Dental student at King’s College London. Achieved gold in the Chemistry Olympiad and gold in the C3L6. Tutoring chemistry for GCSE and A Level with over 1000 hours of tutoring experience.

Find out more about Adam

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

  Well, I always enjoyed the sciences (biology and chemistry in particular!) and while at A level I did experience a big jump up, I think my way of rationalising and breaking down the topics in a much simpler and logical way is what set me up for success when I sat my exams - and that’s what I try and teach my students! In terms of medicine and dentistry admissions, I’m a dental student myself and have loved every minute of it - so being able to provide that extra guidance to help others achieve their dream is something I’ve always found very rewarding!
  I started tutoring chemistry to my younger brother and found I really enjoyed explaining concepts to others and seeing his confidence, and his grade, increase! I also started tutoring by helping family friends with their medicine and dentistry applications and they really appreciated having someone with them who had been through it all!

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  So I teach biology and chemistry primarily along with medical and dental school admissions. With admissions, I like to always be available for any questions and just guide my students from start to finish through it all - I remember how it really is a lot to manage! In terms of the sciences, I make sure to cover the whole syllabus, focusing on areas we identify as weaker than others and also emphasise building good exam technique early.

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

  We had two chemistry teachers at A level and one of them was always so supportive and always explained everything in a different but really logical and simple way to us, so really I’m just trying to be half as good as she was!

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

  I’d say being friendly and forming a genuine rapport with your students is most important! After that I would definitely say being articulate and logical in your explanations, and of course, being patient!

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

  I would just say it’s always best to focus on understanding the underlying principles over memorising fact after fact. Once I started doing that, I was able to consistently score high A*s and apply my knowledge in difficult questions better. And with medical and dental admissions, I would say I know it’s a long and slow process, but if you persevere, it will pay off eventually!

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

  For me it was always NMR in chemistry!

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

  I love teaching and seeing that ‘eureka’ moment in my students after they understand something they’ve always struggled with! And of course catching up with old students now studying at medical and dental schools I helped them get into has also been a highlight! Besides tutoring, I enjoy rowing, going on runs and going to the gym, and I feel like I also have to say dentistry!

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

  As for what makes me a Superprof, I’d say it’s the hundreds and hundreds of hours of experience I have - along with my track record. I’m genuinely proud to have made a difference to my students’ lives, whether that’s helping them achieve a grade 9 or A*, or getting into their dream medical or dental school.