James

I have recently graduated from Swansea university with a master in research (MRes) in Bioscience. I have a passion for conservation and have been involved in a number of studies throughout my time at university which has lead me to get first hand experience of field work and how to use science on the frontline of conservation. I believe an important tool to conservation is education leading me be enthusiastic about teaching and why I have decided to begin tutoring Biology and Geography.

Availability: Available from 9am to 10pm, 7 days a week.

Willing to travel: 10 miles

Experience: To help fund my tuition I undertook a role as a demonstrator and teacher assistant at my university which involved teaching and then assessing undergraduate students as they carried out practicals on the field or in the laboratory.

During 6th Form I was given the title Head of Lower school, a role that required me to talk to younger students during assemblies and one on one with the idea that a younger person is more approachable than teachers. I spoke to numerous students to help them with a range of issues from years 7s settling into secondary school to year 11s making their college choices. I also mentored students who were considered students with a lot of potential. This involved meeting with a student weekly and discussing difficulties they are finding trying to achieve high grades in their subjects as well as advising them on how to reach their full potential.

My approach to tutoring:

Every student is obviously different so I feel there is no clear one way to approach to take. The best way to find the right way to teach is to understand the student drive or i.e. what is their overall goal from the long term (to become a vet) to the short term (Get a B in the subject). This allows the student to focus and give them to motivation to work within our session and also when I am not there. Next together with the student, we`d identify potential weaknesses and gaps in either knowledge and/or technique.

I find the best way to revise and learn is to use a number of learning method to focus attention and reprocess information. I pride myself in the range creative techniques, including: cue cards, producing videos, powerpoint presentations, mind maps, posters and creating plasticine models.

What I believe can help boost grades at GCSE and A level is exam technique so undertaking past papers I think is vital while also tackling any exam anxiety.