David

I am 63 years old and married with 3 children, 30, 27 and 23 years old, eldest has a Masters degree in Physics, the 27 year old has a History degree and the youngest has a MChem 1st Class degree studied at York University. I live in Port Erin, Isle of Man and recently, successfully completed 32 years in the Royal Navy as an Aircraft Engineering Officer, serving in Iraq and Falkland Islands. I have many interests including keep fit, canoeing and motorcycling, plus mathemagic tricks.

Tutoring Experience

Since my early years with the Sea Cadets I instructed fellow cadets in many varied subjects ranging from rope splicing to communications, parade training and PT. During my Service with the RN I instructed full time in mechanical engineering science. I then taught in my own time GCSE Maths and Physics over a 25 year period, obtaining a 100% pass rate at grade C or above. I have also qualified as a kayak, caving, hill walking, rock climbing and sailing instructor, therefore able to teach both academic and body skill subjects.

Tutoring Approach

My aim is to work “one-to-one” or “one to a few” with a student or students in order to pass across to him/her their highest levels of skill & confidence in the agreed topic(s). However, for such tuition to be successful, it is essential that the student has the desire and willingness to learn, for without such a commitment, little or no progress may be achieved. If this is the case, then my mentoring skills will become most useful to progress through the “jungle”. Of equal importance is the need for encouragement and support from the student’s parents or guardian. Confidentiality is maintained at all times. Major emphasis is placed on topics that the student is finding difficult. The opportunity is then taken to explain the topic from all angles, using my “toolbox” of knowledge and experience, using practical examples from my engineering background and life skills. At all times, I treat the student as an adult; a student is never talked down to or patronised. I encourage the student to ask many questions and discuss the subject matter at all times. By mutual agreement, I set additional work for the student to tackle at home on his/her own, which should then be presented for relevant marking, constructive comments and feedback.