Michael

“It went brilliantly, I got A* in Physics! Thank you so much for the help, I wouldn’t have been able to do so well without it!” – Barnie, A Level student

"Thank you for your expert tuition and support for James this year - we really appreciate it!" - Gayle and Jonathan, parents of Year 12 student

"Hi Michael, (my daughter) got grade 9 in Physics. This is down to you so thank you so much again." - Father of GCSE student

You will notice that, unlike some tutors, I don’t offer a whole variety of subjects. Throughout my career I have taught Physics day in, day out. As a highly experienced Physics teacher, I know the A Level and GCSE specifications thoroughly and am familiar with which aspects students find the most difficult. From my time as an examiner, I know what markers are looking for and can give expert advice into how to give the best answers.

Students look for a Physics tutor for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it is simply that they find the subject hard (it is recognised that Physics is the most difficult subject at A Level, while at GCSE pupils who will do well in general may not naturally take to science subjects). Some students are perfectly capable of a high grade, but need a boost in confidence. Others face particular challenges because of specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia, dyspraxia or having autism spectrum disorder. Occasionally pupils are unable to attend lessons at school because of major health problems such as chronic fatigue syndrome. I have worked with all of the above, adapting my approach to their needs.

Mainly my tuition students simply feel they need more individual help with their Physics than they receive in a class at school. They may struggle with particular kinds of question, e.g. extended explanations or complex calculations, or may be losing marks for easily fixable reasons such as not having memorised definitions. One to one work allows me to identify specific issues and address them with tailored guidance. What my students value is clear explanations, and feedback on how to improve their answers. Lessons tend to be split between pre-teaching or revising a topic, and spending time on past paper questions. I always set a few past questions for homework and I believe this is key to making progress.

Availability: Saturdays and evenings. Daytime slots can also be arranged during school holidays.

Willing to travel: Home Only

Experience: Recently retired from full time classroom teaching, most recently for 16 years in a large independent school. For most of that time as Head of Physics, teaching the subject at both A Level and GCSE on a daily basis. Before that I was at the British School of Brussels for 14 years and previously I was teaching for 8 years in a state school in North Yorkshire, becoming Head of Physics during my time there. I am an A Level examiner and have also examined at GCSE level.

DBS Check: Yes