Mark

I am retired from my main career as an NHS Medical Physicist but continue to work in a number of part-time roles. These include lecturing at the University of Kent, working as an examiner in A and O level physics, and has included inspecting hospitals as a specialist adviser to the Care Quality Commission.

In the NHS, I worked at a number of London teaching hospitals before moving to East Kent. My specialist areas included medical imaging (particularly for breast cancer), ultrasound and radiation safety. In parallel I maintained and continue with a part-time academic teaching career, which I have always found both motivating and rewarding, at levels ranging from GCSE to M.Sc. I live in central Canterbury and am married with two adult children. My personal interests include playing classical guitar, studying the French language and, with my playing days behind me, watching football.

My professional qualifications are C.Phys (Chartered Physicist), M.Inst.P (Member of the Institute of Physics) and M.IPEM (Member of the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine). Prior to my retirement from the NHS I was an accredited Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA 2000 Scheme), an appointed Medical Physics Expert under the Ionising Radiations Regulations 2000, and a State Registered Health Care Professional. I hold an Enhanced Certificate from the DBS checking service, as is appropriate for teaching children, certificate no 00153309889.

Tutoring Experience

Within my academic career I have devised and taught on numerous courses. Examples include:

• B.Sc. lecturing in Medical Physics, and in Atomic & Nuclear Physics (University of Kent)
• M.Sc. lecturing in Medical Physics (Charing Cross Hospital / Brunel University partnership), and Biomedical Imaging (University of Kent)
• Volunteer teaching in mathematics (Working Men’s College, Camden, London)

In the NHS I devised, delivered and co-ordinated many specialist training courses in physics and related medical science for medical and paramedical staff, such as medical consultants, dentists, ultrasonographers and radiographers, achieving a distinguished track record. Much of this work involved significant tuition of individuals and small groups.

My tutoring of school work in mathematics and physics to date has proved to be very positive, enjoyable and successful.

Tutoring Approach

Strategy for tuition: There are five keystones for me. The first is to ensure that the student fully understands the fundamentals of a subject or topic. With a proper foundation, the ability gained is secure and can be built on. The second is to use as many analogies or examples in the teaching as are necessary to ensure that the student has an effective conceptual understanding of the topic. It is surprising how often teaching can fail if the explanation given to the student, even if it’s correct, simply doesn’t work for him/her. The third is to identify and explain important everyday applications of the science or maths to help engender interest and a sense of purpose to the learning. The fourth, is to always show my own enthusiasm for the work – you can’t expect the student to enthuse if you don’t! Lastly, is to work on how best to communicate with any particular student , adapting as necessary to each individual, and to show respect, through my language and conduct, for the attention and interest shown to me as a teacher. I believe all of the above provide the best possible conditions to grow genuine ability and interest through the teaching, in contrast to any attempt to teach and learn by rote which, in my experience, seldom leads to true success.

PREPARATION: For tutees, all work will normally be agreed and prepared in advance of tuition sessions, preferably communicating ahead any useful material such as example questions, topic / chapter references and so on. This approach makes the best use of tuition time and should create the best conditions for the tutee to focus and learn.

TRAVEL: I am happy to travel any reasonable distance, though agreement on some travel/time costs may be needed for journeys beyond around 15 miles from Canterbury.

LOCATION: Tutoring will preferably be at the tutees home, though arrangements to meet elsewhere will be considered if requested.

COSTS: The maximum rate for tuition is £25 per hour. Reduction may be set or agreed for primary tuition, tuition for personal interest, block bookings or any other reasonable cause.

GROUP TUITION: This will be considered and offered whenever this is possible, agreed, and will benefit all concerned. If so, substantial reductions may be agreed on the fee per tutee.

ON-LINE TUITION: This may be considered and agreed where it will be practicable and helpful.