UCD General Science graduate with 4 years grind experience, can teach biology and chemistry to Leaving Cert standard. Exam-focused teaching approach, tailored to all Leaving Cert abilities.

Find out more about Alex

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

  I have been interested in science all of my life. Wondering how we do the things we do along with how the world around us continuously evolves is fascinating. This fascination continued right up through Leaving Cert and led me to my current study of Neuroscience which I absolutely love. My passion for tutoring came from an email I received from my very first student, she not only got the grade she wanted in Biology but this helped her get her top course, I can't quite describe how great a feeling it is to see a student realise their full potential and show growing confidence week by week and to be able to play a part in that is amazing.

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

  From my current studies discussing the nervous system is one of my favourites even though I think the curriculum makes it sound horrible haha. Other topics I like to engage in with my students are enzymes, food (surprise surprise), microorganisms, and human systems. Regarding the ones I like less, plants take the gold medal closely followed by ecology. The good thing for us here is that the questions that come up in these sections are very repetitive and in ecology especially, can make up a huge chunk of your grade on the Leaving Cert Biology paper, so if we know it well we are guaranteeing ourselves a very good mark in that section even if the topics aren't as interesting.

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

  I was in a very fortunate position that multiple teachers I had in school were not only so good at their given subjects but they held a passion for the subject that was evident through their classes and something I hope I replicate when I engage with my students because I believe if a student sees evident passion and interest from their teacher in a subject, they are more likely to engage and understand the material themselves.

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

  The ability of a tutor to relate teachings to things in everyday life is crucial whether it is a personal anecdote, story etc. I think this makes a student much more likely to remember the topic. I also think being a good communicator and listener is paramount as each student's individual needs and abilities will be different so being able to identify certain areas in which they feel they don't understand completely allows me to frame a lesson with these in mind.

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

  Before I changed schools for my Leaving Cert I had been talking to teachers who would've been my Maths and Chemistry teacher had I stayed. They asked why I was leaving and I said I had aspirations and goals in my exams and I thought changing school would be my best chance at realising those aspirations. I think both took a hit to their egos maybe because the response I got from them was one of immaturity and telling me I wouldn't get what I wanted to get (some teachers I know). Not only did I prove them wrong but last year I ended up having 5 students of theirs come to me looking for grinds. It was a real full-circle moment and showed me that what I do has a real impact on people but also showed the impact teachers' words can have on students. I want students to know that if they ever go with me for grinds and they think nobody believes in them, that it isn't true as I believe that every student can do amazing things which I hope I can show them through my grinds.

• What are the difficulties or challenges you face or still facing in your subject?

  In recent years due to COVID, the paper has been adjusted to accommodate more choice than had been seen in years preceding this. This year however it looks as if they are trying to reduce grades across the board by 7-8% to try to start bringing points down to pre-COVID levels. The problem with this is it seems students will have to be very precise in their answers and not give them any reason to have marks taken from them which is why a large part of my grinds are answering exam questions and looking at marking schemes so students know exactly what the examiner will be looking for come through. Secondly, there is a project aspect being introduced next year worth 30% of the Biology grade which will be interesting to see how that plays out and what grade changes will be seen within that cohort of students.

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

  Teaching has become my biggest passion in recent years and it grows year by year. I also am a huge football fan and follow that closely all the time (even if Man Utd are doing terribly) and I referee on a regular basis. I have also begun to undertake a lot more public speaking opportunities which I have really come to enjoy.

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

  I think my ability to engage with students and make classes enjoyable is my best trait as a tutor. I hope that by going to me for grinds the student gets the best possible result they possibly can and they can rest assured I will do everything I can to make sure they do :)