Subjects

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Personal Message

Life doesn't owe you a big deal - it's what you're prepared to make of it.

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I am by heart and training a Biologist, so that's what I stick with at advanced level. I'm also a good all round scientist too, and have several years' teaching experience in other science subjects such as Chemistry and Physics.

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a BSc in Applied Biology, a PhD in microbiology and a PGCE in secondary science education.

What kind of experience do you have?
I have seven years' experience of teaching the whole ability range in the state education sector, working with SEN students daily. For just under half of that time I was a very successful Head of Biology, so I have a good understanding of what students need to do to make more progress and achieve to the best of their ability.

How much do you charge?
For KS2/KS3 I charge £25 per full hour. For GCSE I charge £25 per hour and for AS/A2 level I charge £30 per full hour. I am willing to travel and for appointments within a 10 mile radius of Kenilworth I make a charge for this of £5 per tuition session. I am willing to travel further but this is subject to negotiation of the terms.

I am happy to do group tutorials for a much reduced fee per student.

Where do you teach?
Some of my tutorials are run in my own home and some take place in students' homes. I also tutor via the internet using Skype - the students I tutor are in Europe. I am willing to travel to areas such as Leamington, Warwick, Rugby, Dorridge, Solihull, pretty much all areas of Coventry too. If you think you are too far away from Kenilworth, please make contact with me and we should be able to agree terms that both of us are happy with.

When are you available?
I am a full time tutor and am willing to fit around people and their commitments at school/work. Days, evenings, weekends are all fine by me, as are school holidays.

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I am happy to teach from KS2 up to degree level. One of my current students is a mature student who has to improve her science GCSE in order to be allowed onto a teacher training course at University.

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

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I am happy to tutor via email or Skype or a mixture of both. When Skyping both the tutee and I make effective use of an online, interactive whiteboard, meaning I can see how they're thinking as they formulate their answers. It also allows me to quickly highlight problems to the student. Students tend to like using computers, so this technique is generally very motivating for them.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I have A-level and GCSE students and I am helping with preparation for re-sit exams and first atttempts also. Many of my students don't just need help with subject knowledge, they need encouragement to boost their confidence, particularly if they don't feel they're getting this from school at the moment. I am currently helping pupils with ASD and those in local authority care with their studies.

Do you have a personal message for students?
Don't forget to take time out from studies to relax and enjoy your school life! Studying hard is honourable and enjoyable, but you should avoid becoming a stress bomb - that won't help you at all!