Sanwal Shalom

Hello, my name is Shalom, and I am the Head of Biology at a Secondary school with over 10 years of tutoring experience, specialising in the AQA GCSE Science curriculum. My main focus is to develop pupils confidence in studying Science by linking the content to real-life experiences, and by explicitly teaching effective exam techniques.

My A-Level grades were AAB, in Biology, Maths and Physics, respectively.
My Masters degree was in Biological Sciences, where I specialised in plant biology and agriculture. My final year research project was on the effect of seed saving in allotment gardens on global food security. I have had the opportunity to share my findings on the BBC, as well as on a local radio station, a local gardening group, and the Garden Organic website.

I am also an avid musician, often singing science based songs in my lessons with my guitar.

Tutoring Experience

I have been a qualified Science teacher for the past 5 years, at 2 different secondary schools across Walsall. I have recently been appointed Head of Biology, where I have the responibility of overseeing the teacher development in teaching Biology content at GCSE.
I specialise in the AQA Science exam board, though I have experience in OCR and iGCSE.

I have been doing 1-to-1 tutoring since 2012, first when I myself was in secondary school. During University, I supported several GCSE students who were struggling in Science to pass.
After completing my Masters degree in Biological Science, I attended Bible college for 2 years, during which time I worked for an academic year at a tuition center in Birmingham, where I had the pleasure of assisting both A-level and GCSE students achieve their full potential.

Tutoring Approach

"Sir, why are we learning this?"
"Why, to pass your exams of course"

I have heard that in schools far too often for my liking. My main philosophy with teaching is that any new content that is taught should be linked to real life experiences and to the existing knowledge of the student. Studies show that new knowledge that is not attached to existing knowledge will be forgotten, or dismissed as irrelevant.

I also like to build relationship with my students, and get to know their strengths and weaknesses, so I can tailor my approach to the individual. All students have their strengths and gifting, and I want to be instrumental in fanning that flame brighter.