My name is Karen Wallace, and I am a highly experienced Chemistry and Biology educator with over 35 years of teaching experience in international schools. I have taught a range of curricula up to the end of high school and have extensive experience supporting students through investigations, internal assessments, and Extended Essays for the IB Diploma Programme, as well as coaching students completing undergraduate and master’s-level dissertations.

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I provide individualised academic support and tutoring for students preparing for exams, revising course content, or needing targeted help with specific concepts. My approach is particularly effective for students who feel overwhelmed in classroom settings, struggle with focus, have a short working memory, or require more structured guidance and direct instruction.

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My teaching is grounded in cognitive science and how the brain learns best. I use a clear “I do, we do, you do” model, frequent brain breaks, and regular retrieval practice to strengthen long-term memory. I explicitly teach students how learning works in the brain and how to move information into long-term memory. Where appropriate, I use rote learning for procedural knowledge to reduce cognitive load during exams.

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I always start from where the student is, ensuring their existing understanding is secure, and then build carefully on prior knowledge through structured scaffolding and clear links between concepts.

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This service is suitable for:

• Students who are behind on syllabus requirements

• Students struggling with specific concepts

• Students experiencing cognitive overload in class

• Students who need more structure, scaffolding, or direct instruction

• Students who lose focus and miss key content

• Students lacking confidence

• Students aiming to improve or maximise their grades

• High-achieving students who need additional challenge

• Students who procrastinate and need guided accountability

• Students who benefit from one-to-one academic coaching

 

Support can be provided through revision programmes, exam preparation, or ongoing academic coaching, tailored to each learner’s needs.