Tutor's Profile

I have been tutoring Mathematics, English, and Science in London for the past 4 years, teaching across a range of age and skill levels. Whilst specialising in focused exam preparation, primarily A -Level, GCSE, and entrance into selective schools, this, as I have learnt throughout my time teaching, is only one aspect of being a private tutor. There are boxes to be ticked, certain areas of understanding to be developed, but how this is approached depends entirely upon the needs of the individual student. Learning from the student, and their parents, what goals they have and the particular difficulties faced is, in my experience, central to the role a tutor can play. And this is what I enjoy immensely, for it is never a matter of simply rehashing what can be learnt in the classroom, but of developing an approach to the material that suits the student. A commitment to communication, discussion, and enjoyment in learning, are, I believe, central to the academic success that is, of course, the ultimate function of tuition.  Indeed, I myself grew up in Dubai and went through the rather stressful process of sitting the entrance exams to Dubai College, an experience that helped me with my younger students in the UK who were themselves hoping for competing for a place in selective British private schools. Furthermore, my degrees in Physics from Imperial College London, Masters level Philosophy from UCL, as well as a research experience in English Literature from Durham University, has allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the subjects I teach, as well as an appreciation for the importance of education in general. 

In the first few lessons it is always important to get to know the student themselves, as everybody learns in different ways and has particular aims. Tutoring is at its most effective when utilising the close contact between teacher and student and, as such, I never treat the job as the deliverance of a lecture course or box-ticking exercise. For example, if it were a case of teaching GCSE Mathematics in preparation for the exam, I would spend the initial lessons discussing what has already been covered and what areas proved to be particularly challenging. This would allow me, the tutor, to develop a fuller picture of what needs focusing on and whether the fundamental skills needed to excel are in place before tackling harder problems. This is a broad scheme that can be applied to the subjects I teach at most levels, though if someone does come to me for a particular reason it is important to be flexible. In fact, it is essential to be aware of what is being taught in school and I always try to supplement rather than replace school learning to avoid confusion. Having said that, fundamentals are one thing, but I do try and move onto examination style questions and approaches to problem solving as soon as the student feel ready.  These are, of course, hard and fast rules that require thought whenever taking on a new student, something I feel is part of the joy of teaching. 

IB/A-Level: English Literature, Philosophy, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics.  iGCSE/GCSE: English Literature and Language, Philosophy, Mathetics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology.  Secondary School Entrance Examinations.