Happy Sunday Reader!

It's been a while, so I hope everything is going well with you. Our holiday was everything I needed it to be after a disastrous start (it really tested our resilience when the car packed up on the motorway on the way to the tunnel). We managed to hire a van, and in some ways it made us appreciate the holiday even more when we finally got there. We relaxed, we swam, played games, walked, cycled and did a bit of exploring. We were even lucky enough to watch some Bastille Day fireworks from the beach one evening.

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It all feels like quite a long time ago now, a lot has happened already since we got back 10 days ago. Beth is progressing with her move plans, everything is falling into place for her beautifully. For Sophie, the focus is moving from the exam stress, to the relief when they were over, to nerves about results - I'm sure lots of you are in the same boat!

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One big thing I did last week was attend the National Tutor's Conference. It was fabulous to meet other tutors in real life (some of whom I knew well from collaborating, but only through a screen). I finally got to meet Arthur, with whom I did a free webinar last Autumn on managing Maths Anxiety in your child (reply if you'd like a link to the recording).

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I really want to share a proud moment with you from the conference, so thank you in advance for taking the time to read this.

During the day I was lucky enough to attend some fantastic workshops, one of which was called 'Defining your brand' - the Elevator Pitch. The elevator pitch came about because the only time you got a chance to see the boss was when you both ended up in the elevator to and from your offices - so you had to get your story straight in the time it took that elevator to go up or down.

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In the workshop we had to sell ourselves in that time by answering 3 questions:

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👉What is the problem?
👉How will you solve this problem for me?
👉What makes you different to everyone else?

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Here's how I answered the first question:
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"There is a gap between what students are learning in school, and their performance in exams - this is leading to huge barriers for them in their chosen pathways".

I'd love to know from you as my audience - do I have it right? Is this the problem you find yourself experiencing with your child's Maths? Or is there something else that needs addressing?

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I'll share the solution and what makes me different (the bit I'm most proud of) over the next couple of weeks. I don't want to overwhelm you with my pitching skills. 🤣

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It's lovely to be back with you, let me know how you are doing - I love to get your replies.

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Until next week

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Elaine

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