Hayley Kirkpatrick

I graduated from Durham University in 2006 and went on to gain my PGDE from Edinburgh University. Since then, I’ve taught KS3 Science, IGCSE and IB/A-level Chemistry in the UK, China and Thailand. I’m an Edexcel A-level examiner and my IB marking always aligns closely with the examiners’. I have also undertaken both levels of the IBDP Chemistry training workshops and was responsible for the chemistry department at my last school. I enjoy tutoring as it’s interesting to find out what works for individual learners and it’s rewarding to see results so quickly. Online tutoring is better than in-person tutoring in many ways; most of the visual material is online anyway, there are lots of free virtual labs and interactive quizzes, and every student has a folder of notes and model answers that is usually better organised than their school chemistry folder. Aside from online quizzes, it is also important to work on past paper questions so you are prepared for your exam, so you should expect some PPQs each lesson.

I would describe my style as goal-focused but adaptable. I tailor my resources and questioning to suit individual learners’ needs and the demands of the course. Chemistry is known as the central science - there is a wide range of skills you must practice from mole calculations to organic reaction mechanisms, as well as definitions to memorise and new problems to solve. I observe all my students’ strengths and needs, and together we work to unlock their full potential by building understanding and finally through familiarity with exam questions and the confidence that brings.