Castle Douglas Maths Tutors and Castle Douglas Maths Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Joseph. Please call me Joe. I am retired and enjoy water colouring, swimming and computing but most of all I enjoy the challenge of helping young people to develop their learning skills.

Teaching Experience:
Before I retired I was head teacher of a Primary School for 21 years. This allowed me to gain a great insight into all aspects of the needs of Primary age pupils. It also provided me with the challenge of how best to provide for those needs. Prior to working in Primary Education I taught in the fields of Junior Secondary Education and Special Needs (with pupils ranging from eight to sixteen years and with multiple disabilities).

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor my first aim is to establish a pleasant working relationship with each pupil. From there continuous assessment of the pupils needs and progress provides a basis for enhancing the skills which need to be developed. In order to make satisfactory progress I use a variety of materials and methods to stimulate the interest of the pupil.

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Personal Description:
I'm a University of Glasgow Biochemistry, Glasgow Caledonian MSc International Project Management and INSEAD Executive MBA graduate. I'm a French and English bi-lingual. I'm a lovely person, very dynamic and love the one-to-one of tutoring. It makes me really happy to help someone achieve something they have worked so hard for.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have seen my students grow in confidence, understanding and knowledge of their chosen topics. I saw a girl who I tutored for 7 months go from getting an 'Unclassified grade' in her Biology AS Level to a B in her A2. I have never seen a student of mine's grades stay the same post-tutoring and I am very proud of that.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring different ways depending on who the student is. I ask them questions about themselves, hobbies, favourite subjects etc; and then using that to better understand how they learn, I talk to them about their private learning and revision and the method of approach to that and to exams. And then I teach them using the method appropriate to their style of learning. I also set plenty of work and get them to do past papers which I send to them in the first week. I then take these away and mark them in my own time and return with a deeper view of where they are going wrong after they have been taught. I do 2hr concentrated sessions either weekly or fornightly and have seen great results not only in grades but also in enthusiasm for learning. I am also on hand to discuss career and university options too, which helps ease the daunting choices the students have to make.

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Personal Description:
Hello,
I`ve been tutoring Mathematics at all levels since 1996. Have an outstanding record of getting students top grades. I encourage a hard work ethic and discipline.

For A'level and GSCE students, material is taught as per their exam board requires, with plently of emphasis on the importance of past paper revision.

For younger children I specialise in Vendic Mathematics, subtraction via addition, estimate and adjust, etc. As well as applying the story book method to assist a childs memory techniques.

All students are taught about goal setting principles, motivating themselves and not settling for real and achievable standards.

Teaching Experience:
Have been teaching one-to-one since 1996. Software Engineer by trade.

Tutoring Approach:
Secret to my teaching style is to deliver the subject in a manner that appeals to the student.
Using examples that are relavent to the student's interest are key to understanding.

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD mathematician, with a special interest in applied mathematics and statistics. I worked for some years in University departments as a tutor and then lecturer. More recently I have worked for almost two decades in industry as a mathematician at a prestigious research centre in Cambridge. I am familiar with many aspects of secondary education through my children who both completed their A levels at Hills Road 6th form college. My son has just begun reading Economics at London School of Economics while my daughter obtained a first class honours degree from Oriel College Oxford.
I have succesfully tutored a large number of A level students in both Mathematics and Physics from a wide variety of Sixth form colleges in the Cambridge area. I also teach International studnets who wish to gain entry to the UK University system.
My approach is interactive and encourages the student not to underestiante thier own ability. My experience is that many students are more talenetd in Mathematics than they realise themselves; the key is to gain the confidence to grow and develop to achive your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics and Physics, to A level students from a wide variety of Sixth form Colleges in the Cambridge area. I have also taught International students from many different countries but especially China. I also have particular experience of teaching Mathematics to people whose primary interests lie in Business studies and in Engineering. I also gained valuable insight into adult education when I taught adult part-time students.
I have also provided tutorials for students with many different requirements including A level and undergraduate Physics & Mathematics courses and, for example, GMAT Mathematics prep for MBA entrance exams.
I am self-employed as a private tutor and employed as a University Foundation tutor in Mathematics and Statistics at Cambridge Regional College and previously at Bell School Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
The details of the correct approach vary from one tutee to another, but the principles remain the same. I seek to establish the student's ability within the context of a given aim and to then set realistic objectives.
I think that most students have more mathematical ability than they themselves believe; this can be brought out in a positive fashion once negative stereotypes are discarded. Also the application of mathematics to the real world can be exciting and profitable.

