Rebecca

*General*
I am offering private tuition for ALL abilities in General Science from Primary up to GCSE level. I offer A Level Biology too, along with adult tuition in English/General Studies, BSc Environmental Science, Sustainability and Basic Excel.

*Different ..How?*
I have been obsessed with all things science since I was capable of poking snails and uttering the dreaded word...Why? Fully infected with the curiosity bug I have travelled extensively and worked in scientific laboratory and technical roles for over 12 years. Having completed my MSc and currently working on my PhD in sustainability and circular business, I would like to use my powers of geek for good and take on some science students.

*LabLady Methods (Kids + Young Adults)*
My main priority is to instil confidence and self awareness. I believe all students have the ability to reach *their* goals and I feel confidence is the key to combating everything from specific subject issues to lack of exam chill. I am very flexible and tailor my approach to best support each individual. Where kids and young adults are receiving tutoring, parents will have an agreed progress report timetable in place. I will provide feedback on progress informally as much as possible, but formally: as set out before we begin.

I have personal experience and endless patience for kids that need behavioural support and (where age appropriate) I encourage students to critically assess where they feel they want support, which is a very useful skill in itself. I feel very strongly that an individuals battles with disability, mental health conditions or learning difficulties should not impact the students opportunity to learn and I am more than willing to tailor sessions for every student`s individual needs.

Talented students will be encouraged to challenge themselves and start to develop familiarity with more advanced principles. If you or your child has ever been told "you don`t need to know that yet" or "you`ll get taught that later" then I understand the frustration this causes and I have the ability to stretch these students in a way that is aligned with their goals at school and beyond. I have an ever-lasting supply of weird and wonderful topical scientific questions (the dissertations that never lived!) and mini research project ideas for all abilities and ages.

Overall, I am happy to work on specific areas of a subject, coursework theory or planning, exam technique or just run alongside current lessons with extended support and activities. I am not a professional school teacher and so I don`t have any preference for any particular curriculum. I take your child`s current curriculum and theme my sessions alongside their topics for greater support and for a chance for them to be in a safe space and ask questions they may not have in class.

*LabLady Methods (Little Ones)*
For the little ones (under 5s), my sessions are less direct tutoring and more learn by play and investigation. Lots of leading questions, puzzles and pre-meditated surprises! I find using physical and immediately engaging activities helps to focus attention and inspires curiosity with this age group. Interesting things are absorbed and soft skills that are useful for science and general academia can be encouraged. There are multiple ways to do this, and I shamelessly admit I find it great fun! :D

*LabLady Methods (Adults)*
My main priority here is to make sure you know: I am well and truly here for questions. I love them - even ones you`ve already asked and especially ones you`ve already asked more than once. We go at your pace and with informal tuition activities that suit your preferred way of learning. Learning is supposed to be interesting and fun, and especially as adults we need to direct our own path so I place you firmly in the driving seat and I`m there to help if it gets frustrating! We can arrange a cohesive plan together around a specific goal or I can just be your weekly troubleshoot/support hour!

Availability: Please see availability tab.

I offer an initial meet and greet, where I can meet students and parents/caregivers (where students are not adult learners) and get to understand the main goals of the tuition. I usually come to you but I am happy to meet adult learners in a quiet public place. If everyone is happy then we can move forward to arranging sessions and chasing down some goals!

I am happy to work short term and long term, my plan is to complete my PhD at Brunel University which would run alongside any tutoring commitments until at least May 2025.

Willing to travel: 8 miles

Experience: I have recently devised and taught my own short course on Sustainability (and a second on Environmental Science) for Kings College University Summer Schools K+ and Sutton Trust. I have also exhibited at the Royal Society in the KidsZone for LittleHouse of Science and worked at their Science Camps over Summer 2022.
I have over ten years worth of a wide range of scientific industry experience. During this time I have trained masters and PhD students on the safe use of scientific analytical and environmental equipment and trained staff in biological assay procedures at Imperial College. I have trained colleagues at Mane and Firmenich (fragrance manufacturers) and Biffa (a waste management company) in the safe management and operation of laboratories. More recently I have worked with an ecology consultancy to delivery ecology surveys. I also own and run my own jewellery design company where we only use recycled metals and created gemstones to create handmade jewellery.

My full CV will be provided.

I also have childcare experience - please see references.

Lastly, I have an abnormal level of enthusiasm for scientific subjects and witnessing a concept click for someone!