Ballindalloch Combined Science Tutors and Ballindalloch Combined Science Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a graduate in Physics with Astrophysics, which was a four year degree, which included me living and learning in Italy. My degree was challenging yet enjoyable, and contained a lot of Maths, which to me was great! As a born communicator writing and teaching have always appealed, and having spent the last decade tutoring and working for the Institute of Physics, I can definitely say I enjoy it as much now as I did when I started.. I also have a qualification in teaching English as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
For the last 12 years I have taught a wide variety of learners from the age of 6 all the way up to 45! This includes Maths, physics, and EFL at all levels, as well as English language/literature and Biology and Chemistry up to GCSE. I also taught children EFL for 6 weeks over a summer. Whilst at university I tutored 1st and 2nd years in Physics, which included a lot of Maths. I taught English as a foreign language whilst I was in Italy. I am very comfortable in a one on one environment, and enjoy preparing all ages for exams- I have had a lot of experience at running courses with an exam in mind.

Tutoring Approach:
As a keen learner myself, I understand what it is to learn. My vast experience tutoring has given me a good body of knowledge to call on, as well as confidence in my ability to communicate complex ideas to students, especially those who are struggling with them. Always patient I can push without pressuring and make you feel more confident in your ability. I am also keen to know what and how my pupil wants to learn, and can listen as well as I can communicate.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a Marine Biologist (PhD) and lecturer in Education. I am currently based in North Berwick, Scotland and have a wide-range of interests such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, hiking, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am available for online tutoring in the evenings and the weekends (anytime) and face-to-face for North Berwick.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a Foreign Language for 22 years in the UK and in Japan. I have also worked with students with learning difficulties, which I enjoy very much. I tutor Biology to students across the world including University level and Science up to G.C.S.E /Nat 5.

Tutoring Approach:
Exam technique, technical language, repetition-based learning (English as a foreign language). Kinaesthetic learning.
Patient approach, with the aim of student's gaining confidence in the subject area.

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Personal Description:
A result oriented tutor who immediately creates raport with tutees. Encouraging and helps the student build a high self esteem and confidence in themselves.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught science in the main stream schools for over 30 years, but have offered private tuition for 20 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I use past exam papers for students who are preparing for final exams. For non-exam students I use activities and questions

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and professional tutor, who is passionate about science and research and hope to transfer my knowledge and passion to my students. I provide resource materials and practice books matching to the curriculum and student level to gradually upgrade the performance of the learner.

I have a two postgraduate qualifications in Orthopaedic Engineering and in Materials Enginnering. I have a degree in Biomedical Materials Science. I am a keen researcher in this field. One of my research paper has been the europes best editors pick in a reputable journal (Journal of Non-Crystalline Solids).

My lessons are well planned and tailored to individual student requirements. I develop students` full potential by agreeing on appropriate targets with students and the parents. The progress of the students is monitored through tests and subject understanding to achieve better results. I use a regular record sheet to inform about progress and results of the students to the parents.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a science teacher and a department Supervisor at a London tuition center. I have taught GCSE Science , Maths and A Level Chemistry to number of students as a home tutor in the past seven years. Most of them have achieved excellent results.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are well planned and they are tailored to individual students' requirement.

I provide tests resource materials and practice books matching to the curriculum and student level to gradually upgrade the performance of the learner.

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Personal Description:
I am a female primary school teacher in the Doncaster/Wakefield area. Aside from my enthusiasm for teaching and helping children to achieve, I am interested in academic areas including sociology and languages. I enjoy travel and reading. I have worked voluntarily as a teaching assistant and completed a degree in Sociology before training to be a teacher. I have also recently (September 2019) completed a Master's in Social History. I now work as a supply teacher in primary and SEN schools and as a personal tutor to primary and secondary level children up to year 9. I hold an enhanced DBS check dated September 2015.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified primary school teacher who has taught classes of all ages at primary level. I also regularly work with secondary SEN students who are not in mainstream education. As a supply teacher, I have worked in many different schools and, as such, I develop positive relationships very quickly with both children and adults. I enjoy working with individuals and small groups in academic tasks and find that children are very responsive to this lower teacher-pupil ratio. I have found that working in these situations really helps to boost children's concentration and confidence in their work. They also feel more comfortable to ask questions in areas they find difficult. When tutoring, I am to create a positive, friendly and professional relationship where children feel comfortable with what they are learning, but also feel they can ask for help when required.

