Gail

Over the past five years I have tutored more than 70 students for GCSE and IGCSE sciences and A level and IB chemistry. All have done very well in their external exams, achieving grades above those predicted at the start of their work with me. I provide distance learning teaching via Skype and Zoom as well as face to face tuition at my home.

As well as students who find me via First Tutors, I am recommended by a number of schools and sixth form colleges; I have also worked with Southampton based Wessex Tutors.

I am a retired Chemistry and Science Teacher. I have spent 15+ years as chemistry teacher, Head of Chemistry Dept and Head of Science Dept in a number of leading academic schools. I have also held pastoral roles including 6th Form Tutor, House Master and Head of Section.

Tutoring Experience

11-18 years. GCSE, IGCSE, A level (also AS level). IB.
OCR, AQA, Edexcel, WJEC, HE Access course.
Maintained and Independent sectors. Mature students and retake students.
OCR Examiner

Tutoring Approach

Lessons are either 1 hour or 2 hours. They can be weekly, fortnightly or on an ad hoc basis as required by the student. I teach at my home or online using Skype and Zoom.

Typically, my A level students include:
1. First year in sixth form (Year 12). In need for additional 1:1 support as they make the transition from GCSE.
2. Second year in sixth form. In need of a boost after tough first year exams.
3. Retake students - aiming to improve their grade.
4. Mature students - taking A level chemistry for the first time.

I provide all students with exam-board specific syllabus check lists, paper resources for every lesson as well as assignments and assessments for independent work between lessons. The hourly fee includes my marking student work that has been completed independently.

Over the past year I have taught students from across the UK as well as local schools, including Brockenhurst College, Peter Symonds, Poole Grammar School, Barton Peveril, Godolphin, Bournemouth School for Girls, Highcliffe School, Arnewood, Poole College, Bishop Wordworth's School and Twynham School.

My aims are:
Increase pupil confidence and motivation through success, progress and achievement. Working 1 to 1 with students enables me to focus on their individual needs and areas for development. A wide range of approaches (VAK) enables all students to see progress. Break the subject down into logical, understandable building blocks. Remove the "mystery" and " confusion" often associated with chemistry and science by clear exposition and step by step teaching. Students work on problems and exercise at every stage - to assimilate their knowledge and develop and apply their understanding.

My detailed awareness of exam board specifications and expectations will help ensure student success in public exams.