Anstruther Biology Tutors and Anstruther Biology Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an independent tutor with a strong scientific background and have lived in England since Aug 1965. Most of my school and college education took place in Dudley (West Midlands) and I studied Biochemistry, at Leeds University (1975-8). I am married and have lived in Cheshire since Dec 1978. We have a son and a daughter; both graduated from Universities in Manchester. Following my voluntary redundancy from AstraZeneca, (Jun 2008), I am now a self-employed Tutor / Consultant. In addition, I am able to speak additional languages (Punjabi; studied up to GCE A-level and Hindi) and prepared to travel up to 5 miles. I have been tutoring Yr 7 - 13 students, in Maths and all Science subjects, since Oct 2008. In addition, I have prepared students from Yr 6, for the 11+ exams; frequently used by private schools, as entrance exams. Testimonials / References (from Students and Parents) are available, on request.

Teaching Experience:
During my long service in the Pharma industry (~30 years), I have run many short courses and workshops. During 2005/6, I mentored a pupil (Year 10/11) at St. Peter's High School, Longsight, organised by the University of Manchester. In the past, I have also been responsible for organising and running the weekly classes at the Sikh Temple (Gurdwara), for teaching youngsters the Sikh way of life & Punjabi culture, in helping to improve their knowledge and integration into the Western Society over a period of ten years.

Tutoring Approach:
I can provide tuition to individual students (or small groups) in the form of friendly, relaxed lessons. Teaching sessions are always customised to meet the specific requirement of the students. Generally, I enjoy teaching and considered to have a caring approach. I use a combination of computer and 'white board' based approach, for creating informal interactive / discussion type sessions, with some form of regular tests and re-cap sessions. Closer to the exams, the lessons are much more focused on using past papers covering a wide range of questions, to enable the students increase their confidence in preparation for the examinations.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm amazing!!!
And I help other people be amazing too!!!
My aim is to increase everyone's understanding of everything!!!

I've been tutoring Maths, Science and English since 2007, for ages 5 to 50. However, I mostly help teenagers with their SATs, GCSEs and A Levels.

Maths, Science and English are the three main subjects that people tend to want tutoring in. (Actually it's five subjects if you break the Science down into Biology, Chemistry and Physics.)

Anyway, as I tutor all of these subjects, my students find it very useful that I can potentially cover a different subject each week, or I can do two hours a week and cover a different subject in each hour.

This obviously makes it much easier for the parents too, because they don't have to find a separate tutor for each subject, or leave their child without the valuable one-to-one support in any of the core subjects.

I've also helped my students with pretty much every major school subject; from History and Religious Studies, to French and Spanish, and even Psychology and Health and Social Care. In fact, experience has shown me that I can help anyone to better understand anything - even something that I didn't even know myself a minute earlier!

Teaching Experience:
Educational Employment

Private Home Tutor
The Right Line
2007 - present
Tutoring GCSE and AS Level Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Tutoring GCSE English Language and English Literature.
Tutoring Numeracy and Literacy (including Phonics) for ages 7 and up.

Life Improvement Course Director
COSRECI
2001 - 2012
(A community education and counselling organisation.)
Assisting students on courseroom-based life improvement courses.
Marking and returning lessons for home-study life improvement courses

Tutoring Approach:
Initially:
I find out the student's strengths and weaknesses.
I find out what they want to achieve from the tutoring.
Together we draw up a plan of action to achieve this.

While tutoring:
I ensure the student understands every word of the subject as it comes up.
I aim for a full, conceptual understanding of each point to the best of their ability.
I keep motivation high with reward stickers! (IT WORKS!!!)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a degree in Physics from the University of Nottingham and have taught Science in schools for over 8 years. I have a wide variety of teaching experience, from teaching English as a foreign language to a small group of 6 year olds, to teaching A level Physics in college. I love teaching and especially enjoy seeing students progress, become more confident and gain a real interest and love of the subject.

Teaching Experience:
I have now been tutoring for over 3 years, helping many students to gain the grades they require in their GCSE and A level exams for Science and Maths.

Previously, I spent 7 years living in Thailand where I taught both England (as a foreign language) and Science in an International Program at one of the top government schools. I also taught English, Maths and Science as a tutor, both on a one-to-one basis and to small groups.

