Sara

I currently only provide face-to-face tuition.
I obtained a BSc (Hons.) Degree in Applied Biology at Bangor University, a PGCE (General Primary 7-11) at the Cheltenham and Gloucester College of Higher Education (1991) and Level 3 in Delivery of Basic Skills to Adults at Coleg Menai (2009). I supported university students over a period of 18 years by providing them with thorough lecture notes. I very much enjoy working alongside students to help them achieve their potentials. In the past, I have also undertaken short contracts of research work and have proofread scientific material for both lecturers and students. My experience of working alongside students of all ages continues to be a great privilege; one-to-one tutoring allows me to tailor my tuition to each individual's needs and to build a trusting relationship. I also support prospective university students in the compilation of their personal statements (specialising in medical school personal statements). I live in an ideal location, close to many of Bangor's primary and secondary schools. Older children can therefore walk to my home from school for tuition.
My hobbies include baking, art, walking, zumba, and charity fundraising.

Tutoring Experience

For 13 years I provided tuition in mathematics and English at a local college of Higher Education in the Learning Support Department. Many of my students have struggled at school and one-to-one support gives them the confidence to gain knowledge and understanding, enabling them to re-sit exams. I am an experienced home tutor (since 2011) for children aged 7 to GCSE level. I also have experience of teaching adults who wish to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. I am familiar with the PGCE Equivalency Mathematics exam syllabus as well as mathematics for students keen to become healthcare professionals. I have been a guest lecturer at Bangor University, delivering lectures on "Literacy Issues in Scientific Writing" and am registered with the Education Workforce Council (EWC). I have also taught maths part-time at a local independent school.

Tutoring Approach

Initially, I have an informal discussion with the pupil (and parent) to determine the difficulties that the pupil needs to overcome and establish whether the pupil has a general understanding of key concepts . Subsequent sessions will focus on particular areas of need; I will introduce these, often providing my own typed sheets with examples, which the student can keep for future reference. I have a wealth of laminated resources, built up over 10 years, which I have produced myself. Many of these are colour-coded by topic and very useful for revision purposes. These will be photocopied and supplied to students topic by topic. Each student will be asked to complete relevant activities (which, if not completed in the lesson, might be given for "homework"). I will record each student's progress at the end of each session, outlining the topics covered with comments. Any homework to be done will be noted on the homework record sheet provided (and kept at the front of the student's folder). Feedback on the previous session's homework will be provided at the start of each lesson. If a parent prefers that homework is not given, then this is totally acceptable. Lessons should ideally be weekly but I am flexible wherever possible. I also provide tuition in half-term holidays and all longer school holidays (except the Christmas break) and, at these times, it is possible for me to deliver "mini courses" which may be useful for pre-exam revision. I have produced an exam preparation booklet which covers: key topics and methods; formulae which must be learnt (those not included on the exam formulae sheets); and worked examples. In addition, I can supply a basic maths booklet for those pupils who have yet to master the foundational maths concepts. Tutoring is in a relaxed but professional environment.