Michael

Hi, I'm Michael, and I have been successfully tutoring Maths and Physics to students across a range of ages/abilities for over 20 years.

I greatly enjoy the opportunity to share the academic journey with all of my students via the bespoke sessions I provide. I offer a premium service which has been refined over and over again, and I am committed to ensuring that each student is fully supported throughout the learning process.

I am very well placed to increase both the enjoyment and exam performance of my students. I achieved the highest maths A-level score nationally in 2002. I have a First Class Physics degree, a Physics PhD, and being a qualified teacher (PGCE/QTS) with years of classroom experience (both in the UK and abroad) I have many techniques for optimising student performance at my disposal.

My hourly rate involves ongoing academic support outside of sessions. Students can simply upload their questions into the virtual whiteboard and I will respond to them when possible - this is in addition to the traditional video session(s). This support mechanism is a huge advantage compared to more traditional methods of tuition. As such, whilst other tutors may be cheaper it is unlikely they offer better value or indeed a comparable service. Many students find that 1 hour per week from my service is far more productive than multiple hours from elsewhere, as they have an open channel of communication throughout the week (it is not uncommon for me to be sat answering student questions at 11 pm, but this iterative support is often what drives their grades upwards).

I have held a First Tutors account for many years but it has sat largely dormant (I receive most of my clients via word of mouth). Should anybody wish for extensive references these can easily be provided.

Tutoring Experience

I have classroom/1-2-1 experience of a range of ages/abilities. I also have an advanced background in the applied topics found on many Maths programmes (i.e. Statistics and Mechanics) and this is often highly valued by my students.

Tutoring Approach

I place the emphasis on the student - the most common mistake for 1-2-1 sessions is to have a tutor answering exam/textbook questions for the majority of the time. This does little to develop the student, and is uninspiring. By placing the emphasis on what the student actually can do/is doing, and gradually building upon this skillset in order to raise the confidence/capacity of each student, my approach is both encouraging and productive.
Many students also discover that - by developing their understanding of the concepts and enabling themselves to answer the questions - they can actively enjoy these challenging subjects/topics whilst improving their exam performance.