I gained a PGCE in Secondary Science from Manchester Metropolitan University in 2009 and worked as a supply teacher in a number of secondary schools in the Cheshire area before becoming a full time tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to encourage a love of the subject and take great joy in seeing students progress and become successful. I try to be friendly and supportive whilst also striving for excellent results. I try to make sessions interesting and informative by personalising the work to centre around the interests and needs of the individual student and by making use of ICT resources.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I started tutoring in 2009 and have been an associate lecturer in Earth Sciences with the Open University since 2014. I love all science and am passionate about supporting learners of all ages and abilities to achieve their best, while hopefully finding a bit of the magic in the subject along the way!

I'm also a student myself, in the process of writing up my PhD which is focused on the tectonic evolution of central Greece,

I'm based in North London, living in Finsbury Park, and I've lived here most of my life... 44 years old and counting!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a tutor of secondary school sciences/Geography (KS3 - A Level) since 2009.
I have taught science at secondary school and revision colleges teaching KS3, GCSE and A Level.
I am an associate lecturer in Earth Science and Evolutionary Biology with the Open University (Since 2014).
I have have had various fixed-term lectureships teaching geology and palaeontology at UCL & Birkbeck College (London).

Tutoring Approach:
My core approach:

Is friendly and student-centred, empowering students to succeed in their studies with support and guidance every step of the way.

Focuses on developing a real grasp of the key concepts central to the course of study, including homework support and ample practice to refine exam technique.

Provides a safe and supportive atmosphere where no question is too daft and the focus is constantly on the journey towards achieving the best possible results in exams and coursework.

I have a wide range of resources which can be used as informal between-session homeworks or simply provided for enrichment beyond those provided at school.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a current A-level Chemistry and Biology examiner and author of A level Biology exam papers as well as textbooks and workbooks. I have worked in bioscience research and more recently in life science marketing and academic conference management in chemistry and biochemistry. I am a Chartered Chemist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and committee member of the Protein & Peptide Science Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

I now offer tuition exclusively online, using the Zoom platform.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years' experience in one-to-one teaching, starting with giving undergraduate tutorials at the University of Oxford. I have been offering private tuition in A-level Chemistry and Biology for over 10 years.

I am able to tailor my teaching style to the individual needs of the student and to make best use of online and other electronic resources to help students to an understanding of the subject.

Tutoring Approach:
I start by identifying the particular needs of the student: do they have problems with understanding some or all of the subject; are there any areas of weakness that need to be strengthened; are there issues with exam technique that need to be addressed?

Even well taught students who have a good grasp of the subject can fail to achieve their full potential through poor exam technique. My earlier experience as a Chief Examiner, responsible for setting and marking A level exams, means that I have a detailed knowledge of the exam system and how students need to approach exam papers. My current examining experience has given me an insight into how to help students avoid unnecessary loss of marks by developing clear and rigorous approaches to their answers and to develop strategies to approach individual questions so as to maximise their performance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Growing up in London, I understand firsthand the challenges young people face and the many distractions that can impact their academic progress. Having spent years tutoring students from diverse backgrounds across the UK, I've come to appreciate the value of personalised lessons tailored to each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. This approach ensures that every individual gets the support they need to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Experienced Tutor with a Dual Background in Dentistry and Chemical Engineering

With over 10 years of tutoring experience, I specialise in helping students excel through personalised, engaging lessons tailored to their individual needs. My academic background includes degrees in both Dentistry and Chemical Engineering, giving me a unique ability to explain complex scientific concepts in clear, relatable ways.

I have extensive experience working 1-on-1 with students, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), where I focus on creating an inclusive, supportive environment. My lessons are fun, interactive, and designed to keep students motivated, fostering a love for learning and a drive to achieve more. Whether you're looking to improve grades or deepen your understanding, I'm dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching methods include a variety of approaches, from videos, challenges and interactive sessions.
My pupils have fun whilst they learn and get the grades they need!

