Michael

Hello, my name is Mike and I retrained as a teacher in 2007 following a successful career as a chartered Banker; a role that provided me the opportunity to work alongside The Prince's Trust, helping disadvantaged teenagers back into education, training and the world of work.

Inspired by their work, and building on my own degree in physics, I have now worked as a teacher for 17 years.

I am now ‘part-retired’ and spend lots of time with my two dogs in my campervan, thoroughly enjoying my hobbies of paragliding, paramotoring, and learning Spanish.

Tutoring Experience

I am an experienced physics and astronomy teacher at Ripon Grammar School, which has been voted the highest performing school in the North for over a decade by The Times Newspaper.

I have held a number of senior positions including Head of Astronomy and Head of the Lower School, responsible for the pastoral welfare of over 370 students.

I teach KS3 Physics, GCSE and A-Level Physics and GCSE Astronomy.

Twice I have been awarded the Times 'Good Schools Guide' award for physics and astronomy results at GCSE level and two of my students have received Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) awards for the highest exam results in the country.

I also work as an examiner for both GCSE and A Level; a position that has led to a deeper understanding of exam technique and preparation.

Tutoring Approach

I tutor students because I enjoy it, and only take on a handful of tutees each year to help them achieve their true potential and academic goals. As a result, my tutees will always find me motivated and enthusiastic and I will only tutor my core subjects of physics and astronomy.

I build rapport quickly with my students and nerves are soon settled. It is vital all tutees feel at ease to be open and honest about their studies and their understanding, and to recognise there are no 'daft' questions.

Each student is different and as such my approach will be tailored to the needs of the individual to maximise their skills and confidence in the subject, whilst giving additional focus on the areas they find most challenging.

I only tutor online (or in-person within a 10 mile radius) and sessions can be hosted using a variety of online platforms. I use Microsoft OneNote (free to download for users) to organise teaching materials and I also use it's digital whiteboard functionality, so that students have an electronic copy of the session's notes. If they have access to a touch screen and stylus, students are also encouraged to use it interactively with me, to get the most from sessions.

During term time I am free weekdays/evenings (except Fridays)
During school holidays (if booked in advance) I am available for intensive tutoring, catch-up sessions and exam preparation; days/evenings/weekends considered.