Toby Crooks - Private Tutor in Northwest London and Kent
I have just finished a degree in Natural Sciences (Biological) from the University of Cambridge and am now at music college, pursuing my passion for guitar performance. I achieved 5 A*s at A-level (with a 96.1% average at A2), taking subjects: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Religious Studies. At Cambridge, whilst covering the full range of biological disciplines in first year (from Ecology to Biochemistry) as well as maths, I chose to specialise in Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience in my final year. On top of this, I maintain an interest in Evolutionary Biology (I am a big fan of Richard Dawkins!). For several years at Tonbridge school, I was involved in a community action program called 'Science For Schools', where we would host groups of primary school children weekly, running practicals and performing exciting demonstrations for them; the purpose being to try to encourage enthusiasm for science
Subjects I Teach
My Education & Qualifications
-
University of Cambridge, 2015 – 2018
Natural Sciences (Biological) (BA): 2i -
School: Tonbridge School
Independent day and boarding school in Kent. A-Levels: 4A* (Maths, Physics, Biology, Religious Studies). iGCSE: 9A* 1A -
School: MPW: London
Sixth form college in South Kensington. A-Level: 1A* (Chemistry - 1 year course)
My Tutoring & Teaching Experience
350+ hours of tutoring experience.
Science for Schools - Running science practicals and demonstrations for children age 7-11.
Recre8 - I have worked here for 5 years, helping with the running of summer and easter holiday courses for children age 3-16.
I tutor:
Biology (up to A-Level extension, such as for Oxbridge interviews),
Chemistry (up to A-level),
Physics (up to GCSE-level),
My Approach to Tutoring
I am calm, patient and enthusiastic about the subjects I teach. I will always be teaching with the view that learning is an end in itself; many topics can be very interesting / amazing and I will always try and communicate this to the student. For any extension work, finding areas that resonate with the student is especially important, as if they can convey enthusiasm to an interviewer, this can work in their favour regarding university offers.
Approaching exam time, I become extremely exam-focused. I feel it is important not to view exams as just a 'knowledge competition'. So, after a 'content learning phase', I will then focus heavily on exam technique, which involves looking at past papers and mark schemes and realising where the marks lie, what key-words are needed etc. I also make use of good text books and favour using colours and consistent page formatting/layout in any revision note-making, as this helps memory formation. It is necessary to examine revision methods to maximise efficiency and effectiveness; it is about finding a balance between learning the content thoroughly whilst still moving fast enough to cover everything in time for the exam.
Fun Facts About Me
I am extremely passionate about music and guitar. I play every day and have taught myself slide guitar. I performed at various events at university and school.
Whilst at university, I was a member of the university powerlifting club 'CUPLC' as well as playing college level Mixed Netball and Waterpolo.
At school, I was part of my school Swimming and Waterpolo, Cross country, and athletics 1st teams. I was also part of an external athletics club 'Tonbridge Athletics Club' where I primarily specialised in the 400m.
I am 6 foot 6 inches!
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