Leo Allan

My lessons are designed around the individual student, whether they are in KS3 or preparing for GCSE exams. I want each session to feel useful from the moment it starts, with the content shaped around the student’s current work, upcoming assessments and longer-term goals.

I’ll begin by finding out which areas they feel comfortable with and which topics cause the most difficulty. This might involve discussing recent schoolwork, looking through marked questions or trying a few problems together. From there, we can establish a clear focus for the session rather than spending time on material the student has already mastered.

Depending on what they need, a lesson might involve explaining a new concept, breaking down a difficult problem, working through examples together, practising calculations, tackling homework or applying knowledge to exam-style questions. I’ll encourage students to explain their reasoning as they work, as this helps uncover misunderstandings and develops the ability to solve unfamiliar problems independently.

For GCSE students, I can incorporate past-paper questions, exam technique and timed practice. We can look at how marks are awarded, how to structure working, how to interpret different question styles and how to avoid common errors. Students can also bring questions from their own lessons or revision that they are struggling with.

For younger students, sessions can focus more heavily on strengthening core mathematical skills and making sure important foundations are secure before moving onto harder material.

I aim to create a relaxed environment where students can ask questions without feeling embarrassed about getting something wrong. Mistakes are useful because they show us exactly what needs attention.

Between sessions, I can suggest suitable practice questions or revision areas where useful, helping students gradually become more confident and independent mathematicians.