Banff Tutors and Banff Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a patient, helpful and responsible individual who enjoys tutoring students and helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve.

Currently my only available slot is Friday 5.30-6.30.

Teaching Experience:
I have 20 years experience working within a school environment, dealing with both primary, secondary age range and adults. I possess a Master's Degree in English together with UK Qualified Teacher Status.

At the moment I work as a Lead Practitioner in a local secondary school in the London Borough of Bexley. I am also tutoring Functional Skills English and ESOL.

I have marked AQA and EDEXCEL GCSE Language papers for the past 5 years, therefore I have excellent understanding of how the marks are awarded for each question in both papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a key feature of effective teaching is balancing the pupils' success against the level of difficulty required to challenge them. Furthermore, I think to teach effectively you need more than good subject knowledge, something that develops with time and experience - professional knowledge and personal style. In my opinion, a teacher should give all the possible help to pupils to gain knowledge and become useful members of the society. Acquiring knowledge in a supportive, fair, friendly and not tense atmosphere is very important. A teacher should be a role model to students, who helps individual pupils to grow and deals with them in an objective way. In my opinion a good relationship between a teacher and pupils helps to overcome the difficulties that may arise during the learning process.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Best part of teaching - watching my students face of enlightenment when they grasp a concept and acknowledge it. This sheer joy is best achieved with one to one sessions with the student. I teach with passion for Maths and believe in bringing Maths alive to my students. Learning with me is a journey where we start with student's prior knowledge, throughout the journey i believe in challenging misconceptions so that correct learning can take place and where student gains confidence to challenge the mathematical concepts and finally we arrive at our destination where my student possess the right confidence and knowledge to produce best result with my guidance.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching Mathematics in college for more than 10 years now. I teach, GCSE Maths and A Level Maths.

My achievement results are over 95%.
I am also an Expert Examiner for Edexcel board marking GCSE and A level papers for 10 years now.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style, strategies and pedagogies revolves around Assessment for Learning where my students attain the confidence and knowledge to discuss the concepts and think critically. I use teaching methods that develop constructive thinking among my students and they acquire skills to solve critical problems themselves.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I did M.Sc in 1989 from the university of Punjab,Lahore,Pakistan in first class and joined a well reputed English medium school system, Beaconhouse School System, registered with the British Council, Lahore. This school offers O level GCSE from CIE and I taught Maths and Physics to O level classes. I attended different teachers training workshops organised by the British Council. I also completed a one year certificate in professional education (CPEd) offered by St Mary & St John College, University of Plymouth UK in 2009.

Teaching Experience:
I had been teaching Maths, Physics and Statistics grade 8 to graduate level for more than 20 years. Besides my regular school teaching job I used to teach Maths in the evening academies and taught Maths of different age groups from 14 years to 20 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I used to teach a student of grade 8 level in Hartlepool.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a successful teacher with seventeen years experience teaching and leading a department in a secondary school in Leeds. I have worked as a private tutor and examinations marker in previous years and therefore have a detailed understanding of how to meet the requirements of the examinations.

Tutoring can be offered face to face or through Skype or Zoom.

Teaching Experience:
I have seventeen years experience teaching ages 11-18. I have taught Key Stage 3, OCR Nationals, Cambridge Nationals, BTEC and A Levels in Business and ICT. I specialise in exam technique and practice.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly yet driven tutor who will help to maximise the outcomes, I can adapt my style to suit the needs of the tutee.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I currently offer tutoring for physics up to A2 level plus maths up to GCSE level.

I have taught at a variety of comprehensive schools for 25 years and am currently lecturing in Physics at the Crosskeys campus of Coleg Gwent. This is the largest A level centre in Wales. Our physics results are always excellent, we have the highest A/B pass rate (>70%) and overall pass rate (100%) in Wales for such a large entry. In 2011 we had 48% A and A which was twice the national average.In 2012 67% of the students in the class obtained A , A or B

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher of science (including A level physics) and maths for over 25 years.
I have successfully home tutored a large students in both GCSE maths and physics over many years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to tutor by firstly going over the salient points about the current work, followed by attempting past paper and equivalent questions. However, I am easy going and happy to help in whatever ways are needed. I am here to help the student progress ion whatever way he/she feels best.

