Finlay Hayward

Unlike many school classes, my lessons are flexible to the individual needs of the tutee - whether that be in depth guidance on a topic or specific clarifications from across the subject. In the first lesson, I get tutees to rate their understanding of Chemistry against their exam board's syllabus, ensuring that more time is allocated to their weaker areas and also that I only teach content that will be on the exam.

My lessons use the concepts of active recall and spaced repetition. Active recall describes the brain retrieving information to answer a question and therefore I use worksheets and flashcards as my dominant resources. This is proven to extend memory and understanding far more than listening to Power Point presentations and reading through notes. Spaced repetition is when concepts that have been covered are brought up again to cement their place in long term memory so each lesson begins with a starter activity based on a previous lesson.

Chemistry is a complex subject and so my lessons incorporate all facets, from maths skills to understanding of practical techniques to the all important skill of exam technique.

I have experience as both a private tutor for Science and Mathematics and as a wellbeing student mentor within my own school environment. Through this, I have seen my tutees achieve above and beyond the results they desired - exceeding the standards of their destination of choice. For me this is the true reward of this position. I have also undertaken a month long placement as a teaching assistant.