Andrew

I have extensive experience teaching A-level Biology in a large sixth-form college and am fully up-to-date with the new linear A-level curriculum. My background as a tutor has given me a deep understanding of the differences - both large and subtle - between the major examination boards, including Eduqas, Edexcel, OCR, and AQA. This expertise allows me to tailor my tutoring to align with the specific requirements of each exam board, ensuring that students are thoroughly prepared for their exams.

Currently, I offer online tutoring exclusively via Skype. During our sessions, I share my screen with the student, allowing them to view changes and annotations in real time. I use an HD webcam, drawing tablet, and interactive whiteboard to annotate drawings, diagrams, notes, past paper questions, and PowerPoints. All resources used and developed during our tutorials are immediately shared with the student after each session, providing them with valuable materials for ongoing study and revision.

I am now accepting bookings for both year 1 and year 2 students starting in June, but have the following availability:
Wednesday 09:00-10:00.

If you would like further information, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Please note that the listed fee applies to daytime tutoring sessions, which take place between 9 am and 3 pm. Regular evening tuition is available at a rate of £80 per hour; however, at this time, I only have daytime availability.

Tutorials are available throughout term time and during the Easter, summer, and half-term holidays, providing flexible support to meet your scheduling needs.

Tutoring Experience

With the removal of January modules and AS exams in many sixth-form colleges, thorough preparation for final exams has become more crucial than ever. My expertise, supported by a Masters in Education focused on the factors leading to outstanding exam outcomes in A-level Biology, is designed to help students excel. I emphasize key techniques that enable students to:

• Demonstrate their knowledge and understanding
• Apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations
• Analyze, interpret, and evaluate scientific information

During my teaching career, I achieved exceptional results, with over 65% of my students attaining A*-B grades in the 2016 examinations—approximately 15% above the national average. My classes consistently ranked within the top 10% nationally for value-added scores, with some even reaching the top 1%. When I taught the new linear A-level specification for the first time in 2017, these high standards were maintained. Similarly, in 2017, 2018, and 2019, the majority of my regular tutees achieved A*-B grades at A-level.

Driven by a passion for education, I transitioned into full-time private tutoring after discovering the profound impact of one-on-one teaching. Over the past seven years, I have integrated the proven strategies from my classroom experience with the insights from my Masters research into my private A-level Biology tuition. My students consistently see remarkable improvements, often achieving a two to three grade increase. I am proud to uphold a 100% pass rate, and between 2019 and 2023, the majority of my A-level Biology tutees achieved A*-B grades.

As a leading provider of online A-level Biology tuition, I offer a flexible and highly effective learning experience tailored to each student's unique needs. My approach is rooted in years of teaching and research, ensuring that every session is both informative and results-oriented.

Tutoring Approach

Every aspect of tutoring plays a crucial role in a student's progress, but which techniques truly have the greatest impact on exam performance?

In my tutoring practice, I employ an evidence-based approach to ensure that each session maximizes student learning. By working regularly with students, I aim to identify and implement the strategies that will be most beneficial to their individual needs. Before our first session, I ask students to share the topics they've recently studied or areas where they need additional support. This allows me to prepare a first session that is not only enjoyable but also challenging and specifically tailored to the student’s needs.

I provide targeted support for the critical transitions from GCSE to Year 1 and from Year 1 to Year 2. Each session is designed with a particular focus on essential skills such as factual recall, data handling, knowledge application, and literacy — key components for success in Biology.

However, the structure of each session is flexible and depends on the student's current understanding of the material they want to cover. Sometimes, it’s beneficial to quickly revisit concepts covered in class before deepening their understanding through various techniques. My goal is also to equip students with a 'toolbox' of strategies, enabling them to confidently tackle challenging exam-style questions.

In addition, I offer specialized support for students who need extra guidance in specific areas, including:

• Writing the 25-mark synoptic essay as part of their final AQA examinations.
• Preparing for Oxbridge, Veterinary, Medicine, or Dentistry applications, including assistance with personal statements and mock interviews.
• Marking and providing detailed feedback on practice examination papers.

My approach is designed to build confidence, deepen understanding, and ultimately improve exam performance, ensuring each student is fully prepared to achieve their academic goals.