1st class Cambridge graduate offers online tutoring in Maths, Physics and Chemistry. Improve your grades at GCSE, A-Level, National 5 or Scottish Higher!

Find out more about Charlotte

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

  I developed my interest in chemistry throughout my time at school. I enjoyed getting to see practical experiments with eye-catching colour changes, and then having the chemical knowledge to explain what was happening or why this reaction might be important for sustainability or the environment. It was during the later years of my time at school, while teaching in China and after university that I gained experience in teaching others. This is when I realised how enjoyable private tutoring is as a way of transferring knowledge.

• 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 chemistry, maths and physics. I studied all three of these subjects during my BA and MSci in Physical Natural Sciences at Cambridge University, and went on to specialise in chemistry. In all three of the subjects I teach, it’s initially important to focus on individual topics that the student finds more challenging. I then find that it is important to have discussions surrounding the applications of each science topic to industry and society to encourage passion for the subject. Improving our understanding across the sciences is key to improving society and responding to the world‘s challenges.

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

  I am fortunate to have had many excellent teachers. A particular role model was a chemistry professor who provided individual tutorials during my second year of university. This professor gave fascinating lectures on materials chemistry that I still remember to this day. More importantly, he gave me and everyone else in the small group tutorial great belief in our abilities. If we were struggling then he would motivate us, clarify concepts and guide us to learning resources to help us. He showed me the kind of teacher it is important to be: kind, friendly and encouraging.

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

  Firstly, I believe it is vital to be communicative and enthusiastic so that the student feels confident and motivated. It is also important to be patient, since every student can have a different learning pace and style. Being adaptable allows a tutor to respond to the student’s needs in the moment, keeping the session engaging while still ensuring that key concepts are understood. Additionally, having a deep subject knowledge is essential as well as strong organisational skills for lesson planning and encouraging independent work of the student.

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

  When I was in school, I remember our class was struggling to understand the concept of moles in chemistry. It felt abstract and confusing, just a number tied to atoms that we couldn’t visualise. One day, our teacher brought in a bag of jellybeans and said, “Imagine each jellybean is an atom. Now imagine the surface of the UK covered with bags. That’s closer to what a mole looks like.” That simple, hands-on analogy suddenly made it click. I realised then how powerful a good explanation could be. That moment stuck with me, and it’s why I always try to find creative, relatable ways to teach complex ideas to my own students.

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

  Something that I found challenging when studying chemistry at school was memorisation needed for tests and exams, for example memorising colours of metal ions. This can be done through the use of flash cards and mnemonics. I still need to use a mnemonic to remember the colours of the halide ion precipitates! It should be said that for the vast majority of chemistry, maths and physics, it is far better to understand the fundamentals behind concepts than to rely on memory alone.

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

  Teaching is my passion, and I genuinely enjoy each lesson, especially watching students grow in confidence and develop a love for topics they once found challenging. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing their progress over time and hearing about their achievements at the end of the year. Knowing that the subjects I teach can directly influence their future opportunities, such as college or university admissions, makes me take great pride in the work I do.

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

  I am a Superprof because of my dedication to my students (and their parents!). I listen to their priorities and know that every student is different. All students come to me at a different starting point. Even though several of my students may be studying the same exam boards, I cater to a student’s aims and individual academic ability, and I will always push them as much as possible to attain the best results. Most importantly, I believe in my students and help them believe in themselves.