Heather

I've enjoyed three years developing the science curriculum at a private secondary school in the South East. Our A-level results range from A*to B and the school is OFSTED-registered as Outstanding. I have 10 years experience of teaching and tutoring at all levels up to university (lecturer for 5 years) and have all 5 star feedback. My tutees get great results (92% As and A*s this year) and most importantly, show outstanding improvements in both understanding and confidence. I work primarily with young people who are pursuing Medicine or Veterinary degrees although am delighted to support all students wishing to get a better understanding of their subjects.

I am really passionate about both science and teaching: during my academic career, I have been fortunate enough to have plenty of opportunities to combine the two at a variety of levels. I come from a very large family and have been involved in work with children from a young age - from riding instructor to homework 'buddy' and in the last 10 years tutoring and teaching. I love the moment that you see the light of understanding come on in the person that you are working with - I got into science for these moments myself and to be honest, it's almost as rewarding to see them in someone else! It is particularly exciting when you see someone go from frustration to 'getting it'.

I'm extremely patient, calm and focused. I work best with individuals or small groups of 2-3 students.

My fees cover an individualised plan of learning, homework, and support with university applications. I offer a discrete service, should that be required.

Tutoring Experience

I have successfully tutored students from a range of schools in the South including:

Sackville School
Imberhorne School
Eton College
Benenden School
Burgess Girls School
Ardingly College
Lingfield College
Worth School
Caterham School
Reigate Grammar School
Sevenoaks School
Walthamstow Hall
Cranleigh School

I cover all exam boards plus IB, Medicine (university)

A-level
Almost all A*s in biology and chemistry. Lots of veterinary, medicine and dentistry students off to follow their dreams after achieving excellent results! Some students came to me after getting Ds in the lower sixth mocks so we were all delighted with the outcome.
GSCE: This year's students achieved cracking grades in biology, chemistry, maths, physics and geography. Mostly 8s and 9s - I was very proud of them!
11-14:
I currently tutor in maths and science and also run a STEM club for younger teenagers
University level:
I do freelance medical writing such as the preparation of materials for ongoing GP training, and emerging research dissemination. I have lectured at university level on a range of subjects including physiology, biology, biochemistry, nutrition and immunology, and have successfully tutored medical students in these within the last two years.

Tutoring Approach

The foundation of my approach is to building confidence and enthusiasm in my pupils. I use a combination of exam questions and structured sessions. This allows the student to become familiar and comfortable with the format of questions, and to more easily identify what the examiner is asking. It also allows me to focus the effort on where there are gaps in knowledge or understanding.
I am extremely patient & able to come up with new and innovative ways to help my students overcome whatever problems they experience in the subjects I teach. I like to see the students put in some effort because I think the best results are achieved that way but I always take a more supportive than harsh disciplinarian approach.