Maths with Ronald - Qualified and Experienced Maths Tutor - Oxford & Imperial graduate - Uni Admissions Specialist

Find out more about Ronald

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  I think deeply about mathematics and all the different ways you can look at the same problem. I realised that this makes it easy for me to explain mathematical ideas to other people - building on the knowledge that they already have. I get a lot of joy from helping people figure out what they need!

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach all areas of maths and computer science, but I find something special in statistics. When students ask "will I ever use this again?”, the answer is a very easy "yes!” - almost everyone doing a science-related degree will come back to statistics again in the future.

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  Believe it or not, I was once in the bottom set for maths! I was lucky to have a teacher who believed in me and started me on a path that led me to study Mathematics and Computer Science at Oxford.
  
  I believe anyone can succeed in maths, with the right support.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Loads - good subject knowledge, knowing the exams inside-and-out, understanding and listening to students. Students often face challenges inside and outside the school classroom that are worth talking through and working on together.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  A couple of years ago, I started working with a student who had missed out on a Maths and Philosophy place at Oxford. He was clearly capable and, after working together for a bit, I suggested that it would be worth re-applying post-results. At the time, he was pretty down and did not even want to think about this. He wanted just to get good A-Levels and confirm his second-choice uni place, so that’s what we worked on together.
  
  I was really glad when he came back to me as a gap year student, with a plan to re-apply to Oxford! Although, I was nervous that it wouldn’t work out, as I felt some responsibility for my advice. We worked on putting together the best possible application. With excellent A-Level grades and a strong commitment to improving his Personal Statement, MAT test score, and interview, he aced his way into an Oxford place!
  
  I believe that one rejection is never the end of the story - you will always come back stronger. Even if you don't find the same opportunity later on, there will be a different opportunity that suits you better.

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  I always hope that students will meet their goals. With Computer Science degrees becoming increasingly competitive, the bar gets higher every year! The standard from a few years ago is no longer enough to get a top place. I work hard with students to get to even greater heights - it’s important not to underestimate this new challenge.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I really like how you can apply mathematics to pretty much everything in the real world. I love to see where my students take what they’ve learned - including successful careers in banking, tech, medicine, and more... Past students who have told me how much they've benefited from maths include a fashion designer, a videographer, a weaving expert, and a chocolatier!

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  My lessons are fun! We can work on extremely high-level maths, while having a relaxed and enjoyable time together.