Maths and physics tutors are some of the most in-demand across the whole of the UK. Indeed, the quest for a top quality physics and maths tutor is one of the most searched tutor terms in Google.

So why are physics and maths tutors so sought after? And should you consider working with a maths and physics tutor yourself?

There are all kinds of reasons why students of every age, level and ability, seek out the support of a maths tutor, physics tutor or tutor who can teach both.

Maths and physics make a good pairing:

Maths and physics are two independently challenging (and therefore well respected) subjects that have a lot of overlap. The study of physics requires creating, using and understanding a lot of equations and applying mathematical principles to the real world. Equally, the study of physics often creates real life situations and requiring mathematical application that lead to inspiration and huge advances in the field of maths.

For students, the two subjects share a large skill set, yet are both recognised as distinct and highly impressive subjects when it comes to qualifications like GCSE and A-level.

Often when a student is struggling with one of the subjects, support in the other can help. If you are struggling with physics, it could well be that your mathematical skills are letting you down. Equally, if you are struggling with maths then being able to apply maths to physics problems is an excellent way to get to grips with how equations work, practice your ability and feel inspired.

Working with a physics and maths tutor enables students to gain a holistic understanding of both subjects and enhance those core, vital skills that will lead to success in their exams and on into their adult lives.

Maths and physics are difficult subjects:

The most obvious reason to hire a maths and physics tutor is because they are notoriously challenging subjects to study. Whatever level a student is at, and whether they have chosen to study physics and maths or the subjects are still compulsory, successfully achieving a good grade is no easy task. Many students find that, at some point in their academic career, the subject matter and expectations of their maths or physics course are too much for them to master alone.

Working with a maths and physics tutor can help students studying one or both of the subjects at any level. However, the most common points in a students educational journey where the help of a physics and maths tutor is beneficial are GCSE, A-level and University.

GCSE

Maths and Science are core subjects at GCSE level, meaning that is it compulsory for students to study them. Students are required to resit their maths GCSE if they do not achieve at least a grade 4, while students who do not manage to achieve GCSEs at grade 4 or 5 (depending on the school) will need to retake some subjects until they do. It is therefore vital that students are able to fully grasp the content in their GCSE maths and physics syllabus.

GCSE maths

In GCSE maths students are expected to have sufficient knowledge to work out a huge variety of mathematical problems ranging from fractions, decimals and matrices to probability, ratio, algebra and trigonometry.

Students often struggle significantly with at least one aspect of the GCSE maths syllabus which can quickly knock their confidence and lead to further problems in their understanding. Often, GCSE maths questions are worded in a way that requires students to apply their mathematical knowledge to real-life problems, which can make them harder for students to understand and successfully answer.

Many of the “applied” maths questions are linked to physics problems. Students struggling with particular elements of their maths exam, such as questions on applied mathematical issues involving forces or rates of change, often find that improving their physics knowledge also enhances their ability to correctly answer maths problems.

GCSE Science

GCSE Science can be studied either as a Double or Triple award. The Double award is equivalent to two GCSE’s, it requires students to study biology, chemistry and physics but in less breadth and detail than the Triple Award. The Triple Award Science GCSE is equivalent to three GCSE grades and requires students to study each Science discipline (Biology, Chemistry and physics) in far greater detail.

There are compulsory practicals in both awards which, though unassessed, must be completed before a student sits their GCSE science exams and will be referenced in some of the exam questions.

Regardless of whether a student takes the Science Double or Triple Award GCSE, they will need to have a large scope of physics knowledge and practical skills. In the new GCSE science specifications there is a greater focus on mathematical skills within science, the majority of which are tested in the physics elements of the GCSE Science exams.

Students who are struggling with the physics element of their Science GCSE often find that it is their maths skills that are letting them down and limiting how much they can understand and answer physics problems.

Working with a GCSE physics and maths tutor is therefore a huge advantage for students whether they are struggling with maths, physics or both subjects.

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STEM subjects are in demand

The STEM subjects, science technology economics and maths, are some of the most sought after subjects students can achieve in both in terms of University applications and career prospects. Working with a maths and physics tutor to gain a prestigious qualification and hone relevant skills will, therefore, open doors to all kinds of exciting future possibilities.

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University

Due to their challenging and highly versatile nature, maths and physics are both highly respected A-level subjects that can earn successful students a place on highly competitive courses. For example, maths and physics are both strongly advised and sometimes compulsory third A-level choices for students hoping to go to Medical School (after Chemistry and Biology).