I am aware each student is an individual, with varying levels of ability and so the lesson would be determined using this. Analysis of each lesson and how the student responds to different techniques of teaching will be made, to tailor for the ideal teaching session. This will ensure content will be covered in a time efficient manner, while keeping the student engaged and motivated.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Learning how to learn is important for everyone and I can help students build their own study skills , developing both abilities and confidence. My own love for learning is evidenced by my hobbies which extend from sailing through to singing, piano, camping and walking and even the piano accordion. I enjoy science, and am keen to spark a similar interest in all my pupils in a way which is relevant to their personal ability and interest.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching all my adult life; in schools, colleges, field study centres, adult education and in the home. Having started my career in 11-18 Educatio, teaching science , in outer London I straight away starting teaching 'A'level Biology at home to a poorly student. Other experience includes : centre manager, deputy principal and ESD manager for the county council as well as taking on regional/national roles in learning for sustainability. 9 years ago I returned to secondary school teaching and I have since taught GCSE Science (main focus on Chemistry and Biology) in five good and outstanding schools in Dorset, working with all the main exam boards. I'm proficient in both the 2011 and 2016 GCSE syllabus and I particularly enjoy the challenges of AQA Science as well asEdExcel adapting them for all ability levels. My A level tutoring is focussed on question answering across the OCR syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether teaching at home or in school I support my students in gaining mastery of the content relevant to their particular exam board. Recalling and applying that knowledge and understanding to different contexts and to different questions is so important. In my classes I will not be the only one who is working hard! Believing in success and enjoying learning are part of the process, as well as helping students to get unstuck and improve their answers.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a UK qualified teacher with 20 years teaching experience. I graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2003 and a year later completed my post graduate certificate in Education at the same university. I have taught in 3 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire and Derbyshire.

I currently teach all GCSE sciences as well as Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. I am a designated Advanced Skills Teacher; recognition of my outstanding classroom practice and the excellent results that this generates for the young people I teach. I work for the Cambridge International Exam Board, being an experienced marker of A Level chemistry. In 2024 the A-level classes I taught achieved on average a whole grade higher than other students studying AQA chemistry nationally, which put my results firmly in the outstanding category as measured by ALPS.

In person I am able to offer in-person tuition in and around the Derby, Ashbourne and Uttoxeter areas. I also offer remote learning via MS Teams.

I am currently taking on students for the academic year 2025-2026. My services are usually very popular so I would suggest booking in early to secure a slot.
I charge £50 per hour, regardless of whether this is in person or online. That fee also covers my preparation for each hour long session and my time spent reviewing a students mock exams, class tests etc. The first lesson is half price :-)

Having been a 6th Form tutor for over 10 years, I am also able to offer support and guidance regarding the UCAS process, and in particular the writing of UCAS personal statements and I am able to offer preparation for interviews, including mock interviews, for courses including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and Oxbridge applications.
I am also able to tutor Maths, particularly those wanting help and support with the 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Year 7-9 Science, Year 9-11 GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics and A Level Chemistry. I also teach BTEC Applied Science to Year 9-11 and Level 3 Applied Science to Year 12-13. I am equally at home delivering AQA and OCR specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to accurately asses the needs of the student, plan short activities to address those needs and re-assess to ensure the student has made progress. I am able to explain complex science in a way that makes it accessible for young people. Sessions mainly involve looking at past paper questions and working on exam technique. In my experience most students are able to understand the science involved in a particular question, but lose marks by not presenting their answers in a format that hits the required marking points. This is where students can be coached by myself and make the most progress in academic outcomes.

I am confident that I am able to forge positive working relationships with children and unlock their potential in the sciences. I am friendly, have a good sense of humour and English is my first language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Teaching Experience:
I hold Certifcate in Education. I have been teaching English as a Second Language since May 2007. The students would stay at my house for a week or up to eight weeks. I have also taught Maths, Biology, Science, History, Geography and Physics to GCSE level.
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker and I am passionate about teaching and I love people. I have a PhD in protein chemistry.

Teaching Experience:
I am teaching since 2012 and I have taught 31 private students so far. I have taught 17 Science GCSE and A-level classes in schools and Colleges. I also have taught 23 German, French and Italian evening classes.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student and needs centred.
My language lessons can focus on speaking and listening, essential grammar and writing sentences and essays.
In science lessons all weaknesses can be discussed, school homework and exam paper questions.
A typical lesson with me is one hour per week with one additional hour of homework for the following lesson, however this is entirely up to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a teacher and examiner for GCSE and IB. I have a PGCE and also a PhD.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years of international teaching experience and have references as well.

Tutoring Approach:
I can tutor both online and in person. I have plenty of resources and lots of of experience with the curricula.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am from Malaysia, currently studying in Kings College London taking MSc Microbiome in Health and Disease.
I have experience in teaching, and I am passionate about sharing knowledge to students, and encouraging students to learn.
I believe that education takes us to places, even to territories that are yet to be ventured. Even though I have left the formal education field to pursue my interests, I believe that I can serve in the field by tutoring students in need.

