FAQ — Learning Design Co. | Tutoring & Selective Exam Prep

Question 1

What is learning design, and how is it different from tutoring?

Accepted Answer

Learning design is student-first, not subject-first. Traditional tutoring often starts with a subject and works down to the student. Learning design starts with the student and builds a personalised learning pathway around their goals, strengths, gaps and interests. For some students, that means improving school performance. For others, it means building literacy or numeracy skills, preparing for selective-entry examinations, or exploring subjects beyond the standard curriculum. The simplest way to think about learning design is as a personalised curriculum designed specifically for your child.

Question 2

Why choose Learning Design Co.?

Accepted Answer

Unlike traditional tutoring services, Learning Design Co. combines curriculum writing, assessment design and personalised teaching. Every student receives support informed by professional learning design principles, with learning pathways tailored to their individual goals, strengths and needs. Rather than simply delivering lessons, I focus on understanding how each student learns and designing instruction around them.

Question 3

Do you create your own resources?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an assessment and curriculum writer, I regularly design and adapt learning materials to suit individual students. Resources are selected or created based on a student's learning goals rather than relying on a single textbook, worksheet or program.

Question 4

I'm not sure exactly what my child needs. Can you help?

Accepted Answer

Yes. This is exactly what the free consultation is for. We'll discuss your child's current situation, goals and challenges, then identify what type of support is likely to be most beneficial before you commit to anything.

Question 5

What happens in the free consultation?

Accepted Answer

The consultation is a free 30-minute online conversation via Google Meet. We'll discuss your child's current level, goals and any specific concerns, and determine whether we're the right fit. There is no obligation to continue.

Question 6

What ages and subjects do you work with?

Accepted Answer

I work with students from primary school through to VCE. My areas of support include selective-entry and scholarship preparation, English and Mathematics from primary through to VCE, including English, EAL, English Language, Literature, Philosophy, General Mathematics and Mathematical Methods. I also work with students who would like to pursue a particular area of interest beyond the standard curriculum.

Question 7

Which selective and scholarship exams do you prepare students for?

Accepted Answer

I prepare students for a wide range of examinations, including ACER Levels 1 and 2, EduTest, AAS, HAST, ICAS, VHAP, SEAL entry programs and independent school scholarship examinations.

Question 8

How far in advance should we start preparing for a selective or scholarship exam?

Accepted Answer

This varies depending on the student and the exam. As a general guide, starting twelve months in advance provides enough time to build the underlying skills required for success rather than relying on last-minute preparation. I'm happy to advise on timing during the consultation.

Question 9

What qualifications and experience do you have?

Accepted Answer

I am a curriculum writer, assessment specialist and learning designer with seven years of experience across private tutoring, educational publishing, curriculum development and the broader education sector. My work has included designing over 2000 assessment items, contributing to more than 20 published textbooks and learning resources, and teaching over 200 students across 4000 hours of one-on-one and group lessons. I have also worked with organisations including Education Perfect, Cengage, Edrolo, ClickView and Essential Assessment. I bring this professional learning design expertise to every student I work with.

Question 10

Do you tutor online, in person, or both?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are conducted online. This allows students from across Australia to access personalised support while providing greater flexibility for busy families.

Question 11

Is online learning suitable for younger students?

Accepted Answer

It depends more on the individual student than their age. I have worked successfully with Year 3 students online, while some older students have found online learning less suitable. Factors such as attention span, confidence, independence and motivation are often more important than age alone. This is something we can discuss during the initial consultation.

Question 12

How do you make online lessons interactive?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are highly interactive rather than lecture-based. Students and I work together using a shared online whiteboard that allows us to write, draw, solve problems and annotate texts in real time. Sessions include discussion, worked examples, immediate feedback and plenty of opportunities for students to ask questions and explore their interests.

Question 13

Are sessions one-on-one or group-based?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. Most students choose one-on-one sessions, which allow for fully personalised instruction tailored to their individual goals, strengths and learning needs. Small group sessions are also available for students studying similar subjects or preparing for the same examinations. Group sessions are offered at a lower hourly rate, with pricing depending on the number of students in the group. Please enquire for further details about group session availability and pricing.

Question 14

How often should my child attend sessions?

Accepted Answer

This depends on your child's goals, year level and workload. Most students attend one session per week, while some undertake additional sessions for intensive support, exam preparation or multiple subjects. Recommendations are provided during the consultation.

Question 15

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

All sessions are charged at a flat rate of $95 per hour. There are no lock-in contracts, packages or hidden fees.

Question 16

How do payments work?

Accepted Answer

Invoices are issued before each session and payment is required before the lesson takes place. Future sessions are confirmed once outstanding invoices have been paid.

Question 17

What if I need to cancel or reschedule a session?

Accepted Answer

There is no cancellation fee if you provide at least 24 hours' notice. If a session is cancelled or rescheduled within 24 hours of the scheduled start time, a fee equal to 50% of the lesson cost applies. No-shows are charged at the full lesson rate. Advance notice allows the session time to be offered to another student, and confirmation emails are provided so there is a written record of scheduled lesson times.

Everything you need to know

About learning design

Getting started

Selective & scholarship exams

Qualifications & experience

Online sessions

Sessions & scheduling

Pricing & payments

Still have questions?