Angus Gordon Banks Gordon Banks

My Teaching Philosophy & Approach
My teaching methodology is fundamentally student-centered, built on a foundation of trust, empathy, and collaboration. Drawing from extensive experience in specialist educational settings, I create a supportive, PACE-driven learning environment where students are active participants in their own education. The goal is to cultivate genuine enjoyment in learning and empower students to thrive.

Lesson Format & Dynamics

Each lesson is designed to be engaging and adaptable. I believe in the power of gamification to transform challenging concepts into accessible and motivating activities. We begin each session by establishing a clear learning objective, often written on a mini-whiteboard, which serves as our constant goal. This ensures our work is always purposeful. My approach is flexible; progress is not measured by the clock, but by comprehension and confidence. Whether it takes one session or several, we will work together to achieve our objective.

I employ differentiated instruction to tailor every lesson to your unique interests and learning style. If a particular topic sparks curiosity, we can pivot to explore it through student-led inquiry, making learning relevant and exciting while still meeting curriculum goals.

Support & Partnership

My role is to be a supportive guide. I foster a low-stakes environment where you feel safe to ask questions, articulate struggles, and take intellectual risks without fear of judgment. I understand that learning is not always linear and that everyone has challenging days. My trauma-informed practice means I prioritise your well-being, acknowledging that emotional readiness is the key to academic success.

I view our relationship as a partnership. Through open communication and consistent feedback, we will work collaboratively to build skills, close knowledge gaps, and foster the resilience needed for long-term achievement. I look forward to starting this journey with you.