Geraldine

I mostly tutor ON-LINE via Skype/Zoom as I am between Northern and Southern Ireland, but can offer in-person lessons when in Bangor. In 2023 a student I home-schooled had the highest iGCSE marks in Europe for Biology and Chemistry-I was delighted to help him achieve this.
Most of my work is done via an agency, hence not many reviews on here. You can check my reviews on the Keystone website.
I am an Advanced Skills Science teacher with 23 years of teaching experience and a Masters in Education. I have been tutoring for the last 9 years. I am also an examiner for Edexcel. I have always enjoyed tutoring but teaching full-time meant that the number of clients I could have was limited. I love my subject and I make my sessions engaging; I am also very patient.
Reviews-see Keystone website but here are a few:
We found out today that our son has been invited to an award ceremony because he got the highest mark in Europe for Chemistry and Biology in the iGCSE exams. This would have not been possible without your amazing teaching.
Mother of student (2023)
Harry says that you're likely the best teacher he has ever had. I'm not sure what you're doing, but we are very grateful to have you. He has certainly found a love for Chemistry with you.
Father of student (2024)
Tasha had a fantastic session with you and was truly the most positive I have ever seen her! I don't know what you did but she said you were the best teacher she's ever had. So thank you!
Mother of Y11 student (2020)
Hi Geraldine it’s Anni,
Just wanted to let you know that I am very happy (and surprised) with my results !! I got 9’s in all the sciences !
Thank you so much for all your help over the last year. You really helped me so so much and I truly enjoyed the lessons - my love for bio was definitely inspired by some of our conversations and I’m thinking of taking both bio and chem for A level partly because of how you made the subjects interesting for me !!
Thank you again for everything.
Y11 Harrow student (2019)
Dear Geraldine
Thank you, Ceci got 8s for all her sciences which is brilliant - thank
you!
Mother of Y11 student (2019)
Hi Geraldine,
I got an A in Chemistry (88%)!! I’m really really happy. Thank you so much, I honestly would not have been able to achieve this if it hadn’t been for your help during our tutoring sessions.
Y11 student (2019)
Dear Geraldine
I know you and Tahira have been in touch but I just wanted to thank you
for all your help in preparing T. for the Sciences. Her exams could not
have gone better so huge thanks for your help.
Mother of Y11 student (2019)

Tutoring Experience

I have a degree in Biochemistry, and I worked in Medical Research for a number of years before doing my PGCE in 1994. In 2010 I received my Masters in Education, which I studied for part-time. I have taught KS3 Science, iGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics, and Chemistry at both ‘A’ level and within the IB Diploma. I have also worked part-time as a PGCE tutor, assessing and supporting trainee teachers. I moved back to England in 2015 after working in International schools for 9 years. My recent experience in Brighton introduced me to the requirements of the Common Entrance Exam; this is an area of Science in which my knowledge is comprehensive-I have been co-ordinator for this Key Stage in a number of different schools. I tutor Science only for the CE exams-not the other subjects. I should also point out that I have no experience of tutoring for the Entrance exams for state Grammar Schools.
Teaching for me is a vocation and I consider it to be a most important and rewarding role. I also love it-and my enthusiasm is clear in my lessons. My results are excellent-with a wide range of students. Advanced Skills Teacher status (which no longer ‘exists’ in the same form) was awarded to teachers who were considered to be ‘excellent’ in a range of areas, their classroom practice being one of these. I was very proud to be awarded it.
I started private tuition quite recently, when I worked in Dubai, but of course have many, many hours of experience of tutoring after spending time helping students during lunch hours and after school! I have tutored both English and overseas students with equal success.

Tutoring Approach

Students need to have confidence in their tutors and also feel supported by them. Subject knowledge is a must, but more important at times is encouragement and enjoyment. I have received many cards and letters during my career from students and parents and the most moving is the phrase ‘she never gives up on us’. This has been said more than once and probably sums up my approach better than I could.
I offer a short Skype ‘consultation’ which is free of charge as I think it is important to have an informal chat about your child’s requirements and to 'meet' both you and them prior to any lessons taking place.