Tutoring Approach:
I recognise that children learn in many different ways - some by seeing and visualising, some by talking and discussing, and some by doing a physical or mental activity. I aim to tutor children using the learning style that best suits them. In a classroom, it is often difficult to meet the needs of every child. Personal tuition provides children with valuable one-to-one time, where the focus is on them and them alone. I believe that personal tuition does much to increase achievement in those weaker areas, but also serves to challenge and develop knowledge in stronger areas. Following an initial consultation, I provide personalised programmes of study tailored exactly to meet the needs of the child involved. I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential and will do all I can to make this happen. Sessions take place in the child's own home and are arranged on a flexible basis with parent or guardian. I am able to provide tuition from 1 hour per week to more intensive programmes consisting of several hours per week in the school holidays.

I currently have slots available on weekday evenings. Please note, I do not usually tutor on Saturdays or Sundays.

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Personal Description:
I have cisco webex software, zoom and skype, and am also DBS cleared

I am a highly experienced, enthusiastic and very versatile optical engineering senior lecturer/researcher, who gained a PhD from the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City University, London, UK in "Fibre optical temperature and strain sensors using fluorescent techniques" for measurement applications using the fluorescence generated from rare earth-doped optical fibres (e.g. Er3+, Yb3+, Tm3+ etc.). I also possess very good experience and knowledge of industry, with excellent complimentary skills gained from higher education - in particular industrial measurement, forensic analysis, quality control and statistical analysis. A BSc first degree in forensic science is combined with a further specialist MSc in engineering metrology and topped with a PhD in photonics - making for good, broad-based, multi-disciplined measurement science and analytical capabilities right across the scientific spectrum. I have a proven high degree of personal motivation, and am capable of working on my own initiative or equally as part of an effective team. In addition, I am able to communicate very well at all levels of hierarchy, with excellent skills developed in scientific report writing (journal papers, periodicals, book chapters etc.) and oral presentation (conferences, lecturing etc). I have over 50 publications to date in my field: 20 journal papers, 22 conference papers, 2 articles, 4 book chapters and other major works.

PhD thesis title:

"Fibre optic sensors based on fluorescence lifetime techniques for temperature and strain measurement"

Thesis submitted for examination for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
at
City University
School of Engineering

November 2002

Abstract

The author presents a thesis based upon the use of the fluorescent properties of rare earth doped materials. The thesis commences with a review of the current fibre sensor technology in the field, with special emphasis on those sensors designed for temperature and strain measurement. The use of the physical phenomena of fluorescence produced from rare earth doped optical fibre for temperature measurement is then introduced and explained in more detail, particularly with regard to utilisation of the fluorescence lifetime technique in such sensing, which is then compared to the other fluorescence-based methods for measuring temperature.

The recently discovered small strain sensitivity of the fluorescence lifetime is then introduced as a theoretical candidate for potential application to simultaneous temperature-strain sensing, using two different doped fibres in a single sensing element, and subsequently state-of-the-art temperature-strain discrimination techniques are then explored for the purposes of exploitation to dual measurement.

Results achieved from using the fluorescent lifetime approach for a range of rare earth materials are then presented, followed by further results obtained from combining the lifetime technique with Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) for the first time. Also, the irreversible effects upon FBG performance after exposure to long-term high temperatures are explored.

Finally, there is a summary of the work presented in this thesis and the author's opinions on achievements made. Current trends in fluorescence lifetime-based sensing are discussed, both commercially and academically, together with projected work for the future.


DECLARATION: I certify that the above information contained in this CV is both accurate and truthful.

regards, DR DAVID.

Teaching Experience:
tutor in electronics, City University, London ≈ 4 yrs

Applied optics lecturer at University College Jubail, KSA ≈ 1 yr

undertook 1 yr PGCE Science (secondary) at Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK (taught in local secondary schools)

Lecturer in nanoelectronics on MSc Nanotechnology and MSc Innovative Technology at BITE ≈ 2 yrs

UK private tuition experience (various subjects) ≈ 20 yrs

was senior lecturer/researcher in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in both Malaysia and Thailand: I have spent the last 6 yrs teaching Fibre Optic Communication Systems, Fibre Sensors and photonics, and Optical Communication Systems to Masters level; + supervision of many undergrad, masters and PhD project students.

I was awarded a prize of £1000 from the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (SIM), London in February 2000 to pursue my PhD research work:

Extra information:
Additionally, I can confidently programme in Sigmaplot, Excel, Tablecurve, MATLAB, Optisim, Multisim, Zemax, COMSOL, LABVIEW, Agilent Vee and all similar optical design software packages to control instruments, acquire data, analyse data, simulate and model.

