Frequently asked Questions and Fees

How can a lesson be delivered online?

The lesson format is similar to a normal tutoring session, except it is more interactive, and the student is more at the centre of the learning experience. The student and teacher can both write on an interactive whiteboard, and the tutor can use a range of resources to convey the concepts to the student.

What equipment do I need for online tuition?

A laptop, computer or tablet with a microphone and speakers. The majority of computers come with these as standard.  The student can use a headset but this isn’t necessary and  I don’t use one. A webcam is useful if you would like the lesson to feel more face-to-face but this isn’t necessary as we can communicate just through voice.  

I am worried about the technical aspects of online tutoring and think it may be too hard to manage.

Don’t worry. I will guide you through the process. It is really straightforward. I have always found that students have been pleasantly surprised by how easy it is to get things up and running.

When are lessons available?

Get in touch and let me know when you need the sessions. If I don’t have availability, I can put you on my waiting list or recommend other physics tutors.

How often should my son/daughter have an online lesson?

Once a week is typical but there is no hard and fast rule here. It is common for tutees to increase the frequency of lessons nearer to important exams. Several of my students have had two or even three sessions per week.

What method do you use to communicate with your students?

Zoom is an excellent video conferencing tool. It is free to use for the student. I will explain how it works if required and what you need to do before the first lesson.

What age range do you offer lessons to?

I have had all my training as a secondary school teacher and would be happy to teach anyone from Y7-Y13. I have extensive experience of Y7-Y9 Science, Y7-13 Physics ( KS3- SATs or Common Entrance, KS4- GCSE or IGCSE, KS5- A Level). I have found that all age groups adapt very quickly to this new teaching method. Younger people tend to enjoy it more than a traditional face-to-face lesson.

Can you guarantee a particular grade?

Regrettably no. There are no guarantees in life. I can say that over the years  I have had a massive impact and seen students initially struggling to get a bare pass grade go on to achieve the highest level of achievement. I have also helped really motivated students go from an A to A* ( level 7 to a level 8 or 9).

Do you help with exam technique?

This is a big part of what I do. I have been a physics teacher for many years, have authored books and exam practice papers, and have worked as an examiner with the largest UK exam board for several years. I will help tutees become confident in the subject-specific keywords and concepts and then help them apply them to increasingly more demanding questions. I will spend a lot of time on exam practice questions with students and this will help them fine-tune their technique.

Why have online tutoring rather than a face-to-face tutor in your home?

Life is busy for both parents and children, and travelling to and from a tutor can be inconvenient and time-consuming. Online tuition offers a flexible alternative that fits more easily into busy schedules. Most students are now familiar with live online learning and, when delivered by an experienced tutor, it can be just as effective—if not more so—than in-person sessions.

I would be interested in taking the class with a group of friends, is this possible?

Please get in touch through the contact page and I would be glad to discuss this further.

How do  I make a payment?

I can provide you with bank details to make a bank transfer. Some international customers prefer to pay via Paypal. Payments can be made on a lesson-by-lesson basis or monthly in advance. I can provide a monthly payment instruction if required.

Can I make cancellations?

Being a parent myself, I understand that unexpected things can happen, and I aim to be flexible where possible. I’m usually happy to reschedule sessions and will waive any cancellation fee if I receive reasonable notice. I consider 48 hours’ notice to be fair.

For regular students, more than one cancellation per half-term (approximately every six weeks) would be considered excessive. In such cases, I reserve the right to charge for the missed session(s) in order to keep the weekly slot reserved in my calendar.