Sydney Tutoring Industry Booms Amid Concerns of Shadow Education System
The private tutoring market for school students is experiencing rapid growth in Sydney, driven by parents seeking to enhance their children's academic performance. This surge is particularly evident in preparation for the selective school test, private school scholarship exams, and the HSC. The rise of this market has sparked debate about government oversight and its implications for the education system.
The Billion-Dollar Tutoring Industry
According to Lucy Carroll, education editor for the Sun-Herald, outside-of-school tutoring has evolved into a billion-dollar industry. However, experts are raising concerns about the lack of regulation and the potential for this booming market to become a "shadow education system." They advocate for greater government oversight to ensure fairness and quality within the tutoring sector.
Research Highlights Prevalence of Tutoring
A groundbreaking study by University of Technology Sydney researcher Christina Ho reveals the extent of private tutoring among students. The research indicates that, in some Sydney schools, between 23 and 59 percent of year 5 students receive private tutoring. This data underscores the widespread nature of academic coaching outside traditional classroom settings.
Alarming Statistics and Parental Justification
While the study focused on a limited sample of six schools, the finding that approximately half of the students in some high-achieving public schools are engaging in private academic coaching is concerning. However, for parents of children in opportunity classes, these figures might be understandable, perhaps even seen as a necessary step to support their children's education and success. Private Tutoring in the present climate is increasingly perceived as a necessity rather than an option.