Teaching Experience:
BIOLOGY TEACHER (01/2016 - 08/2021)
Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Worked with Science department Head as special adviser on curriculum development for Biology programme.
Maintained positive, supportive relationships and communication channels with parents and caregivers.
Delivered lab lessons, utilising lab equipment and experiments to further student learning.
Effectively managed classroom behaviour through deescalation and redirection techniques.
Provided interactive and digital learning sessions during COVID in compliance with quality learning standards.
Supervised safe lab work, closely monitoring students adherence to all health and safety policies.
Assessed student performance, behaviour and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER (11/2014 - 12/2015)
Yu Gong Decoration Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Translated various documents within tight deadlines, including legal and technical content.
Proofread completed translations to catch and fix punctuation, grammatical and translation errors.
Conducted in-depth research or consulted with specialists to obtain information on technical information translation or scientific phrases.
Translated original text, ensuring perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Offered quick verbal translations of documents for use by legal and business professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I will try to understand the student's level of understanding in a particular topic.
I will also compare with the education syllabus to grasp the requirements for the student to pass with certain grade.

Once those are ascertained, I will make use of available teaching materials (such as videos, educational books) to teach the student, and even make use of drawings to illustrate my points.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a passionate, hardworking, skilled, and outstanding teacher. I am fully qualified and experienced Primary School teacher specialising in all primary phase subjects. I am extremely professional, energetic, and up to date with the demands of the current Primary Curriculum and the requirements for Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, preparation for SATs, SEN and learning support.

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my 15-year teaching career, I have gained extensive skills in teaching and working directly with children within the Primary Phase (4-11 years). I have an excellent proven track record of students achieving way above what they may have been predicted.

I have considerable experience in helping students who are on the SEND register and most recently I have worked as an Acting SENCO. This involved devising, delivering and monitoring the curriculum for students with moderate and severe learning difficulties as well as those with highly complex needs. I have recently attained the SENCO award qualification from Edge Hill University.

Tutoring Approach:
I am extremely positive, calm, and nurturing. I believe that every child can reach their goals in learning and I will help them to realise their true potential, improving academic performance and developing self-esteem to build a successful future.

After an initial assessment, I will create a personalised learning journey plan and I will ensure that I use motivational interests and strengths to work on areas of new learning and any misconceptions.

I aim to do much more than just increase grades, however I am to inspire, increase confidence and show that learning is something that everyone can do.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a confident, hard working and positive person with a mature attitude.
I am an experienced private tutor. I work with A-level chemistry students who have been excluded for under performance in their schools and get them back to where they achieve an "A" when they take their final exams.
In short, I am good at motivating disaffected children, and raising the self esteem of those whose self esteem has been damaged.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught GCSE Biology, Physics and Chemistry and A-level chemistry for more that 30 years. I have been tutoring for the last 16 years.
I am currently teaching full time at a catholic school and taking some KS3, GCSE and A-level chemistry tuition after school and on Saturdays.

Tutoring Approach:
For GCSE and A-level, I make it a point that students familiarise themselves with the way examiners ask questions and the topic areas frequented by examiners. Through practice, students learn how to respond to exam questions with accuracy and precision. This is done for every topic. In addition, I train my students to be independent learners who can use available resources to help themselves find answers.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a graduate of University of Southampton and Queen Mary University of London. I recieved a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Forensic Medical Science at both of these universities (respectively). Since graduation, I have been volunteering to work with a few GCSE students, focusing on improving their grades and understanding of Maths and Biology. I am most passionate about biology, particularly human biology, physiology, and anatomy and this is where my strengths lie within biology. In my own experience, letting students inform me of their preferred learning style and adjusting accordingly has been the most effective approach to learning. I am always happy to provide extra resources and practice questions based on the topic we have studied. I am a big advocate for education and I believe that no matter your background, you should have equal access and opportunities for learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored 5 students so far ranging from year 4 to year 11 in Maths and Biology.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy getting to know my tutee and understanding their learning style. That way, I can plan lessons based on how they like to learn for our sessions to be as effective as possible. I have a very patient and adaptable approach - I can go over concepts multiple times with lots of practice questions to ensure a full understanding of the topic. I like to go at the pace of the tutee - so no rushing! I care about the learning of my students. I also enjoy providing extra resources and websites for tutees to access in their own time, to further push them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an aspiring Medic currently studying at Imperial College London, I have lived in London my entire life and love all parts of it. I am a judoka training many times a week looking to develop my skill and passion for the sport. I am passionate about learning as a whole and enjoy the endeavour. I teach Maths, Biology and Chemistry as those are my strongest subjects and the ones which I find myself researching the most in my free time. I achieved an A* in Biology and A in Maths and Chemistry, 9's in all 3 of them at GCSEs gaining <90% in both my Maths and Further Maths Paper.

