I have been a professional tutor since 2006.
Across all of the different subjects I teach, I always notice the same thing: the main difficulty that learners encounter is getting overwhelmed by what they're trying to learn. It could be that there seems to be simply too much material to cover; it could be that the concepts seem too difficult; it could be that the whole thing causes anxiety for some completely different reason which is apparently unrelated to the 'academic' side of things.
I help remove anxiety, regardless of what form it might take, in whatever way seems like it will help each individual most. Before long, it becomes possible to see the task in hand with different eyes – indeed, more importantly, at this point most of my students come to see their own abilities entirely differently. They may have come to me with a fixed idea of what they are 'bad' at, but I help them to realise that they have skills they hardly suspected.
I have been a private tutor over the last five years or so, teaching biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and French at a range of levels from secondary up to A level standard. I have also taught the clarinet.
Some of my pupils in the past have been struggling or unmotivated and subsequently performed very well in their exams. One example was a girl who had failed her GCSE Mathematics (Lower Tier) and came to me to prepare for her retake. I gave her the confidence she needed and she passed with a 5, the highest possible score at Lower Tier.
I try to bring together different fields of study in my lessons and explain how they relate to one another. As a Natural Sciences graduate I can draw from my interdisciplinary knowledge of various biological, chemical, geological, environmental and mathematical topics. Thanks to a six-week-long exchange to a school near Paris, I am also reasonably fluent in French with a strong understanding of grammar and an appreciation of the French culture and colloquialism, while my interest in languages in general (I can also speak German and some Italian) allows me to understand the evolution and interconnections of language, and consequently to enrich my tutoring material. I will try to find ways not only to elucidate any problems students have, but hopefully to also allow them to appreciate the underlying meaning or beauty of these subjects.
I have taught undergraduate and masters students during my PhD. I believe that in order for students to fully realise their potential, an understanding of how they best respond to learning is crucial. That being said, I will often explain something in multiple ways, perhaps using different analogies, in order to understand how a student responds to my teaching.
Hi there! My name is Catherine and I am an aspiring teacher who loves to talk about geography and see others achieve their full potential.
I have a PhD in Volcanology from Aberystwyth University and have been a research scientist and teaching assistant at the University of Cambridge for the past 3 years. My research has taken me to exciting locations across East Africa – where I have been reconstructing the eruptive history of poorly studied volcanoes. Prior to this I studied for a BSc in Environmental Earth Science (2.1) and an MPhil in Geochemistry, also at Aberystwyth University.
My passion for geography shines through in all my teaching. I have tutored students from GCSE and A-Level through to university. At Cambridge I am a director of studies for geography and I teach topics ranging from Quaternary climate change to the physical and social elements of volcanology. Whilst at Aberystwyth I lectured for volcanology topics and tutored for petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and mapping, and environmental monitoring/analysis. I have also run workshops on laboratory and field skills.
I have a creative approach to teaching and I know the importance of building a supportive learning environment, where students can freely voice whatever questions or queries they may have. I am very patient, and have been told I have a natural flair for explaining topics clearly. I tailor my tutoring to individual students’ needs, and am available between sessions to answer questions and clarify information.
If you have any questions please get in touch and I’d be happy to have a quick chat with you.
Three years experience as a teacher in international schools, over ten years experience in technology communications. Trained in the TGROW method of coaching and Harvard's 'Project Zero' techniques for teaching critical thinking skills. Served as a School Governor specialising in community communications and STEM (Science Technology Engineering Maths) innovation.
My approach to tutoring is student-led, drawing on and developing the strengths of the student and responding to individual learning styles. While closely following curricula to ensure exam success, I tailor all resources to engage, challenge and inspire.