Subjects

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I have been a teacher for many years having received my PGCE in 1992. Since that time I have worked in a variety of schools in the state and private sectors both in London and Oxfordshire. Teaching physics is a great privilege and pleasure having taught A Level physics for both OCR and Edexcel boards as well as GCSE and iGCSE physics and chemistry. I am currently in the process of creating an A-level OCR physics course for an Oxfordshire school which is both challenging and hugely rewarding as I know it will be used for the A-level students for years to come.

Here are a few testimonials of previous tuition:

From Martin 5/5: (A-Level Physics) Excellent!

We cannot praise Kevin enough. He has the rare combination of knowing his subject very thoroughly and able to communicate that knowledge in a way that immediately makes sense to the pupil. Plus he is clearly very enthusiastic about the subject and teaching others. Very inspirational.

Time keeping perfect. General manor, friendly and enthusiastic. You just know your child is going to enjoy the lesson and progress.

I have no doubt that our daughter will have improved her exam grades by at least a grade. Also her general interest and enthusiasm for the subject has improved.

Simon: 5/5 Our son is enjoying the sessions very much, Kevin has reinvigorated our son's enthusiasm for Physics and perfectly meets the mix of needs now; subject knowledge, teaching style, enthusiasm and targetted exam technique… brilliant!

Natasha: 5/5 Kevin tutored my son for maths and physics. He made the lessons interesting and fun and really helped him with the revision process. He was always prompt and cheerful. All in all, an inspiring teacher.

Siyu: 5/5 It's very useful for the exam. Thank you so much！.

Teaching Experience:
See below for my roles in different teaching posts in UK state and private schools:

Head of Physics: Plan, create and teach a new programme of study for the new A level OCR physics course. Management of A -Level practical assessment and teach :A-level (OCR course)

Physics Teacher: A-Level physics (Edexcel), iGCSE physics teaching (Edexcel) . Organise and supervise rowing outings, ergo and running training for rowing crews.

Physics Teacher: Responsible for co-ordination of IT over the three science departments. A-Level physics, GCSE physics and GCSE chemistry teaching. Design and upkeep of the physics department web site. Organise and supervise ergo and running training for J14 octuple crews as well train crews on the tide way twice a week (including Saturdays). Elected member of the staff committee negotiating the new salary scale commencing September 2001. NUT school representative.

Head of science: Implement changes post OFSTED inspection. Key Stage 4 co-ordination of the examination
schedule with departments and administration of internal and external examinations. Writing of all internal mock examinations. Implemented changes to KS4 course based on EDEXCEL science syllabus changes. Oversaw science course work moderation based on INSET each year concerning moderation techniques and course work marking. INSET training in the managing of a science department. Responsible for the setting of all year 10 and 11 science groups. Created and hosted IT training courses for science staff. Responsible for implementation of IT themes within the science programme of study from year 7 - 11. Class room and form room management.

First teaching post after P.G.C.E. qualification. Responsible for year 7-11 science groups. Worked with the head of department on GCSE practical work. Created new practical work for assessment. Taught top and bottom GCSE science groups with physics as a specialism. Participated in after school clubs including The America Club ( letter writing to pen pals), and The Music Society ( encouraging pupils to play musical instruments ).

Physics Teacher: During the Easter holidays I taught revision courses in A level physics and instructed candidates on good revision techniques. During the summer I worked for the administration department as a clerical officer as well as overseeing their ' social monitoring ' programme for the foreign language students.

Tutoring Approach:
I would use my experience in teaching to understand the specific problems the tutee has with the subject material and then work with them with appropriate materials and resources to overcome the areas of concern.

