Practical information
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about lessons, learning and arranging tuition.
Who do you tutor?
I provide one-to-one online science tuition for secondary-school students, mainly at KS3 and GCSE level.
Which subjects do you teach?
I tutor KS3 Science, GCSE Biology, GCSE Chemistry, GCSE Physics and GCSE Combined Science.
Which exam boards do you cover?
I have particularly strong experience with AQA GCSE Science. I am also happy to tutor students following other examination boards and can adapt lessons to the relevant specification.
Are lessons online?
Yes. Lessons are delivered one-to-one online using Microsoft Teams.
How long is a tutoring session?
A standard tutoring session lasts 60 minutes.
What happens in the first session?
The first session is used to begin useful teaching while also helping me understand the student’s current level, confidence, areas of difficulty and goals. I may use discussion, questioning and a small number of diagnostic tasks to identify strengths and gaps. The aim is to establish a useful starting point, rather than simply testing the student for the whole session.
Do students need to bring anything?
Students will usually need a laptop or desktop computer, a reliable internet connection, paper, a pen and a calculator where appropriate. Recent schoolwork, assessments or revision materials can also be useful where relevant.
Can we work on topics currently being covered at school?
Yes. Lessons can be aligned with current school topics, upcoming assessments or areas the student has recently found difficult. We can also revisit earlier topics where gaps in knowledge are affecting current work.
Can you help with GCSE exam preparation?
Yes. GCSE tuition can include revision, examination technique, command words, calculations, extended-response questions, application questions, interpreting data, required practicals and past-paper style practice.
Can you help with required practicals and calculations?
Yes. I can help students understand required practical methods, variables, data, graphs and evaluation, as well as develop a more systematic approach to scientific calculations.
Do you provide homework?
Homework can be set where it would be useful. The amount and frequency can be agreed with the parent or student and adapted to the student’s existing school workload.
How often should tutoring sessions take place?
Weekly sessions are generally my preferred approach because they provide continuity and regular opportunities to review progress. However, the frequency can be adapted according to the student’s needs and circumstances.
How is payment handled?
Lessons are paid for in advance by bank transfer. Further payment details are provided privately when tuition is arranged.
What is your cancellation policy?
I require at least 24 hours’ notice if a session needs to be cancelled or rescheduled. Sessions missed without notice, and cancellations made with less than 24 hours’ notice, are normally charged in full.
Do parents receive feedback?
Yes. Feedback for parents is available on request.
When are lessons available?
Regular tuition is currently available on weekday evenings, subject to availability.
Can students enquire directly?
Yes. Both parents and students are welcome to make an initial enquiry. For students under 18, appropriate arrangements with a parent or guardian can be established before regular tuition begins.
How much does tuition cost?
Please enquire for current fees.
How do I enquire about lessons?
You can complete the tutoring enquiry form on the Contact page or email adrian@petersfieldtutor.co.uk. It is helpful to include the student’s year group, subject, exam board if known, and the areas where support would be most useful.
A useful next step
Looking for support with GCSE or KS3 Science?
Tell me a little about the student, their course and what they would most like help with.