Susan

Experienced and passionate biology teacher, bringing understanding, enjoyment, and even making learning fun!

I believe that by encouragement and confidence building, students can reach their true potential. This is what I strive to achieve by tutoring and love to see happen.

I am fully qualified with a BSc in Biology (1st Class Hons) as well as a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. Before teaching I worked for various medical and industrial companies as a microbiologist. Therefore, I completely understand and can demonstrate how biology can be applied to a specific working environment.

Tutoring Experience

Over 20 years of teaching experience and covering all exam boards. However, my tutoring will always be informed by the most current specification.

Experienced in teaching Biology and Human Biology A level, biological modules of BTEC, Biology GCSE/IGCSE, and biological components of Combined Science, Environmental Science, Health and Social Care, Access to Higher Education and Open University courses.

In 2017 I decided to pursue private tutoring as a career choice, after many years as a 6th Form College teacher. In the 2018 exams all 3 of my A level students achieved 2 grades higher than predicted, with one fulfilling his dream of being selected for medical school. My GCSE student gained a 9 and my adult Access student gained a distinction.
2019 exams resulted in all 10 of my A level students achieving the grade necessary to attend their first choice University.
In 2020 students were not able to take exams until October, following teacher assessments given in the summer. Mine achieved grades higher than those previously given, thus improving their future prospects. This upward trend was repeated in 2021 as I tailored my tutoring to each student's individual school/college assessments.

With the return of exams in 2022, I worked hard to instil both knowledge and confidence to students who had not sat national exams before. The results ranged from A* to B with each student performing better than predicted, and able to be accepted at their first choice University.
The 2023 and 2024 exam results have continued my success story. Once again, first choice University entrances have been achieved, and not only by A/A* grades.
Just as importantly, students who were once failing in biology achieved passes at grades they were predicted well below. This was after I had given them an enhanced understanding of crucial topics and instilled confidence in their ability. Their joy was my joy on results day!

Tutoring Approach

I have an innovative style using mostly discussion, but when appropriate also using visual aids, videos, revision games etc. to build on what students are already being taught. My aim is to make sessions interesting, interactive and informative, because the last thing students want is another PowerPoint lesson! Rather, confirmation of what they do understand, together with explanation of what they don't.

I am able to offer both face to face and online tutoring, both of which I have extensive experience. Between session support can be achieved via email, to share suitable resources and enhance learning. I am also willing to check through completed exam paper questions and offer informed exam technique advice.

Biology is all around us and I teach students to explore, wonder at and grasp the basic concepts, as well as the fine detail. I want my passion for biology to rub off on my students!