About GoodPhysicsTutor
Introducing Philip Goodfellow MSc CPhys MInstP
I have spent 40 years working in secondary schools in Essex and around Greater Manchester teaching Physics to students between ages 11 and 18. With a degree in Physics and Master's degree in Sciences Education I apply this expertise to help identify your individual learning gaps and craft a program that enhances your strengths. I believe that every student can achieve their academic potential with the right guidance and support. My goal is to ensure that you not only understand Physics but also enjoy the learning process.
How I teach
My tutoring approach is structured, calm, and highly supportive — designed to build confidence and deepen understanding at every stage of Physics learning.
What happens in the session:
- Teach for understanding → 2) Guided practice → independence → 3) Precise feedback that feeds the next week’s plan.
Live lessons via Microsoft Teams
Lessons take place on Microsoft Teams, giving students a clear, focused learning environment with:
- High‑quality video and audio
- Screen‑sharing for explanations and worked examples
- A private chat space for questions
- Reliable, secure access from any device
Live Whiteboard and Shared Digital Notes in Microsoft OneNote
Every student has their own private OneNote notebook, containing:
- Lesson notes
- Worked solutions
- Revision summaries
- Diagrams and formulas
- Homework and feedback
Notes are automatically saved, always available, and neatly organised.
What happens between sessions?
I don’t “set homework”; instead, I coach students to make good independent study choices that fit their stage, timetable and goals.
- Year 13 (exam year): weekly past‑paper cycle
Students complete one past paper per week (timed where appropriate). At the next tutorial we debrief the paper together—tightening method, language, layout and timing, and turning mistakes into clear next steps.
- Year 12: short “Daily Dose” questions
We use the Daily Workout books by Lewis Matheson at A Level Physics Online (questions + worked answers + video support)
- Topic‑specific practice with Isaac Science
When a student needs targeted practice (e.g., circuits, SHM, fields), I set and track short assignments on Isaac Science—free, interactive, and ideal for building fluency on precisely the areas that need it.
- Weekly study review
We start each tutorial with a 5–10 minute check‑in: what went well, what didn’t, and what we’ll change for the next seven days. The plan stays small, realistic and repeatable.
- Mindset that turns effort into progress
I encourage practical tools from The A Level Mindset (Oakes & Griffin)—especially routines for learning from mistakes, using simple systems, and balancing slow, careful practice with faster, exam‑style runs.
- Study time matched to next‑step goals
We keep total weekly study proportional to the student’s targets (e.g., course/university choices), so energy and ambition match.
Clear, Supportive Explanations
Physics can feel overwhelming — so I break every idea into small, manageable steps. We analyse common misconceptions, practise key calculations, and use real examples to make abstract ideas concrete.
Tailored to Each Student
No two learners are the same. Together we:
- Identify learning gaps
- Build topic‑by‑topic understanding
- Strengthen maths skills where needed
- Practise exam‑style questions
- Develop long‑answer strategies
This adaptive approach ensures steady, measurable progress.
Consistent Preparation for Exam Success
Whether preparing for GCSE, A‑Level, mocks, or topic tests, lessons always include:
- Worked examples
- Targeted revision
- Past‑paper questions
- Detailed feedback
- Strategies for accuracy and confidence
Always focused on Student Well-Being
The aim is not only higher grades but greater confidence, independence, and enjoyment of Physics.