Maths masters graduate teaching A-Level Maths and Physics online with 400 hours of experience

Find out more about Rory

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I had a deep interest in mathematics and physics when I studied them for A-Level, but the courses alone weren't enough to keep me going. Over time my interest became more serious as I found myself watching countless YouTube videos from the likes of Numberphile and 3Blue1Brown, exploring especially the beauty and awe of mathematics - far beyond what I saw in the classroom. This led me to study mathematics at university, and as I progressed, I understood that academic ability rarely stems from natural talent but rather a genuine passion for the subject. At this point, I realised I wanted to share that passion through online tutoring.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach mathematics and physics at A-Level and above. Within both subjects, some of my favourite topics to teach are the ones that I know my tutees are struggling with and don't currently enjoy because I am able to change their perspective on such topics, boost their confidence and sometimes boost their interest too. For mathematics, one example would be probability; this is an area I studied extensively towards the end of my degree. For physics, the topics would be electricity and magnetic fields; these topics were challenging for me at A-Level, so it is pleasant to share how I managed to overcome these hurdles.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Grant Sanderson, the person who runs 3Blue1Brown, is my ultimate teaching role model because he has time and time again managed to demonstrate that even the most complex of concepts can be dissolved into intuitive ideas, and he always communicates such ideas in a visually engaging way.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  For me the underlying factor is always passion, more specifically, a willingness to share passion. Coming to lessons with a smile and providing an atmosphere of comfort, confidence, and interest will allow the student to prosper. Another important quality is being self-aware of your ability versus that of the student because it is all too easy to forget how much more experience you have than them. This means remaining calm and looking for alternative angles when a student doesn't understand a concept.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I remember feeling disappointed when I opened my GCSE results and found that I had achieved a B in mathematics, while many of my friends had achieved an A*. I managed to get onto the A-Level Mathematics and Further Mathematics courses, but I was unsure if I would be able to keep up. In the 1st year of A-Level, I had a close friend who seemed to simply be a natural at all the subjects he took; every piece of homework he did returned with full marks. However, he very rarely put any effort in. He said to me one day that I would certainly beat him in the A-Level results because I try harder than he does. This, in fact, came true - I achieved A*s in all the A-Levels I took and was awarded a trophy for getting the best results in my school. The message I want to communicate here is that talent means very little if not acted upon; a passionate worker will always win the race against those that are complacent. I believe all my students can achieve the grade they desire if they work hard enough.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject.

  A challenge I still face to this day in mathematics is the genuine confidence to follow an idea through to the end without any anxiety that it may be the wrong route. What I feel has helped over time is reminding myself that no one else is watching - the problem is a game meant to be played, and you can play for as long as you need to. At university admissions test level lessons, I try to encourage this attitude because there often isn't an obvious method, and there are likely no shortcuts either.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I have a passion for both teaching and the subjects, and I don't feel a good tutor can have a passion for one but not the other. I would say that I especially enjoy teaching one-to-one because it allows me to build a relationship with the student that would otherwise be difficult in a large classroom.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering this interview questions :-P) ?

  I believe I am a Superprof because I know exactly what it feels like to be in the student's position - I was in school only a few years ago, after all. This means I can resonate with the challenges my students face more than an older teacher can. I also know that a cold, strict lesson environment is often detrimental to the student's growth and interest. This is precisely why it is so important for me to come across as relaxed and casual so that the student views me more so as one of their helpful friends than a teacher they dread seeing each week. Overall, I love the subjects I teach, and it is vital that my students do too in each and every lesson.