KS3 Physics tutors

In England, Key Stage 3 normally covers Years 7–9, ages 11–14. The national curriculum sets out Physics within KS3 Science; the topic areas below refer to that programme. Schools choose their teaching sequence, so use the learner’s current topic list rather than assuming every Year 8 class is studying the same thing.

Curriculum frameworks and year labels differ across the UK. For a learner in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, share the school’s course information so the tutor can match the content and level.

Here is a practice example: a runner covers 120 metres in 30 seconds. Multiplying 120 by 30 uses both numbers, but it does not answer the question “How many metres per second?”

Average speed = distance ÷ time = 120 ÷ 30 = 4 m/s.

The unit m/s means metres per second. A better answer is: “The runner’s average speed is 4 metres per second over this journey.” That does not tell us the runner’s speed at every moment. The method matters as much as getting the number 4.

To check understanding, try 180 metres in 45 seconds. This also gives 4 m/s: travelling further does not necessarily mean a greater average speed, because the time has changed too. Then try 120 metres in 2 minutes, giving the answer in m/s. Convert 2 minutes to 120 seconds first, so 120 ÷ 120 gives 1 m/s.

The graph needs the same care. On a graph with time in seconds across the bottom and distance travelled in metres up the side, a horizontal section means no extra distance is covered during that interval. It represents a stop, even when the line is well above zero.

Choose a small task linked to the current school topic and return to it after a gap. For example, close the notes and sketch a simple series circuit with one bulb. Explain whether the current should be lower after the bulb, then check the explanation. The correction should distinguish energy transfer from current being used up.

Next, use a question with a changed diagram or different numbers. If the learner can only repeat the original answer, the idea needs another explanation or more guided practice. Keep a brief note of the obstacle: an unfamiliar word, a missing unit, an incorrect calculation or a misunderstood concept. That gives the next lesson a specific starting point.

Oak National Academy’s KS3 Science lessons include explanations, practice resources and quizzes. Select the relevant topic with the schoolwork in mind. A learner who can explain and apply the idea using school support and resources may not need ongoing tuition.

Latimer’s service is built around online one-to-one tuition. Microsoft Teams is the default lesson platform; you and the tutor can agree another option. Have the school question, a notebook and a way to show written calculations ready, and check that your child can hear and see the tutor clearly.