Jess

Experience

- (I)GCSE Maths: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC

- (I)GCSE Physics: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC

- A-level Maths: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC

- A-level Further Maths: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC

- A-level Physics: AQA, CIE, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC and Pre-U

I have 6 years experience tutoring SAT, ACT, Physics, Math Level 1, Math Level 2, SSAT, ISEE, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, Academic Math (all levels).

I also have 3 years experience tutoring A level further maths and physics.

Biography

I grew up in London, where I attended City of London School for Girls through sixth form, achieving As (you couldn't get A*s then!) at A level in Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Art.

I then went on to Harvard University, where I was a Math major for the first year and a half, before switching to Visual and Environmental Studies. I continued to take Math and Physics electives throughout my time there, just for fun.

Since graduating I've worked as a professional full-time tutor for the past nine years. Six of those were spent in NYC, and while it was a blast, it's great to be home too.

Personal Approach

I'm a warm, friendly, and engaging tutor, with a penchant for making maths and physics jokes so awful that they're actually pretty funny. Most students respond well to this more personable style, but having tutored many hundreds of students, I can quickly identify those students that will learn better in a more formal atmosphere.

As each student is unique, I'll start getting to know them by discussing their academic goals, passions, strengths, and weaknesses. During our first session, I’ll assess their ability and look for knowledge gaps. After the session I'll outline a program of study for subsequent sessions, where relevant. Of course this is subject to change, but students tend to feel more confident when they understand how each session fits into the bigger picture.

With roughly 8000 hours of tutoring under my belt, I can adapt explanations to any learning style, but I've found that the vast majority of students absorb maths and physics concepts best visually, so I draw a lot of pictures and diagrams. I always ensure that students have demonstrated their understanding of a concept before moving on to another.

Clear and open communication with parents is vital. If a student is struggling, I have no qualms about recommending extra session time to parents, or even recommending another tutor if it seems they may be a better fit: my highest priority is ensuring that my students have the best academic support possible. Similarly, if a student is thriving and I don't feel that he or she needs as much time, I'll let parents know that too.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I write and perform for screen and stage. I'm currently writing a six part drama, and performing comedy regularly at The Free Association.

In my spare time I love to create new recipes, see theatre, and go to a good pub quiz.

Testimonials

“I would highly recommend Jessica Napier as a math tutor. My daughter said that Jessica was the best tutor she has ever had. Jessica is very knowledgeable in her subject. She was able to explain concepts in a methodical and logical way. She was very good in teaching how to interpret exam questions. Jessica was extremely reliable and flexible and made every effort to accommodate as many hours of tutoring required. She had a genuine interest in her student doing well and hence my daughter was always very well prepared and confident going into an exam. Not only was she an amazing tutor but also her inter-personal skills contributed positively in relating to a young teenager. I would recommend Jessica anytime.” - (Mother of Further Maths A level student)

“I have known Jessica Napier for the last 9 years during which time she has been a physics and maths tutor for my 4 sons. I cannot recommend Jessica highly enough. Not only was she punctual, professional and a delight to have around, she was also very results driven and managed to tutor the children into achieving the highest marks possible. We owe much to her perseverance, patience and ability to teach in an upbeat and positive way.” (Mother of four Westminster students)