Westerham Biology Tutors and Westerham Biology Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an Independent Educational Consultant specialising in Dyslexic Disorders. I have been a private tutor for many years and have tutored over 200 students. I have worked with many gifted children and those also who find education a challenge. I specialise in special needs especially dyslexia and Autism. After training as a teacher and the a medical doctor I find that my interest has remained in the education field and so am now to begin training as an Educational Psychologist with the Institute of Education, University of London.

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years teaching experience with 18 years specialising in special needs. Over 10 years an an Independent Education Consultant specialising in Dyslexia. I am able to offer tuition to students with ADHD, ADD, and Autistic spectrum disorders. I also have a child with dyslexia and Autism so understand the domestic side to these conditions as well as the educational.

Tutoring Approach:
My general approach to teaching is to enhance individual skills by providing an individual programme for the student. This allows the student to learn independently instead of the learning associated within schools of one size fits all. Unfortunately, this does not work with many children who need a structured individualised approach. I also work within the "We find this subject a challenge, not an impossibility" field; that is to say everything is positive concerning the tuition, and everyone can learn, its just they have not been taught in a way that they personally understand. This is especially apparent with the dyslexic student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am committed to providing the best possible service for all my students . I can guarantee helping clients achieve success at whatever level.

Teaching Experience:
35 years in secondary schools. I teach maths and all science subjects up to GCSE level and KS3 . I also work for two examination boards as an examiner marking and setting examination questions.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a flexible approach tailored to the needs of the student. Having taught children of all abilities and different ages I can fulfil the requirements of any student from the most able to any with special needs.

Subjects

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 am a fully qualified Secondary Chemistry and Science Teacher. I was Head of Science and KS5 Chemistry coordinator in my previous school and now I run my own education support centre in Birmingham City Centre. Prior to my teaching career. I was a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham conducting research in the field of nanotechnology.
I have acquired the following qualification: PGCS (Chemistry), QTS, MRSC (Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry, a Master of Research degree (Msc) in material science and Bachelor of Science degree (Bsc) in Chemistry.

I believe the best way to be successful academically is by hard work, patience and the appropriate guidance. When students do not achieved the top grade for a subject, it is not because they don't work hard enough or they are not bright. It is purely because they do not have the right exam technique and guidance. Hence I believe with my support, students can achieve their desired grade because I understand where the difficulties lie.

Testimonials from students
"Dr. has helped and guided me a lot in the last two years and has been a massive contribution towards helping me achieve my grades at GCSEs and A-level. He always knew how to target areas which I struggled in and which approach I should take to tackle a problem. Dr. has always motivated me and pushed me to be a better student.I am very thankful for all the support you have given me and I wish you all the best in the future!"

"Dr is an excellent tutor who has really supported me and helped me to get set on the right path. I am extremely lucky to have had him as my tutor and I will forever be grateful"

Testimonials from parents
"Thank you Paul for guiding my daughter through her A Level chemistry course and giving her all the help she needed with difficult concepts and scientific analysis over the past four years - it has really flown by! She's now set to study at Kings College with good A Level results! Thanks so much."

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of tutoring and school teaching experience in A-level Chemistry, in both AQA and OCR board. I have taught over 100's of A level and GCSE students over the years. Majority of my students (Both GCSE and A level) end up with level 7-9 in GCSE and A's in A level Chemistry. Most recent results: out of the 7 A level Chemistry student I have, 6 students achieved an A and 1 got a B (3 marks of an A)

Tutoring Approach:
The way I see tutoring is not about teaching students all the knowledge that school has already done, it is about helping students through their difficulties in the subjects. I believe a successful tutor needs to have patience and to understand their student's needs and teach accordingly. The saying I believe the most is "Tell me, I will forget, Show me, I might remember, Involve me, I will understand". With a good understanding and appropriate guidance, any student should be able to achieve any grade they desire.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Lauren, I am 18 years old, and I am currently a student at Coventry University studying Spanish BA Single Honours, with TEFL (Teaching English as a foreign language). I am originally from Dorset, where I studied Spanish at GCSE and A Level, acquiring an A* at GCSE and a B at A Level. I believe I am a hard working individual with every intention on making sure I achieve what I set out to do. I enjoy helping others, working, and socialising with my friends, and I get on really well with new people.

