Our Tutors for Maths

I studied Mathematics up to Master’s level at the University of Oxford, graduating in 2017. During my time at Oxford I specialised in Pure Mathematics, particularly number theory, which I completed a thesis on in my Master’s year. Outside the classroom, I spent my time in Oxford working for the university’s undergraduate mathematics journal, to which I contributed expository papers. After graduating I moved into teaching, starting out as a teacher in London before undertaking a PGCE in Wales and then moving to Oxford to teach at Magdalen College School. At MCS I was mostly responsible for A-level teaching, and I taught both Single and Further Maths to Sixth Form classes, as well as KS3 classes. I loved the challenge of teaching in the highly academic environment of the school and I look forward to tutoring students who enjoy pushing themselves to an equally high standard.

My philosophy for tutoring is based around imparting a love of the subject and a focus on developing real understanding. I am never satisfied in teaching by rote, preferring instead to instil a true appreciation of the subject through careful motivation and problem-based learning. I am a veteran problem-solver, and I love using challenging, interesting, and often even open, problems to motivate the material that I teach. I have coached students preparing for Maths Challenges and Olympiad competitions, and I have personal experience with the Oxford MAT exam – I love the depth and variety of the problems these contain, and I believe that they can be used to help students at a wide range of levels develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for Mathematics.

I am a professional Maths and Physics tutor with experience teaching both online and in the classroom. I studied at New College, Oxford graduating with a First Class Masters degree in Mathematical and Theoretical Physics. Working primarily in Oxford, I have tutored students in Physics, Maths and Further Maths at GCSE, A level, and IB. I also have teaching experience with larger groups, working as a Physics teacher for A level and IB at an independent school in Oxford, where I led additional sessions for students participating in the UK Physics Olympiad, and those taking the Physics Admissions Test (PAT) for Oxford. Through my work in Oxford-based summer schools, I have given intensive one-on-one sessions on the Maths Admissions Test (MAT) for Oxford and STEP papers for Cambridge, Warwick and Imperial, as well as providing mock Oxbridge interviews and personal statement sessions.

My teaching style is patient and friendly, but engaging. I believe strongly that it is essential to observe the learning process of the student in real time; tutoring is not lecturing, and we, as tutors, have the ability to nudge students in the right direction when they run into obstacles and to streamline the often messy experience of mastering a new technique or fully understanding a new concept. In my free time I enjoy running and climbing and am a keen musician, playing piano and trombone, and singing tenor in my local choir.

I have over five years of Maths tuition experience from GCSE and A level through to the MAT and STEP Oxbridge entrance exams. I also have experience working with 11+ and 13+ pupils who are not being stretched by their Maths curriculum.

My passions are Maths and teaching. The key to teaching is finding the correct balance between exploring and explaining content and then asking more questions of the students as we go deeper into the topic. In my tutorials, I gently stretch students by posing progressively more challenging questions to see if they can fill in the gaps themselves, while being very receptive to the student’s needs and making the jumps slightly smaller if necessary to ensure a positive experience. This approach, together with helping students to spot connections between different areas of Maths, builds confidence and resilience when solving problems which is not just essential for Maths but is also an important life skill.

Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music and playing the piano, drums and accordion. I am also a cox for the Brasenose College Boat Club.

I am entering my fourth year of Natural Sciences at the University of Cambridge (Magdalene College), specialising in Chemistry. Before university, I attended the Rochester Grammar School, attaining top grades in A level Maths, Chemistry, Physics and Music, and 13 A*s at GCSE. I was awarded the School Physicist of the Year Award 2015/16 by the Ogden Trust. At university I was the president of the Magdalene College Science Society for the academic year 2018/19.

I am an experienced tutor of A level Mathematics. My approach to tutoring is to encourage understanding of the concepts as opposed to memorising facts: I believe this better prepares students for unexpectedly tough questions in tests and exams. Identifying gaps in understanding and technique is key to helping a student cover the curriculum in detail and enabling them to excel – and working through past exam questions is often the most useful form of revision.

I am also a pianist, having achieved all ABRSM grades up to Grade 8 with Distinction and have been teaching piano for a few years.