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Information About Simon:

Personal Description:

My students describe my lessons as enjoyable and helpful in terms of progressing their knowledge, understanding and confidence. I have recently retired from teaching in a school environment in order to concentrate on 1-to-1 tutoring. One of the reasons that I am attracted to tutoring is the rapid improvements that can be achieved due to the focus on an individual student.

I am a graduate of The University of Cambridge where I read Natural Sciences, Pt. II Zoology. Previously, I took 'A' Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry (AAA - no A* back in those days!) I have taught both Chemistry and Biology to 'A' Level and am happy to provide support in either or both subjects should it be appropriate/required. I have also helped to prepare students who wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge and at my most recent school I was Director of The Oxbridge Programme.

The students I wish to work with will be motivated, inquisitive, interactive and with a desire to succeed. They will also need help, encouragement and support - that is why you are here, after all. Many of my former students have valued the support and encouragement I have provided and the ability to deliver this explains my presence here. Student-Tutor compatibility is of paramount importance if the outcome is to be as effective as possible. I may not be the right tutor for you and, equally, you may not be the right student for me!

This, from a former GCSE student: "I will miss our fun chats and even if you didn't know it you made me smile on days when I didn't want to. I may not like Chemistry but I was always excited for your lesson!"

And this, from a former 'A' Level student now in her third year at medical school: "The things that I once saw as impossible have become possible to me! I am really grateful for the way in which I felt I could comfortably ask you questions (even if they were often really stupid) and it was never too much trouble to answer them. You have shown me so much kindness over the years and it has meant the world."

Thanks for reading this. If you would like to progress matters, you know what to do next!

Teaching Experience:

I have 20 years' experience working as a Secondary School teacher. I have taught in the state and independent sectors in schools in London, Brighton, West Cumbria and Devon. I have been Head of Biology in two of those schools and most recently I was Head of Chemistry.

Tutoring Approach:

I always endeavour to achieve a good understanding of my students' needs, in addition to any weaknesses, by posing diagnostic questions and offering clear and logical explanations that are linked in to students' existing knowledge. If matters remain unclear, I will offer a fundamentally different way of explaining the problem rather than repeating the original explanation more loudly (this is much more common amongst teachers than you might think!) until clarification has been achieved. I always aim to explain concepts at the most fundamental level in order to facilitate deep understanding.

Above all, I want the sessions to be enjoyable and productive. I am patient, approachable and possess the ability to explain complex ideas in a way that is readily understandable.

Different people learn in different ways and, as a result, my lessons evolve into bespoke, individualised learning plans once I have formed a good idea of a particular student's needs.

Qualifications:

• PGCE
• MA (Cantab.) Natural Sciences Pt II Zoology
• A Level Chemistry, Biology Physics (AAA)

Further Information:

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