Teaching Experience:
In the past I have helped out with some younger classes at my secondary school when they needed some assistance in some of the classes. Also, as my sister is 5 years younger than me, I have always been the one helping her with homework, or helping if there is something she does not understand. This means that I have some experience working with people who are in the age group I intend to teach.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a structured hour of work where the pupil is thoroughly engaged throughout the session. I think that there is a lot of importance in learning 'discovery' which is where the pupil is not spoon-fed information, but rather encouraged to try and work out patterns in the language e.g. grammar. Obviously if the pupil gets stuck I will help them. I also think grammar is an important part of learning Spanish language due to all of the verb conjugations and gender agreements etc. Homework is also important as doing a little each day is definitely one of the best ways to learn.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a Biology teacher for 37 years. I am now retired and living with my wife in Hartland in North Devon.
We have four adult children.
I have taught in state schools and independent schools in UK and at International Schools in Africa and the Middle East. During my teaching career I have been Head of Biology for twelve years.
I have always enjoyed studying Biology and I like to think that I can pass my enthusiasm for the subject on to my tutees.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in UK for 19 years:
Twelve years at the Radclyffe School in Oldham, two years at St John Rigby Sixth Form College in Wigan and nearly five years at Shebbear College in North Devon where I was Head of Biology.
I have taught at International Schools for 18 years. All the institutions followed the British Curriculum:
One year at Barewa College, Zaria in Nigeria and one year at Seepapitso Secondary School in Botswana.
Nearly six years in Kenya at Hillcrest Secondary School, Nairobi where I was also the Head of Boarding.
Three years at Muscat Private School in Oman, two years as Head of Science at the British School of Alexandria, and three years at the Modern English School in Cairo as Head of Biology.
I completed my overseas teaching as Head of Biology at Al Khor International School in Qatar where I taught for two years.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always enjoyed studying and teaching Biology which has effectively been my lifetime's work. I have extensive experience of teaching students from many different educational backgrounds and I have always been able to relate to my students and nurture an enthusiasm for the subject. As a tutor I would aim to make my lessons enjoyable but rigorous and I will always try my best to boost the confidence of my tutees. If students begin to enjoy the subject they will gain confidence and the examinations will then seem less daunting.
Whenever I tutor I will always incorporate the use of a computer into the learning process. I like to refer to animations and short video clips which greatly enhance the learning process. The on-line resources can then be used by my tutees to reinforce their understanding, as well as researching new material.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a bilingual (native Russian) educator with extensive experience teaching Science, Maths, and Russian across various levels, from nursery to adult education. Currently, I teach Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and advanced Maths at a small independent school in Bedfordshire.

I specialize in Maths and Science and have a particular interest in working with students with special needs and autism. I offer intensive GCSE exam preparation, with proven results such as helping a student improve their grade from 5 to 7 in just two months through focused sessions.

I hold multiple teaching qualifications, including an MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), which I obtained in 2022. I have also worked as an examiner for AQA in GCSE Chemistry and have experience supporting students with challenging behaviours and special educational needs.

My approach incorporates sensory stimuli to enhance engagement and reduce transitional times, based on my dissertation research into educational motivation for teenagers with challenging behaviours. I am passionate about leveraging students' natural interests to drive positive changes in behaviour and academic attitudes.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching Maths, Science, and Russian, both face-to-face and online. I employ various student engagement strategies to ensure a productive and enjoyable learning experience.

I began teaching Science in 1989 in Siberia. Since then, I have taught students of various ages and, after moving to the UK, expanded my teaching to include Russian. I also founded and ran a Russian language school for over 11 years, where I developed and tailored curricula to meet individual needs. The teachers I trained in my school are now making an impact in schools across the UK.

Maths: I teach Maths at various levels, from primary to GCSE. My approach focuses on building a solid understanding and confidence in the subject.

Science: I have been teaching Science since 1989 in different countries. In my most recent role at a private behavioural school, 90% of students initially expressed a dislike for Science, but 60% ended up eagerly attending my classes.

