Jamie

++ New to Tutorhunt - so I`ve halved my fee to attract the first few clients on the site. You`ll have that fee as long as you`re with me. Get in contact! ++

I am an experienced teacher-turned tutor with master’s degrees in both physics and education – the latter from the University of Cambridge. I have been tutoring for five years, and have recently decided to take it full-time.

I find the teaching of physics an endlessly fascinating pursuit, combining the rigorous and elegant logic of physics with the complex psychology of students’ ever-evolving and unique minds. I think very carefully about how to help each individual, and base my approach on both tried-and-tested principles and ideas drawn from cognitive-based research in science education

My general approach is to work with what the student already knows, and help them think for themselves. A typical session will start with discussion and questioning to determine what ideas a student already has related to the topic at hand. I then probe this understanding, extending or challenging it, with the aim of leading the student to see conflicts or gaps for themselves as much as possible. Only then, once the student is prepared do I present new information using a range of approaches tailored to the student, where possible building on ideas the student already has. This helps instill confidence and make new knowledge feel connected to pre-existing ideas. Finally we work with text-based questions to solidify understanding in the exam environment.

This approach is grounded in cognitive-based research in science education and acknowledges that students are not blank slates, and that pre-existing ideas ought to be engaged with in order for learning to be truly impactful. I also focus on motivation and autonomy; I always endeavour to dig a little deeper into a students’ mind and motivations to help them engage with a subject more meaningfully, and on their own terms. This improves retention and keeps sessons engaging.

Before teaching, I also worked in finance (as an actuary) and travelled widely in Europe, Asia and the Americas. My hobbies include language, guitar, writing, parkour and fitness.

Availability: Weekdays and weekends (except Sunday mornings).

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: I am a fully qualified teacher, having completed my PGCE teaching training at Cambridge University. I have experience teaching each of the sciences: biology, chemistry but principally physics. I`ve led a school’s physics provision as it`s only dedicated physics teacher, and taught KS3 up to exam-prepartion for GCSE students.

Whilst teaching I also completed a master’s in education with the University of Cambridge, for which I was awarded a distinction and college prize. My thesis (distinction) focussed on motivation and autonomy, the two areas of learning that continue to fascinate me most.

I have tutored primary-age children in the UK and Netherlands with a focus on science and mathematics. I have also online-tutored some university physics and guitar.

In the future I want to broaden the range of subjects and ages I teach, from primary to university, including all sciences, maths, programming and English – and more.

DBS Check: Yes