Richard

I have had a passion for physics and astronomy since as long as I can remember. As a child I would watch every available space or science related programme on the TV I could, long before I could understand them. I was always eager to understand how the world worked and to be able to perceive the underlying beauty, symmetry and simplicity in the laws of nature; and to marvel at how that simplicity gives rise to the complexity of the world around us.
As a high school student I briefly entertained the idea of studying medicine; but an inspirational A level physics teacher soon made me realize that physics was my real passion. At the same time I wanted a career helping people. Ultimately, having worked in industry and education, I have found that education gives me an outlet for both helping people and passing on my love of physics and science in general. Now in my early 50’s I am tutoring to be able to achieve those goals and a greater work life balance.

Tutoring Experience

I am an experienced professional physicist with experience of academia (6 years), industry (9 years) and most recently education (17 years), where I have worked in both the state and independent sector.
In academia I specialized in the field of liquid crystals and published a number of academic papers. In industry I worked for Merck as a research scientist in the production of liquid crystal polymer films and then at UK government defence research labs on display technologies; this resulted in patents in a number of novel technologies in the field.
I moved into the education sector about 17 years ago and have taught students from age 11 to 18 in both state and private schools. I am currently Head of Physics at an independent school near Hereford in the UK, teaching years 7 to 13 at GCSE and A-level. Over the years I have worked with students from the UK, China, Japan, UAE and Germany and have helped them exceed expected grades at A-level. Many have then gone on to take up places at top UK Universities, such as Oxford, UCL, Manchester, Bristol & Birmingham.

Tutoring Approach

I believe that any student has the ability to improve in physics given the right combination of inspiration and dedication. Clearly some students have a natural talent and inclination but even those who don’t can achieve top grades at A-level with the right direction and motivation. Tutoring has an advantage over the classroom because it is possible to take a more individualized approach, find ways of improving understanding where students have difficulty, and nurture good practice to allow top grades to be achieved.