I started working as a tutor in 2010 because I found that helping students realise their academic potential is immensely rewarding.
Guiding someone to an understanding of a problem helps them gain knowledge, develop skills and build their confidence for life.
It is the goal of good teaching to ignite an inquisitive spark in every student no matter their age by helping them acquire the intellectual tools and confidence to explore their world.
During my time at university I became increasingly drawn to singing. Since leaving Oxford, I have pursued a career as a classical singer.
British choral singing is second to none and I have had the good fortune to work with talented and inspirational musicians across the world many of whom I met at university.
Performance teaches you how to work as part of a team; demands a high degree of concentration, skill and expertise; and helps engender a level of self-confidence which is invaluable throughout life. It is a pursuit to be highly recommended whether as a hobby or a career.
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
William Butler Yeats
I went to Gresham Primary School in Sanderstead then successfully passed the entrance exam for Whitgift School in Croydon, attending this wonderful school from 1980-1988.
I went up to Oxford in 1989. As well as jumping into a very intensive arts degree course I began singing regularly and paving the way for a career in music-making.
Though I have enjoyed discovering a vast wealth of vocal music, singing does not expand one's academic horizons so I joined the OU to learn something new. Science!
I have tutored since 2010 on a broad range of arts and science subjects. However, I specialise in Physics and Maths up to A-level.
Students' abilities and desired goals vary a great deal. Passing exams is not an end in itself but a means of progressing to the next stage. I aim to instil an intellectual rigour and curiosity that will be of use in any subject and throughout someone's life. This requires a sympathetic approach, tailored to the particular student, and delivered in a relaxed environment with a degree of enthusiasm and commitment which keeps them engaged.
Exam success requires a solid understanding of the core material; a productive, well-structured revision programme; and good exam skills. All three of these areas are key teaching objectives.
I really enjoy guiding someone through the process of understanding a new topic or one which they've found difficult at school. However, this requires hard work by both tutor and student and though there are other things which are more fun, the sense of achievement and gain in confidence is a very satisfying pay-off for that hard work.
If you would like to organise tuition or have any questions email
Tuition is rarely successful unless student and tutor can work well together. I will arrange a first tutorial so both parties can see if this is achievable. Students can then decide with their parents if they wish to proceed with weekly tuition.
A laptop, PC, or tablet with a good internet connection.
Zoom is used for the video call (Skype or other platforms by arrangement). Requires a free account.
Bitpaper.io is used as the interactive whiteboard on which both I and the student can write. This runs in a browser window (Chrome or Safari) and requires a free account.
A touchscreen device with a stylus (<£15 to buy) is useful to collaborate on the whiteboard.
Lessons cost £45 per hour and last for one hour. Longer tutorials for A level students can be arranged.
Pupils range in age from Year 6 (age 10) to Year 13 (age 18), covering qualifications from SATS, KS3, GCSE & AS/A Level.
AQA, Edexcel & OCR (and CIE Pre-U Physics).
If a lesson is cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice, I reserve the right to charge for the lesson in full.
Once regular weekly tuition is begun, one month's notice is required to terminate on-going tuition within a school academic year.
I am available to tutor each week from Monday to Friday. (Tuition is not available at the weekend.)
Lessons happen on a weekly basis during term time except during December in most years. This optionally includes half-terms and the Easter holiday. Tutoring can continue during the Summer holiday on a flexible, agreed basis.
Additional lessons can be arranged on an ad hoc basis (particularly useful approaching exams).
The general pattern is to offer weekly tuition. However, my approach is to be flexible to take account of holidays and other student and family commitments. Conversely, some weeks I will not be available. Where possible, alternative tuition that week will be arranged and there is the opportunity to make up time in the half-terms and Easter holiday.
Covid-19 necessitated a move to online tutoring which has proved very popular and successful with pupils.
In certain circumstances tuition in person is possible and takes place in my home in Croydon, or a family home in Dorking.
The Criminal Records Bureau check has now been replaced by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
A DBS check is not a legal requirement for working as a self-employed tutor. In fact you cannot apply for one:- "Individuals and the self-employed cannot apply for a DBS certificate of their own criminal record, as they cannot ask an exempted question of themselves" - GOV.UK
The Government suggests that the self-employed who wish to provide some indication of their status with the police should use the basic DBS check. I have done this and have a clean DBS certificate which I will provide at the initial tutorial if requested.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the possibility of tuition for either you or your child please email me at the following address and I will respond by return.
Please include your telephone number if you would like me to call you and any other relevant information.
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,
Maria Edgeworth
All play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.