Russian: I teach Russian to a wide range of age groups, from 3-year-olds to 76-year-olds. I use diverse techniques tailored to each student's age, learning style, and schooling level to boost their confidence and maximize their potential.

SEND: I have a strong interest in teaching students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory issues, and challenging behaviours. I aim to equip all my students with the skills needed for employability and adaptation to the working environment.

Tutoring Approach:
My goal as a tutor is to cultivate a deep understanding and confidence in each student. I adapt my teaching methods to meet their individual needs, learning styles, and abilities. I aim to inspire independent thinking by incorporating real-world examples whenever possible. I typically start with familiar topics to build confidence and gradually progress to more challenging material. Additionally, I use questions and homework to continually assess and reinforce understanding.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an A level biology examiner as well as being a fully qualified science teacher with over nineteen years of experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught science to GCSE level and A level biology for over ten years in secondary schools. Since relocating to Stroud, I have tutored students in A level biology for the past nine years. I have taught a number of students via on-line lessons for the last three years. I am also an examiner for OCR A level biology. The experience of marking A level papers has enabled me to help my students effectively prepare for exams.

I am currently fully booked but am happy to talk about the possibility of tutoring from after the summer exams.

Tutoring Approach:
The style of tutoring needed by individual students will vary. It may start with ensuring understanding of the key concepts in biology at an appropriate level. The jump to A level from GCSE is quite considerable and even the brightest students can struggle initially. Another essential skill needed is the ability to pull together biological content taught in different parts of the syllabus. As exam time approaches, a student has to apply their knowledge and understanding to real exam questions. Practice of exam technique is often a large part of a tutorial session in the run up to A level exams. This is an even more important aspect of my tutoring approach since the A level course recently changed to being examined solely at the end of two years. Using the insights I have learnt from being an examiner I am able to give feedback on individual questions to enable a student to improve their answers.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A first class Medical Sciences graduate and qualified teacher, I have over 7 years` experience in teaching/tuition.

Well-versed in most major exam boards, I am able to work successfully with students across all levels of attainment in order to further their understanding of core scientific principles and enhance their exam technique. My position as an assessment specialist with two of the major exam boards has enhanced further my understanding of how credit is awarded in exams - enabling me to not only improve students' subject knowledge, but to improve their approach to exam questions as well.

I take a positive and friendly approach to tuition, and am happy to be flexible in using the methods that best suit the student.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since attending university in Exeter, and have helped students to improve on their grade by up to 3 boundaries.

I am a professional teacher, having trained through the prestigious Teach First programme. My progress was judged as outstanding. I have been consistently judged good/outstanding, both internally and by Ofsted, and have held a number of leadership positions.

Tutoring Approach:
Largely, this will depend on what the student is hoping to achieve. I appreciate that, most often, a student's aim is to achieve a certain grade in an exam. In these cases, I will spend a lot of time working with the student to familiarise them not only with the material for the exam, but with the format of the exam paper, exploring how to approach different types of question and working directly with mark schemes to best understand how credit is awarded.

I am, however, passionate about my subject, and aim to uncover some enthusiasm for the sciences with all my students, through engaging sessions in which we can explore topics in perhaps more detail than is often possible within schools.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Highly experienced Tutor.
Excellent track record.
Consistent outstanding results achieved.
Many very satisfied clients !

More than a decade has been spent as a professional full time Tutor.

In that time I have helped many students gain places at the most sought after Grammar Schools and Private Schools.

They have all gone on to University to pursue their careers within a wide variety of professions.

I have a tremendous wealth of experience in preparing students for a range of subjects at a variety of levels.

My aim is always to instill confidence and a firm grasp of the subject being taught.

I am renown for my patience and the professionalism I bring to each session.

Please take a look at the Testimonial provided by a very happy parent.

Education is the most precious gift you can give your children !

Teaching Experience:
11+
13+
Common Entrance
English, Mathematics and Sciences up to GCSE and IGCSE
QTS Literacy and Numeracy

11+

I have extensive experience and had tremendous success when working with pupils preparing for the 11+ examinations.
Students have gained much sought after places at Queen Elizabeth Boys' School, Henrietta Barnett, City of London School for Boys, University College School and Habadashers' to name just a few of my successes !
I am extremely adept at teaching the English, Mathematics, Non-Verbal Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning components of the 11+ examinations.

