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Information About John:

Personal Description:

An experienced and highly successful teacher of Chemistry to A level and GCSE Science, In 2018 I retired from my job after 17 years as Deputy Headteacher of an outstanding-rated Oxfordshire comprehensive school. Although I enjoyed the challenge of a senior management position, it was always the actual teaching which I did that gave me most pleasure - and why I made sure that in the timetables I wrote I still retained a fair amount of teaching, after all that is why I went into working in schools in the first place, and you never tire of how great it is when you get students to realise they understand something new.

Teaching Experience:

I have taught Science - mostly Chemistry - for almost 40 years in three highly successful secondary schools. This included 12 years as Head of Science. I was highly regarded at each school for the level of success my students achieved at GCSE and A level. Since my retirement in 2018, I have returned to tutoring, supporting students for both GCSE and A level, and was called in to help out with A level preparation at a local independent school. In the last three years I have supported a number of students to achieve much greater success than they had expected - initially in person and more recently finding the best way to approach working online.
I am a current exam marker for A level and GCSE Chemistry with two awarding bodies. Before increased responsibilities at school ruled it out, I had extensive experience as a GCSE examiner at a Principal Examiner level, thus writing and grading GCSE papers as well as being responsible for marking them.
I have been co-author of published books of teaching and exam support material for GCSE Chemistry and Science.

Tutoring Approach:

It was always the actual teaching that I enjoyed most about the job, and so in retirement I have enjoyed being able to continue to teach in my role as tutor. I think my approach to teaching is best summed up by some quotes from an email a former A level Chemistry student sent me on my retirement. He had collected messages from others I had taught which included: "without a doubt the best teacher I have ever had (including those at uni)", "you helped stoke the inquisitiveness that still burns today", "few share the same level of enthusiasm for teaching as yourself, even fewer who invest as much time and personal interest in helping their students achieve to their potential". It has been rewarding this year with my tutees to see not only how their knowledge and understanding has built up, but more importantly how they have gained in their confidence in and enjoyment of the subject.

Qualifications:

• MA Hons Chemistry Oxford University (Brasenose College) 1975-1979
• PGCE Secondary Science / Chemistry Cambridge University (Hughes Hall) 1979-80
• Special Diploma in Educational Studies Oxford University 1991-93

Further Information:

Availability:	Weekends / Weekdays (all times)
Types of Tutoring:	Travels to you / Online
References Supplied?	Yes
Current DBS/CRB Check?	Yes