FAQs
If you just need help with a few problems, a complete GCSE or A-level course from scratch, or anything in between, TOPT can help, so please get in touch.
Contact TOPTFrequently Asked Questions
How does online tutoring work?
Every lesson is live and one-to-one, over Zoom or Google Meet, with a shared digital whiteboard (BitPaper).
The student can see each step of an explanation or solution being built, ask questions and add their own answers for assessment by a qualified examiner. After each lesson, I send a homework worksheet to test and expand on the tutorial, and develop exam technique.
Most of our sessions are used for the following:
Teaching topics from scratch, or filling gaps in understanding
Working through past-paper questions and mark schemes
Exam technique: how marks are awarded, and how to avoid losing them
Revision plans in the run-up to mock and final exams
Who will be teaching my child?
Dr Andy Gibson (left), who holds a PhD in physics, a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status, and has experience as an exam board examiner.
What is your availability?
Working hours are 9am to 9pm, Monday to Thursday (Fridays also from around March, ahead of exams). Please see the contact page for my current availability.
If those times don't work, please let me know the days and times you are available, and I will do my best to find you a suitable slot.
How often should we have tutorials?
The number of sessions depends on your requirements and budget. The majority of my students have one or two sessions per week. Some independent students taking physics, chemistry and maths have had up to six sessions a week. We always try to be flexible. Should you want to increase or decrease your contact time with me, we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
Is online tutoring as effective as face-to-face tutorials?
Once a student tries online tuition, we find the majority prefer online to face-to-face.
Online tutorials are usually more effective than face-to-face sessions. With a huge collection of resources at our fingertips and the student in their own home or another comfortable environment, this is more conducive to effective learning.
Online tutorials are less effective only when technology lets us down. Contact us for tips on how to avoid this.
How do I pay?
You must pay for tutorials in advance. On the first of the month, we will send you an invoice for that month's tutorials. You can pay via card using the link on the invoice, or by bank transfer.
We will apply a 5% late fee if invoices are not paid within a week.
Can I book a trial lesson?
Yes, a trial lesson costs the same as any other. We usually advise booking just one session first to see how the student gets on with online tuition and us. After that, sessions are booked monthly in advance. We refund any session(s) cancelled with more than 48 hours' notice.
Which exam boards and qualifications do you cover?
I cover IGCSE: Cambridge IGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Physics, Chemistry and Maths
GCSE: AQA, Edexcel and OCR Physics, Chemistry and Maths
A-level: Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC and Eduqas Physics, Chemistry and Maths
International A-level: CIE and Edexcel International Physics, Chemistry and Maths
IB Diploma Physics, Chemistry, Maths AA/AI, SL and HL
AP: [AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Calculus]
University entrance: University entrance: PAT, ESAT/NSAA, MAT and similar, plus UCAT preparation (verbal, quantitative, abstract reasoning and situational judgement) for medicine and dentistry applicants.
If your board isn't listed above, I can probably still teach it, so contact me.
What times are lessons available.
I work between the hours of 9 am-9 pm Monday - Thursday UK time; please contact me to see what times I have free right now.
How much does online tuition cost?
One-to-one sessions with Andy:
Weekdays before 4pm £65
Weekdays after 4pm £75
Do you teach undergraduate?
I can teach a lot of first-year undergrad and some second-year undergraduate Physics. However, university courses vary massively since each course is bespoke, so please send any information you have from the course, including homework and past papers, so I can assess the level and let you know if I can help.
Do you teach chemistry and maths as well as physics?
Yes. In addition to physics,I teach chemistry and maths at IGCSE, GCSE, A-level, IB and AP level. Students can take one subject or several.
Do you help with exam technique and past papers?
Yes. Exam technique is central to our tuition. We work through past papers with the mark scheme, showing how marks are awarded and where students commonly lose them, and we set personalised practice papers where useful.
How do I get in touch?
Hit the buttons below to contact me, on WhatsApp, phone or via email. Or fill in the form below to send me a message.
Dr Andy Gibson
BSc PGCE QTS MSc PhD
My availability rates and contact details.
Find out more about my background in physics and education.
After A-level and GCSE resources?
Check out our free worksheets.
Take a look at how online tutoring works and other FAQs.
Outside the UK
Middle East and Hong Kong
Contact:
Andrew +447740 366007
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