James Mckenna

My lessons are based around retrieval practice - repetition of questions and concepts that highlight any gaps and help to close them. By activating the brain from the beginning of the session with low stakes (no pressure) questions, we can maximise the outcomes of the sessions and ensure that we are continually improving.
Once we have an understanding of our current knowledge we can build up new ideas with models and analogies that are accessible and bespoke. It is important that we do not move on quickly to new ideas until the firm foundations of science are in place. I will look to support school teaching by consolidating areas of strengths and improving areas of weakness. I use mini-whiteboards during my lessons to allow for students to take notes without the pressure and permanence that pen and paper can bring immediately. Only when a concept is understood will write it down on paper.
Finally, the only way to truly to check our understanding is to practice questions again and again. This would be through a variety of examples, and built up over time. I will ensure that we focus on the exam style of the appropriate exam board, and spend time going over their mark scheme to understand how to answer questions, as well as what needs to be written.
The sessions will always be bespoke to the student in question, whether pushing for a 5 on a combined paper, or reaching for a 9 on a triple science paper. I will aim to make the sessions fun and engaging to ensure the very best outcomes.