Colin

I have a degree in Natural Science from Cambridge University, a Masters degree in digital electronics from Loughborough University and have been teaching maths and physics in schools, college and privately over the last 17 years, after changing from a career as a scientist and design engineer for government agencies and in industry. I am a former Chartered Engineer and Member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology.

You will always find me a friendly, patient, and understanding teacher.

Tutoring Experience

I taught physics, maths and ICT at secondary school for seven years, maths at Cornwall College for two years, and have also been teaching maths and physics as a private tutor for 19 years. I have taught primary and secondary children, and adults.

I have successfully used Zoom for online lessons since 2019 and have tutored students in the UK, The Netherlands, Italy and South Korea.

I have coached pupils for Oxford and Cambridge Universities, Eton and Charterhouse, and Exeter Maths School.

Tutoring Approach

MATHS
Every pupil is different. I listen carefully to each individual student's needs so that I can give the most effective support for them. I think I have seen most of the reasons why students have difficulty. For example, it could be exam technique - students often lose easy marks even when their knowledge is good. I guide students through some of the possible pitfalls by working questions with them, and then let them they tackle a similar problem that I set.

In maths it is important to understand basic facts and techniques. Sometimes a GCSE student just needs to review their arithmetic skills. I ensure that students have a firm foundation, then the more advanced topics can fall into place. I will explain and demonstrate any topic at the speed the student finds comfortable. I make sure they are involved by supplying plenty of practice material. We work towards the student's independence by tackling problems together, and gradually letting the student have complete control. I will give a hint if the student gets stuck, or I will point out an error if the student lets it propagate too far.

A-level students sometimes need a little help in putting all the new and more difficult material into context and seeing the links between topics. It helps a lot if students see the logic behind the methods they use (and all those formulae). The subject becomes less of a memory exercise and more of a deductive and creative one. I give a students all the background they need. We often work problems together until students are confident to work on their own.

PHYSICS
Most of the physics at GCSE and A-level fits together well if students have grasped the underlying ideas and principles. There's often insufficient time in schools - and space in text books - for some of these to be sufficiently understood.

EXTRAS
I am sometimes asked to 'mix and match' material for younger pupils in a way that combines wider perspective and challenges not common in schools. Recent topics have been: rocket science, programming, computer generated art, cryptography and astronomy.

All lessons are videoed and stored in the cloud. You will have access to all videos, screen shots and whiteboards.