Andy

I am friendly, outgoing and love working with a diverse range of people and groups. I enjoy walking, cooking and reading and have a keen interest in sport, history, philosophy, politics and economics. I form positive relationships easily and am well known for being a supportive leader. In short, I am reliable, trustworthy and act with integrity in all dealings with young people.

Tutoring Experience

I have 30 years experience teaching in Scotland. For 16 years I was a class teacher and then principal teacher - with a strong record of attainment in the senior phase - before moving into senior management as a Depute Head and Acting Head Teacher.
I have led developments in the mathematics curriculum at local, regional and national level, the latter two most recently when we relocated to Shetland.
During lockdown I supported the national effort through teaching mathematics online for e-Sgoil and also undertook the role of lead teacher for their online Higher mathematics support lessons.
I co-authored the highly successfu Leckie & Leckiel N5 and Higher student textbooks.
I have extensive experience working for SQA in a number of roles, most notably within the Advanced Higher mathematics team.
I have an extensive knowledge of the research into effective learning in mathematics and have continuously sought to improve both my own and others' teaching by translating this research into impactful practice.

Tutoring Approach

Meet the young person where they're at! This requires student trust and expert questioning to help inform the way forward. Students needn't be afraid to get things wrong because I will always be kind, sympathetic and supportive. I believe in a variety of approaches, the use of which depend upon the young person and their context.