Parental Comment
Hi Brian,

I hope you're enjoying the Summer break.

I just wanted to let you know that Kalen has a A* for maths and an A for further Maths. He's very pleased with this and on behalf of him I'd like to say thank you so much for all your help.

Overall he got A*A*AAB and is off to Warwick to do a general engineering course.

Thanks again Brian,

Suneela


STUDENT COMMENTS
August 2018

Dear Brian,
I have just received my results and wanted to let you know that I have an A* in A level maths !!!! I am very happy thank you for all your support and help I couldn't have done it without you!

Kind regards,
Alice B :-)
September 2018 (from Durham University student)
Hi Brian,
I just thought I would let you know, that with your help, I went from a 30 to an 85 in my retake. Thank you so much for all your help.
Kind regards,
Jake

Dear Brian. I found our tutorials very helpful and feel much more able to hit the ground running when I return to Oxford. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone else I know in need of tuition.
Peter N, returning undergraduate.

Brian helped me to revise my university maths before starting an MSc course 10 years after completing my undergraduate degree. He was patient, non-judgmental of my rusty abilities, and gave useful examples of mathematical problems to help explain some very difficult concepts. He is very reliable and a pleasure to work with. I would have no problem recommending Brian to others and would certainly see him again for further tuition should the need arise.
David C, returning graduate student

Another parent comment
Brian is helping my daughter who attends Hills Road with both physics and maths and she has just had her fifth session. This is the first time with have engaged with a personal tutor so really wasn't sure what we were doing and started out with some trepidation. We soon were able to ensure that the hour we spent with Brian was really productive and useful. Brian has been really helpful and and this has increased my daughters confidence and knowledge which is exactly what we were hoping for.

New student comments
I'm just emailing to tell you that my physics unit 2 exam went quite well. There were only a few small questions that I couldn't answer. I will tell you my result when I get them on the 14th of August. I must thank you for helping me over the past few months. I really have no clue how badly these exams would have gone if you did not help me. Thank you so much for your help.
Calum M AS Physics student.

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Personal Description:
A recent University of Leeds graduate with a 2:1 class BSc (Hons) in Economics and Mathematics (Industrial) who is currently teaching in a secondary school in Birmingham. I am a passionate individual who strives to inspire younger generations to accomplish their full mathematical potential and to actually enjoy the subject. Throughout university, I undertook a wide range of mathematics modules to enhance my understanding of the subject I have an enormous passion for. I have held many positions of responsibility, including being a STEMnet ambassador, an Aston University mentor, a Punjabi school assistant teacher, a voluntary English teacher in South Africa, a course representative, the Bhangra society treasurer, the Sikh society interfaith representative and others.

Teaching Experience:
I have a years experience as a Maths teacher within a secondary school in Birmingham. This involved teaching a variety of Maths classes, of different sizes, abilities and age ranges from 11-16 as well as being a form tutor. I have had experience of tutoring an A-Level student, a year 9 student and a GCSE student. In eight short weeks I was able to help this student achieve the desired A-grade she had hoped for, improving by a massive two grades. The huge feeling of pride and satisfaction from this sparked a passion for teaching mathematics. I have also completed the Teach First Insight Programme. The final week of this scheme involved teaching in Nene Park Academy in Peterborough and I was able to give a year 9 class a mathematics lesson.

Tutoring Approach:
Clear explanations, listening to the students, plenty of practice with live marking and most importantly, patience.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about education, both theory and practical implementation, I have extensive experience working with adults and children specializing in teaching English as a foreign language. I have attended numerous courses and conferences to improve and develop my skills. I enjoy languages and have travelled extensively in Europe to improve my skills.

