Tracey

I have recently retired from teaching AQA Psychology at Peter Symonds College, Winchester. This is a prestigious sixth form college that consistently achieves outstanding in inspections. The Psychology department is rated as outstanding every year. I really enjoyed teaching Psychology at this level as it has something to interest everyone. Psychological discussions in the classroom were often lively! I was efficient, organised and an effective teacher. I had really good relationships with my students, based on mutual respect. I am a Mum to two grown up sons, which has helped me to keep in touch with technology and the interests and attitudes of young people. I am also friendly and approachable, which I feel is very important for potential tutees.

Tutoring Experience

I have been a teacher since 1987 and have specialised in teaching Psychology since 2003. I have just retired after teaching for eight years at Peter Symonds College, Winchester. I have only taught the AQA Psychology specification and will only consider tutoring for that specification. Having worked in a big, vibrant department I have excellent, in-depth understanding of the requirements of the new linear AQA Psychology A-level specification. Myself and my colleagues regularly attend training courses and share information from these courses. Although I am not an examiner, several of my colleagues are and can therefore feedback on the exam requirements with regards to answering the questions in order to maximise the number of marks available. I am still regularly in touch with colleagues and friends from the Psychology department at Peter Symonds College and therefore can continue to benefit from their expertise and knowledge. I have been tutoring the new linear Psychology A-level for the past two years with considerable success. The linear specification can appear very daunting to students and there is clearly a need for some students to get extra support.
I previously worked at the University of Surrey as a Student Learning Advisor. In this role I was supporting students with study skills and revision strategies. I also undertook a year long project on the First Year Experience of the student at university. I therefore have added experience of general study skills required at A level and also what is expected of a student when they go to university. This means I can further support tutees with that transition from A-levels to university if that is their chosen route.

Tutoring Approach

My approach to tutoring is to be flexible and student led. I am a friendly and considerate person, not frightening at all (I hope). As I worked in a big department in a very successful sixth form college I have a lot of resources available for use in tutoring sessions. I think the priority is to do exam practice. Doing well in the exams is not just a matter of knowing the content but also how to answer the questions set. I am very experienced in helping students to maximise their marks by answering questions effectively in the time allowed. Having said that I feel that I am an experienced enough teacher to be able to assess the needs of the student on an individual basis and focus the tutoring session accordingly.