Should I choose an A Level Physics tutor who is also an examiner?
Examiner experience can be valuable when choosing an A Level Physics tutor, but it should not be the only consideration. A good tutor also needs subject knowledge, teaching skill and the ability to build a productive relationship with the student.
What can examiner experience add?
An experienced examiner may understand:
- how examination questions and mark schemes are used;
- where capable students commonly lose marks;
- what distinguishes a clear, creditworthy answer from an incomplete one; and
- how students can communicate their physics more effectively in examinations.
This can be particularly useful when a student understands the physics but is not consistently converting that understanding into marks.
Is examiner experience enough on its own?
No. Being an examiner does not automatically make someone an effective tutor.
The tutor still needs to explain difficult physics clearly, diagnose misconceptions, adapt to the individual student and develop confidence as well as examination technique.
The strongest combination is therefore subject expertise, teaching experience and relevant examining experience.
“Paul was always exceptionally well organised and his in depth knowledge of the curriculum and exam system was second to none.”
— Parent of an A Level Physics student, Surrey
Paul Cartwright is a UK-qualified physics teacher, full-time tutor and active senior A Level Physics examiner.
Read more about my teaching and examining background →
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