make tutoring both engaging and effective, ensuring that students benefit from highly efficient teaching while giving parents confidence in the Vector Method.

Consolidation

There are generally two types of tutors in this industry; the first being those who ‘supervise’ students during their homework needs, and the second being those who push beyond the student’s current learning to ‘get ahead’. These methods of tutoring may have their benefits, but we believe, based on years of experience, that there is a much more effective way to teach students.
 
Completing homework with a student is a useful way to assess their current understanding. However, in most cases, the material is still fresh from the previous day’s lesson at school. Without reinforcement, this content often goes untouched until the final exam, by which time it has been largely forgotten. We have found that revisiting content a few weeks after it has been learnt is absolutely crucial for a deep understanding of the topic – consolidation is key.
 
While “getting ahead” of the cohort and pushing a student’s learning beyond their current level may seem like an effective way to accelerate progress, it usually creates confusion for the student, their teacher and their parents. Mathematics can be approached in a multitude of ways, and whilst where is a ‘right or wrong’ answer, there is usually not a ‘right or wrong’ method.
 
Tutors will inevitably teach their students different methods than schools, which can lead to confusion when the student later encounters a different approach in class.
This mismatch not only disrupts their understanding but can also hinder progress, as they struggle to reconcile the conflicting methods instead of building a solid foundation. Once again – consolidation is key. The Vector Method focuses on revisiting previously learnt content weeks after schools have taught their students, in order to iron out any wrinkles in their foundational understanding and propel them into more difficult questions which will stay with them throughout the year.

Expert Support

We’re not the robots who get 99.95 ATARs by studying 8+ hours a day and devoting their whole lives to the cause. Those are not the type of people you want tutoring your children. We have all completed the high school journey across the years, but enjoyed a balanced life while still achieving great academic success. We understand the challenges students face, not just in their studies but in balancing school, extracurriculars, and personal time. Our approach to tutoring is built on real experience, making us relatable mentors who can guide students effectively with tried and tested study techniques without promoting burnout.

Each of our tutors has achieved a 98+ ATAR with a Band 6 in Mathematics Extension 1 or Extension 2, like many other tutors out there. However, what truly sets them apart is their ability to connect with students through patience, compassion, and a genuine passion for teaching. They bring warmth, humour, and encouragement to every lesson, creating an engaging and supportive environment where students feel motivated to learn and succeed. We can guarantee the reason your child dislikes a specific subject in school is mainly because of their teacher, who are sticklers for rules and cannot relate to the students. Vector Academy hand picks young yet experienced tutors who we know can create a strong bond with your child to promote learning and enjoyment in the classroom, whilst also keeping them on track and ensuring excellence.

Following a Plan

Having flexibility as a tutor is vital to accommodate a student’s needs, but too often tutors let the students run the show which slows progress. The Vector Method incorporates a blended approach of structure and flexibility; Each 2-hour lesson is structured into nine carefully designed segments, proven to engage students and accelerate learning. While these segments provide a solid framework, the lesson remains flexible in content. Sessions include dedicated time to review questions accumulated over the past week, reinforcing understanding and building students’ confidence. Additionally, ample time is set aside to consolidate key topics already covered in school, ensuring deep comprehension and long-term retention. On top of this structured lesson plan, each student receives a personalized roadmap for the term, outlining the specific topics to be covered and vital learning strategies and study techniques that will heighten their growth—not just in mathematics, but across all their studies. Each lesson, the tutor fills out a ‘weekly progress report,’ highlighting:

  • the content covered
  • key successes
  • opportunities for growth
  • alignment with the roadmap.

 

This is extended into the ‘monthly progress report,’ which is sent to parents at the end of each month, covering progress, learning attitude, study habits, and goals for the next steps. These check-ins keep both students and tutors on track while providing parents with a clear view of their child’s progress.