I love teaching my native language, which is Russian.

I also worked in a British secondary school for 5 years, and then I successfully completed PGCE Maths Secondary. Now I work as a Maths teacher in a secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
- September 2020 - June 2021 - PGCE Maths Secondary
-December 12 until now Skype lessons (Russian, English as a foreign language, Maths since September 2018; all ages)
- January 20 - July 20 SKE in Maths
- July 14 - August 14 Summer Camp at Concorde International, UK (teaching English as foreign language)
-April14 - August 19 Christopher Whitehead Language College ( teaching Russian GCSE, Russian A-Level, teaching assistant in Maths, English and Science)
-July 13 - August 13 Summer Camp at Concorde International, UK (teaching English as foreign language)
-December 12 until now Skype lessons (Russian, English as a foreign language)
-October 12 - November 12 CELTA course (grade B)
-Sept 09 - Aug 12: English teacher at Moscow Secondary School - The centre of Education 'Marino' No 491'
-Oct 08 - Aug 09: A Pedagogue of additional Education at Moscow Secondary School - The centre of Education 'Marino' 491 (teaching English to children of various ages)
- July 08 - May 09: English teacher at Moscow Language School 'Franglais' (teaching adults)
- July 08: English teacher at Moscow Language School 'Big Ben' (teaching adults)
- March - May 08: English teacher at Cherepovets Language School 'Dialogue' (teaching adults)
- Jan - Jun 08: English teacher at Cherepovets Secondary School No. 21
- Sept 07 - Jan 08: English teacher & secretary at the Department of Foreign Languages at Cherepovets State University
- Sep 06 - April 07 English teacher at Cherepovets 'House of Knowledge' (teaching children aged 4 - 6)
- Jun 06 English teacher at Cherepovets Summer Camp (voluntary work)
LANGUAGES

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to provide you with a tailored programme that is best suited to your individual needs.

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Personal Description:
My name is Jaynish and I am a working professional in Banking industry. Currently working in Banking industry as a Manager. I have completed my Bachelors and Masters in India and MBA in UK. I am specializes in mathematics, science,biology and a native learner of Hindi and Gujarati. I started my teaching activity back home with nearby children to my house,try to help them to solve their problems with Maths,Science and Biology and since then have loved every minute teaching someone.

Teaching Experience:
2 years teaching experience to the neighborhood students in India. No formal qualification in teaching or experience other than teaching neighborhood students, however, I can offer a wealth of Maths knowledge gained and implemented during my educational and workplace career.

Tutoring Approach:
Practical and activities based teaching with feedback. I access the needs of the tutee and plan my lessons accordingly.

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Personal Description:
I offer tuition in maths up to and including Maths and Further Maths A-levels. I coach for university entrance exams such as Oxford's MAT and Cambridge's STEP. I also offer coaching for Numeracy and Numerical Reasoning tests such as SHL recruitment selection tests. If you need a bit of extra help for an upcoming exam, or even if you are just keen to widen your skills base with some general functional mathematics coaching, I would be keen to help.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full time sixth form maths teacher in the Nottinghamshire area with 15+ years' experience both tutoring and teaching, and currently teaching A-level Maths and Further Maths. I am a Maths graduate from the University of Warwick, and I hold a PGCE from Warwick Institute of Education. I have a full Enhanced Disclosure CRB.

Tutoring Approach:
I appreciate how difficult and disheartening it can be to struggle with maths, but I also believe that, when presented in the right way, it can be both interesting and enjoyable (as well as extremely useful!) I favour a student-driven style of tutoring, with an emphasis on finding the root causes of any difficulties in order to strengthen a base of understanding before jumping forward to new topics.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of the University of London (SOAS) with a degree in Korean Language and History. I am 44 years old and married with one daughter.

Teaching Experience:
I enjoy teaching and I have four years experience tutoring English and Maths at primary level as well as three years teaching in a classroom. My daughter has recently passed her 11+ so I am familiar with the requirements to pass these exams, as well as the stress parents feel in the build up to the exams. I have a good knowledge of the local schools and application procedures.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different but I like to work from set books suitable for the child's level in order to closely monitor progress. I focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the 11 plus and year 6 SATS.

