Vector Academic offers specialised Mathematics Extension 1 and 2 tutoring for Year 11 and 12 students in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs or online, focusing on schoolwork support, revision, and advanced extension. We also provides weekday mentoring for homeschooled students aged 7+, specialising in scaffolded passion projects and book-learning for gifted and neurodivergent learners.
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Sim Mautner | Founder & Lead Mentor, Vector Academic
I am passionate about mathematics and find satisfaction in helping students grasp complex new concepts. With a background in high-level academics and over a decade of teaching experience at the University of New South Wales, I founded Vector Academic to provide high-quality, personalised academic support that meets students where they are whether they are tackling the HSC or exploring a self-directed homeschooling journey.
Academic Background & Experience
My approach is grounded in a strong technical foundation and years of formal teaching at the university level:
Academic Credentials: I hold a Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) and Mathematics from UNSW.
Teaching Experience: Between 2008 and 2026, I served as a university tutor and lecturer for Computer Science at UNSW.
HSC Expertise: I have provided private mathematics tutoring since 2007 and previously ran intensive workshops specifically designed to introduce students to the Extension 2 Mathematics curriculum.
Professional Qualifications: I hold a Cert IV in Training and Assessment.
Specialized HSC Mathematics Tutoring (Years 11–12)
For senior students, I focus on bridging the gap between current knowledge and exam mastery through a highly supportive pedagogical lens:
Scaffolded Learning: I identify the exact point where a student’s understanding remains accurate and guide them through the "next step" to reach a solution.
Conceptual Clarity: Rather than just correcting errors, I work to understand a student’s thought process to explain why a specific mathematical approach is most appropriate. I help students link complex questions directly to relevant formulae and consolidate learning to maximise retention.
Seamless Online Delivery: For remote sessions, I utilise Zoom and iPad screen-sharing (via Notability) so students can see my face, hands, and live writing simultaneously. Students are encouraged to take screenshots and recordings for their own revision.
Mentoring for Homeschooled & Neurodivergent Learners
I bring lived experience to my work with neurodiverse and gifted children, offering a unique set of skills tailored to the needs of twice-exceptional learners.
Neurodiversity-Affirming Strategies: I prioritize learning the specific traits and preferred strategies of each individual to optimize their learning environment.
Predictability & Autonomy: I work with students to prepare session plans that provide the predictability often preferred by autistic individuals while helping students with ADHD stay on track. I always check in before offering input to respect the student's autonomy.
Scaffolded Passion Projects: I excel at developing creative ways to help students pursue interests significantly beyond standard curriculum, consistently mentoring them from concept to execution. Examples of projects I have guided include:
Development of a passion project into a functional web application.
Designing and running original Dungeons and Dragons campaigns to foster collaborative storytelling and critical thinking.
Research and practical programming of robotic kits.
Teaching practical textile skills such as knitting, crocheting, and macrame, emphasising fine motor skills and project completion.
Holistic Support: I am familiar with the signs of stress and dysregulation in neurodiverse individuals and support clients with emotional regulation during our time together.
Philosophical Approach
At Vector Academic, I believe in respecting the self-directed nature of learning. Whether a family prefers a strictly self-directed approach or a balance of "book-learning" followed by interest-led exploration, I adapt my mentoring style to follow the schedule and proportions desired by the family. My goal is to show students how to access and critically analyse the resources they need so they can eventually support themselves on their own learning journey.