Tutoring Approach:
serious,concientious,assessing continuously the students needs, receiving feedback, individual approach
setting quizes, tests, mock exams
either individual or small/large groups taken

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Personal Description:
As a private maths and science tutor my aim is to help students understand these subjects better and achieve exam success. My nature is calm and relaxed combined with a drive for accuracy and precision.

I have a degree in physics from Exeter University and a doctorate in physics from Manchester University as well as A levels in maths, physics and chemistry and a post-graduate business qualification.

My daughter, who graduated from Oxford University, is now an accountant in London and so I now live in Bollington with just my wife and black Labrador, Mabel.

Teaching Experience:
During the past year I have coached students for Maths A level, Physics A level, Chemistry A level, Maths GCSE and Biology GCSE.

Previously, during my academic career, I tutored many undergraduate science students. Subsequently I worked as a management consultant, explaining difficult technical concepts to a large number of diverse individuals.

Over the past three years I have brought my coaching skills to my role as a private tutor, helping young people with their GCSEs and A levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Many people who would benefit from private coaching are likely to have struggled with the method used by teachers within a school environment. My approach to tutoring is very different to that adopted by someone teaching a whole class. Working together we will find out just what the learning issue is and agree the best approach for you and prepare a plan of action to ensure you achieve your goals.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Robert. Learning and teaching in some form has always been part of my life; my personal motto is "Never stop asking questions....". I am a dad of two lively children (10 & 7), a primary teacher and a private tutor. I have a can-do approach to life and am never happier than when I am busy with my work or with my family. I play classical guitar, always have at least one book on the go, and love to walk in the countryside whenever our busy lives permit.

Teaching Experience:
I have 12 years' experience as a teacher, the first years spent gaining experience, the later years in positions of responsibility culminating in being appointed Head of Science responsible for delivering the whole of the curriculum to years 7 to 13. I taught Combined Science up to age 14, Physics and Chemistry to GCSE and Physics and Geology A' levels. In addition to my classroom experience I have a TEFL qualification which I put to good use while I was living and working in France for 12 years tutoring French people on a 1:1 basis. I taught both children and adults to learn English in the spoken and written word. Since returning to the UK just over a year ago, I have been working as a supply teacher in local primary schools delivering the complete curriculum, and I have started my own tutoring business and have a number of students whom I see after school for Maths and/or English tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe the greatest benefit of 1:1 tutoring (or tutoring small groups), is that it is so much easier to tailor the learning to the student's needs, aiding understanding and building on that towards mastery of a subject. Progress is often swift because as has been so often stated, 1:1 tuition for an hour is probably the equivalent of several days in the classroom! My initial approach is to assess the student's needs in the first couple of sessions, using the information gleaned to build a program of study that is particular to that student. With regards to TEFL, having lived abroad for 12 years I appreciate just how difficult it can be as an adult to learn a foreign language, so I have great empathy with my adult learners and love helping them get to grips with our complex language.

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Personal Description:
My name is Adenike. I am a graduate of University of South Wales, with a PGCE in Numeracy /Mathematics. I also had a first degree in Computer Forensics. I have the ability to develop good relationships with students, am patient, caring and kind. I have good oral and written communication skills, l am organise and very detailed.

Teaching Experience:
My acquired skills in the university gave me the opportunity to teach learners mathematics and ICT according to the curriculum requirements, at different settings namely: elementary, high schools and post - compulsory education. I have worked as a supply teacher in various schools in Newport, Cardiff and Barry. I also have had the opportunity to support learners with special education
needs to achieve learning.

Tutoring Approach:
I used various teaching strategies to achieve effective teaching and learning. I prepared learning resources according to the learners need, so they can achieve learning. I also used additional learning resources such as: online maths games, quizzes and cards to achieve effective teaching and learning.
I regularly assess my learners to ensure learners are acquiring all the necessary skills and knowledge to prepare them for the external GCSE examination. All the years, learners have come out in flying colours in their GCSE results at the end of their programmes and they proceed either to the College or University for further studies. Teaching has been very rewarding for me, because l have supported learners that are now fully qualified in various fields and it does make me fulfil in life.

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Personal Description:
Hi there,
My name is Kassam and I have completed my Masters and PhD at Aston University and now I work as a Development Chemist. Throughout my studies I had a passion for sharing my knowledge to others in various formats, such as, home tutoring students for 11+ entrance exams, online tutoring GCSE and A-level Maths and Chemistry, tutoring several modules for BEng Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Aston University as well as lecturing modules over the years.
I cannot wait to meet some of you and share this passion that will encourage you to reach your potential and provide a strong foundation for further education and onward.

