Sophie

Experience

- GCSE Physics, Chemistry and Biology (AQA, Edexcel and OCR)

- GCSE Maths (AQA, Edexcel and OCR)

- A Level Physics (AQA, Edexcel and OCR)

Prior to working full time with the NHS, I provided one to one tuition for secondary school students studying science and maths for around 14 months. I tutored Mathematics at GCSE level and Physics at both GCSE and A Level.

From my work in private tutoring, I have experience with the specifications covered by AQA, OCR and Edexcel and am familiar with the grading scheme implemented in 2016 for GCSE qualifications. Through setting work for my students I have graded work against mark schemes and am proficient in using standardised marking criteria.

Furthermore, I have worked one to one supporting disabled students, affording them the same opportunities to access higher education as their peers. I attended lectures, recording comprehensive notes in manual and electronic formats. As well as note taking I have provided practical support including study support and sighted guide support for the visually impaired.

Biography

I completed my secondary education at Queen Mary's High School for girls (a grammar school in the West Midlands). I obtained A levels in Physics (A), Biology (A), Spanish (A) and General Studies (A). After completing my A Levels, I studied for a Bachelor's degree in Experimental Physics at the University of York, in which I achieved a First Class Honours with Distinction.

Following my undergraduate study I wanted to use my scientific ability to make a positive difference so I completed the Scientist Training Programme with the National School of Healthcare Science. As well as registration with the Health and Care Professions Council, I completed a Master's degree in clinical science at the University of Liverpool; for which I received a pass with Distinction.

I have since worked as a medical physicist at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham and have acquired over a year of experience working as a tutor in Mathematics and Physics. Over this period, I have also provided study support for students with disabilities to assist them in achieving their goals within their university education.

Most recently I have achieved an Introductory Certificate in Counselling and have been accepted onto a four year part time Master's degree programme at the University of Warwick in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. Throughout my studies I will be working full time as a tutor in Mathematics and Physics.

Personal Approach

I provide online tutoring in which I employ an interactive approach to keep the sessions engaging and place the student at the centre of the work we do. I also adapt my online tutoring style to accommodate the technology and resources that each student has available to them.

Every student is different and I tailor my communication and tutoring style to suit the individual student’s needs. My tutoring sessions include a variety of activities to improve focus and engagement. I work through taught material throughout which I ask questions to encourage independent thought and discussion. I also use plenary activities to help embed knowledge and practice problem solving skills. Furthermore, I incorporate exam questions in order to get students accustomed with how to maximise their marks based on the requirements of the mark scheme. This also builds confidence in approaching exam style questions.

Above all, I aim to build confidence and esteem in subjects that can be challenging for students. I take a positive and patient approach to my work and I believe that when a student’s confidence in their ability grows, the results naturally follow.

What I do when I am not tutoring

Over the next four years I will be completing a part time Masters degree in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy. When I am not studying or tutoring I enjoy painting, drawing and hiking in the countryside.

Testimonials

''My daughter has always struggled with maths. She had got to the point of panicking so much about having a maths lesson that she wasn’t leaning anything.

We have been so lucky to find Sophie. Sophie teaches maths but she also cares. Sophie works at my daughters pace and my daughter isn’t afraid to ask her questions.

Sophie is professional and she communicates brilliantly with me. I always have an email with regards to the lesson Sophie has had with my daughter. Sophie also welcomes you getting in touch prior to a lesson to make sure she includes what is currently being taught in the classroom.

Since Sophie has been supporting my daughter, my daughters school reports have already improved. she is now secure in her learning. I’m sure she even said recently that she liked maths! We are so relieved and we can’t thank Sophie enough.'' (Mother of year 11 student)