Lucy

I strongly believe that everyone can succeed in maths, if they are taught in a way that makes sense to them. Whether you are a confident mathematician looking for that extra push, or one of so many people who think they are `bad at maths` and don`t know how to change that, I am here to help!

I focus on developing a conceptual understanding of how and why maths works, not just learning rules without knowing why you are following them. This includes using a range of different visual and written representations and methods to gain a comprehensive, meaningful and flexible understanding.

For example, fractions can be understood in many different ways: as parts of a whole (often shown as a pizza!), as a number of objects selected out of a group, as a mark on a number line, as a division, or simply as one number written over another. Different representations can be useful at different times, and each one can add a level of nuance to a student`s overall understanding of the concept.

I demonstrate to my pupils that there are different ways to solve any problem, and we practise using different possible approaches and deciding which is the most efficient. This might include, for example, written methods, bar modelling, visual representations or informal `jottings`.

My teaching style is very pupil-centred: I listen and observe first, so that I can identify what my student already knows and what they don`t yet understand, then respond according to their needs. I also want to make sure that the experience is enjoyable as well as productive, whether that means incorporating the student`s interest in football or learning facts by singing!

Finally, I believe that it is very important for the tutor-tutee relationship to be friendly and open. I aim to provide an environment where my students always feel able to be honest about what they are thinking and what they do or don`t understand. I support a `growth mindset` approach: we all need to face challenges and make mistakes in order to learn. Questions and thinking aloud are highly encouraged, and if a student ever feels that I am not making sense to them, I want to know straight away so that I can get it right for them and ensure their confidence and success!

Availability: Currently I have availability on Thursdays and Fridays. If this is inconvenient for you, please just let me know and I will do my best to fit you in at a time that works for both of us.

Willing to travel: 1 miles

Experience: I am a qualified and experienced teacher, having completed a PGCE in Primary Education (Maths Specialism) at the UCL Institute of Education. I also have an undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of Oxford.

I previously gained experience tutoring primary school aged children as a volunteer for Jacari, an organisation set up in Oxford to help children who don`t speak English as their first language. I also provided voluntary maths tuition to secondary pupils with charity Team Up.

I have tutored every now and again in my spare time since leaving university but am now looking to build up a more regular client base of GCSE students.

DBS Check: Yes