Adam Barker - Private Tutor in Oxford

I am a College Lecturer and DPhil student in Atomic and Laser Physics at the University of Oxford, where I will shortly begin my final year. My research involves probing predictions of quantum mechanics using the coldest objects in the Universe.

I completed my undergraduate and Master's degrees at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge, graduating in 2016 with first class honours. I was a College Scholar in Cambridge and was awarded three Peter May prizes for excellence in academic and sporting achievement. Before Cambridge, I attended Ponteland School and achieved straight A* A-level grades. I have published 5 papers in high-impact physics journals and continue to teach mathematics and physics at undergraduate level.

I have tutored Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics A-levels, both in person and over Skype, as well as providing coaching for Oxbridge admissions. I have also led in excess of 40 Oxford undergraduate interviews and have experienced the admissions system for both Oxford and Cambridge personally.

My Education & Qualifications

• University of Oxford, 2016 – 2020
  DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics (DPhil):
• University of Cambridge, 2015 – 2016
  Physics (MSci): 1st
• University of Cambridge, 2012 – 2015
  Natural Sciences (BA): 1st

My Tutoring & Teaching Experience

I have tutored Chemistry, Maths, Further Maths and Physics A-levels, amounting to more than 200 hours of tutoring. I have also taught maths and physics as part of the Physics and Engineering Sciences degrees in Oxford, which form part of my commitments as a College Lecturer at Magdalen College.

I have taught 'Introduction to Oxbridge' and 'Introduction to Natural Sciences' courses for a prestigious Oxford and Cambridge summer school, teaching around 200 students over an 8-week programme. This included mock interviews and personal development sessions.

My Approach to Tutoring

All of my lessons are based around the syllabus for that qualification and incorporate past exam questions to improve technique and build confidence in the material. I encourage students to explore material beyond the scope of the syllabus in order to further their learning.

I am a firm believer in a structured approach when solving problems, both in exams and when faced with difficult and abstract questions in interviews. My aim is to instil a methodical approach to solving problems, to develop a versatile and confident student.

I was previously Programme Director for a prestigious Oxford and Cambridge summer school, where I organised and delivered an 8-week programme for around 950 students. Around 750 of these students came from partner Chinese universities, who were completing the course as part of their degrees. The remaining students were 15-18 year olds looking to boost their personal statements and gain experience of the British higher education system.

Fun Facts About Me

In my spare time, I enjoy running and cycling as well as competing in triathlons. I have played golf to a high level and was awarded three Full Blues during my time at university. I play the guitar and piano frequently and hold Grade 8 qualifications in both.

• Further Mathematics A-level
  "Adam was always exceptionally well prepared for our sessions. His ability to think of analogies and alternative approaches to help tackle a difficult problem was exceptional, which gave me confidence with the most challenging aspects of the FM A-level. I whole-heartedly appreciated our sessions and would highly recommend Adam as a tutor.
  
  Student"
• Cambridge University Application Preparation
  "Adam created a structured, 6-month programme which ensured I was best prepared for the admissions interview and the Natural Sciences Admission Assessment. His extensive knowledge of the Cambridge Natural Sciences course, as well as his experience with Oxbridge interviews, helped me to develop a broader knowledge base across the sciences and develop a systematic approach to solving problems.
  
  Student"
• Physics and Interview Preparation
  "Adam has been a truly inspirational physics tutor. My son was keen to extend his Physics knowledge and Adam was quick to challenge him with interesting topics and problems. He has a structured approach to teaching topics and is very effective on remote teaching using internet based tools too.
  
  His knowledge and experience in Physics is very evident in his overall approach to teaching: he was able to take on any topic and explain it in a very interesting and easy way. My son benefitted from his teaching in every way possible. From my perspective, he would periodically catch up with me and gave me honest feedback on how things were progressing, including positives and negatives, which is not very common.
  
  Parent"