The team behind Tute: Meet Ruth, Head of Non-Core Curriculum

Hear from Ruth Cox on building a non-core curriculum that sparks curiosity in students. 

At Tute Education, we are committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential, while fostering a love for learning in the process. In this spotlight, we sit down with Ruth Cox, our head of non-core curriculum, to explore her vision for creating innovative programmes that inspire students beyond the traditional classroom subjects.

A day in the life of our head of non-core

What is your role at Tute Education? What might a typical day consist of?

I lead the non-core curriculum department at Tute Education. My role involves overseeing the development and delivery of our non-core subjects, ensuring they are taught to a continuing high standard and inspire student engagement. A typical day might include planning and reviewing lesson content, collaborating with other department heads,  assessing student progress, and ensuring our curriculum adapts to meet the diverse learning needs of our students. Additionally, reviewing student feedback to continuously improve our offer.

Joining Tute

How long have you worked at Tute, and what motivated you to join the team?

I’ve been with Tute Education since September. After 24 years in schools, ten of those as a senior leader, and for the previous two years working as an Education Advisor, I was motivated to join the team because of Tute’s commitment to delivering high-quality education that caters to individual student needs. I was inspired by Tute’s innovative approach to online learning and the opportunity to contribute to a more inclusive and personalised learning experience for students who might not thrive in traditional settings.

Finding inspiration in non-core curriculum

What inspires you about leading the non-core curriculum at Tute?

I am incredibly lucky here at Tute to lead a very experienced team of inspirational teachers. Leading the non-core department allows me to develop a curriculum that is diverse and creative. Non-core subjects often get less attention in traditional education systems, but I believe they offer students opportunities for personal growth, critical thinking, and exploration. It’s rewarding to create learning experiences that spark students’ curiosity and help them develop a range of skills.

Adapting learning to diverse needs

How do you ensure that Tute’s non-core curriculum sparks interest, engagement, and success for all students, regardless of their individual learning needs or backgrounds?

To ensure engagement and success for all students, the focus is on using adaptive techniques that cater to a diverse range of students. This includes, where possible, personalising learning, using interactive content, and incorporating multimedia resources. Regular student feedback helps us adjust and refine our approach, ensuring that the curriculum remains flexible and responsive to each learner’s needs. By continuously adapting the material and approach, we create an environment where every student can connect with the content and succeed.

The power of collaboration at Tute

What do you enjoy most about working at Tute?

What I enjoy most about working at Tute is the collaborative and innovative environment. Everyone at Tute is dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of students, and I feel empowered to experiment with new ideas and approaches. The focus on personalised learning allows me to see the positive impact we’re making on students who may have struggled in traditional learning environments. It’s rewarding to be part of a team that is always looking for ways to improve and innovate.

Life beyond Tute: hiking and exploring

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

Outside of work, I enjoy staying active through hiking, running, and going to the gym. I also love spending quality time with my family and friends, especially with my 10-year-old son, who keeps me busy with his energy and curiosity. We enjoy exploring new places together and making the most of our time outdoors.

Describing Tute

If you had to describe Tute in three words, what would they be?

Innovative, inclusive, empowering.

Looking to the future

Do you have any future goals for inclusion at Tute Education?

I’m excited to explore new technologies that can enhance our online learning experience. Another goal is to ensure that our curriculum remains adaptable to the changing educational landscape, ensuring it continues to meet the diverse needs of students, particularly in fostering creativity, critical thinking, and social-emotional learning.