Scott D
Tutor in Chesham, Buckinghamshire

Hello, thank you for visiting my profile.

My name is Scott and I am a professional tutor and coach with a passion for helping students to grow into confident, independent learners, who achieve the results they are capable of in Science, Maths and their wider education.

I have been working with students since starting as a postgraduate at Durham University in 2008 and also coach in personal development, personalised learning and educational psychology. Over this time, I have seen huge improvements in student results by combining subject-specific tuition with performance coaching and mentorship.

I specialise in private tuition for the following subjects:

GCSE/IGCSE/IB
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Combined Sciences
• Mathematics
• Additional Maths
• Geography

AS & A-Level
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Geology

DEGREE/HIGHER ED.
• Geology
• Geochemistry
• Geophysics
• Earth Sciences

If you (or your son/daughter) is looking for help in one or more of the following areas please contact me for more information about how we could work together:

• You have lost confidence in your ability
• You have recently received a poor or below-par result in an exam
• You feel like you have significant gaps in your knowledge
• You are struggling to understand some difficult concepts
• You are looking to improve how you approach your study
• You feel overwhelmed and/or have lost motivation for studying
• You struggle to transfer what you learn in class into exams
• You get very anxious and nervous before exams
• You are looking to take a STEM subject at University
• You are aiming to study at a Russell Group University
• You are simply not achieving what you think you are capable of

We would usually focus on two key areas:

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

Secondly, on helping you to 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 will 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 make a huge difference to progress. Finally, I will help you to understand how you learn best through specific aptitude and learning assessments which are used by many top employers.

My aim is to help you in the following areas:

• Significantly improve your subject comprehension
• Personalise your learning to suit your needs and requirements
• 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 organisation
• Help you towards the goals you have for your education

I strongly believe that everyone has the potential to do well in their education, no matter what position they are currently in. It is a full-time passion of mine to see students leave education in the best position for them to succeed in next stage of their lives.

If you would like to discuss working with me, please contact me on this website. I welcome all questions and inquiries regarding tuition, homeschooling, university applications, careers, and coaching. I typically work with students from secondary education (GCSE, IGCSE, AS, and A-level) to Degree Level. However, I am also happy to discuss common entrance tuition based on individual cases and schools.

*Due to the nature of my tuition/coaching, I typically prefer to work closely with ~10 to15 students a year opposed to single or shorter-term placements.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

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MY BACKGROUND

Academic Qualifications, Achievements and Awards.

2017: Full Membership to the Tutors' Association

2017: Founder, PEPD (Personalised Education & Professional Development) - A group dedicated to helping students make a successful transition from formal education to early-stage career

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 PhD 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/ NW 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 PhD 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 PhD 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 and provide online tuition for those outside of these regions.

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SELECTED REFERENCES

M J
Subject: Academic (all, IGCSE)

Scott is an exceptional tutor who has really brought out the best of my daughter's abilities. He is highly committed, patient and has motivated my daughter to do her best in all subjects. My daughter is in Year 10, doing her IGCSE's and initially had lost some confidence in her abilities, where her results at school were inconsistent. Scott was very quick to help change things around, looking at learning strategies that fit well with my daughter, identifying strengths and weaknesses and hence developing her confidence further. He always gives brilliant advice on education and is a great academic Coach. My daughter is always keen to learn from Scott, and she is much more receptive towards Scott's ways of teaching Science subjects, rather than how she is taught at school! Scott is truly amazing and professional in his work! My daughter's standard is now consistently high and she has been predicted all A* 's for next year by her teachers at school.. Thank you so much Scott!!!
Outcome:
My daughter is in year 10 and sat pre-mock IGCSE exams at her School. She achieved Physics A* Chemistry A* Maths A Biology A and Geography A.


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)

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)

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)

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.