Gary

I am a dual qualified practitioner in both Geography and Modern Studies and have experience in teaching Scottish Studies up to Level 6. Due to my degree credits, I am also qualified to deliver Environmental Science. I have a passion for Geography, having lived, worked and travelled abroad, this gives me a strong knowledge of human and physical Geography.

Having worked with many young adults from various cultural and socio - economic backgrounds allows me to adapt to varying complexities and challenges. I can push my own boundaries to help young people – as well as going out, seeing and experiencing the world with real stories and issues which is vital in Geography. I strive to make the subject relatable to pupils which is paramount for their learning, development, understanding and critical thinking.

Tutoring Experience

I am a passionate geographer, having spent many years travelling the world and I enjoy bringing my real life experiences into learning in the classroom. I have gained an understanding of pupils' emotional and academic needs, making me more effecting at preparing lessons which meet their academic and social needs and work on raising their attainment and closing the attainment gap. It also benefits me as I can continuously grow, develop and adapt my own pedagogy and resources. 1 - I used to live in Australia and for some time, I volunteered at a youth project in an Aboriginal community called Boubyjan. These children experience abuse, suffer from mental health issues, racism, discrimination and family violence. I took no part in formally educating aboriginal bush children, but I took time to get to know them as people. I helped with their homework focussing on their literacy skills.
2 - In 2016 I volunteered at an orphanage in a neighbourhood in the small Nepalese city of Pokhara. I spent 2 months there with children who had suffered from abuse, addiction issues and received no education. Whilst there, I helped them with their homework, taught them basic English.
3 - In 2017 I trekked through the Shan State in Myanmar. I trekked for three weeks until I came across a remote school in a village called Hsipaw. I went into the school to introduce myself and I ended up staying there, teaching basic English to young Buddhist monks who lived under strict protocol and I lived in the monastery with them.
4 - In 2019 I volunteered with a Glasgow charity called the Govan Community Project. They help to welcome and integrate refugees and asylum seekers into Glasgow. They also help to educate local young adults who come from disadvantaged backgrounds. For 3 years I volunteered at the homework club where I helped young asylum seekers to integrate. I also helped them with their homework and to learn basic English.

Tutoring Approach

I have been working this year on creating and delivering a range of different teaching methods through observations and also my study of pedagogy. My bank of skills is continually growing, and I enjoy challenging myself to try new strategies which engage and improve learners understanding of content and skills. These are all focused on building positive working relationships with young people and supporting them in reflecting when this does not go correctly. I am a naturally very positive and restorative practitioner, so this approach has worked well for me. I have been able to develop skills such as communication and critical thinking. I try to encourage my classes to critically think about the connections between places, people and their environments. I have worked on my own and as part of a team. I understand the importance of both. I have learnt that being part of a community is vital, but specifically to young people regardless of their background. I believe this makes me approachable, patient, supportive and helps pupils to build confidence in me and themselves.