Equally, University level subjects including Economics, Engineering, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computer Science, and of course Maths and Physics usually require students to have successfully studied maths, physics or both at A-level. Even University courses for subjects like philosophy often see physics and maths as desirable A-level qualifications due to the way the subjects teach you to approach problem solving, develop logical and analytical thinking skills, consider the world around you from a different perspective and constantly question.

Studying maths, physics or both at school can equip students with the knowledge, skills and approach to learning to pursue a variety of higher education opportunities. Working with a maths and physics tutor ensures that students get the most out of these subjects and are able to make the most of a University education, whatever course they choose.

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Work  

Put simply, qualifications in maths and physics can lead to some fantastic careers. maths and physics fall under the category of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and maths), some of the most in-demand subjects for businesses in all kinds of fields but particularly in the lucrative and ever growing fields of technology and finance.

The financial sector is predominantly looking for graduates of physics, maths or both, as banking becomes increasingly reliant on Mathematical modelling and skills in computer science.

Equally, almost every industry is increasingly becoming reliant on technology and technological innovations to advance business. Both maths and physics graduates (along with other STEM subjects) are uniquely skilled in the creation, development and use of new technologies, essential in everything from thinking up new ideas to physically building and then implementing the new technologies.

In a world where technology is developing at a rate unprecedented in human history, students who have a qualification in maths or physics are in great demand. Indeed, over half of British businesses expect a shortage of STEM skilled staff within the next 3 years. As students who study maths and physics should have a good understanding of both subjects, a qualification in these subjects makes candidates particularly desirable and will give them access to a vast number of lucrative and prestigious employment options.

A few of the careers available to maths and physics students with a qualification in A-level or higher include:

- Computer science

- Banking

- Electrical engineering

- Mechanical engineering

- Lecturing and higher education teaching

- Engineering

- Information technology

- Construction and built environment

- Business management

- Government

- Scientist

Working with a maths and physics tutor ensures you are an expert in these in-demand subject areas and can obtain a qualification that sets you up for a highly profitable and engaging career.

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Especially for girls

Despite the stereotypes and misplaced belief that men are just inherently “better” at STEM subjects, girls frequently out-perform boys in all school STEM subjects including achieving higher A-level grades. There is a wealth of girl-power potential in female students across the UK that, historically, has failed to translate into more women working in fields related to maths, physics or other STEM subjects.

However, the tide is turning. Plenty of politicians have recently expressed their commitment to encouraging more women to take STEM subjects at university and on into related careers. Many businesses and economic institutions are also calling for greater effort to be put into attracting and facilitating for women in STEM subjects.

One of the key issues facing women in maths and physics studies is a lack of confidence, with studies by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Growth and Development) and IFS (Institute for Fiscal Studies) both pointing to a misguided low-confidence in their skills resulting in girls dropping maths and physics at key points in their academic careers. Working with a physics and maths tutor is a fantastic way to buck this trend and ensure that more girls realise their potential and follow through into a lucrative, innovative and trailblazing career.

Indeed, the combination of increasing pressure for companies to bridge the employment gap between men and women, the current shortage of women qualified in physics and maths, and extreme value a qualification in these subjects has, all mean that women who study maths and physics are likely to earn an average of 13.4% more than students who take a non-STEM subject.

The skills and confidence developed working with a physics and maths tutor also enable women to pursue related degrees such as economics, engineering and computer science. All of these subjects  lead to careers which are high-paid, have many opportunities, and are increasingly calling for female applicants.

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Life skills

Even if the high-powered, high-flying and high-paid employment prospects aren’t your priority, working with a maths and physics tutor to get a qualification in maths, physics or both is valuable. Studying these subjects will set you up with a plethora of highly applicable skills useful in everyday life as well as in the workplace, whatever career path you choose.

With the support of a physics and maths tutor you will vastly enhance your numeracy skills, including everything from data analysis to mental maths or how to work out kinetics. With maths a prominent and highly important aspect of everyone’s everyday life and career (whatever path you choose), the advanced mathematical skills developed by studying maths, physics or both with a maths and physics tutor are incredibly valuable.

Students who successfully study with a maths and/or physics tutor will also develop into independent, innovative, logical and highly competent individuals with excellent problem solving abilities. Students will learn to think analytically, pay attention to detail and apply logic to all kinds of issues, making them highly adaptable and able to deal with all kinds of situations.

Working with a maths and physics tutor is the best way to secure success in exams, but also to ensure that you develop a complete set of valuable, transferable skills required to thrive both academically and in your everyday life.

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