Judy

I have a Master Degree in Biology, specialised in Ecology and Ethology, and did research projects Indonesia, Cameroon and Kenya. Monkeys were my favourite study objects. After graduation I worked in a research station in Africa and taught students on field research techniques. Furthermore I am fully DBS checked, as I volunteer in my children's local school.

Tutoring Experience

I have started tutoring home schooled students this year and I have found it very rewarding experience; getting the student really engaged in the subject, getting to grips with it and growing in confidence that they will do well in the subject. Both students and parents have given me positive feedback.
Recently I also taught plant Biology to Biodynamic agriculture students at Emerson college.

Some comments from parents:
Thank you so much Judy, our son really enjoyed your lessons which means a lot for us as there are not so many teachers that he enjoys lessons with!" D. Portales - Forest Row

" Judy has an inventive way of teaching biology, a very practical and fun way, with anything from baking specialized cells out of cookie dough, to testing for photosynthesis with a leaf. My daughter has been truly inspired in continuing her journey with Judy, learning biology. C. Stockley - Hartfield

Tutoring Approach

My aim is for the student to pass their (I) GCSE biology exam with good grades and at the same time make the biology lesson as fun, informative and practical as possible.

For home schooled students lessons I teach the required material IGCSE Edexcel / GCSE AQA(or any other exam board) with every lesson a practical (e.g. dissection of a fish eye, testing starch in our food, seeing osmosis at work with the help of gummy bears, etc) or another way to visualise to learned subject e.g. by making a poster, creating a 3D sample of a animal cell or playing a memory game.

Home schooled students in year 10 & 11 (or when they are ready to take their GCSE's) I also will teach revision techniques, best ways to answer the exam questions to get the highest marks possible and practise many exam questions.

I will adjust my teaching approaches to meet the requirements of each individual student. Also, I will relate the necessary information in a way that will ensure the student reaches their full potential and individual goals. I understand that certain subjects may be more difficult for a student to grasp and taking things slower for them is essential. I will explain a subject in further detail until I am sure that the student is ready to move on.

At the start of each half term I will set up a lesson plan specially adapted to the student learning needs.

At the end of each topic I will give the student a revision test to sit at home under supervision. If a student has not done as well with their test as they were hoping, I will revisit the certain subjects again and ensure they have a good understanding before embarking on a new Topic.

For me communication with the parents of the student is important to ensure their expectations are being met. I will offer feedback after every lesson so that a parent can keep track of their child's progress, via a Home – Tutor diary. In this dairy I will note what has been done in the lessons, how your son/daughter did, and which homework has been set for the following week. The parent can write any comments in this dairy as well. I think that this feedback is vital for parents wishing to encourage their child to learn and progress until their next tutoring session. In addition to this diary I am always available for a chat on your son’s/daughter’s progress after lessons, during the week face to face, by telephone or per email.

At the end of each term the parent/carer will receive a progress rapport, detailing the progress made, areas to focus on and next steps for the upcoming lessons. If the parent wishes I will also have a short meeting after the lesson (or at a mutual convenient time) with the parent and student to do discuss progress of the student and answer any questions.