BSc Maths with French (St Andrews)
PhD in Solar Theory (St Andrews)
Clear, enhanced CRB check
References are available upon request
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Subjects

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Personal Message

Listen, it's ok to find maths hard. But you _are_ smart enough to get on top of it - and I can help you with that. Classes in your home or over the internet give you a more relaxed atmosphere than the classroom, so you can ask questions confidently and go over whatever you need to know until you're comfortable with it.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I teach maths from common entrance to university level. I also provide support for science students who need to develop their maths skills for their degrees.

I prefer to teach A-level and university students, but inquisitive GCSE and 13+ students are always welcome.

If you're an adult learner, I'd be very happy to help you with any qualification you're working on - from numeracy upwards.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have an equation named after me! The Beveridge-Longcope equation, look it up! That came from research I did about the Sun's atmosphere for a NASA program in the US. That followed on from my PhD in Solar Theory from St Andrews. My first degree (a 2:1 in Maths with French) was also at St Andrews.

What kind of experience do you have?
I've been tutoring on and off since I was in sixth form in the mid-90s, but started my tutoring business in 2008. I've worked with around 100 students. Since the beginning of my business, I've been using technology to help me teach, and at the moment around two-thirds of my classes are distance-learning lessons given over the internet using Skype and a shared whiteboard.

How much do you charge?
In-person classes around Poole start around £40 per hour; I may have to charge more for classes further afield. Remote classes are £35 per hour.

Where do you teach?
If you're within about half an hour's drive of Poole, I'll gladly come to you. That takes in Bournemouth, Christchurch, Wareham and most of eastern Dorset.

When are you available?
I have classes available Saturday through Wednesday, daytimes and evenings.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I prefer to work with older children (16+) and adults, but younger students are welcome if they're well-behaved and want to study.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
University degree; maths for scientists; University preparation; STEP; Further maths A-level; A-level; International Baccalaureate; FSMQ, GCSE and IGCSE, Common entrance; US qualifications such as the SAT and GMAT... really anything that has a maths component.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes.

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I teach over the internet using Skype for video chat and a shared online whiteboard. As one of my students said after his first class, "I didn't think it'd work, to be honest, but that was really good!"

Tell me about some of your current students.
At the moment, my time is split about 60-40 between A-level and GCSE, as well as one university student. About 2/3 of my classes are given remotely over Skype.

Do you have a personal message for students?
You know when you look at a question and just freeze up in panic? I work with you to get past that. It's ok to mess up, ok to explore, ok not to know stuff. We'll figure out how to calm down, think things through and gain confidence.