John G.

I have really enjoyed improving the confidence and grades of my students over many years. My students develop a passion for Biology, achieve positive and significant value added, super results, and often come back to see me to discuss their next steps and how they are getting on, which I really value! With a PGCE in teaching Biological Sciences, QTS, a degree and PHD, I have taught Year 7 to undergraduate level, all abilities, including Oxbridge, and SEN. As an examiner, Director of Studies and School Inspector, I have reviewed many schools, evaluated lots of lessons and therefore understand the best teaching methods. I have specifically led learning and teaching in a range of schools, completed further teacher qualifications and am really interested in current thinking about the best ways to learn. I am married with 2 children and a spaniel, and love sport, music and travel.

I have taught a range of abilities, and have supported high ability students achieve the very top grades, and places at highly selective universities. With an exam and exam technique focus, I understand the individual specific requirements and different questioning styles of all the varied exam boards. In addition, I have experience in teaching pupils with dyslexia, ADHD, autism, and have managed SENCOs running SEN departments, so I fully understand the range of teaching methods that can be of real help here. 

My lessons focus on students enjoying learning, gaining confidence and getting better grades. I like to focus supportively on students doing and thinking, intermixed with explanations from me using interactive visuals. I have clear learning aims, and I use a range of learning activities at a good pace to keep students interested and engaged. If a concept is not understood, I use a range of methods until students do understand. I work on confidence, with a 'can-do' attitude, a growth mindset ethos and have an exam focus, so that students can achieve the best grades possible. Students leave lessons not just knowing and understanding more, but also remembering what they have learnt, because of scaffolded reinforcement of concepts.