1. When I met Alun I had failed the QTS Numeracy Test twice and only had one
more attempt left - failing the test for the third time would mean another two
years before I could apply again. When I took the first two tests I employed
several maths tutors, who despite their best efforts, could not equip me with the
skill and confidence to pass.
Now that I was on my last chance, I was really stressed and anxious and Alun
immediately sympathised with my predicament. He knew how important this
test was to me and he led by example, ultimately he worked just as hard as I did
in the build-up to the test itself.
His approach throughout was unbelievably thorough, he formulated questions of
his own outside the sessions, to help me overcome particular topics that I was
struggling with, and found fresh QTS material when I could not find any. If I
struggled in a session, he would not let me leave a session feeling apprehensive,
reassuring me that I could overcome a particular barrier and that I had the
ability to pass it.
He was extremely organised. Before my first tutorial, he had already become
familiar with the QTS questions, which indicated how much care and effort he
puts into his approach. He demonstrated quick methods for tackling the mental
test and showed me how to access both the statistical and written arithmetic
questions. He explained how these questions were structured and as a result the
test did not seem as daunting or as difficult to pass. This gave me a confidence
and understanding of the subject that I simply did not come close to achieving
with other tutors.
My main difficulty and prime source of anxiety with Maths was applying
mathematical methods to different types of questions. Alun was the only tutor
who helped me overcome this. He showed me how to assemble a mini-plan
before I answered each question and displayed how to write the plan using
mathematical shorthand. Not long after I was practising questions independently
and answering questions quickly and with ease. I would not have been able to do
this, nor pass the test itself, without Alun’s mini-plans.
After just two months of tuition with Alun, I passed the test. I actually felt slightly
disappointed that the sessions had ended. I had finally turned a corner, if it were
not for the teacher-training course I would have continued the sessions, tackling
more and more complex problems. I actually have a newfound respect and love
for maths as a result of Alun’s tutorials. The way he explains each topic is so
interesting and engaging, I learned something new after each session and looked
forward to the next.
After my teacher–training, I am thinking of revisiting Science and if I do, Alun
will be the only tutor I will consider. He not only helps you pass but also gives
you an enthusiasm for learning and a belief that you can tackle and achieve even
the most difficult of subjects. This is why I would recommend him so highly; he
cared as much as I did about passing the test, which is an outstanding quality for
a tutor to possess.