Chris

Hi! I am a highly experienced secondary school teacher with over 20 years in the profession who has always had a keen interest in the natural world. The motivation for me to qualify as a teacher was a poor experience I had at school. In addition to my subjects of interest my professional development pathway was focussed on the pastoral wellbeing and wrap-around care for students. Creating a positive, safe environment for learning has always been paramount, as only then can students truly give their full attention to the subject knowledge and application.

My love for the outside world has led to my enjoyment and learning through a number of sports. I played all the major team sports and reached county level in field hockey. Towards the end of secondary school I found a passion for athletics, specifically sprinting and spend my university years training and representing Cardiff Met at the University Championships, gaining a Bronze medal as part of the 4x100m team. Wishing to continue a link with sport I retrained as a Soft Tissue Therapist and in addition to owning my own clinic, I am now also the Sports Therapist for the British Army Men's rugby league squad and my local rugby union team. This has allowed me to combine my passion for sport and anatomy/physiology.

Tutoring Experience

My teaching career, which has spanned more than 20 years has also included a decade as a Pastoral Leader, Senior Leader and Deputy Headteacher before specialising in School Improvement which included periods of time as Acting Headteacher in two schools and working with HMI inspectors to support them out of Special Measures.

I taught Geography up to GCSE from the first year in my first school, to students of all abilities. I have also taught Secondary school Sports Science, both GCSE and BTEC/Cambridge equivalent and "A" Level PE and have experience with the main exam boards.

I have experience of teaching in SEND, Comprehensive and Grammar schools and with students regardless of previous prior attainment or current level of need.

Tutoring Approach

The key to progress is a student's relationship with their tutor. It is my aim to create a very positive and safe learning environment, that encourages students to challenge their knowledge and understanding without worry. Online learning needs to be interactive, maximising opportunities to apply learning. I provide clear explanations and differentiate delivery of each topic depending on the specific needs of the learner. I have high standards and will challenge and extend students where appropriate, but this is balanced with fun, real life experiences.