13+ (Common Entrance)

Have very recently taught and coached a student in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
All ISEB past papers were gone through in tremendous detail.
He gained a much coveted place at St. Paul's.

GCSE

I have very successfully taught at this level and prepared students for English, Mathematics and Science examinations.
I am currently working with a student in preparation for the new GCSE AQA Trilogy Examination in Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

IGCSE

I have had the extraordinary privilege of coaching and teaching a young student through his IGCSEs in most subjects right up to his final examinations in Physics in June.
This has afforded me the opportunity to see the very vast difference in content demand between GCSEs and IGCSEs.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a very relaxed and calm approach to Tutoring.
Being able to put the student at ease really facilitates the learning process.
The topic being learnt is gone through very thoroughly.
Homework is set.
Any work marked previously is gone through carefully with the student.

*** Testimonial ***

Rob tutored my son Tom for 6 months in GCSE Mathematics and Science.

Rob is clearly very committed to his work and pupils, and it was more than apparent that he had taken great care in preparing for each session.

What really shone through was Rob's passion for his work and his desire to ensure that Tom achieved to the best of his ability. He always took considerable time to ensure Tom thoroughly understood each subject even if this meant running over the allotted time.

Rob is extremely professional and reliable and is very easy to get along with. In addition to his academic role, Rob also took time to build a professional friendship with Tom and a keen interest in ensuring that Tom developed his confidence. This greatly benefited his academic achievement but importantly also his belief in himself and his abilities. Tom's progress from this was clear for us to see. This was the real value added that I believe we received from the one to one tuition that Rob provided.

As Tom completed his GCSE exams Rob would always phone the same day to see how he had got on. This was clearly something he did with all his pupils as, although ensuring discretion, Rob would mention how others that he tutored had said the exam had gone.

I would highly recommend Rob as personal tutor and would happily be contacted to confirm this view.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a passionate and dedicated tutor, with a wealth of experience in both tutoring and teaching in schools, after having trained as a primary school teacher. Keeping rates really affordable for communities across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, I tutor pupils of all ages and abilities, to ensure that they get the best learning experience possible! P.S. I only have 2 spaces available at ONLY £20 per lesson!

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced tutor and have worked in schools and tuition centres across Slough and Maidenhead. I have also studied Teacher Training at the University of Reading and worked as the Assistant Centre Director of Bright Young Things Tuition in Maidenhead (I am also currently writing my own teaching book based on all my experiences). I currently hold tuition sessions to the home for families across Slough, Windsor and Maidenhead, under my umbrella company.

Areas I cover are Primary, Secondary and GCSE Maths, English & Science, Early Reading & Writing and I gear children with the essential skills for the 11+ exams, including Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Some children I am currently working with and am experience with have had special educational needs like dyslexia. Additionally, I have created my own Maths & English learning resource packs, which children use for Creative Writing and Maths. I also give out homework and set tasks for pupils, which I review and mark on a weekly basis. With excellent feedback from parents, I have references that I can happily present to parents looking for lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
Parents generally find that I am a very calm and pacient tutor; I like to work at the pupil's pace and provide lots of reward, especially for the younger children (like stickers and prizes). If I find that the student needs some more help outside of my paid hourly time, I give extra time, to ensure that they have learnt the skills to the highest standard possible.

I have a lesson plan ready prior to the session, but am generally flexible in my approach to the content I teach; sometimes, the lesson focuses on helping the child with their homework or reviewing a test paper from school. To ensure learning is as enjoyable and interactive as possible, I have whiteboards that children use to brainstorm ideas or sometimes, for instance, I encourage them to use coloured card to create their own writing checklists.

As I am writing my own book based on my school, teaching experiences, my tutoring skills are derived from the wealth of experience I gained from training courses and teaching within schools.

Subjects

Personal Description:
** Qualified teacher and examiner with years of experience. Proven exam results for SATs, GCSEs, A'levels and IB. 100% pass rate for the Eleven-Plus **

I graduated from Lancaster University with first class honours in English language and literature, I was also awarded the Pendle College prize for linguistics. I then went on to complete my PGCE at St Martin's College. I gained qualified teacher status at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.