My experiences in schools range from organizing trips for science based activities and interests, accompanying pupils skiing as well as the world famous Magdalene College School choir to Europe and coaching rowing in London and Oxford schools for competitive events in London and Henley. I would use my experience with students to help develop a good working relationship.

Subjects

Personal Description:
***11+ Subject: Having successfully tutored my son 11 Plus exams for Tiffin School, I decided to teach other students in preparation for Grammar School/Independent Schools entrance exams and have great success since. I coach specific techniques, short cuts and tips which enable students to gain competitive advantages, to be "ahead of the games".

I cover 11+ VR, 11+ NVR, 11+ English and 11+ Maths subjects.

***11+ Verbal Reasoning (VR) is problem solving using vocabulary, language and mathematical skills. I coach students how to complete sequence, work out numerical codes, logical reasoning, mathematical reasoning, alphabet reasoning, word codes, patterns, anagram and coded sequences etc. My tuition helps developing students' word power, vocabulary range and reasoning skills.

***11+ Non Verbal Reasoning (NVR) is solving problems by patterns and shapes. I emphasize tackling questions on analogies, codes, similarities, series, components, patters, layering, movements, manipulations, odd one out, matrices, elements and logic etc. There are about 21 types of question set by GL Assessment, e.g. identifying or rotating the missing coded shapes etc. Strategies of ensuring students to master techniques thoroughly to a high level are implemented. My students will be able to "think on feet" and to solve problems in logic ways.


***11+ English: I prepare students for their Comprehension and Creative Writing skills, including story ideas, structure, dialogues, endings, character development, literary knowledge, vocabulary, sentence structure, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

***11+ Maths: Apart from training mental arithmetic and core maths skills, I ensure students not to get bored with numbers and formulas by introducing an element of fun into lessons, e.g. playing maths games, puzzles at the end of the session.


****Maths subjects(KS2, KS3, GCSE, A Level): Familiar with the National Curriculum, I stretch students' abilities and potentials. GCSE and A level Maths students have improved their grades and confidence following my tuition. I have proven records of raising Grade E to C, Grade D to B and Grade C to A Star.

****QTS Numeracy Skills Test: Focusing on practices of Mental Arithmetic and interpreting statistical information, I am experienced in helping candidates to pass their QTS Numeracy Skills Tests. My "Speed Methods" of calculation enable candidates to solve Mental Maths questions against limited time; "accuracy and speed" coming hand in hand. In addition, I teach Interpretation of Graphs and Data, helping candidates to identify trends and patterns; interpret statistical information; make comparison and draw conclusions when answering multi-stage questions.

I help students to make notes; look out for key phrases; draw on the graphs; identify students' common mistakes.

A basic "spoon feeding" style makes my tutees understand the techniques easily and quickly. They soon become competent and pass their QTS Numeracy Skills Tests easily after my effective coaching.




****Mandarin Chinese: HSK Exams. I am a native Mandarin Chinese speaker, very experienced in tutoring for children and adults at all levels whether it is for business, exams, travel or leisure. Familiar with the required syllabus and criteria, I'm efficient to prepare GCSE, IGCSE, IB, A Level and University Degree Chinese exams. HSK.YCT.

For the Pre-Modern Chinese Literature exam, translation, interpretation, comparison and comment on Chinese Classical Poems are taught, focusing on essay writing skills for Chinese History and Thought Exams.

I helped university student's Mandarin Grade from "Fail" to "2:1", tackling four areas of Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening skills improvement.

****A Level Sociology and Psychology: Lots of practices of exam style questions and exam techniques are the keys to gain that top mark. I aim to improve student's exam performances by going through examples and activities to develop their abilities of self-assessment or peer-assessment, thus focus on teaching essay writing skills in the format, styles used by major exam boards' Mark Schemes following the syllabus and specifications.

Students will be asked to practise past papers questions under timed condition. After weak areas are highlighted, a checklist of comments and marking will be provided.

