Blake E.

About Me

I’m Blake Eldridge, a Computer Science student at the University of Manchester with nearly a decade of programming experience. Over the years, I’ve worked on a wide range of projects, from video game development to website creation and machine learning.

Outside of academics, I’ve been a gymnast for over ten years. Returning to the sport at university reignited my passion, and I am now working towards earning a place on the England or GB team.

Academic Background

Before university, I achieved A*A*A in A levels (Computer Science, Maths, and Physics). At GCSE, I earned four grade 9s, five grade 8s, and an AS Level in Psychology (grade A).

Teaching Experience

I have over five years of experience teaching programming and computer science to students aged 4–18. This has included both one-to-one tutoring and running after-school clubs where I helped students create video games and build strong foundations in computer science.

My favourite part of teaching is seeing students grow in confidence and ability. This year, one of my A-level students improved from a C to an A*, and many of my GCSE students achieved grade 8s and 9s.

I aim to make lessons engaging, clear, and tailored to each student’s needs, helping them not only reach their goals but also enjoy the learning process.

In Computer Science, my area of expertise and personal favorite, I am enthusiastic about providing guidance at both A level and GCSE levels. From troubleshooting course content issues to hands-on programming and coding challenges, I offer a holistic approach. For beginners, I've developed a customized Python programming curriculum, carefully designed to take students from foundational knowledge to a solid understanding. Our weekly sessions will involve engaging activities, reinforcing fundamental concepts, and incorporating homework tasks to foster independent learning.

This curriculum is structured to introduce new content, reinforce understanding through tasks, and encourage independent learning through homework activities. Once a strong foundation is established, our exploration broadens to diverse computer science topics. Starting with video game development, we'll delve into new programming paradigms and complex algorithms, all while enjoying the process of creating personalized games. Further topics, such as web development, machine learning, and more, can be explored based on the student's individual interests.

My tutoring sessions cater to students aged 13 and above with a keen interest in computer science, game development, or those eager to acquire a new skill. Each hour-long session is designed to be informative, structured, and tailored to the unique learning journey of the student. Together, we'll navigate the complexities of computer science, laying a foundation for success in academic pursuits and beyond.