Meet the Tutors series: a Q&A with Tutor Heather Gunn

Q. What is your name and what subjects and levels do you tutor?

Hi, my name is Heather Gunn and I primarily tutor GCSE/A-Level Biology, Chemistry, English Language/Literature and History. I also tutor GCSE Physics, French, and UCAT/BMAT.

Q. Tell us a bit about what interested you about tutoring and how you got into it.

I was inspired to be a tutor by some of the amazing teachers I’ve had over the years. It was their example, and dedication to teaching, that gave me the aspiration to teach. I tutored in high school as part of a buddy scheme and did so informally throughout my Bachelor’s, but it was during my Master’s degree that I decided to pursue it professionally and joined Manning’s Tutors. 

Q. What has been the most rewarding part of tutoring for you so far?

Without trying to sound too cheesy, the most rewarding part is seeing my students excel beyond their expectations. There is nothing more heartwarming than receiving emails from students saying how well they did, and how much I’ve helped them. To be a small part of their journey to success, to help unlock their full potential, is a great honor. I was lucky enough to have amazing tutors who helped me achieve my accomplishments, and I feel privileged to offer that help to current and future students.

Q. What do you feel has been most impactful for your students?

Students greatly benefit from 1-1 or small group teaching. In a classroom, a teacher has to cater to many students and follow a specific content map in order to cover the entire syllabus. As a tutor, I am able to tailor each lesson to students’ needs, from the topics covered to the pace we progress. It’s all about confidence; many students I tutor start off apprehensive and unsure of their abilities. Having a designated person offer them extra help provides them with the boost they need to succeed. 

Q. Finally, can you tell us a story of a particular referral with an especially positive and exciting outcome?

I recently taught an A-Level Biology student who was achieving an E grade. She stated in our first lesson that she hated biology, and did not enjoy studying it. Throughout the months, her confidence grew exponentially, and I saw a tremendous improvement in her performance. Following our sessions, she told me how I made biology so much more enjoyable, which was the biggest compliment. To get a student to enjoy a subject when they hate it is a massive feat, and shows the power that a supportive, personalised learning environment has. I’m waiting to hear about her results but I have no doubt she will go on to do many great things and will exceed her ambitions!