Thomas

I'm a passionate Maths and Physics teacher with many years of both tutoring and teaching experience. I've taught in several school following British and the IB curriculum.
I've tutored ages 6 to 35 in Maths, Physics, the Sciences, Economics and Music.

I studied Mathematics and Physics at the University of surrey.
I trained to be a full-time secondary school teacher at Reading University, UK.
I worked in Secondary schools in Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey. I also spend two years teaching in The Netherlands!
I've always enjoyed both all areas of mathematics and it's applications and I look forward to pass this knowledge and curiosity onto others. I have flexible hours and can arrange additional sessions upon short notice.
I believe mathematics and the sciences are an essential part of every day life and that everyone is entitled to understand the way the world works weather it's to pass exams or just to quench a thirst for knowledge.
I look for any opportunity to help others see these topics the way I do and will devote much of my time to ensure this happens. I'm friendly, easy-going and organized as a tutor to ensure the perfect learning environment for my students.

Tutoring Experience

I've been Tutoring with FirstTutors for 9 years; logging over 1000 hours of private tuition. Over this period I've had students ranging from age 6 to age 35, covering standards from primary school to degree level in both Mathematics and the Science.
I've also taught a variety of exam boards and qualifications such as AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR and even International baccalaureate.
I currently work as a secondary school teacher, teaching mathematics and Physics. I've taught GCSE, iGCSE, A-Levels, IB MYP and IB DP.

Tutoring Approach

I believe there are two approaches to tutoring. The first focusses on the basics of the subject; the hints, tips and tricks required to pass the up coming exams - very useful in a limited amount of time and ideal if the pupil has no intention to carry on mathematics at a higher level next year. The second style of tutoring ensures the tutee understands every aspect of the formulas and facts they wish to learn. That is, making sure they understand and work out for themselves the rules and equations by applying the fundamentals of the field to each specific topic they are required to cover. This method is best if the tutee wishes to carry on this subject at a higher level after the current academic year (e.g. A-levels and Degree Level).

For Instance, a student wishing only to pass GCSE music with a suitable grade and with no intention of taking music in the near future would only be taught how to complete the works/exams and wouldn't be taught 'why'. This strategy of teaching will be quicker and easier for the student to learn therefore requiring the minimal effort needed for their desired grade. Where as, a student attempting to achieve a high grade in AS-Level Mathematics with the intention to continue mathematics in their second year of A-Levels and further would be taught both how to complete exercises and why these theorems work or how these methods of solving relate to all areas of Mathematics.

Of course in the end the tutee's opinion is the most important and I will always try my best to make sure the style of teaching is right for them so that they understand everything to the best of their abilities.