Dr Tom's Tutoring

Dr Tom's Tutoring

My name is Tom Carruthers and I have a PhD in Chemistry and 10 years experience tutoring primary and secondary school students in science.

My passion is to teach an appreciation of the fundamentals of science and the scientific method so that students gain insight and understanding rather than facing exams with limited specific knowledge. In my experience, students are usually able to rationally solve previously unseen problems or work out answers to unanticipated questions (in both exam and testing life situations) if they are equipped with the right tools. Teaching to the text book and cramming may secure a pass in an upcoming exam, but a sound understanding of the basics guarantees success not only in the next exam but into the future.

In Chemistry, unlike other science disciplines where subjects or strands are often more autonomous (so that doing poorly in one subject wonâ??t necessarily translate to an overall poor outcome), it is essential to have understood the underlying principles in order to comprehend each new topic. My approach to teaching enables students to truly understand science and its applications and implications in the world, and this will prove useful to them well beyond school or university

I have previously tutored children of U.S. Embassy staff and am familiar with teaching to the International Baccalaureate and the ACT curriculum. Each of my past Year 12 students achieved 6's in higher level IB chemistry, in spite of having previously failed early Year 11 exams before securing my services. I also have experience as a workshop leader and tutor in the chemistry program at the ANU, with proven results.

I have a current 'Working with Vulnerable Children' card valid in the ACT until 2017, and am in the process of gaining equivalent registration in NSW.

Please feel free to contact me via email to arrange a preliminary session. ...read more