I have always had a passion for education and this has enabled me to inspire and motivate my students. I have achieved high results with pupils in previous years and most students progress an additional two grades after tuition. Some students achieve higher progression and have been known to gain three grades higher following tuition sessions.

I teach GCSE English language and literature, A'level English language and literature and the eleven-plus. I also have experience teaching a wide range of curriculum subjects with great success and results. In addition, I tutor students for the SATs exams and previous students have had excellent results, often the top of their year group.

I regularly help students prepare for entrance examinations and have 100% rate in this area. The schools I have previously helped pupils gain entry to are: Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School, Bury Grammar School, Manchester High School for girls and Bolton School. I am familiar with the CEM and GL Assessment specifications.

I am fortunate to teach students both in the UK and in many parts of the world. I currently teach students at the British School in Voorschoten (Netherlands) and at the British School in Shunyi (Beiijing) in addition to students based in the UK. Furthermore, I am able to offer a range of subjects to my students including: English, French, Classical Civilisation, Spanish and History.

Previously students that I have taught have gone on to Oxford and Cambridge in addition to Russell Group universities. I have also helped students prepare for the Oxbridge tests and the writing task on the BMAT exam (BioMedical Admissions Test).

I am a versatile, professional and friendly tutor who will work hard to help students achieve their full potential. I believe strongly that education changes lives.

I am currently a postgraduate student at the University of York (Mphil by distance).

Teaching Experience:
10 years working at secondary schools in Lancashire.
Over five years experience as a private tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, dedicated and enthusiastic in my approach to tutoring students. I work very hard to help students progress and think of the tutor-student relationship as a partnership whereby we work to further the students' goals.

I always go beyond the usual expectations of students, I aim to offer tuition support between sessions to help students progress.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher and home tutor, able to offer all three sciences to A level and Maths to GCSE/Additional.

I am happy to provide references from amongst the many parents of past students who have agreed to this.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught biology and the other sciences in independent secondary schools for many years, and have tutored these subjects and maths, also for many years.

Tutoring Approach:
Generally speaking, my approach to tutoring is to find out from the student, either directly or through trying out questions, which topics they are finding tricky, or hard to remember, and to go through the important elements with the student. I tend to ask questions as we go, and write down, for the student`s future reference, aids to memory and vital points which are essential for understanding the topic.

I routinely bring to a tuition my set of revision guides which contains up-to-date syllabus information from all of the well-known exam boards.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm 26 and recently discovered my love for tutoring after volunteering to take responsibility for my nephew's home schooling during lockdown. I currently study at The Open University towards a BSci Hons Natural Sciences degree. I have first hand experience of being the student and the tutor and found this invaluable when working with my nephew towards his learning aims.

Teaching Experience:
One year zoom tutoring, KS2 and KS3, all subjects.

Tutoring Approach:
I work with a high level of emotional intelligence and feel the child is happiest and most open to learning without the pressure of feeling responsible for their learning. I will only use positive reinforcement to encourage learning and find having set prizes to earn to be very effective for motivation. What I take the most joy in is tailoring lesson content to the interest of the child, enabling the child to fully engage and enjoy my lessons rather than view them as a chore.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Luke and I am currently studying Biomedical Sciences at the Russel Group University of York. I came out of school having achieved the following:
GCSE: All Sciences - 9s, Maths - 8
A-Level: Sciences - As, Maths - B
My goal is to inspire students who require additional help to cope with the high demand of school and also to push students to be able to reach the highest grades possible.

Teaching Experience:
The FameLab competition gave me a chance to inform large groups of people about my chosen scientific topic. I gave multiple talks within my school and also at the University of Hull in the Allam medical building.
During my education, I would often find myself clarifying points to my fellow students which they didn't grasp first time.
During my time working on NCS, a large part of my role was to get participants of all different backgrounds and interests involved and this is something which is heavily applicable to tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience with FameLab taught me charisma, which I believe is invaluable when teaching students. It allows me to convey all of the required information and skills, in a memorable and interactive way. Often, trying to learn all the facts at face value is a huge challenge for anyone, so I like to utilise various methods such as acronyms, to make difficult areas of the specification more memorable and more accessible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Welcome to my Page! I'm Tyrone. I'm glad you're here. Education can transform lives, and teachers help facilitate this. I speak from personal experience about this. My teachers did not see an academic career for me at school - and they did very little to help me change this. I was considered a low achiever and expected to be a plumber like my father. There is nothing wrong with plumbing; it just wasn't for me. If you've read this far, I hope you will continue as I map out my journey.

