Philippa

I am a fully qualified, experience Science teacher with numerous enhanced DBS checks. Science is life! I love all aspects of science, but am especially passionate about Biology, and can help to inspire and improve outcomes for any pupil. Research shows that one-to-one teaching hugely improves pupils attainment, let me impart to you the benefit of my knowledge and experience, and improve your outcomes and future options.

Tutoring Experience

I have been a qualified science teacher for 17 years, and have taught in secondary schools in London, as well as local state and independent schools in Surrey for 11 years. I have more than 15 years experience of private tutoring from KS3 to A Level. I am experienced in teaching OCR, AQA, WJEC and Edexel(Pearson) biology syllabi at A level, and all sciences at GCSE. I have a proven track record of enabling pupil progress.

My Masters degree in Teaching enabled me to expand upon the theories of learning begun in the PGCE, and has helped me to develop a well focussed style of teaching, using AFL (assessment for learning) strategies among others. I incorporate activities that allow me to make ongoing informal assessments of pupil progress, and am able to employ different approches depending upon individual need. I integrate exam strategy and practice into all sessions, as I am also an experienced examiner, having been an 'expert' examiner for both AQA and currently PearsonI. I am well versed in what gets marks in exams!

It is common for pupils who have a strong knowledge base, to then fall short of marks in tests. There is often a difference in the way topics are taught, and then how tests are compiled, and pupils often find it difficult to either decipher the question or explain their knowledge in a way that will access the mark scheme. Helping with this is one of my specialities.

Tutoring Approach

I will tailor tutoring sessions to the individual needs of every pupil. I like to make targets at the start of tutoring, so we both know what we are aiming to achieve. I like to use active learning strategies, and focus on the use of keywords and understanding their usage, and also being able to explain ideas and concepts without notes. I will develop resources with a pupil, depending on stage of learning and individual targets, and coach techniques for successful review and revision of learning. I also use past exams papers, and go through mark schemes with pupils, so pupils become aware of correct exam procedure, and in what areas marks are commonly missed.