AHeadStart tutors have a thorough knowledge of NCEA and know what it takes to achieve success. All tutors are high achievers, passionate about their field of expertise and keen to share their knowledge.

Every AHeadStart tutor has a Graduate Diploma in Teaching or personal experience of the NCEA system. Many of our tutors have gained Scholarships in NCEA, so thoroughly know the required content.

All tutors are selected via a thorough intervew process. Tutors are chosen based on their tutoring experience, record of achievement, as well as their passion for sharing their knowledge with students.

All tutors are screened by the NZ Police prior to being placed with students.

Choose a subject and then click on a tutor to read more about them:

Adam Jones

Hi my name is Adam Jones and Im 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  1990 which is where I spent my schooling years. After Highschool I spent a year at Massey University studying veternary Science. Found it was not for me and 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.

Alex Upjohn Beatson

Hi, my name is Alex and I tutor Maths, Physics and Chemistry for AHeadStart. I studied at Burnside High School from 2005 to 2009, and am currently studying towards a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I have always loved the way that individual aspects of mathematics and science work together to paint a picture of the world around us, and enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and helping them achieve success. After finishing my degree I plan to go on to postgraduate study, but am also keen to travel.

In my spare time I enjoy a wide range of activities, including music and sports. I have learnt a variety of musical instruments from trumpet to guitar, and achieved a black belt in Zen Do Kai as well as fighting in the ring for Kickboxing. The grueling experience of Kickboxing fight training has proved to me that success and commitment go hand in hand, and that the harder you work to achieve something, the more satisfying it will be when you accomplish it.

"Alex was great at figuring out exactly what confused me and was able to easily dissect principles in such a way that I was able to understand. "

Chloe Thompson, November 2010
Year 13, Level 3 Physics

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.

"Ataif showed me the right way to do [Physics], helped break down the steps and showed me it wasn't as hard as I first thought. "

Daniel , November 2010
Year 12, Level 2 Physics

Becky Soffe

Hi, my name is Becky and I am a tutor for AHeadStart Tuition. I am originally from Christchurch and moved down to Dunedin when I was five. I completed my primary and secondary schooling in Dunedin, where I attended Arthur Street School followed by St. Hilda's Collegiate School. During my time at St. Hilda's my interest in Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics and Design grew.

I played soccer through my schooling years, and four of those years I played for St. Hilda's 1st XI where I have some of the best experience as working as part of a team and how persistence and encouragement are so powerful; which are reflected in how you play. I have also competed in powerlifting where I have represented Otago and New Zealand, and currently hold various records. Powerlifting is also a mentally challenging sport, as you have to have self confidence and determination to increase the amount you lift.

When I finished secondary school I decided to move back to Christchurch to pursue an Engineering degree at Canterbury University, and I am currently in my second year studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering.

"Thank you very much, especially to Becky for helping me this year. She was very passionate and helpful and went beyond what was expected. "

Kitty Hadley, November 2010
Year 11, Level 1 Maths & Physics

"Becky taught me difficult subjects in a way that made them seem much easier to understand. "

Harriet Kingston-Smith, November 2010
Year 11, Level 1 Chemistry & Physics

Ben Uffindell

Hi. My name is Ben, and Im an English and Arts tutor with AHeadStart Tuition. I was born in Whangarei in 1991, and moved to Christchurch when I was nine years old. I was educated at Papanui High School from 2004 to 2008, and Im presently studying toward a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at the University of Canterbury. Here I am also heavily involved in the universitys student magazine, where I am able to express myself through my writing. I have been the recipient of several awards for my writing, public speaking and academic work.
 
I have previous experience in private one-on-one tutoring, and spent time aiding high school students with their work as part of Papanui High Schools peer support programme. I am extremely passionate about my writing, and I am motivated to share this passion with my students to see that they achieve to the very best of their ability.

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.

Cameron Bradley

Hi my name's Cameron Bradley. I'm a born and bred Cantabrian apart from a few years in a wee town called Cheviot! I started my education at Redwood Primary School in Papanui, but in year 3 moved over to Avonhead. I attended Russley Primary until I moved on to Riccarton High School, where I had the time of my life. I achieved my silver Duke of Edinborough award, a few Excellence awards in several subjects, overall Merit awards for Levels 1, 2 and 3 NCEA and a Statistics and Modelling Scholarship. I was also a Prefect and in this role I coordinated the organisation of the school formal and leavers dinner. Since then Ihave moved on to Canterbury University where I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Management Science.