Teaching Experience:
Provide 10 years experience with the following age groups and subjects, with expertise in standardised test preparation:
11+ entrance exams
GCSE Maths and Chemistry
A-level Maths and Chemistry
BEng Chemical Engineering
BSc Chemistry

Tutoring Approach:
I have a modern tutoring setup that will provide Tutees with an authentic tutoring experience.
Accessible approach with proficiency in using Skype, Zoom or Teams for effective communication and visual aid.

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Personal Description:
I am a second-year student at Imperial College London studying Physics. Tutoring has always been my calling. I am an eager and responsible individual with a passion for maths and physics. I am on a mission to be able to help other students and kindle the same excitement in them. I believe a tutor should be flexible in their teaching methods and be able to create a friendly and comfortable environment with their students where all their misconceptions can be cleared and questions answered with real progress tracking.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked at Premier Tuition in London and from there on I have been tutoring online and getting amazing feedback from my tutees. Parents trust me to be able to give their children a gentle push in the right direction. I specialize in maths and physics and I have also previously been a Science Ambassador at my Sixth form college.It has now been 3 years since I have started tutoring and I have no intentions to stop anytime soon!

Tutoring Approach:
My methods are simplistic but get the job done. I believe that explaining concepts with a clear background of where this information comes from helps students grasp information a lot quicker and I have experienced this being skipped at school myself. I am very versatile and can tutor 1:1 or in small groups. In addition, I am personally available 24/7 to all my students and give hands-on homework help throughout the week as I am fully committed to my students' progress. I am also keen on building a strong relationship with the student's parent so we can discuss progress and things your child is struggling with. For that, I usually suggest a call once a month to have a detailed discussion on your child's progress and test results.
I also have the first meeting with my student and a little assessment (verbal or written) to judge which level they're at and what I can do to help them best. That is done free of charge.

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Personal Description:
I am a practicing UK Pharmacist with years of experience teaching all three sciences. I'm also a full time Science secondary school teacher, teaching Chemistry, Biology and Physics. I also specialise in Chemistry AS level. I enjoy teaching and helping my students and I'm able to provide tuition for all levels. I am able to help my students to maximise their potential using excellent exam techniques and targeted revision. Using my bank of resources I am able to tailor each lesson to the needs of my students. I have been a private tutor for over 5 years

Teaching Experience:
Full time Science teacher. Higher and foundation GSCE specialist tutor. AS Chemistry tutor

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very calm and nurtured approach to teaching always setting high expectations. Being a mum and full time teacher has really allowed me to understand how students learn and the importance of positive praise and motivation.

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Personal Description:
I am a 39 year old male that has been a Science teacher for 13 years. I had been an Assistant Curriculum Leader of Science in Nelson for a number of years, and I am now a Progress Leader of Science in Bradford.
Teaching appealed to me from the very first day of my PGCE and found the challenge of teaching the kids of today refreshing. I am married and live in Batley.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years of teaching experience at 2 different schools, and currently work as a Progress Leader of Science at a comprehensive school in Bradford. I have obtained several years of exam results that have been well above average in terms of Progress 8, with some classes having obtained on average, 1 grade higher per student.
I have several years of previous experience in tutoring and have undertaken numerous after school revision classes designed to aid students to improve their chances in GCSE exams. I have also performed some mentoring for select students using more one-on-one time for those students that require the extra help.
In addition to this, I am an examiner for several exam boards, as well as a Team Leader for OCR. This experience has allowed me the opportunity to better prepare students for exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I will initially require all the details about the tutee's course at school as well as the grades/levels that they have obtained so far. It will also help to know of the tutee's target grade in the subjects to be tutored. As mentioned before, I will spend time outside the hour preparing resources and planning appropriately so that it maximizes the use of the hour. I will spend the necessary time dedicating my resources to helping you achieve to your potential.
My position at a school also allows me the ability to obtain resources that would aid your tutoring. My approach is to ensure that my students understand the scientific ideas that are a part of their specification, and thereafter ensuring that learning has taken place via exam style questions.
If the lessons are online, your child will have permanent access to all the lessons covered allowing them to use them at a later date as part of revision.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Nicola - a final year graduate medical student at the University of St Andrews.
I have a BSc (Hons) in Biology also from the University of St Andrews.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a tutor for 4 years now, and I have tutored a variety of subjects and ages, from primary to SQA highers.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach sailing during the summers to children and adults alike, so I can quickly adjust topics and lessons to be suitable for different age ranges. I love working out how each individual learns best and strive to ensure everyone I teach reaches their full potential. I want to make the learning process fun and enjoyable, and not be seen as a chore! I tailor my lessons to the student's abilities and personality. I try to link the subject to their interests, as I believe that people learn best when they are interested in a subject and can see the relevance of what they're studying.
I have personally sat exams in both the Cambridge IGCSE and Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher syllabuses, so I understand both the exam boards themselves and how to research the specifics of new exam boards. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions!

