Amber

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I have a first class BSc in Biology from Reading University and an MSc in Environmental Studies from Southampton University. I undertook teacher training at Bath University obtaining my PGCE in 2001 followed by QTS. I also have an FAETC qualification which specifically covers post 16 education.

I adore being a teacher and love working with children and young people. I am very enthusiastic about science and care passionately about the natural world.

I have three daughters aged 30, 20 and 19.

Tutoring Experience

I have been a teacher for over 20 years and have loved it. The reward of helping a student achieve a needed qualification or igniting an interest is immense. I have worked for AQA examining board as an A level examiner and I am currently examining for OCR. My examiner performance has been rated grade A. Being an examiner provides valuable experience as it informs a teacher of common misconceptions and the pitfalls that students can fall into. I know that my past students have appreciated and benefited from my experience as an examiner.

As well as teaching in a school setting I have been providing home tuition for 18 years. I teach the AQA, OCRa, OCRb, Edexcel and WJEC Biology A level courses. I also teach GCSE Science, GCSE Biology, the Access to Higher Education Diploma and various Maths courses.

100% of my A level students last year obtained or exceeded the A level grade they needed to take up their University place. I have helped many A level Biology students obtain the A or A* grade they needed for Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Medicine.

I have tutored many home educated students. Working with home educated children and their parents has given me the opportunity to step outside the confines of the national curriculum and develop some exciting project work.

For a number of years I taught on a community learning programme, teaching everyday maths skills to adults with learning difficulties. I have also worked for the NSPCC Schools Service for many years, delivering the 'speak out stay safe' programme. This programme promotes the safeguarding of children and young people.

I have been a committee member of the Dorset Dyslexia Association and have an interest in utilising alternative teaching methods to teach dyslexic students. Many of my teaching resources are visual or activity based. I am mindful of the fact that every student has their own unique learning style and that a teacher must be adaptable and inventive. I also have experience teaching students with Autism and have obtained the CPD qualification 'Understanding Autism'.

Tutoring Approach

I have always been fascinated by science and constantly endeavour to update my knowledge. I consider it a privilege to have the opportunity to enthuse others about science.

Biology A level courses are very demanding. The large amount of material that needs to be covered, as well as the requirement for knowledge about exam technique, practical skills, maths skills and data interpretation can be very challenging and time consuming. Contact with a tutor that understands these issues can be very valuable.

I appreciate the importance of believing in a student and building their confidence. Many students arrive with their confidence deflated by a poor examination grade not realising that this can happen to any student, even A* students. Attention to exam technique or a change in teaching style can produce dramatic changes. I have prepared a series of lessons which focus on exam technique and I appreciate the importance of requesting exam papers back in order to check technique. I have many teaching resources built up over 20 years. I have a popular A level Biology FB page where I post links to online resources.

My online lessons are taught using Teams. During these lessons I can share resources such as pre written handouts, exam questions and mark schemes. I also have a graphics tablet where I will draw and write. I will add students to a Biology Team where they can access a vast array of resources.

In my home I have a classroom equipped with white board and equipment for practical work. I feel that lessons in person are preferable to online lessons however I do understand the convenience of online.

I consider myself to be empathic and patient and somebody who really does care about the wellbeing of young people.

Most students have one hour of tuition per week however this is completely up to you. I try to keep my prices as affordable as possible. I am happy to teach a one off lesson, it is not necessary to sign up to a series of lessons. Please do contact me if you think I may be able to help you or your child with their education.