Teaching Experience:
I volunteered with IntoUniversity, for a year, to help kids who would struggle in school to develop their studying skills and their communication. It was a very unique experience for me and was extremely engaging and one of the main reasons I would like to do tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I would like to tutor in a way that I have found the most effective to learn. I find that by gaining a deep understanding of the content learning it becomes much easier and memorising it will no longer feel like a tedious chore. Coupled with that, a friendly teaching approach that encourages the student to learn and enjoy the lessons makes it much easier for them to succeed in their exams aswell, I feel when you become passionate about the subject or learning as a whole the entire process becomes much less robotic and as a result a much smoother and enjoyable experience,

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been working in the pharmaceutical industry for 2 years in process control and regulatory affairs. In these roles, I have written scientific summaries for public dissemination, including industry guidance and legal representations submitted to court. Additionally, I have responded directly to inquiries from members of the public, effectively communicating complex ideas in clear, accessible language. I have strong IT skills and the ability to plan and prioritise tasks.

I have a comprehensive academic background in biological sciences, holding both a BSc and an MSc in the subject area. I have always studied in the UK and I have two siblings, one younger and one older, who have done the same. This has allowed me to observe the evolution of the national curriculum over the years and stay well-acquainted with it. I also believe my solid subject knowledge makes me capable of working to any changes. I am passionate about education and fostering a love for learning in students.

Outside of science, I have rather varied interests and hobbies. I enjoy keeping fit and go rock climbing regularly with friends. I am also an experienced traveller and have visited over a dozen countries across Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. My enjoyment of these and so many other different activities enables me to find commonalities with an array of individuals, which fosters connectivity, a skill I think serves me well as a teacher/tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as an EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teacher with children aged 7-15 for 1 year in South Korea. I also have previous experience as a Young Leader with Girlguides aged 10-14 for ~3 years and as a Playworker at my local primary school for 1 year.

I have seen first-hand the difference I can make working as a teacher and experienced the pure fulfilment that comes from watching my students grow and develop. In the year I spent working full-time as an English teacher for elementary-middle school children in South Korea, I was responsible for developing syllabi, designing and delivering lessons, creating new learning materials, grading coursework, and ensuring the welfare of pupils. This role developed my ability to communicate and connect with children and young adults, taking the time to understand each one in order to adapt to their specific needs and effectively motivate them through challenging tasks.

Tutoring Approach:
I strive to create a supportive and approachable learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and seeking help. My confident yet friendly and adaptable nature allows me to build strong relationships with students, earning their respect while ensuring they never feel intimidated.

I recognise that every student is unique, with their own strengths, challenges, and learning styles. Because of this, I take the time to understand each student individually, tailoring my teaching approach to suit their specific needs. Whether that means adjusting the pace of a lesson, using different explanations, or incorporating more interactive elements, I am committed to ensuring that every student has the best possible opportunity to grasp new concepts and progress.

I remain calm and solution-focused when faced with challenges, whether managing student behaviour or handling unexpected technical difficulties. I view each lesson as an opportunity to grow, both for my students and myself, and I continuously reflect on ways to improve my teaching approach.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dr. Catherine is a dedicated scientist and educator whose career spans advanced academic research, science education, and personal tutoring. With a deep-rooted passion for physics and its applications, she has combined her expertise in experimental and applied science with her vocation to inspire the next generation of learners.

Born with an early curiosity for the natural world, Catherine pursued her studies in physics with determination. She earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Physics from Wroclaw University, where she explored the growth of metals on alloy surfaces. Her doctoral research, "Growth of Pb on Ni3Al(111)", reflected her keen ability to investigate materials at the atomic level. She later expanded her academic journey at Warwick University, completing a second Ph.D. in Physics on "Growth and Characterisation of Metal Alloy and Metal Oxide Surfaces." Her work contributed to advancing the understanding of thin-film growth and nanostructures, leading to several publications in respected international journals. Among her noted contributions are studies on ultrathin metal layers, titanium dioxide films, and surface morphology, establishing her reputation as a careful and innovative experimentalist.

After years in research, Catherine transitioned into education, determined to share her scientific knowledge in a way that would have a direct impact on young people. She completed a PGCE with QTS at the University of Winchester, equipping her with the pedagogical foundation to teach science across all secondary school levels.

