Frequently Asked Questions about STEM the Gap Academy

STEM the Gap Academy provides personalised online tutoring for students at the grade, high school, and university levels. We support learners in a wide range of subjects, including mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, coding, and computer science, as well as other related courses, depending on the student's curriculum. Lessons are tailored to each student's learning style and academic goals. Tutors help students understand complex concepts, strengthen analytical thinking, and build confidence in challenging subjects. In addition to academic tutoring, STEM the Gap Academy also offers private digital literacy lessons for families. Many parents grew up without smartphones, social media, and constant internet access, yet they are raising children who are digital natives. Our sessions allow parents the opportunity to sit with their children and learn together about online safety, responsible technology use, and strategies for navigating the digital world safely.

Online tutoring takes place through live virtual lessons where students work directly with a tutor in real time. Students and tutors communicate through video, audio, and shared learning tools while reviewing concepts and solving problems together. Our tutors teach using a shared digital whiteboard, allowing them to write explanations, draw diagrams, and work through equations step by step while the student follows along. Lessons are personalised and interactive, allowing tutors to adapt instruction to the student’s learning pace. Sessions are scheduled based on the student’s availability so families can easily fit tutoring into their schedules.

Many tutoring academies focus primarily on mastering academic material. While strong subject knowledge is important, success in STEM also requires confidence, persistence, and the willingness to attempt challenging problems. At STEM the Gap Academy we encourage girls to try, take intellectual risks, and share ideas even when they are unsure of the answer. When mistakes are treated as part of learning rather than something to avoid, students develop resilience and stronger problem-solving skills. Research shows that women often leave STEM pathways not because of ability but because of lower confidence in their mathematical abilities compared with men, even when their academic performance is similar (Ellis, Fosdick & Rasmussen, 2016)¹. Encouraging persistence, curiosity, and risk-taking helps girls develop the confidence needed to succeed in STEM.

Many tutoring programs focus only on academic performance. At STEM the Gap Academy we combine strong academic instruction with mentorship and confidence building. Our tutors are women in STEM who understand the challenges girls may face when entering fields that have historically been male dominated. Research shows that exposure to female role models increases girls’ interest in STEM and helps them imagine themselves pursuing similar careers (González-Pérez, 2020)³. By combining academic learning, mentorship, and confidence building, girls begin to see themselves not only as students learning STEM but as future scientists, engineers, physicians, and innovators.

Encouraging girls to pursue STEM helps close the gender gap in science and technology fields and ensures that a wider range of perspectives contribute to innovation. Research shows that diverse teams improve creativity, innovation, and problem solving in scientific and technical work (Botella et al., 2019)². When girls are encouraged to explore STEM early, they are more likely to see themselves as scientists, engineers, physicians, and innovators. Supporting girls in STEM strengthens both education and society by ensuring that discoveries and technologies are shaped by diverse perspectives.

Chess strengthens critical thinking, strategic reasoning, and problem solving. When children play chess they analyse situations, evaluate options, and predict outcomes before making decisions. Research comparing students who studied math and chess with those who studied math alone found that the chess group demonstrated stronger mathematical abilities and higher metacognitive skills (Bart, 2014)⁴. Chess also teaches patience, concentration, and resilience. Because every move requires planning and strategic thinking, students learn to think ahead and make thoughtful decisions

The most important factor in learning is the quality of teaching. A knowledgeable and supportive teacher who explains concepts clearly will help any student succeed. However, there can be unique benefits when girls learn from women in STEM. Female role models help girls imagine themselves pursuing similar careers and challenge stereotypes about who belongs in science and technology (González-Pérez, 2020)³. At STEM the Gap Academy, girls learn from women who have pursued STEM careers themselves, helping them see real examples of what is possible.

Tutoring sessions at STEM the Gap Academy typically range from 30-minutes to 90 minutes, depending on the student’s age, subject, and learning goals. Shorter 30 minute sessions are often ideal for younger students or focused help with specific concepts, while 60 to 90 minute sessions allow older students to explore more complex material and work through practice problems in greater depth.

Parents can enrol their girls by booking a free introductory consultation. During the session we assess the student's goals, needs, and schedule to recommend a suitable tutor and program.

Unfortunately, we do not offer in-person tutoring. All tutoring sessions at STEM the Gap Academy are conducted online through live virtual lessons.