Cheryl

Experience

- 13+ Science

- GCSE Chemistry

- GCSE Physics

- A Level Chemistry

- Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

I have 15 years teaching experience, 7 of which were teaching GCSE and A-Level Chemistry and co-ordinating the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) at one of the top grammar schools in the country. During my time there, I gained an excellent knowledge of the AQA A-Level specification and exam requirements and helped several of my students gain top grades to study medicine and veterinary science at university. I am currently Head of Science at an alternative provision school in Birmingham, teaching GCSE Chemistry and Physics, A-Level Chemistry and mentoring university science teacher trainees. We are a very small school and as the only Chemistry and Physics teacher, I have sole responsibility for the development of schemes of work, planning and delivery of lessons in these subjects. I have also provided tutoring at weekends for several years to students covering a range of exam boards. I have a lot of experience in teaching online, having delivered online lessons during the January 2021 lockdown.

Biography

I was born in Wolverhampton and currently live in Walsall in the West Midlands. I gained 4 A-Levels in Chemistry, Music, Mathematics and History; grades A, A, B, B respectively. After sixth form, I went on to complete a dual honours degree in Chemistry and Music at the University of Keele where I achieved a first class degree. After university, I completed a PGCE in Secondary school Science at the University of Wolverhampton. Following qualification, I taught GCSE and A-Level Chemistry for seven years at Bishop Vesey's grammar school which is one of the top 50 grammar schools in the country. I am now working part time as Head of Science, teaching GCSE Chemistry and Physics and A-Level Chemistry at an alternative provision school in Birmingham.

Personal Approach

Having numerous years’ experience of teaching and tutoring and understanding that each student learns differently, I always strive to adapt my teaching style to that of the student and how they learn best. Something I pride myself on is being able to explain difficult concepts in a simple, manageable way by breaking it down into smaller parts, drawing on analogies and using real life examples to ensure that the student gains a good understanding. I also like to incorporate past exam questions into every lesson so that students can apply their knowledge and gain an understanding of how to score maximum marks in the exam.

What I do when I am not tutoring

I am currently working three days a week as Head of Science at an alternative provision school in Birmingham, teaching GCSE Chemistry and Physics and A-Level Chemistry. When I am not teaching I enjoy spending quality time with my family by exploring the outdoors and helping my children with craft projects. My passion is science and I love keeping up with recent science news and expanding my knowledge by listening to several science podcasts.

Testimonials

I was really pleased with the first lesson as Cheryl went over everything that I was a bit confused about. I loved how she’d go over an area first then give me some exam questions to work through which made everything much clearer. - A-level chemistry student -

Cheryl explained things clearly and used good examples. I now feel much more confident on the topics covered in the lesson. - A-level chemisry student -

Thank you for supporting our daughter with her GCSEs. You have been a fantastic tutor and have given her the confidence that she has done all that she could to prepare for the exams. - Parent of GCSE student -