Simon

My students describe my lessons as enjoyable and helpful in terms of progressing their knowledge, understanding and confidence. I have recently retired from teaching in a school environment in order to concentrate on 1-to-1 tutoring. One of the reasons that I am attracted to tutoring is the rapid improvements that can be achieved due to the focus on an individual student.

I always endeavour to achieve a good understanding of my students’ needs, in addition to any weaknesses, by posing diagnostic questions and offering clear and logical explanations that are linked in to students’ existing knowledge. If matters remain unclear, I will offer a fundamentally different way of explaining the problem rather than repeating the original explanation more loudly (this is much more common amongst teachers than you might think!) until clarification has been achieved. I always aim to explain concepts at the most fundamental level in order to facilitate deep understanding.

I am a graduate of The University of Cambridge where I read Natural Sciences, Pt. II Zoology. Previously, I took ‘A’ Levels in Maths, Physics and Chemistry (AAA - no A* back in those days!) I have taught both Chemistry and Biology to ’A’ Level and am happy to provide support in either or both subjects should it be appropriate/required. I have also helped to prepare students who wish to study at Oxford or Cambridge and at my most recent school I was Director of The Oxbridge Programme.

The students I wish to work with will be motivated, inquisitive, interactive and with a desire to succeed. They will also need help, encouragement and support - that is why you are here, after all. Many of my former students have valued the support and encouragement I have provided and the ability to deliver this explains my presence here. Student-Tutor compatibility is of paramount importance if the outcome is to be as effective as possible. I may not be the right tutor for you and, equally, you may not be the right student for me!

This, from a former GCSE student: “I will miss our fun chats and even if you didn’t know it you made me smile on days when I didn’t want to. I may not like Chemistry but I was always excited for your lesson!”

And this, from a former ‘A’ Level student now in her third year at medical school: “The things that I once saw as impossible have become possible to me! I am really grateful for the way in which I felt I could comfortably ask you questions (even if they were often really stupid) and it was never too much trouble to answer them. You have shown me so much kindness over the years and it has meant the world.”

Thanks for reading this. If you would like to progress matters, you know what to do next!

Availability: I aim to work with a maximum of ten students per week and this, combined with 7 day a week availability on my part, should ensure no problems in scheduling slots that are mutually convenient.

Willing to travel: 5 miles

Experience: I started my career as a Natural Sciences graduate in the Advertising industry (as you do) and I enjoyed seven years working in several of the top London agencies as a Media Planner/Buyer/Strategist and this was great fun. When I realised that it was, in fact, corroding my soul, I took a PGCE at UEA. I have now been teaching for 20 years in a number of academic state and independent schools in London, Brighton Cumbria and Devon. During my career I have taught ‘A’ Level Chemistry and Biology as well as GCSE Science. Many of the students that I have taught have progressed to the very best universities in the country and are now enjoying a variety of careers ranging from doctors to vets and management consultants to architects. One of my students even became a tree surgeon!

DBS Check: Yes