Tom Cock

MA, MEng, PGCert, FHEA

I’ve always loved Science, ever since I received a video of “how it works” for Christmas as a child. Unfortunately, I only had the second volume in a set, so I spent years wondering how things work that didn’t begin with letters F-M! Happily for me, it’s now possible to get detailed explanations on any subject with a few clicks, so I can (and do!) indulge my curiosity on all topics, and am cultivating that same curiosity in my children.

Physics became a real passion for me at A level, where I was lucky to have a couple of excellent teachers who absolutely loved their subject. I can remember many conversations with them excitedly explaining that they didn’t know the answer to my questions because nobody knew yet- the science was still being done! At about the same time, I borrowed a telescope with a good enough lens to see the rings of Saturn, and remember how mind-blowing it was to realise how small we are in the universe.

This joy in Physics led me to study Engineering at Cambridge, and I then moved through a range of jobs, including a brief spell as a Police Constable, before coming to teaching international students at a Foundation College. There I taught Maths, Physics and Engineering. There is something enormously satisfying about helping a student grapple with a concept they find challenging, and seeing them get to an “aha!” moment. I try to emulate my A level Physics teachers and let my enthusiasm for my subjects shine through to inspire my students.

I’ve also worked for eight years as an examiner and supervisor for Cambridge Assessment on an international AS Physics paper. This has proven useful in my tutoring, as I know the way examiners think and what sorts of things they are looking for.

When I’m not working, I spend time chasing around after my children and dog in the countryside near my house, or playing and creating games for the PC using the Unity engine. I’ve now been teaching for nine years and it’s still something that genuinely brings me joy every day. I’m looking forward to showing you how amazing Science and Maths is. Remember, Physics is Phun!