I am a full time Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Maths tutor. I left full-time teaching in 2022, taking early retirement. I have worked for a wide range of tutoring companies for over 25 years. I did this on a part time basis when I was teaching full-time, however, I am now a full time online tutor.
During my time as a teacher in the state sector, I worked in 4 Schools with a wide range of abilities including special needs students. I was Head of department of three and a Lead Learner of Science in the other. I have examined for all boards across all Key stages 2 (primary), 3 (Years 7-9) and 4 (GCSE) and Key stage 5 (A-level) as well as being an A-level examiner for AQA. As a consequence, I have an excellent knowledge of what the examiner is looking for and always incorporate this into all of my teaching sessions. I do this through exemplification, walk throughs of exam style questions, practice and practical advice on how to get the most out of your answers and effective study. I was not only involved in teaching inside of the school environment. In the past, I have worked for the BBC on their Bitesize website and advised them on science content for their programs. I have also reviewed science content for use in Schemes of Learning. I was involved with the Association for Science Education serving at a local level on their North London committee as well as serving for 7 years on their National Education committee. This involved looking at improving science education across the United Kingdom. I was also runner up in the National STEM teacher of the year award in 2017. Additionally, I taught on the now defunct Science PGCE course at Hull University as an expert guest lecturer.
My working life began working in the Civil Service where I was promoted several times and worked mainly within the customer service where I learned effective communication skills as well as studying part time for a Chemistry degree with the Open University. This then lead me into full time education where I studied at the University of Hull for my Chemistry degree. After the completion of my studies I carried on working in the research labs for a two years, teaching, demonstrating in Lab classes as well as taking undergraduate tutorials. My research lead to my work being published https://doi.org/10.1039/B104036G.
In 2001, I felt that my love for teaching was a direction that I should follow and I enrolled on my PGCE course. After passing this, I was employed by my first school where I spent my first 12 years of teaching working my way through the ranks of KS3 Coordinator and finally to the position of Head of Chemistry and Key Stage 4 studies. My following 8 years were spent working in three different schools with a wide range of contexts and ability ranges - from students looking to attain a place at the Top Russell Group Universities to students who had very complex needs. My results have always been exemplary even through the closure of schools during the pandemic. It was then I began to explore the possibilities of becoming a full-time tutor. In 2022, I took early retirement and became a full time tutor.
Throughout my teaching career I have been employed as an examiner for all exam boards including A-Level Chemistry for AQA and worked holidays as a tutor for a number of companies to supplement my income. I have a passion for teaching science and believe that a good science knowledge is a cornerstone of any good learning due to the nature of the material taught.