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Personal Description:
I am currently a science teacher at a secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of private tutoring experience and 5 years of teaching experience at secondary school level.

Tutoring Approach:
Teach the way students want to learn - not how teachers prefer to teach.

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Personal Description:
My approach is to be friendly, supportive and professional when interacting with students. I encourage them to be proactive and resourceful in their approach to Maths, guiding them through the processes of learning to deepen their understanding and develop their thinking and problem-solving. Sessions are therefore individually tailored and flexible to meet the needs of the student, so are student-focused rather than traditionally teacher-led. I spend time getting to know my students and, whenever possible, encourage the practice of Maths skills within topic areas of personal interest to them or real life situations. I am a good listener and can empathise with my students, helping them to see areas for improvement in their work and offering practical advice and tips on how to develop it further. Ultimately, I aim to help my students fulfill their academic potential whilst also developing the range of skills needed to achieve their aspirations in life.

Teaching Experience:
Working in my professional career as a Maths Specialist in mainstream Primary Education, I am always keen to find a strategy that fits alongside what your child's school is providing to skeleton. This I do by studying materials your child brings home, observing strategies which your child uses and occasionally by speaking to schools to produce a bespoke medium of teaching that proves most effective for your child to enhance their mathematical ability and drive. I always believe lessons should be both educational and enjoyable to maintain engagement. There is a pleasure in self-improvement which I will want to build into your child so that they grow in self-confidence through learning.

Tutoring Approach:
Mathematics is a huge passion of my own and I have an ever-growing belief that regardless of what level children are at, with the correct guidance and the right attitude, success is always around the corner.

I have undergone extensive professional development training continuously for a number of years and counting, which ensures my skill-set is up-to-date with the Mathematics curriculum and is diverse and extremely effective.

I have privately tutored for 9 years as well as being employed professionally at a mainstream Primary School as a highly experienced Maths Specialist where my role is centered around working closely with individuals and groups of children from Year 1 to Year 6 of a variety of abilities, working in a variation of topics towards attainment. (Basic numeracy, problem solving, fractions/decimals, statistics/probability, algebra, geometry, entry-level maths).

I cannot help a student unless I know where they are in their understanding. I try to get my students to participate and be active as much as possible during lessons, often getting them to reason through problems and ideas themselves, while helping them along the way. This helps me understand their thought process, and lets me see any gaps they have in their knowledge. Since I pay attention to the student`s thinking, I can approach the lesson with the student him- or herself in mind, personalising it and consequently being more helpful.

My personal view is that being a teacher is crucial to being an effective tutor as I have first hand knowledge and experience of the curriculum and plentiful ways of teaching it effectively. I believe all children not only should access the curriculum but flourish beyond that with the right guidance to be progressive learners.

I have vast and varied experience and success of tutoring children for confidence, classroom support and entrance exams. I supply all of my own resources with a vast array of apparatus and prepare each tuition session beforehand, with homework.

If you feel I could help your child in enhancing their development in Mathematical ability or if you feel your child's potential is not being challenged enough at school then I would love to hear from you.

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Personal Description:
Hi! I'm Lucy, and I'm currently studying for my biochemistry degree at the University of Sussex. I have a passion for science, and want to share this with others, and hopefully help them with their own studies.
Outside of this, I am very creative. I enjoy playing piano, singing, folding origami and watercolour painting.
Outside of term time I live in the Oxfordshire countryside, and love taking walks around the places that I live.
I also enjoy cooking and creating new recipes.
I hope that you choose to contact me and that we can have a great time working together!

Teaching Experience:
I tutored for 2 years during my A level studies, in which I took biology, chemistry and maths. I have experience tutoring these 3 subjects, especially maths, and am able to tutor all of these to GCSE level, as well as other subjects to lower levels. My tutees have faced great success, one moving from 3rd set to top set for maths within a term of tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to work with you and your child, getting your feedback and perspective on what is going well, and what I can improve to help your child improve. I believe that transparency is key, and we should be able to keep clear and constructive communication, so that I can best support your child.
I hope that together, we can get the results your child deserves, and let them reach their full potential.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Kathryn and I am a primary school teacher and mummy to two young children. I have been teaching for 9 years and my specialism is Early Years, although I have plenty of experience across the primary age range. I am hoping to do some online tutoring on the side of my day job. I am able to work evenings, weekends and occasional weekday hours. Looking forward to hearing from you and your little ones!

