Robert

Known by all as Bob, I have spent 11 years in research after graduating and gained a PhD in the areas of Microbiology and Genetic Engineering. Since then I have taught general science and biology in a private school for 29 years and was Head of Science for 15 years. I have now retired from teaching and have 5 years experience of private tuition. I am still heavily involved with schools as I am a tutor with the University of Buckingham. This involves going into schools and overseeing the PGCE programmes that trainees are undertaking as they gain their teaching qualification. I therefore possess a current DBS certificate. I am also an examiner for Edexcel Biology both GCSE and A level.
I am a keen sportsman, having played football and cricket for many years. I now regularly play table tennis, golf and squash. I am married with two grown up girls (one of whom I taught at my school!) and my wife and I enjoy hillwalking whenever we can.

Tutoring Experience

I have been teaching for 29 years in a private school in Oxfordshire. I have taught biology at KS3, KS4 and KS5 levels and was Head of Biology for 13 years and Head of Science for 15 years. The main exam board studied was Edexcel. I have also taught International GCSE Biology OCR and AQA A level Biology privately. I have a great deal of experience tutoring both ends of the academic spectrum from pupils who struggle to gain five GCSEs to those who are aiming for an Oxbridge place and many of my students have gone on to study Biological Sciences at top universities.
My other role at the school was helping pupils prepare for life after school by guiding them through the university application process, apprenticeships, gap years etc and liaising closely with their parents.

Tutoring Approach

I teach one hour lessons, either one or two per week depending on exam dates. My approach is very friendly and encouraging and I usually write simplified notes on a certain topic which builds up a revision folder. I give a test on the topic the following week; this test becomes larger as the number of topics increase over time. I also set worksheets to be done each week to help with revision. Once the pupil has built up a sound factual knowledge, we concentrate on exam technique by working through past papers to gain confidence in skills like data interpretation, short answer and essay writing. Throughout the programme, I try to develop a close working relationship with the pupil so they feel at ease and not afraid to volunteer answers to questions nor to redirect me to match their requirements.