Alanna Maltby - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

Experience

I grew up helping my mother teach at her primary school, and as a teenager I taught gymnastics at recreational and competitive standards. Since 2006 I have worked as a private tutor for several agencies, teaching children from age 3 to age 18. I teach all core subjects to children up to the end of KS3 (no foreign languages) and maths, sciences, and English to the end of GCSEs, as well as biology to degree level. I have taught children preparing for entrance exams, SATS, 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSEs, A-levels, as well as those who feel they are lagging behind their classmates. I particularly enjoy bringing grades up when children have done worse than expecting in mocks, and have had success, especially with one GCSE student who had received a F in her GCSE biology mock, and after lessons with me, achieved a B in the final exam.

Recent Keystone Work:

AS/A2 Biology: Biological Science syllabus support (Started: March 2011)

13+ Maths, 13+ Geography, 13+ Science, 13+ French: Residential tuition: 13+ Maths, Science, Geog, French (Started: March 2011)

Biography

I have recently completed my PhD thesis in evolutionary theory at UCL and the Institute of Zoology at the Zoological Society of London. I studied the evolutionary processes involved in echolocation in bats, so my work has involved a lot of traveling to catch bats in the field. Last year I was the on-screen bat scientist for BBC1's Lost Land of the Volcano series in Papua New Guinea. I also write, predominantly about science and natural history, and most recently for the Sunday Times Magazine. I have a 1st class honours degree in Biology from Imperial College London, and a Masters degree in Taxonomy and Biodiversity from Imperial College London and the Natural History Museum London.

Personal Approach

Many students lack confidence in their abilities, and I aim not only to improve understanding of a subject, but also to build up my students' confidence by repeating the basic tenets of a subject that underlie more complex ideas. I often find that asking a student to teach me about a topic, first from notes and later without, is an excellent way to find the gaps in their basic understanding, and to encourage them to get across the key points. This more active approach ensures that the student is fully engaged with the topic, and helps them to produce written answers in exams that flow logically and gain full marks.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am working on my PhD full time, and I am extremely interested in science and the natural world. I also write articles for magazines, and I am working on writing a non-fiction book. Outside of work, I play squash, cook, and enjoy life in the countryside.

Testimonials

25/05/2011: “My daughter said the lesson went well and Alanna was able to answer her queries well.” (Brenda, mother of University student, Biological Sciences)

Testimonial 1:

I cannot recommend Alanna highly enough. I had severe problems grasping concepts in Biology and an awful teacher, and it was with Alanna's tutoring abilities, skills and patience that I did so well (far from my predicted grades: at GCSE level I achieved a double AA award and at A Level a B. She made teaching extremely fun, and came up with great revision techniques (adapted to suit me).

Alanna has been guiding me throughout secondary school: at the first session, I remember she took the time to get to know me, my attitude, and then made suggestions in ways which to learn the content, that would be easy for me and again, fun!! Learning for GCSE biology was a breeze with her help, I remember going into school and passing on my new-found knowledge to the other kids. A phenomenal teacher, she is a pleasure to be around, always with a smile and a positive attitude, she installs confidence in you. I went on to successfully finish a degree in Biology (sometimes with her help), and am now doing a masters in Biochemical Engineering at UCL. None of this would have happened if it was not for Alanna's help.

Dejana, GCSE and A Level Biology Student

Testimonial 2:

We have found Alanna Maltby to be an excellent tutor who has helped our children immensely. Alanna tutored my two daughters in science in preparation for their KS3 and GCSE exams. She was always patient, helpful and encouraging, and gave the girls confidence in a subject they were previously unsure of. The girls found her friendly and fun, and she

gave them space to learn in a way that suited their creative personalities, often using visual imagery to teach abstract concepts. Her supportive attitude allowed them to learn at their own pace and made science more accessible to them. In addition we found Alanna to be punctual, patient, understanding, firm and persistent. Her contribution to our children’s academic success has been invaluable and we give her our highest recommendation.

Charles, father to two KS3 and GCSE science students

Passport: Keystone Tutors has a copy of Alanna Maltby's passport and therefore can confirm that Alanna Maltby is a UK / EU national or has the appropriate visa to be eligible to work in the UK.