Teaching Experience:
I achieved a BEd in Primary Teaching with specialism of Early Years at Chester University in 2011 and achieved Qualified Teacher Status in 2012. I have always been in a permanent job role and worked my way up to become and Early Years Leader. I am currently teaching in Year 3 and have experience across Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to build up positive working relationships with children and their families and get to know the learning styles of individual children. I then deliver my tutoring in a way that meets the needs, abilities and interests of the children. This ensures we get the most out of the time we spend together in a session and enables children to work towards their full potential.

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Personal Description:
I am as second year primary education student at Liverpool Hope university with a specialism in special educational needs and disabilities with a passion for helping everyone find their place. Having spent much of my training during the COVID pandemic, I am well versed with teaching online as well as face to face, and I am willing to adapt to suit the needs of individual learners.

Teaching Experience:
Prior to attending university, I lived in Australia for five months, volunteering in a school as a sports assistant, where my role was to assist the full time teachers and cover the primary PE classes when the teacher was not available. Further teaching has included block placements in both the early years foundation stage and lower key stage two, teaching a range of subjects that are not limited to maths and English, providing me with a range of experience across the primary school years.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I will help identify each individual's needs and work with them to find the best solution to support them and help them achieve what they need through a variety of engaging activities. I will always attempt to provide a fun approach to learning whilst remaining approachable and professional.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Pedro. I was born in Portugal but have lived in England since I was 9. I'm currently studying BSc in Psychology at Bournemouth University and I really enjoy my degree. I am particularly interested in clinical psychology and as a result since April 2022 I've been volunteering at 'Hammersley Homes', a charity which focuses on helping adults with mental illness. A few hours a week I visit someone who finds himself adjusting back into society, he has autism and bipolar. We speak, go on walks, cycle or listen to music together. I have learnt a lot about how difficult certain people find life. This experience has really helped me to be more empathetic, caring and positive.
I also really enjoy surfing, jogging and cooking.

Teaching Experience:
I took up a role as 'PAL' leader at my university where I was given a classroom of 20 first year psychology students. Although the role involved me 'facilitating' instead of 'teaching'. I spoke to my 'students' every week on what content they were struggling with, since I had done the same content the year prior, I compiled and summarised content which I had been taught and created power point slides to give them direction and a better understanding on the content. I also emphasised taking care of mental health and getting involved with the community.

I was nervous at first, worried about speaking too fast or having awkward silences but after a few sessions I found myself loving it. I received really good feedback from students and supervisor who suggested I should be a teacher because I made the sessions really engaging.

Tutoring Approach:
I see tutoring as an amazing opportunity to help motivate students and help them engage in their learning, so that they gain confidence, a better understanding, and better results. I understand every student is different so finding the best way the student engages with the work, is vital so that they enjoy the process of learning and succeeding. I like spreading positivity and joy, since I believe it's the best learning environment.

I know a lot of hard work goes into studying each exam board to make sure I'm giving accurate support and working hard to find questions which fit the skill of student.

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Personal Description:
Hi I am a qualified primary school teacher. Teaching is my passion and I am here to help students thrive in their learning journeys. I am a mother to a little girl and we love the outdoors, exploring new places. I like travelling to different countries and experiencing the culture, food and history.

Teaching Experience:
I have 8 years of teaching experience in both key stage 1 and 2. Most of my years spent teaching and preparing students for the 11 + and SATS. I use a nurturing and engaging style to my teaching and incorporate the constructivist approach, allowing students to take a more active role in the learning process, encouraging them to use their prior knowledge as a foundation for understanding new concepts.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is child-centred and I tailor my learning and style to the needs of each child. I create a calm and nurturing environment so that my students feel at ease and have a love for learning. I help children over come their learning hurdles by providing one-on-one teaching in a given subject, assessing a child's level of education and supporting the gaps. I teach a variety of students, from those who are particularly struggling with areas of learning, to those who are looking for a challenge.

