Subjects

Interview

Which subject(s) do you teach?
I earned my degree in Biology, so this is my main subject, but I have taught Chemistry A-level and would happily teach Physics A-level if anyone wanted it. I am perfectly comfortable with all sciences at GCSE (I did all 3 to A-level myself) and have also taught basic skills to younger students

Tell me about your qualifications.
I have a BSc (Hons) in Biology, and am a fully qualified science teacher

What kind of experience do you have?
I did a GTP (teaching qualification which involves learning on the job rather than mostly in a lecture theatre) followed by two and a half years of secondary science teaching. I left the profession when I became pregnant in 2009 and have been tutoring since then, both privately and in a secondary school.

How much do you charge?
I charge £25 for GCSE and A-level students, which is lower than some because I have to be based in my own home. Anyone younger than GCSE age I charge £20, and for group sessions up to 3 pupils I would charge £15 per pupil. I would not recommend larger groups due to the diluted attention each would receive, but it depends entirely on what you're happy with.

Where do you teach?
I have to be based at my own home in case there is an emergency with my baby daughter. Because I live so close to Banbury, down the road from the Tescos, people tend to do their weekly shop while their child is having a lesson.

When are you available?
Saturdays are my main teaching days, and I am available all day. I also teach in the afternoon on Wednesdays depending on my childcare arrangements, and will teach (mostly online) after 7pm (when my daughter is in bed!) any day except Monday or Thursday

Which ages and levels do you teach?
I usually focus on students in secondary school, though I have one 11 year old at the moment who is improving his writing skills. I am happy to teach any student, whether they're aiming for a basic pass or an A* grade.

Which qualifications do you prepare your students for?
I tutor those aiming for GCSE and A-level sciences, following any exam board.

Do you have an up-to-date CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) disclosure certificate?
Yes, I have an up to date enhanced CRB form. I'm in the process of applying for yet another because I'm registering to be a childminder (to keep me busy when all you hard-working students are at school!)

Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.
I like to use skype to tutor online as it has the option to show your student what is on your screen - I have found this incredibly useful as it means I can highlight a particular phrase or paragraph in an exam paper, or show them a certain image without wasting time describing what I'm seeing. I use a webcam as I talk with my hands a lot, and often use props such as plants when needed! However, I do also have Apple iChat or MSN messenger.

Where and with whom did you train?
I earned my degree from the University of York between 2003 and 2006. I then completed my Graduate Teaching Programme (equivalent to the PGCE) with Oxford Brookes University and The Warriner School in Bloxham in the academic year 2006-7. I then worked my NQT year in Princes Risborough School (Bucks) in 2007-8.

Tell me about some of your current students.
I'm quite busy now, which is great. Of course the A-level January exams are upon us so it's quite scary too! I've still got the 11 year old working on his spelling and handwriting - every now and then we do an extended piece of writing with often hilarious results! I have 3 human biology students, pretty interesting as I had none at all last year. I've got an A level biologist who's focusing on her issue report (a relatively unusual form of coursework). She's chosen to discuss the possibility of pandas going extinct. There are 2 girls studying both bio and chem (one of the human biologists is also studying chemistry as well), and I've also got 2 GCSE students doing their unit 2 21st century science exams. Finally, I've jusy started teaching a girl A-level biology by skype...because she's at school in France!

Do you have a personal message for students?
GCSE people: These are probably your first set of big exams, which can be pretty terrifying - the key thing is stay calm (I know, easier said than done!). Examiners really love How Science Works questions at the moment, and they're the ones people get wrong most, so make sure you understand these concepts really well.
A-level people: The transition from GCSE to A-level is notoriously difficult, and don't feel like you left your brains behind in year 11 just because you've dropped some grades - it's inevitable. It's a complete change of approach, but don't give up, because you will get there if you stay calm and keep trying

Articles

"Read around the subject!"
Subject: A-level Biology
Tags: extra, personal statement, read around, research, university
Created: 15/09/2011