Tom M.

I am a full-time science tutor living in Hove. My background is in evolutionary biology, and I earned my BSc at the University of Sussex and MSc at Imperial College London. I have been tutoring since 2013.

I grew up in South Africa and had the benefit of a slightly more traditional education, with particular emphasis on the fundamentals of writing, communication and memorisation.

I offer tutoring in all the sciences, Biology, Chemistry and Physics, at all levels, including PE. I also can provide support and guidance with EPQs, along with outside reading lists and research for those with a passion for science.

I have been tutoring since 2013, offering one-to-one lessons in person and online. I have also arranged study groups, field trips and practical demonstrations. I have worked with hundreds of students across East and West Sussex, from BHASVIC, Brighton College, Blatchington Mill, Varndean, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing College, Steyning Grammar School and others, as well as adults on Open University or nursing courses, and undergraduate students in need of guidance.

I generally come to a student’s home but can work in a public place such as a library or cafe, or online.

My style of teaching is friendly and patient. I am always flexible to the needs of the student, and make sure they know they are in control of what we review and how we learn. I also keep careful track of what the student tells me, what we have covered previously, and what their blind spots may be. This is a particularly useful approach for dealing with neurodiverse students or those with specific needs.

The experience of having been relocated and educated under different systems has given me a valuable perspective when practicing education. The march towards exams can induce tunnel vision or even hopelessness in students and I am in a position to gently remind them that there is a world beyond that.

I also encourage note-taking, doodling, making voicenotes and storytelling as a way to form mnemonics and aid learning.