I teach how to have most focused way to approach exam questions in order to gain maximum marks in a variety of ways:

-write balanced essays as close as to the "Model Answers".

- "read questions" (to understand what is exactly being asked), to select relevant materials, to plan and construct essays with a sharp opening, main content and closing paragraphs, using link sentences, attention on grammar and punctuation.

- using "key phrases/words" throughout an answer,link data item to the questions,giving more focused responses rather than a "knowledge list".

-develop students' abilities of evaluation, analysis, interpretation and application integrate knowledge and understanding with context and testing claims, leaving a "critical edged flavour" to the essays.

-provide alternative claims and refer them in the answer.

My teaching methods for A level Sociology and Psychology enable students to be active learners, not just sit and absorb knowledge passively. Students gained Grade A in their re-sits after my tuition defeating their original Grade D taught by their own school teachers.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching methods have enabled many pupils to successfully get into a variety of Grammar Schools (including Tiffin Girls, Langley. Slough Grammar etc). I am able to assist students in building their confidence, reaching their full potentials and stretching their abilities whilst maintaining high academic performances.

In addition, my teaching style is geared towards building problem solving skills, improving accuracy and speed, providing remedial work for those struggling as well as making study interesting and engaging.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible approach to suit the students' needs, my methods include using past paper practice, taking direct questions from the student, explaining new topics, reviewing old concepts as well as teaching tricks and shortcuts.

If the distance is far, there will be a travel fee.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Robin MMus, BMus (hons.), ATCL (dip.), MISM teacher Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Composition (including Theory).

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching group lessons in school. After leaving school, I began training for the classroom, but I did not feel I could impact the individual in such a large group environment. While maintaining strong links with school curriculum, I began to pursue my career in individual instruction. My home based tuition serves approximately sixty five pupils at a time and my online lessons support many more, depending on the time zone. I have taught students in Australia, the Middle East, France, Russia and a variety of locations around the British Isles. With such a large cohort of students I offer a variety of syllabuses and qualifications. These are embarked upon at the student's request. Lessons are Student-Centred, so the Teaching Method fits the Student.

Tutoring Approach:
I started teaching in 1993 and have been offering a pupil centred approach to happy and successful students ever since. I teach classically, although not necessarily Classical. Whatever your style, you will learn how music works. This helps you to develop your musical skills.

I have a Teaching Diploma which guides my principles and practise in teaching, a BMus which covers general history and performance - I have also have performing experience with a high point of 144 concerts in 2007. My MMus underpins analysis.

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Personal Description:
I hold a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from Kings College London University. I am also a Postgraduate student studying for a Masters in Data Science.
My personal and interactive approach to tutoring is what has led to multiple success stories and has enhanced my desire to continue helping, developing and lending quality time to many more incredible students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for just under 3 years with 555+ hours of tutoring experience and therefore have the necessary experience to take my students education to the next level.

Tutoring Approach:
I will be giving one to one tuition to students who study A level Maths/Further Maths. Improving their understanding of the topics and supporting them in the areas which they find most difficult. I am determined to improve their problem solving abilities by providing them with challenging questions as well as answering any questions the student may have. I will be taking notes of the questions that my students struggle to understand or answer correctly, and from those questions i will form sets of questions that will aid the student in those areas and strengthen their weaknesses. I will be providing quality support during and after lessons. All students are unique so i will tailor my lessons according to the ability and needs of the student, with the overall goal of achieving the A* in the final exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a Physics degree from Cambridge and still maintain an active and deep interest in the subject. Among my hobbies is close harmony singing - I run a mixed local singing group and have travelled widely in pursuit of musical excellence. I also appreciate the countryside and am happy to live, and walk, in a beautiful part of our country.

