Our approach to private lessons
Since 2003, My Sherpa has supported students from primary school to higher education, and adults, all over Belgium. Our aim: to help everyone reach their goal.
Our name comes from the sherpas, the mountain guides who accompany expeditions in the Himalayas. Our coaches play that role: they walk the path with the student, at their own pace, all the way to their goal.
Three pillars for success
A written method that is passed on: before their first lesson, every coach receives the My Sherpa method handbook.
Understand
The coach explains the material differently, at the student’s level, then checks: the student explains it back in their own words and redoes the exercises, first those from class, then new ones. The coach works from the course and the teacher’s method, since that is what the student will be assessed on.
Learning to learn
Understanding is not enough: the student must be able to study alone. The coach helps them put their courses in order, make summaries suited to each subject (formula sheets, vocabulary lists, timelines) and plan their work and revision.
Regaining motivation
After a setback, a student can lose heart. The coach is an ally who encourages: together with the student they set clear, achievable goals, broken into steps, and highlight every bit of progress.
A starting point, then regular check-ins
The first lesson is for getting to know each other and taking stock: the coach goes through the student’s courses, school diary and tests, and sees what has been mastered and what is missing. Gaps from previous years come first.
Together they draw up a work plan for the whole programme. The student takes part: it is their programme.
This is recorded in the My Sherpa check-up, a sheet listing the student’s needs. It is filled in again at least at the last lesson, and each goal reached is dated: seeing your progress is motivating.
A method adapted to every level
The same pillars, applied differently as the student grows.
In primary school
We work in a playful way, on topics the child enjoys, with 1.5-hour sessions and a break if needed. We start with organisation: a tidy school bag, an up-to-date school diary, complete course notes.
In secondary school
We plan the week’s work and exam revision, and the teenager becomes more independent step by step.
In higher education
The amount of material changes everything. The first lesson is often used to plan the year or the revision period in small steps, and to prepare for each type of exam.
Coaches who are selected, trained and supported
Our coaches come from varied backgrounds: students, teachers, engineers, professionals from other sectors. All are selected through an individual interview on three criteria: knowledge of the subject, teaching skills and the ability to motivate a student. They are then trained in the My Sherpa method and supported by our educational advisors.
Dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysorthographia, ADHD, giftedness: the method gives coaches guidelines to adapt their lessons (instructions read aloud, work split into short steps, breaks, spoken rather than written answers). The coach adapts lessons together with the educational advisor; diagnosis and therapy remain the work of specialists.
Our approach: your questions
All other questions are on the page Frequently asked questions.
It is the way our coaches work, set out in a handbook each coach receives before their first lesson. It rests on three pillars: understanding the material, learning to study independently and regaining motivation.
Your educational advisor selects them according to the subject, the level, the student’s personality and your schedule. The first three lessons are a trial: if it doesn’t click, you continue with another coach at no cost.
An educational advisor, from the free assessment to the last lesson. They stay in touch with the coach and with you, review progress and adjust the programme if needed.
Yes. The programme and its pace remain the school’s: the coach works from the course and the teacher’s method, and re-explains whatever has not been understood.
Once the programme has been agreed with you, organisation usually takes 2 to 5 working days.
Let’s talk about your situation
By phone, through the form or by booking an appointment: a My Sherpa educational advisor looks at your situation and suggests suitable support. With no commitment, all over Belgium, from primary school to higher education.
Would you like to teach with our method?
Become a coach
The My Sherpa appYour children's school support, all in one place
Parents and students each have their own access, suited to their role, on their phone.
- The next lesson, always in sight: every confirmed lesson, with its coach and its place.
- Hours and progress at any time: hours used, past lessons and the progress of online courses.
- Your advisor answers you: write from the app, the same advisor from start to finish, a reply within one working day.
- An account for the student: their lessons, their coach and their online courses.
On a computer? Scan the QR code with your phone.
Four steps, from the assessment to the last lesson
From the first contact to the end of the programme, an educational advisor is by your side.
A free assessment
An educational advisor reviews everything with you: the student’s situation, the goal to reach, and what stops them from getting there alone. By phone, in our offices or by video call.
A tailor-made programme
They suggest a programme that fits the goal and your availability: number of hours, pace, subjects. Lessons can take place any day of the week, weekends included, at home or online.
A coach chosen for the student
The advisor selects the coach according to the subject, the level, the student’s personality and your schedule. The first three lessons are a trial.
Support all the way
Throughout the programme, your advisor stays in touch with the coach and with you. They review progress, adjust the pace and change coach if needed.