Liz Machell Tutoring

20/10/2024

11/08/2024

I have a couple of spaces for tutoring from the end of September. Get in touch if you are interested in KS3, GCSE, or A level maths tutoring.

01/05/2024

I shared six of my top exam technique tips with some students yesterday, though by this stage they've heard me go on about them for 18months!. What would you add?

-circle the key information in the question, and check the units all match before starting so you don’t miss important information.

-circle what the question is asking and check back at the end that you have got the final answer they are looking for.

-try and identify the topic the question is about and remember the key techniques you know

-if you don't know what to do to get started, "do something". (Especially with "show that" type questions and the hard ones at the end of the paper!)' You'll likely pick up working marks even if don't finish it, and often the next steps become clearer once you get started.

-show your working so you get marks even if you get the wrong answer. (If it say "show your working" you must write down your steps to get the marks!)

-spot errors by considering if your answer is sensible.

02/04/2024

Are you familiar with the 4 tendencies framework from Gretchin Rubin? It's really helpful when thinking about supporting our kids with revision (or good habits generally) and might explain why not everyone is motivated by a detailed revision timetable- "Rebels" I'm looking at you!

https://gretchenrubin.com/four-tendencies/

If you parent a Rebel you might want to avoid nagging or even praising ("I was going to do it until you asked me and now I don't want to"), work in lots of freedom in how they revise (a list of possible ways and resources to revise each subject they can choose from each day, or write on bit of paper and pick at random) and tracking time already spent revising rather than a firm timetable.

Body doubling (sitting alongside them working on your own stuff as they work) and really good snacks help too!

The Four Tendencies framework is designed to help you know yourself better, understand others, and create the life you want. Let's get started!

02/04/2024

I've put together this IGCSE revision resource guide for some students and I thought it might be useful to others sitting the exam in Summer 2024.
It has some recommended resources and ideas ways to use exam style questions as part of revision.
It also cover the differences between GCSE and Edexcel IGCSE so you can use GCSE revision resources.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ccKX1T50Mt2fV3fdpt3pnon1rLLeKRlk/view?usp=drive_link

02/04/2024

We're deep in exam preparation at the moment but my current students will all be finished by 3rd of June so I will have some availability for new students next term. Please get in touch if you're looking for a Maths tutor in Aylesbury!

19/05/2023

I'm starting an Edexcel IGCSE Maths group for Home Educators over 2 years (which is actually more like 18 months! 🤪) Students would need a good grasp of KS3 maths (though not necessarily any formal KS3 study) as we would aim to cover the whole syllabus up to grade 9 in order to have access to the higher grades, with an aim to be finished and practising past papers before Easter 25 for a summer 25 sitting.
Students would need to do independent study in addition to a 2 hour group session, most weeks in term time.
The cost will be £20 for 2 hours for a group between 6 and 10 people, paid monthly in advance.
I'm going to do a one-off session on 16th June, 14.30-16.30, £20.
If you are interested in joining please get in touch.

04/09/2017

We've been enjoying these chemistry videos today!

Short videos about every element on the periodic table, plus other cool experiments and chemistry stuff