I left school with a list of low-grade GCSEs and 1 A-Level - yes, it was Biology! I had no hope of going to university with these grades, so I got my first job testing soil samples. Still determined to study science at university, I enrolled on several open university (OU) courses. I did well on the OU, which allowed me to study Immunology at King's College, London. I did this after spending three years as a medical laboratory assistant in the NHS, my second job.

After graduating from King's with a BSc degree and a fascination with cancer biology, I joined Newcastle University. I spent the next four years researching anti-cancer drugs' effects on DNA. I successfully developed novel ways to measure the level of anti-cancer drugs stuck to DNA. It was a great day when the Royal Society of Chemistry published my work. The Royal Society of Biology rewarded my academic and research experience with the Chartered Biologist status. Charted Biologist is the recognition of professional competence.

On returning home to Wales, I had my first taste of teaching 16 to 19-year-olds - and I loved it. However, teaching at Bridgend College was only for maternity cover, and my contract soon ended. My next position was with Loreal (yes, I am worth It) as a microbiologist. Loreal was great as it was a weekend position and allowed me to teach part-time at Gower College Swansea during the week.

I have spent the last 17 years teaching A-Level Biology at Gower College Swansea full time. During this time, I qualified as a teacher from the University of Wales with a PGCE. The Biology department is highly successful and renowned. The department has a 100% pass rate and grades well above the national average. I learned so much here about helping people with their education. It was where I saw firsthand how a teacher could facilitate the real transformational effects of education. I am proud to have helped so many students of varying abilities gain success in A-Level Biology.

Along with teaching at Gower College, I continued to tutor students privately. I started my tutoring business at Bridgend College and now tutor full-time online.

As your A-Level Biology tutor, I will use my vast teaching experience to guide you towards academic success. I strive to cultivate a nurturing and engaging learning environment where you can flourish.

Join me on this exciting educational journey, where we will unlock your potential and pave the way for a successful future.

Teaching Experience:
For more than 25 years, I have worked with thousands of students of different abilities to teach them A-Level Biology successfully. Throughout this experience, I have developed effective teaching and learning strategies tailored to each student's needs. These strategies consistently empower my students to achieve high grades allowing them to move forward in their lives.

Teaching Experience:

Bridgend College:
Bridgend College is a college for further education in South Wales. I taught here for approximately a year, instructing students pursuing the veterinary nurse HND qualification. My subjects included anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and the practical aspects.

Gower College, Swansea:
Gower College is a large further education college located in Goresinun, Swansea. Over the past 17 years, I have taught A-Level Biology at this institution. The biology department is sizable, with over 300 students enrolled each year. As a department member, I have contributed to its success by ensuring student achievement, resulting in a 100% pass rate and grades that exceed the national average. In addition to teaching, I organised the British Biology Olympiad competition, served as the curriculum leader for GCSE science, and acted as a personal tutor, providing support to students.

Examination Board Experience:
Throughout my 25 years of teaching, I have taught the specifications of all UK exam boards, including WJEC and Eduqas. As a result, I have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements necessary to prepare students for their exams.

Moreover, I have worked as an examiner for the WJEC, Eduqas, and Edexcel exam boards. This experience as an examiner has equipped me with valuable skills and strategies in exam techniques, which I utilise with all my students to help them achieve high marks.

Research and Laboratory Experience:
A-Level Biology encompasses a significant practical component. I possess extensive experience in experimental biology, having worked as a microbiologist, an industrial chemist, and a research scientist.

Continual Professional Development (CPD):
I am a member of the Royal Society of Biology, Chartered College of Teaching and the Tutors' Association. These affiliations enable me to stay informed about the latest developments in education and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
Teachers and tutors may seem unnecessary nowadays because of Google and AI. The most valuable thing a teacher can do for their students is to teach them thinking skills. Students must analyse the information in questions to achieve high grades in A-Level Biology exams. It's not just about memorising facts like what Google and AI can provide; it's about understanding the underlying concepts. This, and other areas, is where I can offer my professional assistance.

