Heather

I am a part-time online private tutor, having recently graduated with an MEng Mechanical Engineering with Management degree from the University of Edinburgh. Currently, I am also working as a Secondary School Tutor, providing specific support for secondary pupils with Additional Educational Needs.

I specialise in both maths and physics, offering private tutoring to a range of ages and abilities. My involvement in varied community activities has also allowed me to expand skills beyond an academic setting.

Tutoring Experience

During my five years studying for my integrated Master's degree, I was fortunate to be involved in small group study. This opened my mind to the opportunities for such an approach, as opposed to the large class sizes I had been accustomed to in secondary school. The interactive nature of these groups created a comfortable environment whereby individuals could ask questions and advance their learning at a faster pace. These flexible techniques are what I bring to my one-to-one tutoring.

Having completed my secondary education in Scotland, my own qualifications and experience are rooted in the National 5 and Scottish Highers/Advanced Highers system. However, I am familiar with GCSE and A Level material and processes.

I am also an active part of Women in STEM, attending events across the UK and striving to educate others on the opportunities of a career in STEM.

Tutoring Approach

My tutoring approach is very much adapted to each student's needs and learning style. Where possible, I ask pupils to bring, to the first tutoring session, some work that they have recently completed so we can discuss it. I begin with topics that students are comfortable with and as their confidence builds, we progress gradually towards more complex areas that they may have difficulties with.

I recognise the importance of organisation of resources prior to a tutoring session and this is something I pride myself in. I like to gain an understanding of a student's interests and hobbies outside of their academic life to draw on real life examples that may be easier for them to relate to.

I understand that Covid-19 has resulted in a strange and uncertain time for many students and I strive to ensure that the tutoring I provide bridges the gap that has been created by this situation.

Above all, I believe that students must be comfortable in their learning environment. This allows them to communicate effectively during tutoring sessions, build confidence and ultimately improve their academic performance.