Frequently Asked Questions

  • There are of course availability constraints. But these aside we attempt to match according to the scholar’s mathematical ambitions and preferences.

  • Like most things in life - as much as you put in! You cannot learn maths without working problems. In other words, you can only learn maths by doing lots of problems.

  • A nomination pack needs to be downloaded. It contains two forms, one of which must be completed by you and a parent/guardian, the other by a school teacher. If in any doubt just contact us and we'll talk you through the process.

For Students:

For Parents:

  • There are just two. An eagerness to learn and evidence of financial need or hardship. By the former we understand a commitment to attend the full course of mentoring and to come to each session appropriately prepared in terms of materials and attitude. For the latter we require evidence of some type of government support e.g. ABSTUDY, Youth Allowance, or a Health Care Card.

  • The success of our model hinges on the commitment of the student. We are NOT a tutoring service. In particular this means that although we understand that parents/guardians play an important role, first and foremost the engagement should be student initiated and maintained.

  • We interview and obtain at least two references for all our potential mentors. Our mentors must have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). We are in contact with each mentor. Our responsibility and commitment is to ensure that volunteer mentors are appropriate at the outset.

  • They are all studying toward, or have already completed, a mathematical degree (e.g. Maths, Physics, Engineering).

  • The mentoring sessions are all about the scholar and mentor doing maths together. The starting point may be anything from the most recent homework to past VCE exams. During each session, the enthusiastic expert (mentor) sees precisely how the student (scholar) is tackling different mathematical problems and can quickly work to fill knowledge gaps, refine technique and broaden and deepen understanding. This is easy to do in online sessions.

  • We interview and obtain at least two references for all our potential mentors. Our mentors must have a valid Working With Children Check (WWCC). We are in contact with each mentor.

For Mentors:

  • Initially, contact us, we’ll get in touch and arrange to meet you online or in person.

  • Scheduling constraints allowing, we try to match mentors with students according to mathematical/career interests. If you are on a career pathway which aligns particularly well with a certain scholar, we'll do our best to match you. Gender also plays a part - when possible we try to match according to the scholar’s request.

  • You need to be studying towards, or have completed, a technical degree (e.g. maths, physics, engineering etc.). Most importantly you should feel able to teach high school maths (1-on-1, very different from a class of 25!) at least to the level of year 12 Methods.

  • You meet you scholar online for about one to two hours per week for about the length of a school term. This is somewhat flexible, but you should be available for up to 18 hours each term. This may seem like a substantial commitment - it is. In return you will have the opportunity to make a real and tangible difference to the future of the young person you work with.

  • No travel at all, as all sessions are online.

  • Our Board has a wealth of experience, stretching far beyond maths education. You will be looked after.

  • If you are having second thoughts, don't hesitate to get in touch. We understand very well the commitment involved, but are here to support you at every turn.

  • This is difficult to quantify. Superficially you will of course be able to cite your experience with The Institute on your CV. Indeed, by the nature of how we operate, you will have become well-known to us as a team and so we'll be able to provide meaningful personal references. Beyond that though, you will have had an opportunity to "give something back". Perhaps you are about to embark on a career, perhaps you're already well established, maybe you've retired. Whichever it is, you'll have extended a helping hand to someone for whom such opportunities are rare.