Based on school materials
We work from what the school is teaching now and what the student has to hand in, rather than generic worksheets.
Support for lessons
taught in English.
We support students with what their school is teaching, from homework and reading to writing and presentation preparation. Parent communication can be in English or Japanese.
Homework, reading, essays and presentations. IB preparation support may be available depending on the subject and content.
What we consider when supporting international school students
We look at English ability, understanding of the subject content, how assignments are approached and the quality of submitted work.
Based on the school's tasks and materials
Parent communication in English or Japanese
Help with essays, presentations and hand-ins
Quick answer
One-to-one help with homework, essays and presentations.
Petra Tutors supports international-school students one to one, using the student's actual school textbooks, assignments and lesson materials. Support can include homework, reading, essays, research and presentation preparation, with the focus on understanding the content, developing the student's own reasoning and expressing it clearly in English.
Subjects taught in English
Beyond reading and writing, for subjects such as Science, Humanities and Research we check the content and a tutor's subject areas before suggesting candidates.
Japanese explanations where suitable
Where a tutor who can explain in Japanese suits the content and availability, some Japanese support can be discussed. We cannot promise it for every request.
Support for the IB or another curriculum varies by subject. We review the materials, the task and the support needed, then consider which tutors can help.
Concerns we can help with
We help students understand lesson content, approach assignments more efficiently and strengthen the work they submit.
Lessons are difficult to follow in English
With a tutor who can add Japanese explanations, difficult content can also be discussed in Japanese.
Homework and projects take a long time
We read the task together, plan the research and writing, and set out the steps to the hand-in date.
Writing and presenting in English
We practise the language, structure and reasoning that essays and presentations need.
Following the school's content,
with support where it is needed.
We help the student understand the task, think through the content and express their own ideas, without completing the homework for them.
Homework support
We read the instructions together and clarify what the task requires.
Reading support
We work through textbooks and source materials, clarifying key terms, main ideas and relevant background knowledge.
Essays and written work
We work together on argument, paragraph structure, reasoning and natural English phrasing.
Presentation preparation
Where needed, we help organise what to say, structure the slides and rehearse the delivery.
Japanese-language support, where available
Where the assigned tutor can provide Japanese-language support, we can also work through difficult ideas in Japanese.
Subjects and skills taught in English
Content differs by school and year group, so we start by looking at the current assignments and materials before suggesting an approach.
| Skills | |
|---|---|
| Reading | We work through textbooks and source materials and identify the main points. |
| Writing | Reviewing the argument, reasoning and paragraph structure to strengthen submitted work. |
| Presentation | Support with what to say, how to structure the slides, and rehearsing the delivery. |
| Subjects and preparation | |
| Science | Working through terminology and concepts to make sense of science content. |
| Humanities | Support with reading history, social science and inquiry materials, and forming a clear view of the content. |
| IB preparation | IB preparation may be available depending on the subject and content. Support can cover the reading, writing and research foundations needed for the programme. |
Homework, research and essay support can also be discussed based on the school's assignments.
We work alongside school assignments.
We begin with the lesson content and assignments, then identify which areas need to be understood before the rest becomes manageable.
Review assignments and materials
We look at school assignments, lesson handouts, textbooks and submission requirements.
Identify what is unclear
We look at the English, the subject content, relevant background knowledge and the reasoning required.
Prepare work for submission or presentation
We help bring essays, research and presentations closer to the school's requirements.
Studying mathematics in English? See our mathematics tutoring →Preparing for overseas university? See TOEFL support →
International school support:
common questions
Questions we're often asked about homework, lessons taught in English, and support in Japanese.
Can you help with international school homework?
Yes. We read the instructions with the student and work out what is being asked, step by step.
Can explanations be in Japanese?
Sometimes we can suggest a tutor who is able to add Japanese explanations. We check what support and materials are needed before considering candidates. Parent communication can also be in Japanese.
Do you cover the IB or other international curricula?
It depends on the content and subject. We check the materials and tasks, then suggest tutors who can help.
Can we have in-person lessons around Amsterdam?
Please ask. In-person lessons are mainly offered in Amstelveen and Amsterdam, subject to location, days and times, subject and tutor availability. If they are not possible, we will suggest online lessons.
Will the tutor complete the homework for the student?
No. We help the student understand the task, think through the content and complete it in their own words.
Whatever is hard about school work,
let's work through it together.
We will ask about lesson content, homework and submitted work, then suggest an appropriate form of support.
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Homework, reading, essays and presentations