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Personal Description:
Greetings! I'm a dedicated and passionate Computer Science student at King's College London, with a drive to make learning an engaging and empowering experience for all my students. My journey has been one of continuous growth, from helping classmates with homework to mentoring students and even my own siblings. These experiences have not only honed my academic skills but also deepened my understanding of the challenges students face. My commitment to learning goes beyond academics; I'm an avid problem solver and believe in fostering creativity and critical thinking. Outside of the academic realm, I enjoy exploring the intersections of technology, art, and society, which often provides unique insights that I love to share with my students.

Teaching Experience:
My journey as an educator has been shaped by diverse experiences. I've tutored primary school students, assisting them in grasping fundamental concepts through interactive and relatable methods. With high school students, including A-level candidates, I've delved into the complexities of Computer Science, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry making abstract ideas tangible through real-world examples. Beyond technical skills, I've been a mentor, helping students build study strategies, time-management skills, and self-confidence. My approach involves creating a comfortable environment where questions are welcomed, mistakes are seen as stepping stones, and learning is tailored to individual needs. Through various roles, I've realized that education is not just about information transfer, but about inspiring a hunger for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach can be summed up in three words: Engage, Empower, Elevate. I firmly believe that engagement is the cornerstone of effective learning. I strive to make even the most abstract concepts relatable by drawing parallels to everyday experiences. This fosters curiosity and a desire to explore further. Empowerment comes from creating a safe space for students to voice their questions and ideas without hesitation. Together, we tackle challenges, building not only subject mastery but also self-assurance. Lastly, elevation entails guiding students to see beyond the immediate coursework, encouraging them to think critically and relate their learning to broader contexts. Through a balance of guidance and autonomy, I aim to equip my students with skills that extend well beyond exams-skills that will serve them throughout their academic and personal journeys.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate in Physics from University College London (UCL) and am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Science (Medical Physics) at King's College London (KCL) as part of the Scientist Training Programme. With a deep passion for mathematics, I am eager to share my enthusiasm for the subject through tutoring, helping students appreciate its beauty and complexity.

As an approachable, engaging, and supportive tutor, I have consistently achieved A grades in both my GCSEs and A-Levels, and I am committed to helping my students reach the same level of excellence. I specialise in tutoring Mathematics and Physics, both of which are second nature to me, and I am confident in my ability to teach these subjects to a high standard.

Maths is often a challenging subject for many, and I can relate to those struggles. Initially, I found myself more drawn to literature and the humanities, but with the support of exceptional tutors and teachers, I uncovered a genuine passion for mathematics. It is this transformative experience that I hope to replicate for my students, guiding them to find their own connection with the subject.

I believe in a personalised, one-on-one approach to tutoring, recognizing that each student is unique. I strive to tailor my teaching methods to meet individual needs, ensuring that every student receives the support required to succeed.

Teaching Experience:
5 years experience
Tutored online for 4 years and tutored with Explore Learning for 1 year in person and online both. I tutored GCSE to a level maths and Physics.

Tutoring Approach:
Initial lesson for mathematics involves an assessment - this can be through a past exam paper. This allows me to determine what level the student is working at currently and also what topics need to be focused on more than others. From this I pick a topic to base the next lesson on. The lesson compromises of exam questions and taught material.

For physics I ask the student which exam board they are studying and which topic to focus on for the first session. I then plan a lesson on the topic by doing a question-answer session (It will be like recapping then topic with the student through questions used to prompt their memory). Normally questions are in flash card form. Then for the second half of the session I do exam questions from the exam board the student told me. These are topic based so each lesson will have questions focused on what was covered on the day. I send the notes from the lessons to the student as pdf files too. I write reports after I complete a lesson so parents know what the lesson covered and what to expect for upcoming sessions too. The more fluent a student becomes in answering questions- that shows progress is being made.

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