Jane

I am a teacher with 27 years experience of secondary schools and sixth form colleges, specialising in biology, achieving advanced skills teacher status in 2004.

I love to travel - having been to some amazing places such as Japan and Madagascar.
Currently, I am studying for a part time degree in textiles which provides me with s creative outlet after a busy day at work.
I enjoy all sorts of music and the occasional live gig.

Tutoring Experience

I have been a Head of Science and then Head of Biology with significant responsibility for post-18 destinations and medicine and dentistry applications. Since September I am now a UCAS coordinator with responsibility for all applications alongside apprenticeships in all subjects.
I regularly present at the national STEM centre and have been a National Strategies science consultant.

Tutoring Approach

A good tutor should not give out exam questions and memorise mark schemes, this is not the way to pass A level.
It is vital that students understand the need to learn basic biology, practice active recall and then apply that knowledge. In my experience students in my class have had varying experience with tutors, with the best able to explain concepts and deal with student misconceptions. To simply hand out questions, watch students complete them and then read from a mark scheme without explanation will not allow students to make progress.
My approach would be to ascertain the level of knowledge, encourage students to recall, listen for gaps in knowledge then explain ideas with clarity.