Jennifer T.

I obtained my BSc in Biochemistry from UCL, followed by my PhD from University of Manchester in 2014. I spent some years as an academic researcher before qualifying as a teacher in 2019. Since then, my classroom experience has almost exclusively focused on teaching A-level chemistry full-time, having taught the AQA and OCR A specifications in sixth form colleges for the last five years. I am also an A-level examiner for OCR. 

My lessons focus on direct and explicit instruction, with plenty of thorough synoptic questioning to ensure a deep understanding of the content. I ensure that my feedback is constructive and timely to maximise student progress. I regularly include deliberate practice to build confidence in my students' ability, plus practice of exam-style questions, with a focus on exam technique. 

I promote an atmosphere that is productive and that makes hard work desirable. One of the most determining factors to success at A-level is independent learning, I encourage this by setting and marking homework regularly, but also provide model answers to exam questions to enable students to self-assess their work accurately. The more accessible independent learning is, the better the outcomes.

To build confidence and motivation, I include numerous tips and tricks, mnemonics and relatable analogies in my lessons. I teach students to embrace challenging questions to ensure they progress. I encourage and motivate students to use evidence-based revision strategies and advise how and what to prioritise, so that their independent learning time is used as efficiently as possible.