Stephen

I have a very solid background in science and engineering, coupled with a wealth of teaching experience. Initially training as a chemical engineer at Birmingham University and going on to postgraduate study for my Ph.D., I then worked in the chemical and process industry for 12 years, before electing to retrain as a chemistry teacher. I wanted to return to pure science, which has always been my passion, and bring my first-hand knowledge of chemistry in industry to my students and tutees. I have lived in Cornwall for almost five years, teaching at the same school.

Tutoring Experience

I am a highly experienced GCSE and A-level teacher, currently teaching at an independent school in Cornwall. I am in my tenth year of teaching GCSE/A-level chemistry. I have taught primarily AQA specifications at A-level, but can cater for all aspects of a specific chemistry syllabus. At GCSE I have taught a variety of courses: AQA; OCR; Edexcel IGCSE; Cambridge IGCSE. My training and industrial experience is in the physical aspects of chemistry (which is primarily the mathematical side), but I am equally comfortable teaching organic and inorganic chemistry also.

Tutoring Approach

I have a real passion for chemistry teaching, I am really good at explaining difficult concepts and have a patient nature. I like to use a combination of explanation, worked examples and questions that my students can then attempt themselves, with my assistance as required. I find that using examination-style questions, particularly at A-level, is a great way of developing the techniques of deduction and problem-solving. With the new GCSE syllabus, these skills are also becoming a requirement, particularly as a bridge between GCSE and A-level.