About

I’m Bob Foster, a private tutor specialising in Maths and Science for GCSE students. I teach online, mainly to students across the UK, though I also work with students abroad who follow the UK curriculum.

I’ve spent years helping students understand subjects that many find intimidating at first. My main aim IIis to help teenagers become confident, independend learners. By independent, I mean that their education is not dependent on what happens at school. This may seem odd to some, but really school is just one of the many resources available to students. Exams can be taken at any time with, or without, the help of school. So my goal is to help teens understand how to use all of the really great resources available and learn real problem-solving skills that will help them in the future.

Every student is different, so I tailor lessons to each individual — whether that’s filling knowledge gaps, preparing for exams, or developing stronger problem-solving skills. Back in 2000, I qualified as a Life Coach, which gave me skills that I’ve found very useful in engaging with teenagers. I don’t make assumptions about anyone, so when I ‘meet’ a new student, I put my detective hat on. A teacher needs to know where a studentis ‘coming from’ in terms of knowledge and ability before diving in. Initial assessments are important.

How I Teach

All lessons are online using Microsoft Teams, with shared notes, examples, and past-paper practice. Students can access everything after the lesson, so they can review or revise at their own pace. Parents are welcome to stay informed about progress — no guesswork about how things are going. I make myself available at other times as well. So if a student has a question I will respond to an email. If it’s urgent, we can do a short online session using Teams; so I’m quite flexible. Do I give homework? Yes! Of course! But again, it depends on the individual.

A Bit More About Me

Outside tutoring, I’m a keen photographer and science communicator. I run Bristol Science Café, where scientists and the public meet to discuss research and ideas in plain English. My photographic interests are wide, from seabirds and landscapes to the microscopic world of crystals — anything that shows there’s more to see if you look closely. I have a website - bobfosterphotography.com - where you can see what I’m up to when not teaching.

At 70, I’m still cycling, learning new things, and proving that curiosity doesn’t have an age limit — something I hope to pass on to every student I teach.

If you’d like to discuss how I could help your child with GCSE Maths or Science, please get in touch. I’m happy to answer questions and suggest a practical plan that works for you.

email: bobfostertuition@gmail.com
phone: 07989412319