I love playing sport; I have tried basketball, soccer, tennis, golf, squash, rugby , but soccer and tennis have been the ones that stuck. I've played soccer for 8 years and have just finished a season with a great team of guys, and have played tennis for 9 years where I have just picked up a sponsorship from Babolat, primarily for helping my coach for 3 years with various coaching groups and programmes.

I play drums in my spare time, enjoying playing along to jazz and rock pieces.

Carla Poulton

Hi my name is Carla and I tutor English for AHeadStart. I was born in England and moved to Hawkes Bay when I was 12 years old, where I completed my high schooling. In 2008 I graduated from Victoria University of Wellington with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Classical Studies. After this I took a year off study to work at Te Papa as a museum host and then to travel to Peru where I volunteered in a school for children with special needs. I enjoyed working with students so much that I decided to enrol to study secondary teaching at Otago University and graduated at the end of 2010 as a social studies, english, classical studies and art history teacher. During my time at teachers college I gained first hand experience working with students and an excellent understanding of NCEA. I am very enthusiastic about english and my other teaching subjects, and I am looking forward to helping students achieve their goals and enjoy the subject as much as I do.

During my spare time I like to cook, sew, garden, read, watch movies and spend time in the outdoors with friends. I am also studying extra-murally towards a graduate diploma of arts in History so I can add this to my teaching subjects.

Chloe Thompson

Hey, my name is Chloe and I am a tutor in Maths, Chemistry, Physics and English with AHeadStart.

I am a highly motivated person, and I believe that it is my drive for understanding that has led to my enjoyment in tutoring. I was heavily involved in tutoring students of all ages, including my peers, at Christchurch Girls High School. I tutored in many subjects as well as teaching a Year 9 English class once a week. I am able to dissect students problems with relative ease and can then apply strategies that enable them to approach problems from different angles and gain a comprehensive understanding of a concept. I relate well to students of all ages, and throughout my time at CGHS I developed my leadership abilities, leading to a position as Prefect, and Sports Captain in Year 13. I was awarded Proxime Accessit to the Dux, and other scholarships from CGHS.

I am a first year student on an Emerging Leaders Scholarship at the University of Canterbury, completing a LLB/Bsc (Chemistry) with a minor in Mandarin Chinese, although I spent my first semester studying at the University of Adelaide.  I am currently undecided as to whether I will pursue Chemistry or Biochemistry, however I also have a love of the Arts and am considering exploring a field which would allow me to combine the two, such as Biological Patent Law. I love the outdoors, and am particularly keen on multi-sport and skiing.

Daniel Clarke

Hi, my name is Daniel Clarke and I am a Science and Mathematics tutor for AHeadStart. I attended Rangiora High School from 2006 to 2010, where I achieved NCEA Levels 1 and 2, plus NCEA Level 3 with Excellence. I am now at Canterbury University, in my intermediate year studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, specializing in either Civil or Chemical Engineering. In my time at secondary school I participated in many public speaking events, film competitions and leading the house debating team.

I have always held an interest in Science and how it shapes our daily lives through countless ways. I enjoy being able to share my interest and knowledge with students and I enjoy communicating with a wide range of students with the goal of assisting them to reach their full potential.

I my spare time I am a keen scale modeller, where I have learned that success and achievement are not instantaneous, but require patience, commitment and enthusiasm.

Fabian Dolamore

Hi, my name is Fabian Dolamore. I graduated from Christchurch Boys' High School in 2009 and am currently in my first year of study toward a degree in Chemical and Process Engineering. Aside from my studies I have been involved in many sports such as rowing, badminton and squash along with others. At high school i was in many leadership roles inlcuding being a prefect and also a member the sports council. I was also involved with peer tutoring which I always enjoyed. Other hobbies of mine include piano and surfing.

Over the years I have been very interested in science and mathematics, which i have pursued in my schooling, chemistry though, has always been my main interest. I was involved with the New Zealand Chemistry Olympiad training group in 2009 which was a huge boost to my knowledge and understanding of the subject. After I complete my studies at Canterbury I am interested in travel and possibly postgraduate studies overseas.

