Question 1

What subjects do you tutor?

Accepted Answer

A Level - biology, and first year maths (AS)
GCSE - maths, biology, and chemistry
Key Stage 3 - all maths and science

Question 2

How long is each session?

Accepted Answer

The majority of my students have weekly 1-hour sessions. However, if a student is looking to make substantial gains I recommend 1.5 or 2-hour weekly sessions, as we are able to achieve significantly more (and it is more economical for you). Whatever works best for your family is the right choice, and is fine with me.

Question 3

How do you accept payments?

Accepted Answer

I take either instant bank transfer, cheque, or cash. All regularly-scheduled lessons during term-time are payable before the beginning of each half-term. For all ad hoc sessions, payments are due the day of the lesson.

Question 4

Do you tutor online?

Accepted Answer

As a general rule, no, although there are plenty of exceptions. If the student needs an online session or two due to travel or illness, I am happy to accommodate this. But in my experience online tutoring can be less productive for the students, and I strongly encourage face to face as standard.

I do have some extremely motivated students who I teach online as they are able to engage and pay attention well. This is on a case-by-case basis, as I want to be certain that you are receiving a high-quality session, which can only happen online under the right circumstances.

Question 5

How are sessions structured?

Accepted Answer

This is flexible, depending on the student's needs. Sometimes a student-led session focusing on issues currently cropping up in the material at school can be a great use of time. With long-term students who need it, we can cover entire portions of an exam specification that they've struggled with or missed. Generally, if I know ahead of time what topics / exams are being worked on, I will prepare some materials to help get the maximum output from each lesson.

For exam success, I think it is beneficial to work through plenty of practice exam questions to get students used to the format in which they will be assessed. Practice exams are one of the key tools I use to develop their knowledge of the subject material, but also to refine exam success techniques. We will discuss how to optimise their strategic approach to handling exam stress, standardised test-taking, and independent study.

Question 6

What equipment do you use?

Accepted Answer

In session we normally use my MacBook, large iPad pro and Apple Pencil. If you prefer pen and paper, that's absolutely fine. Otherwise I  have students do their practice work on the iPad. This allows a lot of note-taking flexibility, and I can email it to them (and you) at the end of the session. This gives the student a repository of clear notes and worked exams to use for private study, without the risk of losing or misplacing them.

If the student has any textbooks they are currently using, it’s great that have those available in our sessions - especially for A levels.

Question 7

What do you need from me?

Accepted Answer

It's really helpful to know which exam board the student is studying for, so that I can tailor the material to specific exams (you can find this information out from teachers at school if you aren't sure). I also encourage students with iPads or tablets to bring those to our sessions so we can incorporate them, although this is definitely not essential! I have calculators, but I prefer if students bring and use their own so they get used to whatever they'll be working with during their exams.

Question 8

Do you work with homeschooled students?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely! I am very happy to work with homeschooling families around academic instruction, as well as setting up and running successful educational experiments for an enhanced learning experience. Please contact me for more details.

Question 9

Do you set homework?

Accepted Answer

Generally, yes. In my experience, the benefits of tutoring are greatly increased if the student does some work independently prior to our sessions, and then we can focus only on the parts that caused them difficulty. However, if I set work for a student and it is not completed there is no punishment or guilt involved. I advise that students do what they can with the time they have, and I'll meet them wherever they are at with the material. No stress.

I have one or two students for whom homework is not practical. I am happy to make exceptions / modifications for those who would benefit from it.

Question 10

Do you alter material to suit different exam boards?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I am very familiar with AQA, Edexcel, and OCR. I will tailor our sessions to set you up for success with your specific exam board. Even if you are working to an exam specification I am not previously familiar with, I will make an effort to rectify that early on.

Question 11

How much do you charge for group sessions?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on the number of students and the duration. Please contact me and we can discuss what works for your needs. Based on that info I'll be able to quote you a rate.

Question 12

Do you have a criminal record check?

Accepted Answer

Yes, I have a current DBS check on record, and am very happy to show you the certificate upon request.

Question 13

Do you have a teaching degree?

Accepted Answer

I do not have a PGCE or QTS teaching certificate. My expertise in studying and tutoring comes from 9 years of being at university as a student, tutor, and graduate teaching assistant, as well as from teaching professionals hands-on scientific skills in industry, healthcare, and academia. My skill set is knowing how to really study for exams and succeed, even with difficult material.

Question 14

Why do you tutor?

Accepted Answer

In graduate school I studied plant growth and development in space whilst also teaching university biology to first years. Then I switched and did cancer research for two years at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, and then I worked professionally for a large pharmaceutical company in the UK for three years. I've worked in different types of labs and facilities, and the truth is that there is no work I enjoy more than teaching. In every role I've had, the teaching component was my favourite part. I have taught medical doctors how to do laboratory research, I have taught university students how to dissect animals and the biochemistry of photosynthesis, and I've taught 12 year olds algebra and how cells work. Seeing the light go on, or the "penny drop", is the best work I can imagine.

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