Michael Barr's Tutor Profile (see if Michael is in your area!)

Chemistry
Up to 11 years (primary) - £25.00p.h.
11+ (secondary) - £25.00p.h.
GCSE or Standards - £25.00p.h.
A-Level or Highers - £25.00p.h.
Further/Higher (University) - £25.00p.h.
Adult/Casual learner - £25.00p.h.

Combined Science
Up to 11 years (primary) - £25.00p.h.
11+ (secondary) - £25.00p.h.
GCSE or Standards - £25.00p.h.

Personal Description: I'm a 35 year old Chemistry teacher, and have lived most of my life within County Durham. As an Industrial chemist, between the ages of 19-30, I got to carry out work in parts of Europe and even spent six months working in a secret underground laboratory in Cambridge! I married in 2003, and have a young family, a son aged 3 and a daughter aged 1. My past exploits have included adventures in gliding, potholing and trekking in Morocco but I now prefer the relaxation of an environmentally friendly log fire, the company of my family and the occasional walk in the countryside.

Tutoring Experience: I am an enthusiastic Chemist, currently teaching from Yr 7 to 'A2'-level in a heavily oversubscribed School in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne which has just been declared "Outstanding in all areas" by OFSTED. I had over 10 years industrial experience as an Chemist, before discovering my love of teaching, and I qualified as a teacher in 2004, receiving my PGCE from Newcastle University. As I am responsible for preparing teaching plans within my school, my knowledge of the rapidly changing examination syllabuses is always up to date. I have helped many students achieve grades 'A' at A-level (some have gone into Medicine or Oxbridge), but the most rewarding accomplishments have been to help students who are struggling regain their confidence and self-belief in the BEST subject there is!

Tutoring Approach: Hopefully filled with humour and lots of real-life examples I can provide from my wide experience as a chemist, I enjoy finding different ways to explain materials, through models, analogy and problem-solving. Recognising the balance between 'understanding' and 'learning', I will help my students achieve the best grades they are capable of, as efficiently and as enjoyably as possible - drawing on what they already know to develop their skills. Of course there will be work to do - but it will be worthwhile and targetted to help tutees address areas of difficulty.

Qualifications:

• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Newcastle University, 2004)
• Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (2003-present)
• Honours Degree in Applied Chemistry (Northumbria University 1998)
• 'A'-levels in Maths, Physics, Chemistry

Availability: Weekends / Weekdays (evenings)
References Available: Yes
CRB Check: Yes