Actuary and Examiner Mathematics Specialist helping students achieve top grades, guaranteed. All major exam boards covered!

Find out more about Zack

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

  Tutoring and education has been a massive passion for me since secondary school. I used to volunteer to help young children with their reading skills and that's developed into becoming a mathematics specialist today. I enjoy the moment of seeing a student get it and improve their relationship with mathematics as it can be such a love/hate thing.
  My love for maths spawned from applied mathematics - seeing how our world can be described in mathematical language and then understanding how and why those aspects work, I found really exciting to learn about especially at university.

• 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 am a mathematics specialist focusing on all exam boards, admission tests, further mathematics and usual mathematics and levels KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level. I enjoy doing enrichment activities with my students, ones that use knowledge the student has learnt at school and develops them in interesting ways. For example, introducing algebraic knowledge through using shape keys and converting temperature from Celsius and Fahrenheit are great activities to do.
  Overall, I aim to make the topics we go through as enjoyable as possible so the sessions are engaging and fun!

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

  A teacher, unsurprisingly, a maths teacher was Ms Tumilty. She helped forged my fascination with maths and helped drill in good habits I still use today!

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

  The top 3 qualities for a good tutor are to be: empathetic, knowledgable and communication. Empathy to understand how the student is doing, the parent's worries and other aspects in their life. If you can relate to how the student may feel it helps with building a relationship on trust.
  Having the knowledge to understand what you do or don't know regarding a topic and to answer an inquisitive student's questions. This extends to being able to explain the concepts in different aspects which would come from thorough understanding.
  Finally, communication is key. Not only having good verbal communication but by whatever medium the relationship is happening. Being clear and concise to help the student understand

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

  At school, although it is cliche that you may look at those times fondly as you become an adult. School does provide the opportunity to take risks and try so many different sports and activities which become harder as an adult due to your location, time and money. Currently, I'm wanting to learn how to row and at university joining the club was a one time fee, now as post-university I'm spending triple digits on a course on how to learn! Make the most of your time in education.

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

  At university, I had initially underestimated the amount of work needed when working towards my Mathematics degree and it was difficult to balance all the commitments of socialising, studying and resting. With the first and last taking precedence. During the holidays I managed to reflect and consider what were my goals and made a timetable to make sure I could get the most socially and educationally from university. It then made lectures and tutorials much easier from that point. Especially without having the need to cram for exam season!

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

  My passion is being creative, helping others especially young people and applied mathematics. I prefer seeing the impacts of mathematics more directly compared to pure mathematics and how the different parts of mathematics help progress other sciences too.
  The moment when a student just gets it, is something I really revel in and thinking of new and unique ways to make maths fun is half the challenge.

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

  My extensive experience, massive repertoire of positive feedback, examiner experience, professional development and mathematic background place me in a unique position to give you the best education you could desire and allow you to reduce your stress and worries and get those top grades!