Exam Prep | Online GCSE and A-Level Maths and Physics Tutoring by an Engineering Master’s Student with 5 Years of Experience

Find out more about Harry

• 1. When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I developed a strong foundation in the subjects I teach by studying them at both GCSE and A-level. This interest continued to grow, leading me to pursue a degree in electronic engineering, which builds upon these subjects. I began tutoring to support my university studies financially, but the real satisfaction comes from seeing students progress and succeed. It's incredibly rewarding to help others understand and excel in areas I'm passionate about.

• 2. Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  In the subjects I teach, my focus is on building a strong foundational understanding and breaking down complex exam questions. This approach helps students tackle even the most challenging topics with confidence. I believe that every topic can be interesting if it's made accessible and engaging, so I spend extra time on difficult areas to make them understandable. While some topics may initially seem dull or overly technical, I aim to present them in a way that's clear and engaging. My goal is to show students that learning isn't inherently dull-it's only challenging if it feels overwhelming, and that's where I come in to make it approachable.

• 3. Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  There were several teachers from my school days who inspired me, but I believe my teaching style is quite unique. It's heavily influenced by the revision techniques I developed to achieve high grades myself. I enjoy sharing my approach to tackling questions with students, but I also make it a priority to find a middle ground between my methods and what works best for each individual. This personalised approach ensures that students feel comfortable with the material and can develop their own effective strategies for success.

• 4. What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  To be an effective tutor, patience and clarity are essential. It's important to break down complex concepts and exam questions in a way that makes them accessible. I focus on explaining what exam boards are looking for in responses, guiding students through past paper questions to help them understand the expectations and marking criteria. This process requires a clear, step-by-step approach to ensure students gain confidence and the skills needed to tackle exam questions independently.

• 5. Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  When preparing for my mock exams, I developed revision techniques that have shaped my tutoring approach. Through school and university, I received guidance on exam techniques, which helped me refine my methods. I now share these strategies with my students, focusing on exam-driven learning and helping them understand what exam boards are looking for.

• 6. What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still face in your subject?

  I've always had a genuine interest in the subjects I teach, which made revision enjoyable rather than a chore. I know that not everyone feels the same way, so I make it my goal to make learning engaging and accessible for my students. My experience in rugby coaching has also taught me valuable skills for tutoring, like patience and finding the right approach for each individual.

• 7. Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I'm particularly passionate about electronics, which is why I chose to pursue a degree in electronic engineering. Many concepts from my degree are closely tied to the subjects I teach, especially in Physics, with topics like electricity, and in Computer Science. This overlap allows me to bring a deeper understanding to my tutoring sessions, helping students see the real-world applications of what they're learning.

• 8. What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P)?

  What makes me a Superprof is my exam-driven approach and unique tutoring style, shaped by my own successful revision techniques. I focus on building students' confidence through clear explanations, breaking down exam questions, and showing them exactly what exam boards look for. My background in electronic engineering allows me to bring a real-world perspective to topics, particularly in Physics and Computer Science, making complex concepts accessible and engaging. I combine patience with adaptability, always aiming to find a teaching method that suits each student individually. Seeing students improve and achieve their goals is the ultimate reward.