Before the First Session

Before the first session, the student (or guardian) will be asked to complete a form detailing their education to date and their future plans. This helps me plan for the first session and ensure we make the most effective use of each minute.

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Equipment and Apps

All of my sessions are run via Skype. This is a free install available for all major operating systems. I have a physical whiteboard and a digital whiteboard which I can use to help display and explain ideas.

 

The student will need a webcam with a microphone. As well as showing working and diagrams, the webcam is particularly useful for judging a students understanding through their facial expressions!

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All students need a pen, pencil, ruler, rubber and scientific calculator.

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It is also useful to have a mini whiteboard and a way of directing the camera to it. For older students, it's also useful to have a phone handy as during a session it is sometimes quicker to snap a picture and send it via Whatsapp.

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The First Session

The first session is usually 15 minutes longer than a normal appointment, at no extra cost. The additional time allows for the following;

• checking all technology is working

• introductions and discussions of what the student would like to achieve from the sessions

• explaining what will normally happen during a session

 

Session Activities

After that, the session will begin in earnest. Depending on the students needs the session may include the following:

• direct teaching of new concepts, with full examples, often via PowerPoint

• quick quizzes to review concepts such as multiple choice questions

• short calculation questions

• thought problems, with extended discussion

• extended calculation questions, from a range of sources, including past papers

• reviewing of school work, such as completing full corrections

• evaluation and correction of marked homework assignments or tests set by me

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Homework (Optional)

As part of each session, personalised homework can be set. The amount set depends upon the student's age and needs. Generally the Physics homework is as follows:

• KS3 Students - Up to 30 marks homework sheet (30 minutes)

• GCSE students - 30 marks homework sheet (40 minutes)

• A Level students - 50 marks homework sheet (60 minutes)

Ideally the homework sheet will be printed and completed by hand. It is normally submitted 2 days before the next session, so it can be marked and returned. It can be scanned and emailed, or simply photographed and sent via WhatsApp.

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Between Sessions

Between sessions, students are encouraged to keep a list of questions they have, work they are stuck on or topics they need help with. Older students often record this list in our WhatsApp chat and this is incredibly useful for planning for the next session. This could also be done via email.

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