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Personal Description:
A chemistry graduate with experience as a Teacher, Examiner and Head of Department. Teaching online Science kS3, Combined or separate sciences GCSE, Chemistry GCSE, Chemistry A level. I love teaching as much as I love the subject, so I feel privileged to help students reach their full potential.
I also now offer group lessons where lessons are charged at £20 with a maximum of 4 students

Teaching Experience:
Having worked with a range of pupils, I can offer support to build confidence, motivation, skills and techniques. The goal is to listen to the student and respond to their individual needs

Tutoring Approach:
In recent years I have identified underperforming students and mentored them to understand and overcome their barriers to success. I can help to raise confidence by adapting to individual needs and share techniques to improve knowledge, understanding and exam technique. Working as an e examiner has helped me to pass on those all important tips to students once they fully grasp the content

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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.

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Personal Description:
GCSE & A-Level Tutor | Exam Technique Specialist | Former Examiner:
My teaching philosophy is simple: I believe learning should feel like a discovery, not a duty. I'm a naturally friendly and approachable tutor who lives for those 'lightbulb' moments that incredible spark in a student's eyes when a complex concept finally clicks, or the proud smile when a hard-earned test score comes in. My greatest goal is to transform your child's apprehension about a subject into genuine excitement and curiosity.

I bring a strong academic foundation to our sessions, holding a degree in Mathematics from the University of Birmingham and currently furthering my expertise through a Master's programme. My own academic journey has equipped me with deep knowledge across core subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, and Law, in which I achieved top grades (A/A*) at both GCSE and A-Level.

But beyond the formulas and facts, I am a builder of confidence. I can't wait to help your child conquer their challenges and achieve their academic goals in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Teaching Experience:
With over 300+ hours of one-on-one and small group tutoring experience, I have a proven track record of helping students unlock their potential. My experience is not just about teaching subjects; it's about mentoring young learners through their academic journeys.

Here's what that experience looks like in practice:

Exam Preparation Specialist: I have extensive experience guiding students through the specific requirements of GCSE and A-Level syllabi for my subject areas. This includes focused revision strategies, past paper practice, and techniques for managing exam anxiety, leading to tangible results such as helping a student improve their predicted grade in A-Level Maths from a D to a final B.

Building Foundational Confidence: I have worked with numerous students who initially described themselves as "just not a maths person" or "terrible at science." Through patience and tailored techniques, I've helped them not only improve their grades but fundamentally change their relationship with the subject, turning dread into capability.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: I am skilled at diagnosing and rectifying misunderstood concepts from earlier years that are holding a student back. For example, I worked with a GCSE Chemistry student who was struggling with stoichiometry because they had a weak grasp of foundational mole calculations from earlier studies. By dedicating a session to rebuilding that core understanding, we enabled rapid progress in the more advanced topic.

Engaging the Unmotivated Learner: I pride myself on finding the "hook" that engages even the most reluctant students. Whether it's connecting historical events to modern-day politics, showing the real-world application of a physics law, or turning a biology revision session into a interactive game, I make it my mission to find what sparks their interest.

My students don't just leave our sessions with better grades; they leave with renewed confidence, effective study habits, and the self-assurance that they can tackle any academic challenge that comes their way.

Tutoring Approach:
I know that a one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for boredom and frustration. That's why my sessions are built from the ground up around your child's unique learning style, goals, and even their sense of humour.

My methodology is built on three pillars:

1. Diagnostic First Steps: I begin by identifying not just knowledge gaps, but also the root of any confidence issues. We'll tackle the 'why' behind the struggle before we dive into the 'what'.

2. Dynamic & Personalised Lessons: Your child's sessions are uniquely theirs. We might use quick-fire quizzes to build speed and accuracy, illustrative drawings to demystify a scientific process, or even create silly memory rhymes to make key facts unforgettable. I am agile in my methods, using whatever tool works to make the material stick.

3. Consistent Reinforcement & Feedback: I refresh my lesson plans weekly to ensure they are engaging, effective, and something your child genuinely looks forward to. I provide regular, constructive progress updates to both students and parents, because everyone should be on the same team celebrating every victory, big and small.

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