Rachel

My name is Rachel. I am a 38yr old science teacher who lives on a small holding in Staffordshire, with my husband, two children and a small menagerie of animals. I gained full QTS after the birth of my first child but have always had a keen interest in biological sciences and the natural world, completing a BSc(Hons) degree in Equine Science with the intention of moving into a career in Equine Genetics and breeding. Owning to changes in my personal situation, I met my husband and settled in the midlands in 2010 and started training as a teacher in 2014 after working in horticulture for several years. I have been teaching science ever since. I have a passion for animals, particularly horses, owning my own and enjoy all aspects of country living.

Tutoring Experience

I gained my full QTS in 2016 after having spent two years of on the job training full time in school. I have taught in both the state and independent sector, currently teaching for an independent school in Staffordshire. I have taught biology, chemistry and physics to KS3 and KS4, but my specialism is biology, where I currently teach KS5 as well. I have held pastoral positions of responsibility, as well as being part of a team which worked within a school in special measures to improve the quality of teaching and learning within the science department.
Over the years I have realised that I have aptitude for teaching science to students at the foundation level of KS4. Although I have significant evidence of value added at all levels in both combined and separate biology and have worked successfully with high attainers to support them achieving the highest GCSE level grades, I enjoy supporting those who find the sciences more of a challenge.
I have taught both the OCR Gateway and AQA scheme of work at combined (synergy) and triple (trilogy) level and I full understanding of the required practical's for both exam boards.
Durning the Covid pandemic I delivered a full timetable of lessons remotely from the onset, with live, interactive lessons, power points, resources and regular feedback and assessment to students. As such, I have solid, recent experience teaching/tutoring remotely and delivering scientific content in an engaging way which allows progress to be tracked and measured successfully.

Tutoring Approach

My aim is to make biology accessible and enjoyable to all students regardless of their target grade. I utilise a number of different resources/aids and strategies to engage with students and to monitor progress. I feel it is important to prepare students for the exams fully, so I do not just focus on biological knowledge and understanding but also on exam technique and revision strategies. I use visual aids, lesson work sheets, videos and animations to keep sessions interesting and I encourage dialogue and communication- I try to avoid 'lecture' style teaching. As biology and the natural sciences are such an interest to me, I encourage students to link our lessons to the natural world around us and go beyond the set scheme of work, which helps to support students with the application questions on the exam papers. I have experience of working with students with various SEN requirements and have resources to support remote learning.