Typical lessons
Here are a few examples of the activities that may be used in a one-hour session. Sessions are personalised and varied, depending on progress made, so these give an outline.
Chemistry lesson
When it comes to A-Level Chemistry, mastering complex topics like reaction mechanisms requires both clear demonstration and structured practice. In a session, we start by walking through a mechanism step-by-step on a shared screen, discussing the movement of electrons so the underlying logic is clear. Next, we work through a fresh example together. I guide the student with targeted questions to build their confidence, ensuring they use precise scientific vocabulary to describe every stage. Once they fully grasp the concept, we round off the activity with an extension question from a past WJEC exam paper, reviewing the mark scheme together so they understand exactly how top marks are awarded.
Biology lesson
For Biology, concise definitions and active recall are essential for mastering detailed processes like the cardiac cycle. In a typical GCSE session, we examine a graph showing pressure changes within the heart chambers. Instead of simply lecturing through the diagram, I invite the student to annotate the graph to show where different heart valves open and close based on the pressure changes shown. We then compare their annotated graph directly against official WJEC past paper mark schemes, discussing why specific changes occur. This approach helps students self-evaluate their work and develops the analytical skills required for higher-tier exam questions.
Physics Lesson
Physics sessions are designed to make multi-step calculations straightforward and manageable. If a student encounters a challenging circuit question, we break the problem down into logical steps rather than rushing straight to the final answer. I help them identify the key information given in the question, select the correct formula, and rearrange the equation accurately. Along the way, we build effective exam technique by working directly through authentic WJEC exam questions, ensuring they set out every line of working clearly and consistently include the correct units.
Combined science lesson
Our Combined Science sessions focus heavily on core practical skills and data analysis, which form a significant part of the final examinations. We often begin an activity with a targeted warm-up exercise: I display a graph based on a standard WJEC practical that contains deliberate, common errors—such as missing axis labels or an incorrect line of best fit. The student reviews the graph to identify and correct these mistakes. Once resolved, they practise calculating rates of reaction directly from the graph and check their work against full model solutions. It is an effective, practical way to address potential exam errors before the final assessments