Jon

I have been tutoring for over 10 years and been a teacher for nearly 30 years. In that time, I have been a lead practitioner, Head of Department and Faculty for 21 years. Since 2002 I have been an exam and team leader for GCSE and A level for a range of exam boards (AQA, Edexcel and CIE). I have clocked well over 5,000 hours of tutoring. I tutor students across the private and state sectors from places afar a field as Hong Kong, Dubai, Malaysia, and the USA. I have taught in both the state and private sector. I obtained my Ecology BSs (Hons) 2.1 from the Guildhall University and specialised in Geography for my PGCE at Southampton University. In the past I have coached tennis to a high standard (county level) and considered a full-time career in this field. As a child I lived in Jamaica, USA and the Philippines which fuelled my interest in Geography and travelling to new places. I absolutely love my subject whether it be Physical or Human Geography. I enjoy working with students of all abilities in a one-on-one situation or in small groups.

My approach to tutoring encompasses a wide range of methods and techniques depending on the tutee and situation. Firstly, I look to build a strong rapport with my students. I make a thorough assessment of their needs and expectations and look at their preferred learning style and the framework they need to accomplish success.

I have high expectations and try to inspire students to aim for realistic but aspirational grades. Each lesson has a clear focus and objectives and is embedded within a sequence of lessons.

I have a friendly and enthusiastic approach with excellent subject knowledge. I look to make the lessons interesting and fun. I want the students to make good progress both within the lesson and over time. In lessons I cover teaching content when needed, deconstruction of questions and best techniques to do this, modelling of answers, clear effective essay writing and how to structure and write coursework. I also help students to plan their own revision timetable, effective revision techniques and how to stay focused and motivated throughout the year. Sometimes my role is to simply listen and help students navigate the highly tumultuous exam experience.

I work as an examiner and do some part time teaching to stay up to date. I am also heavily into fitness training. I used to play tennis to a high standard. I coached tennis to county standard and was head coach at a local tennis club. I have competed in triathlons. Now I follow my daughters in their pursuit of atheletic excellence. There is never a dull day. My ambitions are to learn the guitar and travel more.