Corrie

Professional Background:
I am an experienced biology teacher currently working in a secondary school in West Lothian. With a deep passion for the life sciences, I have been imparting knowledge and fostering a love for the sciences among my students for over 10 years.

Qualifications and Experience.

SQA Examiner: I am an active marker for the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exam board, where I evaluate both assignments and final exam papers. This role ensures I stay current with the curriculum and have a deep understanding of the complex assessment standards required to gain marks in the final SQA exam.

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (P.G.D.E): I earned my P.G.D.E from the prestigious Edinburgh University, where I honed my teaching skills and gained comprehensive knowledge in educational theories and practices, which has been developed further over 10 years of teaching in Scottish Secondary schools.

T.E.L.F. Certification: I hold a T.E.L.F. qualification, which allowed me to teach English in Thailand. This international experience has broadened my teaching perspectives and equipped me with diverse instructional strategies.

Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG): I hold a current PVG certification, underscoring my commitment to creating a safe and supportive learning environment for all students.

Support for Dyslexic Students: I am well-versed in using dyslexic teaching tools and strategies. My familiarity with these resources ensures that I can provide effective support to students with dyslexia, helping them to achieve their full potential.

Extracurricular Involvement:
As an active participant in the Duke of Edinburgh program for the last 7 years, I have seen firsthand the transformative power of experiential learning. I enjoy leading outdoor expeditions and witnessing students grow in confidence and capability through these challenging and rewarding experiences. This involvement has allowed me to guide students in developing leadership skills, resilience, and a sense of adventure, as well as helping to relate the course content to real life examples.

My availability is Monday - Saturday between 9am-7pm with flexibility if needed.

Tutoring Experience

I have been teaching national 3-5, higher biology and higher human biology since 2013 in Scottish schools.

Working as a marker for the SQA assignments and exams is highly beneficial for a teacher as it provides an in-depth understanding of the assessment standards and criteria used in evaluations. This experience enhances a teacher's ability to prepare students effectively for exams by aligning classroom instruction with the expectations of the exam board. Additionally, it offers valuable insights into common student pitfalls and strengths, enabling the teacher to tailor their teaching strategies to address these areas. Ultimately, this role not only contributes to professional development but also directly translates to improved student outcomes and more targeted support.

In 2012, I taught English in Thailand, gaining valuable international teaching experience and honing my skills in a diverse educational setting. Since 2018, I have been offering one-on-one tutoring, providing personalized support to help students achieve their academic goals. Over the past few years, I have transitioned to online tutoring via the Zoom platform, where I effectively utilize my own classroom resources and guide students through past paper questions to enhance their understanding and exam preparedness.

Tutoring Approach

One-on-one tutoring enables me to adopt a flexible, student-centered approach, focusing on the specific areas where the pupil faces the most challenges. I typically review course content thoroughly before guiding the student through past paper questions. My experience as an SQA marker provides valuable insights into national marking standards, which I incorporate into my tutoring sessions.

To aid memory retention, I employ techniques such as rhymes and other mnemonic devices, and I also emphasize the development of problem-solving skills. Working in a school environment, coupled with my personal experience with dyslexia, equips me with a unique understanding and ability to support pupils with additional needs effectively.