To provide effective help, I customise my approach for each student. I communicate with students and their parents to identify the areas that need attention and create an initial plan for improvement. These plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to address the student's specific needs. I monitor students' progress using questions, tests, and activities, making adjustments as necessary to keep them on track. I keep parents up to date with their son/daughter's progress.

Now, let's explore some of my other techniques and their importance.

Simplifying Biological Concepts:
Breaking down complex biological concepts into simpler parts makes them more accessible for students. This accessibility enables students to establish meaningful connections between what they have learned and what they are currently studying. These patterns help them link ideas from the entire syllabus, giving them the confidence to tackle extended answers, such as the 25-mark questions in the AQA or the 9-mark QER questions with the WJEC/Eduqas.

Active Learning and Feedback:
I adopt a holistic tutoring approach, focusing on active learning strategies combined with feedback. These strategies include: retrieval practice, puzzles, quizzes, spaced repetition, Socratic questioning, and CRIME (chunking, rehearsal, imagery, mnemonics, and elaboration).

Understanding Scientific Language:
Learning biology is akin to acquiring a new language. Throughout the A-Level Biology course, students encounter numerous scientific terms they must understand early on. To facilitate this, I teach students comprehension strategies and the meanings of biological terminology, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of biology and apply it effectively.
Exam Technique:
Mastering exam techniques is another crucial aspect to cover. Helping students comprehend exam questions and analyse data significantly improves their grades and confidence. This skill is vital for writing precise answers needed at A-Level. It can be challenging for students to develop this level of precision, often causing frustration. Therefore, I employ various activities to guide students in honing this critical ability.

Consistent Study Habits:
I emphasise the importance of consistency in studying to all my students. Even with ample assistance, improvement can be limited without personal dedication and regularity in studying biology. Transitioning from GCSE to A-Level Biology can be overwhelming for students due to the abundance of new concepts, words, and facts. This transition is often referred to as the "big step up." Students may feel confused, frustrated, and disappointed when progress seems lacking or test results are unsatisfactory.

I teach my students that progress occurs incrementally through consistent effort and active learning strategies. With my guidance, their efforts will compound, leading to rapid advancement. This approach makes the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful. I focus on establishing solid foundations, good study habits, and providing support.

Embracing Failure and Mistakes:
My understanding of the struggle and the value of failure sets me apart as a tutor. Although failure can be discouraging, it is crucial for making improvements. With my guidance, I help students turn failures and mistakes into valuable learning experiences.

Ensuring accessibility to biology with all its complexities is paramount to me. My experience as an examiner and teacher and my diverse science background qualify me to provide the highest quality tuition. Creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in my lessons is essential to fostering an environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore, and embrace their curiosity.

Learning should never be dull; instead, it should be an exciting journey of discovery and growth. To ensure success in A-Level biology, I infuse my teaching with engaging activities, relatable examples, and stories that captivate students' interest.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am qualified to teach in both secondary schools (PGCE) and at university level (AFHEA), guaranteeing not only that I have the necessary subject knowledge but also the background in education theory needed to maximise my student's learning.

My passion for science, lifelong commitment to learning and my natural disposition as a teacher motivate and enable me to always do my very best for each student.

DBS check renewed 2024.

Fluent in English and Polish. Advanced in Japanese and German. Basic knowledge of Mandarin and Korean.

Experience with neurodiverse people, and accepting of all needs, abilities and backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
- PGCE qualification, experience in the classroom and preparing material
- Online tutoring to classes at a private academy
- University workshop and lab demonstration, supervision of Master/PhD students

Tutoring Approach:
Whether you're looking to achieve a practical and specific goal like getting top grades on an exam, or want to best prepare for a future in the sciences with the broad guidance of someone who has taught students through school age all the way up to PhD level, I can provide an approach to suit these needs or anything in between.

In-person teaching should be in a well ventilated space for health of both student and teacher. Can advise on how to prepare this.

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