PHILIP H.

I have 30 years teaching experience as Science Teacher and Head of Science in the UK (mainstream and FE sector) and International Schools - China, Malaysia, Germany France. I have a B.Sc(Hons) degree in Zoology with certificate of Professional Research Training from Cardiff University (1995) and qualified as a teacher with PGCE in Biology with secondary science from Leeds University in 1996. I have taught GCSE Science (all exam boards- Separate Sciences and Combined Science) for 30 years and IGCSE Science (Cambridge and Edexcel boards) for 25 years. I have taught Biology A level (all exam boards) for 30 years and A level Chemistry (all exam boards) for the last 10 years. I have 10 years experience teaching IB Biology and Chemistry. I have been teaching full time online as a professional science tutor since 2022. I have supported many students to exam success. Previous A level students attained A/B grades at A level and GCSE students attained grades 7 or above.

I have a laid back style that is discursive, supportive and builds on the previous knowledge of the student. The session is constructed around the identified needs of the student. Sessions are mainly conducted through using powerpoint presentations or past paper questions, using the annotation function to illustrate concepts and model answers. As required, this could be a direct tutorial for each topic with relevant examples and lively analogy, including stepwise guidance for model exam answers, or a collaborative approach, where student and tutor work together to solve more complex problems to maximise grade levels in exam questions. Student responses are compared to mark schemes and errors deconstructed. Each session is focused on final exam performance so topic teaching is annotated clearly with correct terminology and clear guidance on the relevant calculations required. Strategies to focus revision and improve test performance are discussed and agreed with students - previous test responses are analysed and errors identified. Sessions can be used to build a revision programme for final exam prepararion. Students build confidence through consolidation of clear subject knowledge, clear effective guidance, and regular repetitive practice with problems to gain fluency with core skills. Many students have seen rapid predicted grade improvements following the start of sessions.