Patricia
"Her mathematical skills and enthusiasm for the subject are combined with fantastic teaching skills: she has patience, imagination and the ability to build confidence in her pupils."
Parents of Year 9 student
Biology
Chemistry
GCSE
IGCSE
Maths
Physics
Academic History
First Class Maths Degree – Manchester University
Chartered Accountant – ICEAW qualification
About Me
Every single tutoring programme requires a different approach so I have no hard and set rules; I do however always aim to bring a sense of humour and positivity to each session. I always “tune” into the pupil in terms of how they like to learn and their interests; I have worked with pupils where I have had to become a Harry Styles fan to explain data analysis and bearings whereas with another pupil I have had to talk dark matter. I enjoy the challenge of making topics click in a way that works for them.
In terms of methodologies, for maths, I tend to get pupils to have two exercise books – one of key explanations and with solid examples; then another working book to do questions. This way, come revision, the explanations are not “lost” within the work but can be easily located. However, ultimately, I adapt to what the pupil finds most helpful, ensuring the resources they have (be it text books or exercise books) are useful to their revision habits.
Recent tuition
IGCSE Maths (Edexcel)
I homeschooled this overseas pupil online (she was out of school due to anxiety as her mother had been ill). The brief was to start mid June 2023 and sit the exam in June 2024. In August, the family asked that I accelerate the programme to sit the exam in November 2023. Despite not having followed any GCSE syllabus until June 2023, she gained a 9 in the November exams. I then tutored the same pupil to achieve 9s in IGCSE Chemistry and Physics in June 2024.
IGCSE Maths (Edexel)
I homeschooled this pupil as she was withdrawn from boarding school with extreme anxiety. Her confidence was very low when I started working with her and her anxiety virtually stopped her from attempting questions. I worked with her for four school terms and she went from being a grade 5 pupil to achieving a grade 7. More importantly, the family saw her grow in confidence to be able to join a sixth form college.
IGCSE Maths (Edexcel)
I homeschooled this pupil for two full years. They were out of school for their mental health and had complex issues. Over the course of the two years, from having no concentration, drive or focus the pupil regained confidence, achieved a grade 6 in maths (which which they are delighted as this was thought unlikely) and grew in confidence, started socialising and joined a sixth form college.
IGCSE Maths (Edexcel), Physics, Chemistry
I provided after school and holiday support for this student (Ibstock) for four school terms. He learnt best through question practice so I had to ensure I built knowledge into question practice – if I merely imparted knowledge he would lose focus so I had to ensure he was learning whilst doing. He went from grade 5’s to grade 7 and 8s. From not even thinking of doing maths at A level, he went on to study it as he found once he could do the questions, he found maths fun.
IGCSE Maths (Edexcel) and GCSE Further Maths (AQA)
I provided after school support for a pupil (Alleyn’s). As this pupil was in the top sets, the class teacher focused on deriving formula, taking them off syllabus and this pupil struggled to keep pace. I taught him for a school year, focusing on what was needed to achieve top grades and keep on pace in the classroom as this was his aim. He went on to achieve 9s in both.
Various pupils on the Access Programme (volunteer programme) – Maths GCSE Edexcel/ACA
This programme brought me, and continues to, bring me such joy as I see pupils who are struggling with maths discover that they can do it. Whatever level of the pupil, by careful tutoring and guidance, the pupil can grow in confidence and optimise their results.
Hobbies
I am a regular gym attendee – pilates, yoga, spinning, weights classes. My main focus is to maintain a healthy and fit lifestyle but I also find exercising key to my relaxation. Knitting also allows me to give my creative side an outing, whilst also relaxing me. When meeting friends, I tend to visit galleries and museums as I enjoy discussing art (and fashion) with friends.
Testimonials
“Patricia is the best tutor we have ever worked with! Her mathematical skills and enthusiasm for the subject are combined with fantastic teaching skills: she has patience, imagination and the ability to build confidence in her pupils. She loves a challenge and she certainly got one with our Year 9 daughter, who was utterly convinced she “could not do Maths” and would completely freeze whenever she had to put pen to paper. Unlike many mathematically gifted teachers/tutors, Patricia shows sympathy and never comes across as condescending. She is able to identify and then break down mental blocks and she addresses gaps in knowledge/confidence methodically and calmly, always injecting her lovely sense of humour when necessary, to keep things ticking along! She therefore ensures that the tutoring sessions never become a “chore” and that her pupils remain engaged and alert.”
“I will never be able to thank you enough. I would never be where I am without you. Thank you for believing in me.”
Homeschooling pupil who is now at sixth form college after two years of GCSE homeschooling.
“It was so sad to have to say goodbye! You’ve been an amazing tutor, as my mum said you really got us, and I felt massively more confident than I could have ever felt doing the same amount of revision without you. I hope that you realise how brilliant you are at what you do and how grateful we are! Thank you so much again.”
Pupils (twins) who I supported in an after school and holiday capacity for nine months prior to their GCSEs.
