Scott D
Tutor in Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Hi, thank you for visiting my profile. My name is Scott and I work with students full-time to help them improve their confidence, learning skills and results in maths and science.

I have been working with students since starting as a postgraduate at Durham University in 2008 and over the last few years have also been coaching in personal performance. Over this time, I have seen a huge improvement in my student's results by combining maths and science tuition with aspects of coaching and mentorship.

If you, or your son or daughter, are currently looking for private tuition in maths or science I would love to hear from you, particularly if you are studying towards GCSE/ IGCSE or A-levels and looking for help in one or more of the following areas:

• You have lost confidence in your ability in any of these subjects.

• You have recently received a poor or below-par result in an exam.

• You feel like you have significant gaps in your knowledge and are struggling to understand some concepts.

• You are looking to improve how to study and approach subjects like maths, physics, chemistry, and biology.

• You feel overwhelmed by your studies and/or have lost motivation for studying.

• You struggle to transfer the knowledge you learn in class into questions asked in examinations.

• You get very anxious and nervous before exams and don’t seem to do as well in them as you do in classes.

• You are looking to take maths or science at higher levels of education and want to achieve top marks.

• You are aiming to get into a top university to study maths or science.

• You are simply not achieving what you think you are capable of at present.

As a tutor and coach, I will work with you in two key areas.

Firstly, I will help you to understand the syllabus material thoroughly, identify any gaps in your knowledge, and importantly show you how to apply what you have learned to examination questions. It is often in the application of knowledge to exam-style questions where many students struggle, mostly because it requires a different approach to learning the material itself.

Secondly, I will focus on helping you develop your ability to learn and be successful across all areas of your education. Many teachers in schools are already overworked and often do not have the time to teach organisational and study skills; which are essential components of a successful education. I provide you with some excellent strategies and techniques for learning effectively, overcoming procrastination, and translating what you learn in class into answers which examiners are looking for in tests. These skills and habits are very different from mastering subject content and, in my experience, make a huge difference to gaining progress, forward momentum and confidence.

My aim is to help you in the following areas:

• Significantly improve your comprehension in maths and science
• Improve your confidence and self-advocacy
• Improve your study skills and test-taking
• Provide you with strategies and techniques for learning
• Develop you into an independent problem solver
• Help you with time management, planning and organization
• Succeeding in the goals you have for your education

As someone who did not originally think that I had a natural aptitude for maths or science I completely understand many of the frustrations students can have with these subjects. Being more naturally inclined to creative subjects at school meant that I would often shy away and feel less confidence in more logical-based and abstract subjects; and therefore, incorrectly assumed that I was not good at them.

However, when I was required to do A-level’s in chemistry, physics and maths to get onto my degree course, I was fortunate enough to meet a fantastic teacher who quickly built my confidence and provided me with excellent strategies for learning and techniques for sitting examinations. During an eight-year period, I went from having little confidence to graduating top of my year at university and gaining my Master’s degree and Ph.D. in Earth Sciences from Durham.

I share this with you because I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to do well in these subjects, no matter what position they are currently in. It is a full-time passion of mine to help other students be successful in maths and science and their education as a whole.

If you would like to discuss working with me, please contact me on this website page. I welcome all questions and inquiries regarding tuition, homeschooling, coaching, and mentorship. I work with students from secondary education (GCSE, IGCSE, AS, and A-level) up to degree-level. I also own a car, which provides me with a lot of flexibility to travel to you.

I have added some additional details about my personal background below.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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MY BACKGROUND

Academic Qualifications, Achievements and Awards.

2016: An Introduction to Neuro-Linguistic Programming (The Coaching Academy)

2016: Course; Learning How to Learn: Powerful mental tools to help you master tough subjects (University of California, San Diego)

2015: Certificate in Personal Coaching (The Coaching Academy)

2013: Published Ph.D. Thesis; Geochemistry of Volcanic Rocks from the Sunda Arc, Indonesia (Durham University)

2013: Doctor of Philosophy (Durham University)

2012: Passed Doctoral Viva in Earth Sciences and geochemistry (Durham University)

2008-present: Private tutor,
Durham/Shropshire/Buckinghamshire/Berkshire/Hertfordshire/London

2008-2012: Postgraduate Teaching Assistant (Durham University)

2008: Certification for the induction of postgraduates engaged in teaching and support learning (Durham University)

2008: Awarded a fully-funded Ph.D. scholarship (Durham University and the Southeast Asia Research Group at Royal Holloway, University of London)

2008: Master of Geology, with the award of First Class Honours (University of Leicester)

2008: Awarded the Geology Alumni Society Prize (for academic excellence, University of Leicester)

2006: Awarded the British Micromount Society Prize (for the best contribution in petrology and mineralogy, University of Leicester)

2003: University of Leicester Science Program
A-Levels: Chemistry (A), Maths (A), Physics (A)

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MY INTERESTS

When I am not tutoring, I love to travel and was fortunate enough to do my Ph.D. fieldwork collecting rocks from volcanoes in SE Asia. I also love sports, reading, coaching; and unsurprisingly, learning. I recently came across the term ‘multipotentialite’ in a TED talk, used to describe someone who has a diverse range of interests, and I think this best describes me.

