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AHeadStart has a team of dedicated tutors who are chosen based on their passion for sharing their high level of mathematics and science knowledge with students.
AHeadStart tutors are highly qualified in their field of expertise, often with a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. All tutors go through a thorough intervew process and are screened by the NZ Police prior to being placed with students.
Director's Personal Message:
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"Hi, I'm Melanie Coker. I am the owner and director of AHeadStart Ltd. My passion for science and education led to the formation of AHeadStart in late 2007.
I believe everyone can achieve success in maths and science. With understanding and practice even the hardest subject can be mastered.
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Tuition from AHeadStart can provide you with the tools to help you or your child achieve your best. I give you my personal guarantee."
Adam Jones
Hi my name is Adam Jones and I'm a tutor for AHeadStart Tuition. I was a prefect at Napier Boys High School. I had great enjoyment from looking after my third form class, helping them to achieve their goals. At University I
am studying Civil Engineering. Engineering is a great way to use Mathematics and Science in a practical sense.
I was born in 1989 in Palmerston North. I moved to Napier in 1990 which is where I spent my schooling years. After high school I spent a year at Massey University studying veterinary science. I found it was not for me so moved down to Christchurch to do Civil Engineering and
I love it.
While at Napier Boys I was involved in many extra curriculum activities. I played rugby to a high level, winning two national under 15 titles, Central region under 16 titles and also winning the local 1st XV title. As well as rugby, I also achieved my black belt in tae kwon
do in 2006. Through rugby and school, I have learnt if you want achieve high you must aim to be the best. Never listen to someone who tells you cant be the best.
In my spare time I like to chill out with mates, train for rugby, keep fit, watch documentaries on civil engineering and working the punching bag.
Ataif Khan-Edmundson
Hi, my name is Ataif Khan-Edmundson and I am one of the tutors for AHeadStart Tuition. I was born in 1991 in Christchurch and attended Beckenham primary school followed by Cashmere High School. I completed high school in
four years and went straight on to do engineering at the University of Canterbury. I enjoy learning and helping others learn as this is a great way to share my appreciation for knowledge.
During school I participated in many team sports, but ended up pursuing rock climbing to a much higher level. In 2008 I placed 3rd in Oceania for sport climbing and competed at the World Youth Sport Climbing Championships.
The training required for these events, and watching my team mates improve with this training, has shown me what people can achieve when they are really committed. I have also spent the last year coaching younger climbers who belong to the Flying Geckos club.
I am now in my second year at University studying mechanical engineering. Obviously engineering is a field that is very heavily reliant on chemistry, physics and calculus and it is especially interesting because of its real
life applications.
Caitlin Gray
"Hi, my name is Caitlin Gray, and I'm a tutor for AHeadStart Tuition. I helped tutor younger students when I was a senior at high school, and really loved it! Maths and science are interesting subjects to learn
about and to teach, which makes this job a lot of fun."
Caitlin was born in 1990 in Dunedin. In 1993 she, her parents and her brother moved to Christchurch. She attended Papanui Primary School, Casebrook Intermediate, and finally graduated from Papanui High School in
2008 as Proxime Accessit. At Papanui High, Caitlin was involved in numerous extracurricular activities, including Cantamaths and debating. In 2007 and 2008, she was involved in coaching and adjudicating junior debaters, along with competing in senior debating
competitions.
In 2009 Caitlin gained a scholarship for a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Canterbury. She studied biology and chemistry in her first year, and in 2010 has decided on chemistry as her
major.
In her spare time, Caitlin enjoys reading, watching movies, and practising for her piano diploma.
Jason Wang
My name is Jason and I am originally from China and have been in Christchurch since 2002. I have studied at the University of Canterbury for five years, and have completed a B.Sc in Mathematics and a Graduate Diploma in Teaching and
Learning (Secondary) at the University of Canterbury. I am currently study a Master Degree in Education.
I enjoy mathematics and statistics and would like to share my knowledge of this with others. I hope it will allow me more opportunities to learn about people from other cultures in New Zealand and create equal educational opportunities for
students from diverse racial, ethnic, social, and cultural groups.
As I come from an Asian ethnic background country and am a fluent Mandarin speaker, I hope that may be able to empathise with students from different backgrounds. I am also keen to learn and improve any other skills which may help me to be a
good teacher.
Melanie Coker
Melanie first began tutoring when working for BrainMasters Ltd in 2004. She was motivated by seeing the improvements in students' attitudes towards learning and increased success in tests and assignments. Melanie now has more than six years
experience in tutoring New Zealand secondary school students towards NCEA in every mathematics and science subject.
For Melanie's CV click here
Melanie was born in 1978, and lived in Ashburton for four years before her family moved to Christchurch. Melanie and her younger brother went to Paparoa St Primary School and Heaton Intermediate. After gaining an entrance scholarship she
then attended Christchurch Girls' High School. This was when she discovered her enjoyment of mathematics and science. In 1997 Melanie began the University of Canterbury studying biology, chemistry and maths. In 2000 she completed a Bachelor of Science with Honours majoring in
molecular biology.
In 2001 Melanie moved to Dunedin to work at the University of Otago, in the Cancer Genetics Laboratory. Here she helped discover the gene for a rare blood disease. This work has been published in one of the world''s most famous scientific
magazines, Nature Genetics.
Melanie then moved back to Christchurch in 2002 and began work as an Assistant Research Fellow in the Free Radical Research Laboratory at the University of Otago, Christchurch based at Christchurch Public Hospital. Currently she is pursuing a PhD
investigating how white blood cells use free radicals to defend the human body from bacteria.
For Melanie's publications click here
During her spare time Melanie enjoys playing the piano and still has regular piano lessons to finally achieve her goal of obtaining Grade 8. Learning the piano as an adult is very enjoyable as you have a greater appreciation of music and a better
relationship with your teacher. The learning process is more self-directed and very liberating. Melanie also enjoys walking and biking on the Port Hills for leisure and fitness.
Melanie lives with her partner Michael Glaser, managing director for eDIY Software who provides hands-on help with generation of this website. They live in Cashmere with their three cats
Ebony, Karma and Sly as well as four goldfish and many tropical fish.
" I think Melanie is a woman of character and is such a hardworking lady. She displays a work ethic that is very good. Her quite determined manner motivated my son to rise up to a high
standard."
Sarah Viegas, December 2009
Mother of Neil
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics
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