Building Confidence and Success in Mathematics

About

Sarah Lakerink

Hi, I'm Sarah Lakerink, the founder and sole tutor behind Lakerink Mathematics.

After more than a decade teaching in secondary schools, I decided to create a space where students can receive the kind of individualised support that's often hard to find in a busy classroom. I've worked as a curriculum developer and VCAA exam marker, and hold degrees in both Education and Mathematics. These experiences have given me a deeper insight into how students learn and how to support them when they face challenges.

At Lakerink Mathematics, my goal is to help students build confidence in mathematics by strengthening their understanding and creating a space where it's safe to take risks, ask questions, and make mistakes. I believe that when students feel supported and capable, they become more willing to engage, explore, and enjoy learning maths.

Services

Regular Sessions

Weekly one-on-one sessions provide consistent, personalised support throughout the school term. Whether your child needs help catching up, keeping up, or getting ahead, these sessions are tailored to meet them where they're at and help them grow from there.

The focus of each session is flexible and may include:

  • Completing set homework tasks
  • Revisiting concepts that need extra reinforcement
  • Strengthening confidence in areas of difficulty
  • Extending learning beyond what's covered in class
  • More Details
    • Offered as one-on-one sessions
    • Bookings are made as a weekly commitment for the full term
    • Sessions run for 55 minutes
    • Each session costs $100
    • Paying for the full term upfront gives you a discount equal to one weekly session
    • Sessions missed without notice cannot be rescheduled and will still be charged
    • Rescheduling is available with notice, typically on Fridays or by arrangement

One-Off Sessions

One-off sessions are perfect for students who don't require weekly support but would benefit from personalised help at specific times throughout the term. They offer flexibility without the need to commit to a full-term schedule, and can be booked as needed.

The focus of each session is flexible and may include:

  • Catching up on missed content
  • Revising before a SAC, test or exam
  • Re-teaching or strengthening understanding of a specific concept
  • Small group collaborative revision with friends or classmates
  • More Details
    • Offered as one-on-one or small group sessions
    • Available on select Sundays and during school holidays, subject to availability
    • At least 48 hours' notice is required
    • Sessions missed without notice will still be charged
    • Session length and pricing may vary depending on the format — please get in touch to discuss your needs

Current Availability for Regular Sessions

Student Success Stories

  • VCE

    "Sarah Lakerink was an exceptional maths teacher who made a real difference in my learning journey. Her deep knowledge and genuine care for her students created a supportive environment that made maths easier and more enjoyable."

    - Will

  • Grade 10

    "Thank you so much for all the help with my maths. I was actually the one helping someone in class this week and it feels great."

    - Jayden

  • Parent

    "Sarah has been invaluable in helping our son complete Grade 10. Online independent learning at school had seen him fall behind and no longer enjoy maths. Thanks to Sarah's enthusiasm, encouragement and comprehensive tutoring he is now coming forward in leaps and bounds."

    - Jayne

  • Student

    "For the longest time I HATED maths, dreaded every single lesson. I felt like I was working really hard but getting nowhere. THEN Lakers became my teacher, and I LOOKED FORWARD to maths! Words I thought would NEVER come out of my mouth!"

    - Joe

    Location

    Sessions take place in a dedicated tutoring space at the Ballarat Business Centre, located at 6 Lowe Street, Ballarat Central (near the Big W carpark).

    There's plenty of free parking nearby, and the Curtis Street bus stop is just around the corner. The tutoring space is on the ground floor with easy access. During business hours, the front doors open automatically and there is usually a receptionist at the front desk. For after-hours sessions, I'll meet students at the door to let them in. Parents are welcome to wait in the foyer or return at the end of the session.

    Contact