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BOOKING AND TUITION

I offer all first sessions at half-price, as an introduction and a chance to meet me and discuss your goals, strengths and weaknesses. There is absolutely no obligation to book a second session unless you think that I am a good fit for what you are looking for in a tutor. I am based in Buckinghamshire and provide tuition in the home counties of Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire. I am also very happy to travel to many areas of NW London.

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SELECTED REFERENCES

Michael Hainge
Subject: GCSE Maths (Edexcel)
Scott has been outstanding as a tutor and coach to our son. By building his knowledge and confidence, Scott has enabled our son to make rapid improvements in his grades and he now enjoys a subject he previously disliked. This holistic approach is exactly what was required.
Outcome: Improved grades, enthusiasm for the subject and a certificate of achievement from his class teacher.

Seren Westermann
Subject: IGCSE Geography
Scott tutored my 16 yr old daughter through the final year of her Geography IGCSE and turned a subject, that had been a " chore" in her eyes, into something she actively enjoyed and then went on to gain an A* in the exam.
I cannot recommend Scott highly enough as a tutor. I feel his approach, which encourages the student to find their own learning style, supports them through all their studies. This coaching made a huge difference to my daughter's ability to plan and manage the rest of her workload.
Outcome: My daughter gained an A* in her Geography IGCSE and is actively using the study skills she learnt with Scott at A level.

Una Murphy
Subject: GCSE Sciences (OCR)
Scott is simply the best and as a mum of two, I have met a few tutors in my time! His commitment to his students is clear from day one. He was genuinely interested in my son and wanted to understand his needs so they could get the best from the sessions. He is a great listener and a natural coach who believes in his students' potential.
My son was preparing for GCSE Double Science and felt there were some crucial gaps in his knowledge and understanding. He has dyslexia with a statement of special needs. He grew in confidence and genuine interest in the 3 sciences week on week as Scott brought his own passion for these subjects to the tutorials. Scott consistently turned up on time, was organised and focused, and went the extra mile. He proved to be an excellent role model and when my son opened his envelope on results day, after contacting family, it was Scott he called first to share the great news - A’s !
Outcome: Biology = A*, Chemistry = A, Physics = A

Sian Bennett
Subject: IGCSE Maths (Edexcel)
Scott has been tutoring my daughter through the summer and we will continue through year 11 for her maths GCSE. Already she is feeling more confident and positive about maths. Scott is very friendly and has a calm, patient manner. He really understands how everyone has different learning styles and consequently he uses different methods and techniques to teach and explain the syllabus.
My daughter really enjoys his sessions and she is amazed how quickly she is grasping maths concepts that she had previously struggled with. We are so delighted with Scott's teaching and would fully recommend him.
Outcome: Already a more confident daughter who is feeling positive about tackling her final year of maths GCSE.

Sally Holgate
Subject: A-level Chemistry (OCR)
Reference for Dr Scott Dempsey: A level Chemistry tuition
My 16-year old son rated Scott highly as a personal tutor. Scott explained difficult concepts in a way that best suited his learning style and at a pace at which he could process what was being said. Scott always prepared for each session, having agreed content with my son in advance.

Jess Hayes
Subject: GCSE Maths and Science (Edexcel and OCR)
Excellent tutor, highly recommended
Scott has tutored my son Alex (year 11) this year in maths, chemistry and physics in the lead up to his GSCE exams. Alex has a keen interest in these subjects and plans to take them at A-level, however, felt he was weak in some areas following his mock exams.
Alex quickly became more confident in these subjects and was able to tailor the lesson plan with Scott for each session to ensure the focus was on the areas he was struggling with. Although we don't yet have the exam results I'm sure the results will be significantly better following these focused tutoring sessions! It will also give Alex the confidence to move on to A level with a much deeper understanding of these subjects than he would have had through his normal school lessons.
Scott is approachable and friendly and immediately put Alex at ease, we had no complaints about the extra hours of school work taking place in the evenings as Alex actually looked forward to the sessions with Scott!
Outcome: Maths = A, Physics = A, Chemistry = A

Darren Beetlestone
Subject: GCSE Maths (Edexcel)
Helpful, friendly and a superstar
We left it late to finding a tutor, so was amazed that someone with the communication skills, ability and personality was prepared to have a meeting with us prior to any agreement being made.
It soon became clear that Scott was a gem. He offered his phone number and email address for help outside of the tutor sessions. Our only regret was that we hadn't found Scott sooner.
In the short time that he spent with us, our daughter’s confidence grew, she found school lessons easier and believes that he has helped improve the GCSE grade.
His methods also helped with revision of her other subjects.
Thank you, Scott.

Mishika Jaswal
Subject: IGCSE Chemistry/Physics (Edexcel)
Fantastic tutor!
I found Scott to be really deeply interested and passionate in the Science subjects he was teaching my daughter, but most of all he was very committed! My daughter said he explained concepts and showed techniques really well and effectively that she could apply to all her subjects. He has boosted the confidence further in my daughter to do her best in Science and develop some solid strategies for learning effectively.
I would highly recommend Scott as my daughter stated she would only be willing to learn from him. We are so pleased to have found Scott!
Achieved 100% (53/53) in Chemistry exam. Finishing top of her Private School year.