Michael

Hello, my name is Mike and I retrained as a teacher in 2007 following a successful career as a chartered Banker; a role that provided me the opportunity to work alongside The Prince's Trust, helping disadvantaged teenagers back into education, training and the world of work.

Inspired by their work, and building on my own degree in physics, I have now worked as a teacher for 17 years.

I am now ‘part-retired’ and spend most of the week with my two dogs in my campervan, thoroughly enjoying my hobbies of paragliding, paramotoring, and learning Spanish.

Tutoring Experience

I am an experienced physics and astronomy teacher at Ripon Grammar School, which has been voted the highest performing school in the North for over a decade by The Times Newspaper.

I have held a number of senior positions including Head of Astronomy and Head of the Lower School, responsible for the pastoral welfare of over 370 students.

I teach KS3 Physics, GCSE and A-Level Physics and GCSE Astronomy.

Twice I have been awarded the Times 'Good Schools Guide' award for physics and astronomy results at GCSE level and two of my students have received Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) awards for the highest exam results in the country.

I also work as an examiner; a position that has led to a deeper understanding of exam technique and preparation.

Tutoring Approach

I tutor students because I enjoy it, and only take on a handful of tutees each year to help them achieve their true potential and academic goals. As a result, my tutees will always find me motivated and enthusiastic and I will only tutor my core subjects of physics and astronomy.

I appreciate it can be daunting going from a classroom environment to being the only person with the teacher, and it is important to consider your child’s needs and preferences around whether the tutoring takes place at home or online.

For those who want to tutor online, I am happy to carry out the first session in-person, to demonstrate the technology used and help to build rapport quickly and settle any nerves.

It is vital all tutees feel at ease to be open and honest about their studies and their understanding, and to recognise there are no 'daft' questions.

Each student is different and as such my approach will be tailored to the needs of the individual to maximise their skills and confidence in the subject, whilst giving additional focus on the areas they find most challenging.

Home Tutoring: A parent or guardian must be present on site at all times. Costs include travel to your home.

Online tutoring: Online sessions can be hosted using a variety of online platforms. In order to use an interactive digital whiteboard, students will need access to a touch screen and stylus to get the most from sessions. Alternatively, an efficient way for a tutee to share their work with me during a session would be beneficial.

Availability:

Monday evenings: 5pm-9pm
Tuesday evenings: 5pm-9pm

School Holidays (for revision/exam preparation): All days/evenings/weekends considered by mutual agreement