Ruth - East Dulwich - Biology

Experience

- What kind of experience do you have?

I have a lifetime experience of academic and applied scientific research. Much of this experience was gained during time as a senior research scientist at Rothamsted Research, which is a public sector research institute with a world renowned reputation in agricultural science. I can offer an in depth and up to date knowledge of a number of different areas relevant to the A level biology and chemistry curriculum and to the three GCSE science subjects and I have invested considerable time and effort into ensuring that I am aware of all the recent changes to A level and GCSE course content. Throughout my career as a scientist, I have taught graduate and undergraduate students, visiting workers, other colleagues and junior members of staff to acquire theoretical, practical and communication (both written and oral) skills. I have undertaken in house training as a PhD supervisor and I have played a major role in the supervision of at least six PhD students and three bursary students. I have lectured on an A level chemistry foundation course to overseas students at Kings College, London. I am an experienced speaker at International and National conferences and I have delivered seminars and lectures to both specialist and non specialist audiences. I have organised practical projects for groups of students from local secondary schools as part of the requirement for the CREST award. My approach to tutoring is student centered; I build confidence and create an atmosphere where pupils are happy to participate actively in the lessons and test their ideas. This ensures that they have grasped the important concepts and are able to answer questions confidently in exam situations. I attribute great importance to positive rapport and a trusting relationship, both with the pupil and their parents.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

Yes.

- Where and with whom did you train?

My first degree was from the University of Hull. I then went to the University of Sheffield for a short spell and then to the Max Planck Institute in Munich. My PhD was awarded by Imperial College and the National Institute of Medical Research. I studied for the CELTA qualification at Bedford College.

- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

The Institute for Learning

- Tell me about some of your current students.

Last year (2016-2017) I taught 35 students A/AS level biology and chemistry. Some of the students achieved the grades required to read medicine at University and others are taking degree courses in physics, chemistry or biological science. I also taught a handful of mature students taking GAMSAT, which is a very demanding test. However, I find that if candidates are prepared to be organized with their study program and fit it around their employment - and also take the exam more than once - success can be theirs. This year a 32 year old former tutee who came to me with no scientific knowledge beyond GCSE level and who had pursued a career in theater management, finally passed the exam and achieved his dream of being accepted at St George's medical school.
Not all students, of course, become scientists, but if they are planning to go into photography or art restoration, for example, an understanding of chemistry might be useful. Such students often feel out of their depth in classes full of colleagues with a broader scientific background and particularly benefit from a tutor who is prepared to make sure that they understand some of the fundamental concepts that are required to progress successfully in the subject.