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Information About Robert:

Personal Description:

After gaining an MA and PhD from the University of Cambridge (Gonville and Caius College) I worked for a few years in commercial research. After a short break I entered the teaching profession and continued as a teacher for over twenty years in several schools, in both the private and state sectors. in 2012 I made the decision to leave classroom teaching and become a full time professional tutor. My business has built up steadily since then and now thrives.

Concurrent with teaching, I started working as an examiner in 2003, being promoted to Senior Examiner in 2004. For five years from 2010 i was a Principal Examiner, resoponsible for the setting and marking of chemistry GCSE papers. Although still a Senior Examiner I have retired from that particular role; it created a conflict of interest when I became a tutor.

Outside of work I have the Teachers' Certificate of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, although I don't offer tutoring in dance! My other loves are acting, walking, classical music and cooking, the last of which I regard as a branch of synthetic organic chemistry.

Teaching Experience:

I have worked full-time as a private tutor since 2012. Prior to that I taught in schools (both private and state) for over twenty years, preparing students for A-Level and GCSE.
I have also worked as a Senior Examiner since 2003, marking both A-Level and GCSE papers. For part of that time I was a Principal Examiner, responsible for the setting and marking of GCSE chemistry papers; I have now retired from that role but am still a Senior Examiner.

Tutoring Approach:

I ask students to give some thought before to the lesson as to what they want to cover so that time is not wasted. Often I am called in during the final year of study with insufficient time left to cover the whole specification, in which case it is essential that the student directs me to where they most need assistance. They are generally very good at knowing where help is needed and appreciate that the lesson is to some extent under their contol rather than being told what thry are going to do.
Lessons are interactive, using questioning as well as exposition where necessary. I also check understanding as we go along, asking them to explain things back to me when they say they understand. It's also important to give a student time to think without feeling pressured, so that they can really get their ideas straight rather then feeling they have to answer immediately. At the same time they must feel supported, knowing that help is available should they need it, and that there is no shame in not knowing an answer; rather it presents an opportunity to learn. Getting that balance right is essential and comes from years of experience.

Qualifications:

• PhD in Chemisrty (Cambridge)
• MA in Natural Sciences (Cambridge)

Further Information:

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