Tom A

I tutor Maths at GCSE and Key Stage 3, along with the UCAT test and personal statement support for University entrance exams. I achieved A* in A level maths, grade 9 in GCSE further maths and A* in GCSE further maths. My specialties lie in teaching children with additional learning needs such as autism, anxiety and dyslexia. My teaching style is quite laid back and student led, to help develop independence and study skills. In the 2020 admissions cycle, I applied for medicine and received offers of study from two Universities. Medicine is a highly competitive course with an admission rate around 30% and the aptitude test is an essential part of this application. I can support with UCAT tutoring, to ensure that the UCAT test doesn't cost you your place on a course. Personal statement writing is a transferable skill that many struggle to perfect. Regardless of your desired course, personal statement tutoring can support you to make the most of the limited writing space to set you ahead of the applicants. Outside of work, I have a dog and enjoy looking after her and taking her for daily walks. I find this relaxing and a good way to de-stress. I am a big fan of music across a multitude of genres includes punk, reggae, ska, rock, yodelling, metal and hip hop. I own 3 guitars, a keyboard, a drum machine and a pair of bongo drums. This is a great way for me to relax and explore my passion of music. One of the highlights in my month is the monthly jam night at my local pub where people can get together, have a laugh, and play some tunes together. It doesn't matter if you sound bad because it's all about having fun.

My background in teaching mainly comes from my volunteer work with a First Aid charity. I completed my Level 3 Award in Education and Training (AET) with the charity in November 2022 and actively volunteer as Youth Leader as well. I have been training on courses since September 2020 as a Demonstrator and training within the local Cadet Units at Bolton and Horwich for many years up to that point. I joined through the youth program at age 5 (September 2006). I was a volunteer District Training Officer from November 2020 to May 2023. This included planning, staffing and resourcing courses, ensuring candidates have the relevant information, ensuring background processes are followed for registering and processing courses and learners, support local volunteer Units with developing their training plan, support training deliverers (trainers, assessors, demonstrators, Cadet Demonstrators) and ensure we are training the right courses to meet the local demands. I am very passionate about my volunteer work and it has helped me find my love of training and teaching, particularly around young people. I even managed the first ever "First Aid Hypercentre" in the country, where we trained around 50 new volunteers in one First Aid course - we usually train 16 at a time! Within my volunteering and past tutor work, I have supported young people with various SEND needs; in particular autism, anxiety and dyslexia related needs. I am more than comfortable with students to find practical solutions that meet their needs. I feel that the best approach is a unique approach that starts with me asking "how can I help you best".

My lesson plans vary depend on the subject and what the student requires. If you want me to do my lessons differently, just let me know. I tend to embed questions within a subject and agree homework at the end, that we can recap to start the next lesson. My tutoring is student led, meaning I give power to the student in deciding what we will cover (with a little guidance from myself) in our sessions.

I am familiar with a range of exam boards, in particular Edexcel, AQA and OCR