Full-time professional tutor with 20,000+ hours’ experience | Imperial College graduate | GCSE, A Level & IB Maths | Exam technique & confidence 

Find out more about Ritchard

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

  I started tutoring while at the American International School in Budapest, Hungary. I have lived all over the world in countries like Kenya, Pakistan, Hungary, and Switzerland but I had the good fortune to attend a private international school in Budapest, Hungary where I first began tutoring. While studying towards 7s in my International Baccalaureate (IB) courses, I began by tutoring my younger classmates. After moving to London to study as an engineer at Imperial College London, one of the top ten universities in the world, I began sharing my hard-won expertise in exam technique through part-time tutoring. Teaching children has become my passion and I am now a full-time professional tutor. After supporting hundreds of clients and developing my own insatiable curiosity, I have gained expertise in a wide variety of subjects from Maths, and Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Psychology, ESS) to humanities (English, Economics, Politics, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy). This is no doubt due to the IB program which encouraged a holistic approach to learning but could not have occurred without thousands of hours of careful study and practice. I have also been helped along by younger students at the 7+, 11+ age who require a more dynamic and patient approach in comparison to my GCSE, A-level, IB, SAT, ACT students who require more rapport and understanding.

• 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 have been tutoring for over 8 years and have taught a variety of subjects to a variety of age groups with 10000+ hours of tuition. In all these experiences educating, consulting, and mentoring students, I have learned that I have a love of learning and have a desire for cognition. Desire for cognition means I am happiest in Mihaly Csikzentmihaly's "flow" state. That means that whether I am helping a student understand Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, exploring series for the 11+, or talking about Amartya Sen's Capability Theory in politics, I need to be challenging my mental ability. It also means that it is less about the subject and more about engaging my mind on a day-to-day basis. During the stress of getting students into Russell Group universities, including Imperial College London or Ivy League schools in the US including Dartmouth, or even prestigious private schools like Beneden School or St Paul Girls, I like to impart some of my passion for challenging one's mind in all contexts and in whatever interest a student has. As part of my ability to adapt my learning style to individual students, I encourage conversations on anything from a student's day, to their concerns with school, their hobbies, or climate change. These allow extremely organised lessons to be more impactful, enjoyable, and engaging.

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

  I have had many great teachers in my life, in the best international schools around the world, but the dedication shown by my Higher Level Physics teacher, and the conversational and empathetic approach of my English teacher, are what informs my approach to teaching, educating, and consulting today. My Physics teacher did everything he could to ensure we were the best prepared for our exams and it took a lot out of him in the context of teaching 100 other children. His dedication to excellence and professionalism is something I carry forward in my practice. I know my students care about their performance and everything I do in my sessions with them is geared toward that goal. I learned from my English teacher that education is in large part about the transmission of our cultural stories from one generation to the next. That means that outside of the narrow academic focus, we need to engage with students on their level to help them see the relevance of what we do to their lives. Giving context to maths, science, and humanities is necessary to help students answer how their academics fits and improves their lives.

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

  One of the main reasons for my excellent track record is that I pay close attention to my clients and provide excellent guidance. Through high-level lesson plans, offering flexibility and a good understanding of my students, I help students achieve their potential. As a tutor, it is my role not just to teach but also to provide students with emotional support and guidance, which in turn is seen through an improvement in their learning. My focus is always on each individual's needs and in this way I have helped numerous students make sense of subjects that were previously a mystery to them. Both parents and pupils alike have described me as 'enthusiastic, 'passionate' and 'inspiring' - a reflection of the energy and professionalism I endeavour to bring to all of my sessions.

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

  I met my wife in my second last year of high/secondary school. To that point, I was a capable student but was not pushing the limits of my ability. In love and caring, my wife and I came together and created a vision of a life together in London studying at the top universities in the world and moving onto the best careers in the world. At that young age, she helped me to engage with my academics to help our family to achieve a "good life". I am now doing what I love: learning and educating, all together with my family. This is why I am confident that finding focus at the right time can help set the stage for a life of development and progression.

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

  With proper guidance, there are no good or bad students. My tutees receive genuine encouragement, and guidance which allows them to build the confidence to succeed. Nonetheless, the increased competition for good schools and universities as well as the often negative environment within those institutions means that it is easier now than ever for capable students to lose their way with a negative impact on their agency. It is challenging to help students to remain engaged in subjects when school or university is telling them: "You can't do it". Over my career it is this issue that I believe is the biggest challenge to my practice and one I believe can only be solved by tremendous support, expert guidance, and resolute belief that students and learners can improve whatever the subject. Often being the best (and sometimes only true) judge of a student's academic ability, it is my job to ensure that they are pushing their capabilities no matter what.

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

  My two passions in life are the ability to help students progress in their life and my family. As a learner myself, I see the struggle of starting from scratch to mastering complex concepts and subjects and it is truly a love of labour figuring out how to structure learning to help others do the same. My young family, with my two boisterous boys, are what keeps me grounded and emotionally ready to react to students' needs on a day-to-day basis. They have shown me just what is at stake in terms of academics and also allow me to laugh, sing, and struggle but nonetheless come together in a unified journey through life.

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

  I believe that A's, A*s, or 7s are important but encouragement and teaching come first. I support a growth mindset and, as a student's academic partner, will be there with the student throughout their academic journey. With my experiences at 7+/11+ stage through to A-level, IB and even into university and postgraduate studies, I can be a lifelong partner to help in whatever academic interest students and learners have. I can provide support in Personal Statements, US university counselling, AP courses, and help with EPQs and IB Extended Essays, Internal Assessments, and TOK. With me, there is next to nothing that cannot be addressed so I will work with you on whatever is needed. Working online, I will always be there whether that be at home, on holiday, or throughout any disruption the world has to throw at us. As a full-time professional tutor, educator and learner, I hope this short self-exposition has demonstrated to you that I am qualified and eager to help your child to succeed in education and life. Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you soon.