Gemma Payne

Hi, my name is Gemma and I tutor Science and Mathematics for AHeadStart. I thrive on being challenged and enjoy helping others to overcome obstacles in their learning.

I was born and bred in Canterbury and have a strong agricultural background. In 2003 I headed into the big smoke and attended St Andrews College through to 2007 where I had a sturdy science background particularly enjoying biology and chemistry. Throughout my time at high school I developed my leadership skills for roles such as Deputy Head Girl and School Council Member which lead on to a GAP year in Italy working as a self development coach (and A+ pasta eater).

I am currently on scholarship at Lincoln University where I study BSc in animal science and BCom in marketing. During my time at Lincoln I have tutored a number of students for science, currently including an All Black, and get delight out of seeing them develop and grow to enjoy subjects that they once struggled in.

I have a passion for outdoor activities, being top in New Zealand for cycling and holding numerous Canterbury titles for a range of sports and can draw on relevant examples in this area for explaining theories and simplifiying material.

Gina Scandrett

Hi, my name in Gina and I tutor maths and science for AHeadStart. I am from Christchurch and grew up in Sumner, attending St Margarets College during my high school years. During this time I studied all the maths and science subjects I could, and loved the straightforward processes involved in these subjects. After finishing school I travelled to Wales and worked in a high school there for my Gap year. During this time I helped to teach classes and tutor students who benefited from one on one attention in maths and science subjects, from any age from year 7 to year 13.

I am currently studying a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts at Canterbury University, majoring in Psychology, Sociology and Linguistics. I am unsure where I am going to go when I finish my studies, but hope to work with young people in some sort of environment, (in New Zealand or overseas) as I enjoy assisting young people academically, as well as encouraging them to find out their strengths, goals and aspirations.

"Gina was very approachable. She made the lesson enjoyable and that made it seem easier to learn and understand what she was teaching. "

Hannah, November 2010
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics

Hannah White

Hello! My name is Hannah and I tutor English for AHeadStart. I graduated high school in 2008, so I can easily draw on my own recent experiences of NCEA particularly in my favourite subjects of English, History and Geography. I received Excellence endorsements for every level of NCEA and was Dux of my school in Year 13. I also had a number of leader positions at high school being a prefect and a member of the District Youth Council.

I am currently in my final year of a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with minors in Anthropology and Psychology. My degree has a focus on the development of countries and the questions raised by the disparity and difference between peoples across the world. As part of my degree I have also completed papers in Education and English.

I love the beauty of literature and film in English and look forward to helping students achieve in NCEA. I am a friendly, encouraging person with a diligent work ethic and high attention to detail. In my spare time, I love reading, watching movies and sport, art, cooking, and volunteering and participating in activities in the community and with my church.

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.

"A very quick note to thank you and Jason for the great experience Campbell had with his first tutoring lesson. He was absolutely delighted with what was covered and the ease in which he grasped concepts previously misunderstood. I have not heard him as animated and enthusiastic as he was when we spoke last night for several years. "

Jill , July 2010
Year 13, Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus

Jonathan Hsia

Hi, my name is Jonathan, and I am a tutor for Maths, Chemistry, year 13 Calculus and Statistics at AHeadStart. I was born in Taiwan in 1988, and moved to New Zealand in 1998 with my family. I went to Westburn School for my primary and intermediate, and Burnside High School between 2002 and 2006. During high school, I have always been confident with Maths and Science subjects and have gained 5th overall in Calculus in my year. I have also completed a 100-level math course during year 13 under the S.T.A.R programme. I began my tertiary study in 2007, and have gained an Honours degree in Electrical Engineering in 2010 at the University of Canterbury. I am currently studying towards a Masters degree in Bioengineering at UC as well.

I have a wide range of hobbies; I play casual badminton, soccer and squash when there is spare time. I also enjoy playing chess; I have long been a member of the university chess club. I play Chinese chess and Go with my mates from time to time as well. I love mountain biking and road cycling with a passion. I have been biking from a young age, and just last year I have successfully biked around Taiwan for the first time in my life and I am currently planning to bike around both the NZ South and North islands in the near future.

