Cheryl B - Tutors - Keystone Tutors

“You have been a fantastic tutor.”

Parent

GCSE Chemistry
GCSE Physics
A Level Chemistry
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

I have 19 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 then took on the role of 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 were a very small school and as the only Chemistry and Physics teacher, I had 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 tutored purely online through Keystone since May 2022. I also delivered online lessons during the January 2021 lockdown.
I currently teach at a large comprehensive school in south staffordshire where we have a large emphasis on digital learning. I therefore have access to many online resources to aid with tutoring as well as a good understanding of how AI can help with the generation of particular questions and model answers. I am also responsible for the monitoring of the required practicals so have a good knowledge of the CPAC requirements for each practical.

I was born in Wolverhampton and currently live in a small market town north of Birmingham. In 2003, 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 amongst one of the top 50 grammar schools in the country and helped many students achieve the top grades needed to gain their chosen university place. I also managed the extended project qualification. After a few years of A-level tutoring while my children were very young, I then moved to an alternative provision school in Birmingham where I led the science department and taught GCSE chemistry and physics and A-level chemistry. Teaching in this type of school enabled me to develop my knowledge of various special educational needs and disabilities.
I have now moved back into mainstream education and teach KS3 science, GCSE Chemistry and A-level chemistry at a school in South Staffordshire who have a large emphasis on digital learning. The skills I have learnt while in this role have helped greatly with my delivery and provision in online tutoring for Keystone.

“Cheryl explained things clearly and used good examples. I now feel much more confident on the topics covered in the lesson.”

Parent

“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.”

Parent

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 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.

When I am not teaching I enjoy spending quality time with my family, exploring the outdoors on long walks and bike rides and helping my children with craft projects. I also enjoy travelling, in particular, visiting European cities. My passion is science and I love keeping up with recent science news and expanding my knowledge by listening to several science podcasts.