"Parents located in north London seeks an remarkable and experienced tutor to support their most junior child on his first steps to turning into an English gentleman."
Looking at this advertisement, you might readily skip the wording "initial stages" as just a turn of phrase.
But, it could be the most important element of this distinctive employment listing, as it seeks to find a mentor for a 12-month-old.
Numerous of submissions have now been received since the unnamed family published their search for the highly paid tutor, who must be "a uniquely qualified person".
During the past few weeks, the post has gained notice in the news, with several questioning why?
Innovative Idea
A tutoring expert, chief executive of Tutors International, which is helping the family in their quest, explained that notwithstanding early doubt, he considered the plan "forward-looking", and "innovative".
When he spoke with the family, he mentioned they recognized the unconventional aspect of their request, and how early in age their son is.
But, they explained that they "preferred not to postpone any longer" to engage a tutor, as they had held off until their elder sibling was five, and by that point "cultural bias had already become established".
What exactly did the family indicate by "cultural predisposition"?
It's "everything", he responded. "The manner you eat, how you speak".
He stated the older sibling had adopted "very nuanced, unspoken signals" from the family, and had adopted their cultural ways. The family informed Adam they wished to avoid history to repeat itself with their new baby.
The intention: To hire a UK tutor, who must speak with RP, to shape the baby from the very start.
Osmotic Learning
"A lot of the education at the start here is kind of acquired indirectly," said the CEO.
It's via this natural absorption that the family are expecting the child will adopt the English characteristics they wish to impart.
The consultant noted the tutor must be somebody who studied at "prestigious academies – similar types of schools as the family aspire to send their son to".
"The tutor just has to be the right kind of person, they'll be performing things they aren't even aware they're doing, simply by nature," he said.
Money No Object
The family explained to Adam the chosen tutor should ideally also have understanding of or interest in equestrian activities, winter sports, artistic pursuits and music so as to inspire the child in a wide range of passions.
Additionally though, he explained the family wanted the tutor to register the child on a selection of classes so the child would be "pony-riding and starting an musical instrument by the time they are approximately three years old".
In the family's view, assisting their son become a "UK sophisticate" will bring about achievement and create opportunities.
"For all the rights and wrongs of that, because it's undoubtedly a class statement," he comments.
However, in spite of all this guidance in "Britishness", could the child absorb alleged cultural bias from the globally influenced family he resides with regardless?
"Absolutely", said he. "The parents understand this might not succeed, but they've merely embraced the attitude of, 'why not attempt it and we'll proceed as early as we can', because the cost of it is not relevant," he explained.
Idealistic and Unrealistic
There are some in the private teaching field who share similar doubts.
An education leader, head and founder of a tutoring service, who provides personal educators, commented that "the development of embracing two identities, or in fact, discovering oneself, is something that must be lived into, not manufactured."
He explained that he had relocated from China to the UK at the time of 7 years old, and had been brought up understanding and embodying dual heritages. He went on to learn at Cambridge University.
"The concept that one individual can function as a living vessel of Britishness, an individual who can in some way impart the characteristics of a British gentleman upon a infant child, appears idealistic and unfeasible," he stated.
"Based on my background, employing a quintessentially English tutor from early childhood will will not instantly create the result they desire.
"I did not have that kind of mentor, and however I have been fortunate enough to experience many of the experiences they desire for their son."
He continued: "The reality is, self-identity can not be dictated from the external environment; it must be chosen, and it must come from within."
Purchasing UK Culture
Certainly, English culture is something Adam believes can be taught – and marketed.
"In my view the situation that the world regards us in this light is something that we should be cherishing|valuing|appreciating
