Description: This article shares 4 different qualities that make an excellent 1 to 1 Science Tutor.
When hiring a tutor, it is important to look for certain criteria. This can ensure that your child will benefit from extra support.
Quality science tutors have particular traits that set them apart from other tutors.
Academic Track Record
Quality tutors should have an excellent academic track record from GCSE onward. Particularly at GCSE level, it is important for the tutor to have obtained a triple science GCSE, covering Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
A triple science award, as well as obtaining A*s at A-Level, ensures that their knowledge is to the most advanced level in all three areas – this is key as they will be able to draw on other areas of science and help synthesise knowledge for your child.
This will also help your child hit those top-grade boundaries as tutors will have experience in doing the same.
Knowledge of Various Exam Boards
Schools vary in their use of exam boards at GCSE and A-Level. This is also subject dependent, as a school may use AQA over OCR for GCSE/A Level Science.
A tutor should have good knowledge, and experience, of the different exam boards. This is important because they will firstly understand what topics typically arise from studying past papers, helping your child to study more effectively.
Secondly, knowing how grade boundaries differ across boards will support them in planning your child’s route to success. For example, if your child is aiming for an A*, the tutor should know what percentage they must obtain in order to achieve this.
Ability to Give Real-World Examples
Most scientific knowledge can be applied to real-life examples. For example, a science tutor should be able to explain how things change state by referring to everyday occurrences, such as a kettle boiling or water condensing on a windowpane.
The ability to contextualise textbook concepts will help cement your child’s understanding, encouraging their success during exam season.
Unique and Varied Teaching Style
Science is one of the more mentally demanding subjects your child is studying. This is mostly due to the amount of content they will have to learn at GCSE and A-Level.
Tutors often fall into the trap of understanding that a child may prefer one teaching method and stick to it.
However, a good tutor understands that in order to keep their students motivated they must keep their lessons varied so that the content seems fresh and exciting.
They can do this by focusing on past papers for one session then using an interactive whiteboard in the next, allowing the student to engage with the content and participate in activities.
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