Femke (Tutor)

 Biology (gcse)

 English (gcse, a-level)

 Geography (a-level)

 Maths (gcse, a-level)

 Philosophy (degree, a-level)

 Physics (gcse)

I have worked full-time as a personal tutor based in London since April 2010, teaching mainly philosophy, science and mathematics. In October 2010 I started a part-time BSc in Geology and I plan to work as a tutor throughout my second degree. I already hold distinctions for my undergraduate degree in Philosophy and MSc in Philosophy of Science; I graduated at the top of my year in both cases.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling (expect to see me arrive to sessions by bike), boxing and rock climbing. I love travelling and am happy to accept tuition jobs abroad outside of term time.

Approach to tutoring:

I believe that no subject can be learnt while the student is passive. Whenever possible, I try to guide the student towards the answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing them with information which they must then apply by rote.

The structure of my mathematics lessons is almost entirely question based - expect to fill a lot of notebooks! The usual method would be to look at past examination papers as soon as is feasible.

Although my science lessons are also very questions based, I feel that a lot of science learning can be improved by the student having a clear mental image of the process under study. For example, if we are studying circuits I encourage a student to visualise electric current as a flow of water and then tease out the various implications of such a model. I also find it helpful to instruct a student to explain certain principles to me as though I had no prior knowledge of them.

My Philosophy and English lessons tend to focus around essay titles. An A-level student of mine will have completed dozens of essay plans by the time they sit their examination. If the threat of exams is not as pressing, I will also hold small debates where a student is told to prepare one side of an argument and present it to me for the next lesson. The fact that some students find this intimidating actually seems to build up their philosophic courage and lessens problems of exam nerves.

When an exam or a piece of coursework is due very soon, I will help a student 'cram' for their assessment. This is a very different style of teaching - one which is not geared towards long-term retention of the information - and it is not recommended that students rely too much on this.

My service generally consists in a series of one-to-one in-person sessions charged at an hourly rate. These session can involve:

-- Exam preparation (detailed look at past papers, systematic working through syllabus to identify problem areas, exam technique and psychology)
-- Last minute exam cramming sessions (although these will be far more effective if you have worked with me for a period before your exams)
-- Advice for university applications 
-- Homework help
-- Setting and marking of homework
-- University Interview Advice and Coaching
-- Confidence Building
-- Mock Examinations

Outside of classes I am happy to answer emailed questions and to mark homework free of charge. Detailed proof reading and feedback for coursework assignments for those I do not regularly teach is charged at my hourly rate. Group sessions are available: the charge is 50% of the normal fee for each additional student.

Availability: I am currently accepting new students and sessions could potentially take place any time Monday - Saturday. I am especially pleased to accept daytime weekday work so anyone seeking homeschooling should not hesitate to contact me.

Willing to travel: 20 miles

Experience: Since graduating I have gained over 850 hours of tutoring experience. I specialise in teaching GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Sciences and especially enjoy supporting a student consistently throughout a school year. I have also supported four philosophy students (2 AS; 2 A-level) throughout a school year and taught several degree level students.

The 'spare change' of my tutoring experience includes: Government and Politics, English Literature and Mathematics at AS and A-level; English, English Literature, Geography and ICT at GCSE level. I successfully prepared two students for their entrance exams into City of London School for Boys 6th form. I homeschooled Zak Perry when he was excluded midway through year 9 for bad behaviour. We worked on his English, Science and Mathematics and he was able dramatically improve his self esteem and academics – he was accepted back into school and is thriving.

My experience is spread evenly across the Edexcel, AQA and OCR syllabi.

I also helped to found Wellfield Saturday School which was a Streatham based saturday school catering mainly to the Somalian community. We offered group sessions in English, Science and Mathematics to over 80 students, ranging from year 2 to year 11.

Qualifications: MSc in Philosophy and the History of Science (Completed Sept 2009; result: Distinction, graduated top of my year: www2.lse.ac.uk/philosophy/about/Prizes.aspx) - London School of Economics
BA Hons Philosophy (Completed 2008, result: 1*, graduated top of my year) - University of East Anglia
A Levels: Mathematics (A); English Literature (A); Business Studies (A) / AS Levels: History (A), Spanish (B)
IGCSEs: Mathematics (A); English (A); English Literature (A); ICT (A); Geography (A); Biology (A); Physics (A); Chemistry (A); Dutch (A*); Spanish (A*)

CRB Check: Yes

Has References: Yes

Will Tutor Online: Yes

Feedback from: Jason (Mr)
Rating:
Date: 22/08/2011 14:23:53

Feedback from: Jason (Mr)
Rating:
Date: 22/08/2011 14:23:56