Dawn

I Have over 30 years experience as both a psychology teacher, head of department and an senior examiner for AQA Psychology Board, managing a team of other markers as well as marking every year myself on both paper one and three. As a Mother of three adult children and seven grandchildren, I have experienced education from both the delivery and receiving end and understand fully the importance of ensuring a student receives the best advice and assistance available during what is a very demanding period in their life. In addition I understand that for many students one-to-one support and tuition is by far the most effective way to encourage their enjoyment and grasp of difficult academic concepts.

Tutoring Experience

I was Head of the Psychology Department for many years in a grammar school but I am now retired and work as a private tutor and examiner. In addition to teaching and leading a dept. I was responsible for targeting intervention and providing appropriate assistance and additional academic support when 6th formers are failing to achieve their potential. Previously I worked in an Inner City Comprehensive School in Liverpool where I taught GCSE Science and Maths, A Level Biology and Psychology. I have extensive experience of privately tutoring students in A Level Psychology and GSCE Science (both separate and dual award).

Tutoring Approach

The emphasis at all times is development through positive encouragement. I meet with the student and ask them to tell me their strengths and weaknesses in the subject I am to tutor them in. I then familiarise myself with whichever exam board the student is studying with to ensure I have a detailed knowledge of the exam requirements. I use a systematic approach to ensure each student understands each area of the syllabus whilst emphasising the style of questions they will be required to answer in that area. Work is set for completion before the next session to test this and marked with the student so that they understand why they have or have not gained the marks available. I provide weekly feedback to parents on the grade achieved and what I will do to address any weak areas. Additionally ideas for books, websites and downloadable programmes are shared with the student to encourage a broader understanding of the topic.