Beyond her teaching, Catherine remains connected to her research roots. She has authored and co-authored several publications, including contributions to Applied Surface Science and Materials. These works, ranging from the structural determination of metallic surfaces to the optimisation of thin-film growth, illustrate her ongoing identity as both a teacher and a scientist.

What defines Dr. Catherine's career is the balance she has achieved between the rigour of scientific inquiry and the nurturing ethos of education. She has moved fluidly from the laboratory to the classroom, from international research to local communities, always with the purpose of unlocking potential in others. Whether mentoring young learners, supporting those with special educational needs, or contributing to the broader field of physics, Catherine exemplifies a professional life dedicated to knowledge, care, and inspiration.

Teaching Experience:
Her teaching career has since flourished across a range of schools and academies. Catherine has taught in institutions such as Swanmore College, Wildern Academy, and UTC Portsmouth, where she not only delivered the sciences at KS3 and KS4 but also pioneered the development of a new T-Level course. She embraced opportunities beyond the classroom, leading enrichment activities in CAD and crafts, coordinating SilverCrest Awards, and supporting students in employment readiness. At King's Academy Bay House, she brought her expertise in physics and broader sciences to pupils while nurturing Year 10 learners as a tutor. Her dedication extended to specialist teaching, including her time at Mayville High School and SEN Wavern House, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to inclusive education.

Alongside her teaching roles, Catherine has pursued private tutoring through KEU Consultancy Ltd and Sherpa, where she continues to support learners preparing for examinations such as GCSE, A-level, and 13+ entry exams to prestigious schools including Eton and Westminster College. Her expertise in exam specifications-AQA, OCR, and Edexcel-has enabled her to guide students with precision and clarity.

Her academic and professional journey is complemented by an impressive commitment to continuous development. Catherine has undertaken extensive training in safeguarding, health and safety, emergency aid, radicalisation awareness, and supporting vulnerable learners. These certifications reflect her holistic approach to education, where student wellbeing is valued alongside academic achievement.

Tutoring Approach:
For Dr. Catherine, tutoring is more than delivering subject knowledge-it is about unlocking each learner's potential by understanding how they learn best. Her approach to tutoring is informed by recent advances in educational psychology, cognitive science, and pedagogy, all of which emphasise that no two students learn in exactly the same way.

Drawing on research in metacognition, memory, and motivation, Catherine builds her tutoring practice around the principle that effective learning occurs when students are not only taught content but also given the tools to understand their own thinking. She encourages learners to reflect on how they solve problems, identify what strategies work for them, and develop confidence in applying those strategies independently.

Central to her philosophy is individualisation. Every child comes with unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Some may thrive on visual explanations, while others learn best through hands-on practice or discussion. Catherine takes the time to assess these differences, adapting her lessons accordingly-whether that means breaking down complex physics principles into manageable steps, linking abstract science to real-world examples, or building scaffolds for students with learning difficulties.

Her approach also aligns with student-centred learning models, which place the child's needs at the core of the educational process. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all method, she co-constructs learning pathways with her students, ensuring that goals are clear, achievable, and motivating. Catherine is attentive not only to academic progress but also to emotional and cognitive wellbeing. She understands that resilience, curiosity, and self-belief are as important as exam results in shaping a lifelong learner.

Practical strategies underpin her sessions. She uses spaced repetition to reinforce knowledge over time, retrieval practice to strengthen memory, and dual coding (combining words with visuals) to aid understanding. She applies the latest insights from cognitive load theory to avoid overwhelming students, ensuring that new information is introduced in digestible stages. At the same time, she weaves in opportunities for creativity and inquiry, inviting students to ask their own questions and experiment with new ideas.

Catherine's tutoring style is also deeply relational. She believes that trust and rapport between tutor and student are foundational to success. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental learning environment, she allows students to take risks, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and ultimately grow in confidence.

For her, tutoring is not about producing short-term results but about nurturing independent thinkers who will carry their learning skills into future challenges. This philosophy is evident in her work preparing students for key milestones-such as GCSEs, A-levels, and entrance exams for prestigious schools-where she combines rigorous subject knowledge with strategies that empower students to approach exams with resilience and self-assurance.

In every session, Catherine demonstrates that tutoring is not just the transmission of knowledge, but the cultivation of learning itself. By combining cutting-edge research with compassion and adaptability, she ensures that each student is seen, heard, and supported on their unique educational journey.

Subjects