Teaching Experience:
My introduction to tutoring came through successfully helping my sons through their A-levels in Maths, Further Maths and Physics. The experience inspired me to look into tutoring as an alternative occupation, and, for the last couple of years, I have been pleased to take on other students. I now work part-time in software development but love teaching and find tutoring very rewarding. Generally, most of my students are working their way through their A-levels but I can also help out up to University level, either with preparation for entrance exams (e.g PAT, NSAA, STEP), or with some of the topics encountered in Maths / Physics / Engineering courses. I also do occasional work at GCSE level in these subjects.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to treat students as individuals with differing needs. For some the key is to develop a solid understanding - subject knowledge tends to build on itself, and those who miss basic points in class can often find themselves slipping behind, feeling lost and not able to cope. For others, it involves digging deeper into the subject to perhaps make connections that weren`t at first apparent.

At all levels, I have found that guided questioning and encouraging students to think through their own difficulties is very effective. It is very pleasing to see the spark of light when an idea hits home. And once the basics are established, of course, the key to success is practice, and the development of exam technique.

Please feel free to get in touch via the UK Tutors messaging service.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Head of Computing at a successful school/sixth form.

I have been teaching since 2011 and cover both GCSE(Edexcel) and A level(OCR) Computer Science. I have also been exam marking for OCR since 2018 and was graded as 'excellent' in the most recent exam series. I have also tutored over 50 students across a range of exam boards since I began doing so around 3 years ago.

Message me in order to check current availability (Evenings, weekends and school holidays)

Recent Computer Science GCSE Results:
2024, 35% of my students achieved a grade 9, 60% 9-7, 100% 9-4.
2023, 53% of my students achieved a grade 8 or 9, 73% 9-7, 100% 9-4.
2022, 48% of my students achieved a grade 8 or 9, 62% 9-7, 95% 9-4.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since the 2010/2011 academic year where I achieved my ICT PGCE. I completed my NQT year at a secondary school in Loughton teaching ICT to all year groups before an opportunity came up at my current school (Secondary and sixth form) in 2012.

There I have been incharge of running Edexcel GCSE computer science since it began in 2013 while also teaching OCR A level computer science since I started at the school. Previously I have also taught both GCSE and A level ICT and functional skills ICT although both no longer exist.

As mentioned above I have also been an exam marker on the OCR exam board since 2018, in the last exam series (2022) I was assessed as marking to a 'high standard.'

It is also worth noting that offering private tuition has given me experience with a wide range of exam board and students with different needs and aims. As such I am confident in being able to meet the requirements of most potential students at either GCSE or A level standard.

Tutoring Approach:
Supportive and direct. Plenty of practice questions. Homework available on request. After each lesson I send a copy of the lesson notes alongside feedback for the lesson usually within 24hours. I am also able to mark any exam practice that you do and look over personal statements for my subject.

Lessons are delivered via Zoom.

Names have been changed but below are some recent comments by parents of students I teach privately:
-Rachel said you are an excellent teacher: thorough, efficient and explaining very clearly.
-James asked me to make sure to tell you: Thank you for your patience and guidance. James likes your class very much.
-Sam got a 5 in computer science we are so pleased. Wish we had found you sooner I think it would have made an even bigger difference
-I want to share with you , Alex's result for his end of year computer test, 41 out of 50. This is a huge improvement, and shows the impact of your support. We are over the moon with his progress, and want to sincerely congratulate yourself too on what you are doing with Alex. You are really driving his passion and enthusiasm for Computer Science. We cannot thank you enough.

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Personal Description:
I have a First Class Honours Degree in Fine Art, Painting. From the Slade School of Art, London. I also have a post graduate certificate in education. I have won several awards for my paintings. I have exhibited at several art galleries. Including the Driffold art gallery, Sutton Coldfield.
I teach that anyone can paint and draw. I teach by working from observation. Using a measured way of drawing.
I love teaching life drawing. I have a large portfolio of art work. I also teach from.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all ages. From primary supply teaching to Adult. Eduration.
Bournville school of art. A level art tuor. Ptarmigan. 1986-1987
Stafford school of art. Foundation, b technology, A level, recreational art Tutor. 1986-1990
Sutton art school. Recreational art Tutor. 1988-1990
Art Terry School. Recreational art Tutor. 1990

