Find a GCSE tutor for the subjects that need attention

Finding an original amount after a percentage change is included in AQA GCSE Maths. Here is an illustrative question: a jacket costs £48 after a 20% discount. What was its original price?

Adding 20% of £48 gives £57.60, but the discount was calculated from the original price. The £48 is the remaining 80%, so original price = £48 ÷ 0.8 = £60. Checking forwards confirms it: 20% of £60 is £12, and £60 − £12 = £48.

A useful explanation makes the changing reference amount clear. For a follow-up, try a £72 sale price after a 10% discount. The remaining 90% gives £72 ÷ 0.9 = £80. The learner should be able to explain why the divisor is 0.9, then tackle a new question without the worked answer beside them.

In AQA GCSE English Language, analysis includes explaining how a writer’s choices create meanings and effects. Naming a technique is only a starting point.

Take this invented sentence: “The wind clawed at the windows.” A response that says “the writer uses personification” identifies a device but leaves its effect unexplained. A more developed response could be: “The verb ‘clawed’ makes the wind seem like an animal trying to get inside, suggesting that the people in the house are under threat.” This connects a precise word with a supported interpretation; it is an illustration, not a marked exam answer.

For practice, replace “clawed” with “tapped”. How does the impression change, and which word supports that reading? For Literature support, bring the actual set text and question: analysing a character, theme or comparison needs attention to that work and course. Confirm whether the learner studies separate English Language and Literature qualifications or a different English course title.

In science, a useful lesson connects the calculation to the physical idea. AQA GCSE Physics electricity content includes potential difference, current and resistance.

Consider an illustrative set of readings for a fixed resistor: 2 volts with 0.5 amps, then 4 volts with 1 amp. Potential difference is measured in volts, current in amps and resistance in ohms. Using resistance = potential difference ÷ current, the readings give 2 ÷ 0.5 = 4 ohms and 4 ÷ 1 = 4 ohms.

“The resistance doubled because the voltage doubled” overlooks the change in current. Both voltage and current doubled, so their ratio stayed the same. For an ohmic conductor at constant temperature, current is directly proportional to potential difference. The temperature condition matters: the conclusion should not be extended to every component or changing condition.

A follow-up is to predict the current at 6 volts under the same conditions: 6 ÷ 4 = 1.5 amps. Explain the reasoning before checking the answer. When arranging science support, give the exact combined or separate science course title and identify whether Biology, Chemistry, Physics or several areas need attention.

Check the profile for the actual subjects and GCSE courses you need. One tutor may suit several subjects if their knowledge and approach fit each one; otherwise, separate subject specialists can share a simple set of priorities. Discuss the learner’s work during the free introductory meeting, which is for goals and arrangements rather than a full free teaching lesson.

Use that conversation to check how the tutor explains mistakes and adapts the pace. For a learner who finds long instructions difficult, ask about shorter steps, written prompts or time to answer aloud. Agree how progress will be discussed with the family and what independent practice is realistic.

Cost: tutors set their own hourly rates, shown on their profiles. Confirm the rate, lesson length and planned frequency so you can work out the total cost, including separate tutors if needed. Latimer invoices for lessons on a pay-as-you-go basis after they take place.

Online lessons: Latimer’s service is online first, with Microsoft Teams as the default platform; you and the tutor can agree another platform. Before the first lesson, check the connection and how to share a question, typed answer or photograph of handwritten work. In-person lessons require an individual arrangement with the tutor.