Tom

I'm a friendly and patient scientist with a BSc from University of Sussex and an MSc from Imperial College London. My specialty is in experimental evolutionary biology and I'm widely read and interested in a great many things beyond that. This, combined with an understanding and gentle temperament, gives me a skillset that lends itself naturally to teaching. I am especially good at building confidence and inspiring students to explore science subjects beyond their exams.

In most circumstances I will come to your home or local library though I can conduct lessons over Zoom or Skype if distance is a factor. I live in Hove and am particularly looking for clients near to me.

Tutoring Experience

I've been tutoring GCSE, IGCSE and A-Level since 2013 and I know the lay of the land and what is needed to bring out a learner's potential. I have been living and working in East and West Sussex for nearly ten years and I know the area well. I've taught students from Blatchington Mill, Cardinal Newman, Brighton College, BHASVIC, Dorothy Stringer, Greenfields, Brighton Steiner and Varndean as well as homeschooled students. I have also taken on undergrads and mature students on foundation courses. I offer group sessions and outings to London museums.

I also have lecturing experience, was a student mentor during my Biology degree at Sussex, a student rep on my MSc and led group study sessions whenever exams reared their head. I've worked with children and have professionally led workshops, coding workshops, chemistry parties and Lego building clubs for 4-11 year olds.

I have glowing references from past students that are available on request.

Tutoring Approach

My approach is to first identify the specific areas that need work. I'll compose a lesson plan to be built around each area. For each lesson I use cartoons, humour and stories to encode information in a digestible form so that its principles can be better understood. I can then amplify this understanding with belt-and-braces memorisation by using a flashcard computer programme which I have come to find very useful. This is particularly effective for essay questions and exam preparation.

Individual sessions carry with them the luxury of tailoring a style that best fits the student. I am also skilled at keeping the interest of a group and can lead small classes.

Outside of classes I am happy to answer emailed questions and to mark small amounts of homework free of charge.