Simon (Tutor)

 Maths (ks3, gcse, adult-learner, a-level)

I try to help children understand the principles underlying the maths they are learning, as well as showing them what they need to do in an exam. Wherever possible, I adopt a practical, real world approach. This is particularly helpful with students who ‘don’t see the point of it’. I also try to make lessons fun – maths is hard, but it needn’t be dull.

I encourage all clients to buy suitable text books for the course, especially when these are not issued by the school. It is important for children to be able to check their own work when they are studying, without having to wait for a set of questions to be marked. Discovering your own mistakes is by far the best way of learning. Depending on the individual needs of students, I also use my own handouts and I have a large supply of past papers and problem sheets to supplement text book material. I make notes during every lesson to leave with the student as a permanent record of the topics covered.

I prefer to teach in students’ homes, provided there is a suitable quiet room with a table. I have found this makes life easier for everyone.

Availability: I am available on weekday evenings between 4:00 and 9:00pm approximately. I confine these sessions to north Cardiff, from Whitchurch in the west to Roath and Cyncoed in the east, as I prefer to cycle whenever possible (better for me and the planet), and restricting the area means I don’t have to worry if a lesson runs over by a few minutes. I feel it is important to finish properly, without having to rush on to the next student.

I am also available during the day, for students being home schooled or sixth formers who have free periods we can use. I can travel further to daytime lessons.

I have occasionally given lessons on-line, using a mixture of technologies. This is an area I am keen to expand.

Willing to travel: 3 miles

Experience: I have been teaching for seven years, specializing in maths from KS3 onwards, although I can also help with GCSE science and any subject involving essay writing. I am familiar with all the GCSE syllabuses, and particularly enjoy the challenges of A level maths, including mechanics, statistics and further pure maths.

Qualifications: I have A levels in maths, English, chemistry, biology and Welsh. I studied archaeology at Cambridge and went on to do a PhD in scientific archaeology at Liverpool University. This included a substantial amount of chemistry and statistics.

CRB Check: No

Has References: Yes

Will Tutor Online: Yes