Conor

I am a passionate and dedicated A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics, and GCSE Mathematics teacher with over 30 years of teaching experience and over 20 years as an Edexcel examiner, committed to supporting students in achieving their full academic potential.
I prioritise student wellbeing alongside academic achievement, creating an atmosphere where students feel comfortable asking questions and making mistakes as part of their learning journey.
I establish strong connections with my students, recognising their individual learning needs and adapting my teaching accordingly.
I have a talent for making complex mathematical concepts accessible and engaging, often using humour to create a relaxed learning environment. My teaching approach combines empathetic student support with precise mathematical instruction, creating an environment where students feel both challenged and encouraged.
This approach has consistently resulted in strong student outcomes and positive feedback from students, parents, and colleagues. My communication skills allow me to explain mathematical concepts clearly and to provide constructive feedback that guides students towards achieving their goals.

Tutoring Experience

Fully qualified Maths teacher with over 30 years’ experience of A-Level Maths and Further Maths, and GCSE Maths.
Over 20 years’ experience as a senior examiner with Pearson/Edexcel for A-Level Maths and Further Maths, IAL Maths and Further Maths, and GCSE Maths.
I am currently a senior examiner (Team Leader) for both A-level Pure Papers and the mechanics side of the applied paper, and an examiner for one of the A-Level Further Maths Core Pure Papers
I am also an examiner on the IAL specification working on the P2 and FP2 papers.
On the old specification I was a team leader for the C2, C4 and D1 modules, which broadly align with the P2, P4 and D1 modules on the IAL specification.
My recent teaching has been A-Level Maths and Further Maths, both being the Edexcel specification. I delivered the Further Statistics (FS1) and Decision (D1) modules for the Further Maths.
As an examiner I gain invaluable insights into the application of the marking scheme and exactly what is required to maximise marks.
I get first-hand experience of the most common errors made by candidates and use this to inform my teaching and tutoring. For example around half of the students whose work I mark fail to gain full marks on “show that” questions as they don’t give an appropriate conclusion.

Tutoring Approach

Learning maths can be incredibly frustrating but often a problem is one step away from being solvable. One of my strengths as a tutor is finding out precisely what the barrier is and then finding a way to overcome it.
My tutoring approach is based on building strong relationships with students, creating an environment where they feel comfortable making mistakes and asking questions. I believe learning mathematics requires a balance of challenge and support, pushing students to reach their potential while providing the scaffolding necessary for success.
I focus on deeper conceptual understanding rather than just procedural knowledge, ensuring students can apply mathematical principles across a range of contexts. I don’t like teaching ‘short-cut’ methods. I believe that, with a rigorous grasp of the underpinning knowledge, students will develop the short-cut methods themselves. They will, therefore, understand why such methods work and be more likely to remember them. My teaching incorporates regular formative assessment and detailed feedback, helping students identify and address areas for improvement. I adapt my explanations to suit different learning styles, using a range of explanations of mathematical ideas to ensure comprehension.
I recognize that mathematics education extends beyond academic content to include developing resilience, problem-solving skills, and confidence. I provide emotional support alongside academic guidance, understanding that personal circumstances can impact learning. My approach is inclusive and adaptable, ensuring all students can access the curriculum regardless of their background or additional needs. I maintain high expectations while providing the necessary support for each student to meet these expectations, celebrating their achievements .
I am happy to respond to queries between session via e-mail, whether this is work covered in sessions or classwork from school/college.