• A Level Physics: OCR, AQA, Edexcel at various schools
• GCSE & A level Electronics OCR
• GCSE/IGCSE Physics: OCR, AQA, Cambridge at various schools
• Physics Aptitude Test (PAT)
During my time at Alcester Grammar School I introduced the Advancing Physics Course for OCR at A level. This had an immediate impact on the students’ enjoyment of the subject as it is a course taught through application and practical experience. A notable increase in the students’ attainment also followed shortly afterwards. Along with this I have updated the various courses at GCSE level and key stage 3 to keep up to date with the often changing criteria set out by the D.F.E. I also used my electronics experience to introduce A level Electronics to the school. The exam results for the Physics Department are among the best in the school which has always been graded as ‘outstanding’ by OFSTED.
During my time at Poole Grammar school I taught the AQA A level course but was able to advance the Physics department by introducing a lot more practical work using my extensive experimental experience as well as introducing more up to date data analysis techniques.
During my teaching career I have often taken the most gifted students beyond the scope of A level Physics by using the Physics Olympiad Competitions. This is a competition designed ultimately to choose a team of 5 to represent the UK on the international stage. I have taught a student who made the UK team and then went on to perform with honours at the international competition. Most students, however, take on this challenge as they enjoy thinking about Physics problems and then when they return to A level questions can look at them with renewed confidence.
I have also prepared students for Oxbridge entrance exams by using the PAT tests and helped them think about the relevant physics so that they can use their knowledge in unfamiliar circumstances. Over many years a substantial number of students have been very successful with their applications.
Throughout my full - time teaching career I have taken on a wide variety of students for personal tuition and have met the students’ requirements using a variety of teaching techniques. Students I have taught have ranged from those at high achieving independent schools, who are struggling with the pace of the teacher in the classroom, to students who need the final touches in order to achieve an A*, to those students who can find Physics very difficult and want to pass the exam at the level they are studying.
As one size does not fit all the specific needs of the student can be met in a variety of ways.
My many roles within school have included being a tutor for years 8 through to 13, with the last ten years devoted to being a sixth form tutor. Along with the pastoral care of individual students I have been responsible for their development and career aspirations. This has included helping with personal statements, choice of institutions to suit their needs and personalities and UCAS applications.