What Does an Academic Coaching Session Look Like?
When parents come to Manor Tutoring, one of the first things they ask is, “What will the sessions actually look like?” It’s a great question because tutoring shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. For us, it’s about so much more than helping a student pass their exams or get through their homework. Our sessions are designed to build confidence, independence, and skills that last a lifetime.
At the heart of this approach is our CAR framework: Coaching, Academics, and Reflection. It’s how we make each session meaningful, personalised, and impactful. Let’s break it down so you can see how it all works.
Coaching: Setting the Scene for Success
Every session begins with a short coaching segment. Why? Because how a student feels when they sit down to learn can make or break the session. If they’re feeling overwhelmed, unprepared, or unsure, it’s harder for them to focus and engage.
In these first few minutes, we help students organise their thoughts and set clear goals for the session. This might include prioritising tasks, checking in on how they’re feeling about school or life, or working on executive function skills like managing time or breaking tasks into smaller steps.
This part of the session isn’t just about the ‘what’—it’s about the ‘how.’ By helping students approach their learning with focus and clarity, we set them up for success.
Academics: The Heart of the Session
Once the coaching piece is done, we move into the main focus: academics. This is where the majority of the session is spent—around 40 to 45 minutes.
Here, we work on what matters most to the student, whether it’s preparing for an upcoming exam, tackling challenging subjects, or staying on top of assignments. Every student is different, so the academic work is tailored to their unique needs.
But here’s the key: even during this phase, we don’t just focus on the content. We’re always weaving in strategies from the coaching piece—like helping a student break down a daunting essay into manageable chunks or teaching them how to review material efficiently. It’s about giving them the tools to learn independently, not just in our sessions but beyond.
Reflection: The Power of Looking Back
The last part of every session is about reflection. This isn’t just a “what did you do today?” It’s a chance for students to think critically about how they approached their work, what they learned, and how they can apply that moving forward.
Reflection is where the magic of metacognition happens—thinking about their thinking. We ask questions like:
What worked well today?
What could you do differently next time?
How will you approach this task next week?
By doing this, students don’t just walk away with completed assignments or better grades. They leave with a deeper understanding of their own learning process and the confidence to tackle challenges independently.
Why It Works
The CAR framework isn’t just about academic improvement—it’s about creating a holistic learning experience that supports every aspect of a student’s growth. By combining coaching, academics, and reflection, we help students develop not only the knowledge they need but also the skills and mindset to thrive.
Parents tell us that their children leave our sessions not just better prepared for school but more confident, motivated, and independent. And for us, that’s what success looks like.
Curious to Learn More?
If this approach resonates with you, we’d love to chat about how Manor Tutoring can support your child. Contact us today to find out how we tailor our sessions to meet your family’s needs.
