Stuart Gardner - Private Tutor in West London
I graduated from Cambridge University with a first-class BA and a first-class MSci in Natural Sciences (Physical), specialising in Physics after my first year; in my final (Master's) year I achieved a mark of 80%, finishing in the top 20 of my year. Since university, I have worked for three years as a management consultant in aviation, but am now returning to university (Imperial College London) to study for a Masters in environmental technology.
As part of my degree, I completed a course in Physics Education. I also taught Maths on a voluntary basis during my final year at university and spent a summer in Spain teaching English. Having enjoyed my previous experiences in teaching and mentoring younger colleagues at work, I am excited about the prospect of tutoring in Maths and Physics in London; I still retain a strong interest in the subjects and hope to communicate this interest to students, perhaps encouraging them to pursue a career in science or mathematics!
Subjects I Teach
My Education & Qualifications
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Imperial College, 2018 – 2019
Environmental Technology (MSc): Ongoing -
University of Cambridge, 2014 – 2015
Natural Sciences (Phyiscal) (MSci): 1st -
University of Cambridge, 2011 – 2014
Natural Sciences (Phyiscal) (BA): 1st -
School: St John Payne Comprehensive
A-Levels: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A*, Critical Thinking A; self-studied Further Maths. GCSEs: 8 A*s (including in Maths, Statistics, Science, and Additional Science); 3 As
My Tutoring & Teaching Experience
As part of the third year of my degree, I completed a course in Physics education, which involved assisting in teaching a Year 11 (15 - 16 years) class for a full term. At the end of this term, I designed and presented my own lesson to the class. A report written on the basis of this lesson and feedback from the teacher with whom I worked led to me obtaining a first-class mark in this module.
After enjoying my experience teaching in a classroom, during my fourth year at University I volunteered to teach Maths to a Year 10 class on a weekly basis at a local school. I largely assisted pupils on a one-to-one basis, but also gave lessons to the class.
Post-university, I spent a summer in the Basque region of Spain living with a family and teaching their three children (aged 5, 9 and 10) English - this gave me valuable experience in teaching on a one-to-one basis, and took me outside my comfort zone of Science and Maths!
During my three years working as a consultant in aviation, I have also mentored and taught a number of new joiners; through this and my work with clients, I have further improved my communication and presenting skills.
My Approach to Tutoring
I believe that the most important basis for tutoring is that the pupil feels engaged and interested; without this, it is difficult to achieve long-term success and diligence. As such, the lessons must be captivating. From experience, I appreciate that this can be realised in disparate ways - while some pupils may be engaged through being challenged, others may prefer lessons that give focus to their own particular interests.
It is also imperative that students have a thorough understanding of a topic before working on it - it is all too easy to 'go through the motions' without truly understanding what is being done and why. In mathematics and physics, this could involve showing a student a proof of what they are studying (if appropriate to their level), or discussing with them the real-world applications of the topic. I therefore spend time ensuring tutees have a strong grasp of a topic's foundations before moving forwards.
Fun Facts About Me
I am an avid footballer - I played at University level and at a semi-professional level before that, and I continue to play on Saturdays in London.
I speak good Spanish, having studied it during University and having spent some time in Spain after my studies. I also worked in Toulouse for a year, where I learnt French.
I'm interested in wildlife and conservation, and am studying for a Masters in environmental technology.
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