Suva

Summary (more info below):
- Full-time PhD maths and physics tutor focusing exclusively on A-level
- 1000+ hours of online tutoring experience
- Create my own videos to help students with their learning
- Interested in the latest tech and pedagogy to help students succeed

- A few words about me:

My background is in theoretical physics: I studied as an undergrad at Imperial College and completed a PhD (and published papers) in the areas of quantum computation and topological phases of matter at the University of Leeds.

As a full-time private maths and physics tutor, I am truly passionate about teaching these subjects. I tutor not as a hobby or `on the side`, but rather with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail. Furthermore, I am always striving to undergo `continuous professional development`: I try to reflect and learn from other educators to make the learning experience for my tutees more interesting and inspiring.

I have 10+ years of teaching experience in various settings, and I have an ability to inspire and foster a love of learning (and have fun in the process!). This is borne out by many of my students becoming genuinely fascinated by maths/physics (when perhaps initially they weren`t!) and even going on to study these subjects at higher levels.

I have an enhanced DBS certificate (issued 2/12/16).

In my `spare time` I have a keen interest in listening to music and AI/machine learning.

- My approach to tuition:

My aim is to help students realise their potential and appreciate the wider significance of physics and maths. To this end, I try to impart a genuine understanding of concepts and guard against rote memorisation. In particular, I enjoy discovering original ways to present standard material, and use powerful tools such as videos and simulations to make abstract concepts seem more concrete. I strive to make concepts `come alive` or more tangible wherever possible by using simple practical demonstrations. A favourite of mine is to use a guitar or acoustic piano to demonstrate ideas in vibrations and waves (a core topic in GCSE, A level and university physics).

I teach in a relaxed fashion, and strive to establish a bond between the tutee and myself such that the tutee feels comfortable to learn. I ensure that students have a sound grasp of the basics before moving onto more challenging topics. Material is covered at a speed which is comfortable for the student. Indeed, I encourage tutees to `flag up` any difficulties or confusion they may have so that extra time can be spent dealing with these. As well as setting homework problems (there is no way to learn physics and maths other than doing lots of problems!), I will often set little questions in the midst of a lesson to see if the student is getting it! When appropriate, I set homework that is more open-ended/enquiry based to encourage students to take ownership of their learning. Examples include understanding how electric circuits work using simulations, and investigating mathematical relationships using online software.

I am careful in ensuring that the syllabus is covered, and have an extensive collection of past exam papers and solutions of the various examination boards. This being said, I am not afraid of going a bit beyond the syllabus (when appropriate) and teaching students more than what they `need to know to do well on the exam`. An example of this is exposing students to certain chapters of Feynman`s celebrated lectures on physics (written primarily for undergrads) in order to broaden their horizons.

Unlike some tutors, I meticulously plan and tailor each lesson to the needs of each individual tutee and don`t spend valuable lesson time setting homework (I set homework via email). Coupled with the quality of teaching I offer (you can see some feedback below), I therefore believe my rates represent value for money.

PLEASE NOTE:

- Due to time constraints, tutees travel to me/conduct lessons online.

- Cramming or `binge tuition` a few weeks/months before an exam is not conducive to genuine, long-term understanding of a subject. If you are seeking tuition I would urge you to start as soon as possible.

- Many people are sceptical about the effectiveness of online lessons, and this is usually due to a misunderstanding of what it entails. The truth is that they can be just as effective as `face-to-face` tuition. My online lessons are delivered using video-chat software and an online whiteboard. This whiteboard can be seen and written on simultaneously by myself and tutee, and is flexible and easy to use. The whiteboard contents can be saved as a pdf after the lesson.

Availability: Flexible

Willing to travel: 15 miles

Experience: - From 2005 - 2006, I taught maths to children aged 6 to 15 at a Saturday school run by Civitas schools.

- From 2008 - 2009, I taught elementary (primary school) English and maths as a private tutor.

- During the course of my PhD (2010 - 2014) at the University of Leeds, I was a teaching assistant for 2nd year courses on thermodynamics and quantum mechanics. This involved helping students during problem solving classes.

- From autumn 2014 to present, I have tutored just over 80 GCSE and A-level students, both in-person and online.

Some feedback from previous students/parents of students:

`Suva has been a brilliant physics tutor for my daughter. I have been seeing so much improvement and confidence. Since Suva has been tutoring her, not only has her confidence grown she enjoyed his method of teaching and the subject. Suva is punctual. He gave me feedback after each lesson and has helped me relieve my stress. I would highly recommend Suva to anyone.` - Z.F. (parent of former A level physics tutee)

`Suva has an extensive knowledge of maths and physics which he uses to provide in-depth explanations of topics so that you fully understand them. He has helped me achieve the highest possible grades, as the knowledge I gained from these sessions has given me the edge required to answer the hardest questions in exams.` - A.D. (former A level physics tutee who scored full marks in his A2 exams)

`Suva has really transformed my understanding of physics. I now receive A* grades without excessive cramming or stressful breakdowns that can occur as a result of failing to understand a subject despite hours of hard work. He ensures that students receive the right balance of exam technique tips and actual understanding of the topic at hand. I have found him to be friendly and keen to engage with light banter and chat so that lessons never seem overly demanding.` - S.M. (former IGCSE maths and physics tutee)