Tutoring Approach:
I teach privately on a one to one basis. I teach drawing from observation. I also teach in groups.
Using a measured system of painting.
I work with beginners to professional. Working at the students pace. Looking at master paintings and copying them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I work mostly as a software developer and have been doing this, self employed, for over 20 years. Maths tuition makes up a significant part of my work, but it is no more than half. Previous work has included engineering, as a draughtsman and CAD operator. I retrained as a teacher in the 1990s during a period of unemployment, but apart from some part time work in further education I have not worked as a teacher until recently starting with tuition.

Teaching Experience:
I have degree in Mathematical Education with Qualified Teacher Status and this included teaching in secondary school. I have also taught a Materials Science module in further education at the same time that I was training as a teacher. This was between 1993 and 1995.
I worked for an online tuition provider from November 2021 to December 2022, teaching maths to students between years 7 and 11, including GCSE revision. I taught around 400 lessons in that time.
At the time of writing this I am still providing online tuition but have a much reduced timetable while I try to acquire some more students.

Tutoring Approach:
For online tuition I use Zoom for the connection and a virtual whiteboard that allows me to share images and documents, and write and draw on them. My approach varies depending on the age and ability of the student. For older students looking to improve their exam grades it is usually a mixture of working through past papers, looking at specific questions, or demonstrating a particular topic. At the younger end We may be going over a topic that has been done in school recently and there will be more emphasis on the student answering some questions as we work through exercises.
I do have some practical experiences of using maths throughout my employment and will try to find real examples of maths in action where this is possible.

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Personal Description:
Hi! I'm Rayyan- a second year architecture student at Cardiff University. As I did my A Levels and GCSEs in different schools, I am familiar with AQA and Edexcel exam boards. I am passionate when it comes to teaching as it is something I believe is rewarding to both the student and the tutor. It has instilled patience and communication within me among other qualities necessary for the role and I am looking forward to passing knowledge onwards!

Teaching Experience:
I used to tutor GCSE and A Level students at my college to prepare them for their maths assessments from which they benefitted a lot in the lead-up to their examinations.

I also used to be a liaison for 2 years working with year 8-9 kids in a classroom environment. My job was to guide and teach them, on a collective and individual scale, revision techniques, exam preparation and carry out weekly activities with the class in order to provoke thoughts for their futures and improve their teamwork, communication and academic skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching method (open to be altered according to the student, however my default teaching method is as follows):
- Short walkthrough of the module topic with QnA throughout to ensure the topic is understood
- Exploring and answering example questions together
- Exam questions for the student to attempt and walk through the answer together (we go through questions until the student is comfortable with the topic and is able to move on)

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Louis and I am going into my second year at Bath university studying pure Economics. At A levels, I got A*'s in French, Economics and Geography as well as an A in maths. I am fluent in French and could also teach spanish up to the GCSE level if need be.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored on and off independently for about 5 years now.
I have also volunteered as a TA as a local primary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to cater to what the student is looking for, making lessons engaging and focusing on them being proactive during the lesson rather than me talking the whole time.

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.

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Personal Description:
I am a calm, patient and approchable individual with a good sense of humour. I enjoy interacting with people, and am known for my loud laugh and big smile.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 6 years in a highly diverse Secondary school in Ealing. I teach Triple and Combined Biology GCSE (exam board Edexcel, but can also teach AQA) and A level Biology (exam board Edexcel A), and Physics and Chemistry Combined Science GCSE. I have taught both Foundation and Higher level GCSE and have experience teaching SEN students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an energetic person who loves to be creative while teaching. I would approach teaching in different ways so I can ascertain the best approach for the tutee. We will focus on content, exam questions using examiner reports and past papers, and revision techniques. I like to keep a positive vibe during sessions, so that the person feels good about themselves and what they are learning.

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