Andrew

I have taught A level Biology in a large sixth-form College for a number of years and am fully up-to-date with the new linear A level. My experience as a tutor has allowed me to become familiar with the large and subtle differences between the major examination boards such as Eduqas, Edexcel, ORC and AQA.

I am currently only offering tuition online via Skype. My screen is shared with the tutee, so changes can be viewed in real time. I use an HD webcam, drawing tablet and interactive whiteboard to annotate drawings, diagrams, notes, past paper questions and PowerPoints. ​All the resources used and developed in our tutorials can be immediately shared after each session.

I am currently fully booked until after the national exams and have a waiting list for starters then. Please contact me if you would like further information.

The fee shown is for tutoring during the daytime. Regular evening tuition is charged at £65/hour.

Tutorials run throughout term time and during the Easter and summer 1/2 term holidays as well.

Tutoring Experience

The removal of January modules, and AS exams in several sixth-form Colleges, mean it is more important than ever for students to be thoroughly prepared for their final exams. My Masters in Education looked at the factors that lead to outstanding exam outcomes in sixth-form biology students with a particular focus on the techniques that help students:
-- demonstrate their knowledge and understanding,
-- apply knowledge to unfamiliar situations and
-- analyse, interpret and evaluate scientific information.

I now tutor full time, but when teaching, in the 2016 examinations, just over 65% of my students achieved A*-B grades - approximately 15% above the national average. For all my classes the 'value-added' was within the top 10% nationally with some classes achieving within the top 1%. In 2017, while teaching the new linear A-level specification for the first time, the percentage of high grades and value added was the same for my classes. In 2017, 2018 and 2019 the majority of my regular tutees achieved A*-B at A-level.

Tutoring Approach

Everything a tutor does influences a students' progress, but what techniques have been shown to have the greatest impact on exam performance?

In my tutoring, I use an evidence-based approach so that each session maximises student learning. After working with a student on a regular basis, I aim to identify and implement the techniques that are going to be most beneficial to the individual. In preparation for the first few sessions, I ask tutees to let me know the topics recently studied, or those that they would like support with, so I can prepare an enjoyable, but challenging first session tailored to the needs of the student.

Naturally, I help with the 'step up' from GCSE to year 1, and from year 1 to year 2. In each session there is a particular focus on factual recall, data handling, knowledge application and literacy - skills that are essential for success in biology. However, the nature of each learning session depends on the students' understanding of the material they would like to cover. It is occasionally beneficial to re-visit material covered in lessons (which can usually be done very quickly), before helping to deepen their understanding through a variety of approaches. I also aim to equip students with a 'toolbox' so they can successfully tackle challenging exam-style questions.

Specialist support is available for students:
-- required to write the 25 mark synoptic essay as part of their final examinations (AQA).
-- applying to Oxbridge and for Vet/Medicine or Dentistry (personal statements and mock interviews).
-- who would benefit from marking of, and detailed feedback on practice examination papers.