Mark

I have a BEng (Hons) in Material Science and Engineering from Newcastle University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Science with Physics Education. After many years working in the IT industry I have returned to my passion – Maths and Science – in which I have excellent and broad subject knowledge. Success in maths and science comes from problem-solving and question technique. I have a friendly and patient attitude and a drive for students to make breakthroughs in each lesson. Progress will be rewarding as well as essential for exam preparation.

Tutoring Experience

As well as the practical experience gained from my PGCE (including experience teaching SEND students) I have experience of teaching Physics, Chemistry and Biology, most recently tutoring all three disciplines to students at GCSE level as well as Physics at A-Level. I have extensive awareness of learning obstacles and how easily misconceptions can erode confidence. This awareness is central to my tutoring approach.

Tutoring Approach

Problem-solving and question experience is central to my teaching philosophy. Students can expect lots of question work and critical thinking from my lessons.
As a science teacher I look to clear-up fundamentals concepts as early as possible with clarity and stay with them until the student has an initial grasp. For example, for students of Physics, a significant emphasis will be directed to learning core Physics ideas (that have a bearing on all branches of Physics) and mathematical skills development, an essential component of success and exam confidence for Physics.
Leading through example questions, I re-emphasise those key points to consolidate those concepts. Whenever I bring the key points of a lesson to the attention of the student I always take a step back and encourage the student to follow that lead. Lessons are always a very interactive experience and take into account the needs of the student, I always seek to restore confidence that is lost and tackle discouragement whenever I see it through patience and reassurance with the message that even small steps forward are important and can lead on to more substantial breakthroughs.