A bit about Emma P

I am a very practical person, and I personally learn best when I know "why" things are the way they are. I am currently in the job search, working in a practical physics field, so will definitely nerd out a bit if asked the right questions! I have just completed my Master's in Medical Physics, which has a lot to do with radiation physics and safety - So I suppose I'd say I specialise in physics, though I certainly have a keen interest in chemistry and lab work too :) I like to build on what the student already knows; so I will start with a few textbook questions on the subject to see how confident the student is, then we will discuss the topic, do some examples together, perhaps some analogies if a new perspective is needed, and then end on another exam question or two :) I have done some tutoring on and off for the last few years, mainly during the holidays when I was home from University. I enjoy growing a student's natural interest in a topic. I am a big believer in natural curiosity, and am happy to discuss and answer any random questions the student may have on how or why we do something a certain way. Quite relaxed. I had a few tutors when I was younger, and was always very intimidated by stern tutors. I was very quiet as I didn't have any confidence, so I endeavour to help students so that they don't feel scared or anxious to answer a question wrong. Wrong answers are encouraged as it means you're giving it a good think! I enjoy seeing a student go from bored to interested - science is a curious thing, and discovering a joy for it is the most valuable thing in the world! Getting things right is half the battle, being curious and wanting to know more is the rest :) I think most have appreciated my attempt to reframe problems or solutions to better fit their thinking style. Sometimes when something doesn't click you just need to have it explained in a different way. A student of mine got a 6/7 in GCSE physics, which was her least favourite subject - she worked so hard for it, and I am happy I was able to help her along in the places she didn't feel confident. I got A*, A*, A in GCSE maths, physics, and chemistry, respectively. I continued on to get an A in AS chemistry, and an A* and A in A level maths and physics, respectively. I did a Physics BSc, and I have just completed my MSc in Medical Physics :) The next step, a qualification in radiation protection! I have never found myself suited to large groups of people, which is why I am not going into teaching as a career, but I enjoy helping people one-on-one. I want to give people a better tutoring experience than I did, and I want to help others find their love of STEM the same way I found mine :) I am a big crafter! Crochet, tatting, painting, drawing, etc I find a creative outlet is wonderful in blowing off the brain ache that can come after an intense science think session! I am also a bit of a reptile-head, don't get me talking about snakes... I teach up to the end of GCSEs, though I don't mind touching on A level topics if the student has an interest in a particular topic and wants to know how it develops at a higher level. I have taught both AQA and Edexcel.