Question 1

What are your qualifications?

Accepted Answer

I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Mathematics from the Open University and a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Southampton.

Question 2

Are you DBS checked?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I have an Enhanced DBS Certificate (formerly called CRB). This provides the most detailed background check for those who work with children. This is automatically renewed to keep it permanently up-to-date.

Question 3

What is your experience of private tuition for maths?

Accepted Answer

I have been working as a full time GCSE and A Level personal maths tutor since 2012 and I absolutely love it!

Question 4

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

That's fine, family life can be hectic and now and again you'll need to cancel! Please make cancellations within 24 hours and I will always endeavour to rearrange the tutorial on an alternative day if possible. (If not, I will have to charge the full fee).

Question 5

How does a tutor differ to a teacher in a school?

Accepted Answer

School teachers specialise in classroom teaching, which not only involves imparting their subject knowledge, but entails classroom management, marking tests, maintaining and recording pupils' progress and development, organising parents evenings, lesson planning, supporting students academic and personal difficulties, supervising and assisting newly qualified teachers, undertaking pastoral duties and participating in social or sporting events.

As such, teachers are limited by not having time to spend on the needs of the individual student. Private tutors are able to teach at the pace of the individual, move on once a concept is understood and teach in a way that they believe works best for each individual student.

Question 6

Do you teach science?

Accepted Answer

I often get asked this because I also have a degree in Biomedical Sciences, but I chose to specialise in tutoring maths, and do not tutor science (chemistry, physics, biology). Be wary of people claiming to offer professional tuition to many subjects. Having said that, if I'm tutoring a student for maths and they present me with a science problem, I've often been able to help, and will certainly be able to lead them in the right direction.

Question 7

Do you teach in a school / Have you ever taught in a school?

Accepted Answer

No. I didn't want to work as a classroom teacher, but instead chose to specialize as a one-to-one personal maths tutor full-time. This means I can truly get to know each pupil and really help them meet their goals in a way that class teachers just can't do.

Question 8

What do you do for a living other than tutor maths?

Accepted Answer

Nothing, this is what I love doing! I only work as a private personal maths tutor full time.

Question 9

Do you work over bank holidays/school holidays?

Accepted Answer

Yes! I am available to tutor on all bank holidays and throughout the school holidays.

Question 10

How frequent should the tuition sessions be?

Accepted Answer

Most students have a 1 hour session once a week. More sessions are usually only requested in the run-up to exams, and half-term which is absolutely fine. My recommendation is once a week, but less frequent or shorter sessions could still be beneficial for some pupils.

Question 11

Do you tutor Further A Level Maths or STEP?

Accepted Answer

No, I only tutor Key Stage 3, GCSE, Further GCSE and AS/A Level.

Question 12

How do I know that you are good at teaching?

Accepted Answer

Qualifications and experience are just one part of what makes a good teacher/tutor. There are good and bad teachers regardless of certificates and length of service. One of the best indicators is the experience of others, so please see my testimonials.(https://www.theonlinemathstutor.co.uk/testimonials)

Question 13

What equipment does my child need?

Accepted Answer

My online tuition requires: 
- A computer, laptop or tablet. 
- Headphones/microphone (unless built-in the computer, laptop or tablet).
- An electronic pen if possible (but a mouse will suffice if not available).
- A free account with 'BitPaper'(https://bitpaper.io/) (online whiteboard). 
- A free Skype account (for audio).

The Online Maths Tutor - FAQ