I'd be willing to place a small wager that the OP isn't getting the basics of handling the aeroplane right in the circuit - speed and height control, properly balanced turns, lookout etc.
"Knowing how to do" stuff because you've picked it up as a passenger when flying with a P1 who isn't an instructor is not the same as learning how to do it.
Instructors have the same difficulty with people who've spent years at home on their flight sims. They can be very difficult to teach because they are full of bad habits and think they know what they are doing.
I don't know if this applies to the OP, but like I say I'd put a few Bob on it