Joshua Bird

Hey, I'm Josh and I tutor Statistics, Calculus, Accounting, Physics and Chemistry for AHeadStart. I started tutoring mathematics to year 1-13 students in 2006 and have since tutored various papers at the university up to honors level. I tutor because I find it very rewarding and challenging. As I am patient, adaptable and easy to get along with I have the ability to be able tutor someone to reach the goals they have set.

I have a first class honors degree in civil engineering and a bachelor of commerce from UC. I'm currently working on my masters and hope to be a coastal engineer. I mentor young students new to studying at university and have been a Course Representative for many of the papers I tutor students in.

I hail from the North Island but have been in Christchurch six years. I went to school at in Hastings doing two years at year 13 (skipping year 12) and studied various papers with scholarships in Statistics and Accounting. This gives me a good understanding of all sorts of topics and interests.

I enjoy reading and painting and am heavily involved in variety of sports including being President of the UC Hockey club and Secretary of the UC Lacrosse Club. I also attended the Lacrosse nationals this year in Hamilton. At school my achievements were being a house leader, senior librarian, Captain of my hockey team, a peer support leader, representative on our student council, was on the debate team and participated in a national award winning young enterprise scheme as well as attending the Genesis science and technology forum.

Julie Mugford

Hi, my name is Julie Mugford and I tutor Accounting, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics for AHeadStart. I grew up in the country and attended Lincoln High School from 2004 to 2008. At high school I completed NCEA level one, two and three. I also received NZQA scholarships in Accounting, Economics and Statistics. I therefore have a strong knowledge of how NCEA is structured and what it takes to succeed in it. I was also involved in several leadership roles while I was at high school these include; house leader, chair person of the environmental group and a peer support leader.

After completing high school I spent a gap year as an exchange student in France. It was a fantastic experience, I loved learning the French culture, meeting new people and becoming fluent in a second language. Currently I am in my second year of a Bachelor of Science at the University of Canterbury, majoring in Economics and Mathematics.

I have a lot of passion for the subjects that I study and I really enjoy sharing my knowledge of these subjects with other people. For me tutoring is a very rewarding job that I take a lot of pride in.

During my free time I enjoy reading, playing sport and being outdoors. I especially enjoy Hockey, snowboarding and cycling.

Marlese Fairgray

Hi, my name is Marlese and I am a tutor with AHeadStart. I was born in New Plymouth in 1990 and was educated at Lepperton Primary School and Sacred Heart Girls College. After completing high school in 2007, I moved to Christchurch to study at the University of Canterbury. In my first year I studied Astronomy, Chemistry, Maths and Physics. I am currently working towards a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Chemistry.
Last year I was a private tutor and have joined AHeadStart this year. I enjoy tutoring and being able to help others understand the physical sciences.
I enjoy being outdoors and partake in various outdoor sports such as tramping, kayaking and mountain biking. I also enjoy reading, going to church and spending time with friends and family.

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.

Melanie has recently completed her 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. 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 foreDIY 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, many tropical fish and a pet mouse.

" 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

Peter Yu

Hi, my name is Peter Yu and I tutor Mathematics and Science subjects for AHeadStart. I studied at Christ's College from 2004 to 2007 and moved on to the University of Canterbury from Year 12. I am currently in my fourth and final year of a Civil Engineering degree, majoring in structures and water resources.

I enjoy teaching as students understand new concepts.
As a recent NCEA student, I believe that I have a strong grasp in the curriculum and the structure of NCEA.
Also, I have obtained a NZQA Scholarship Award (Outstanding Scholarship in Calculus, Scholarship in Statistics and Physics) at the end of high school.
This allows me to provide tips and strategies for students wanting to gain scholarships in these fields.

I am open-minded and willing to listen such that I can improve my teaching skills. I hope to gain insight in all aspects of the learning and teaching process, as one of my long-term goals is to become a lecturer.

Phillip Spellman

Hello, I am Phillip Spellman. My interests are in mathematics and science. I have completed a BE Civil(hons) at Auckland university, focusing on fluid mechanics and advanced structural modelling. Currently I am studying towards a Masters in Fire engineering (MEFE) at the University of Canterbury. Whilst I enjoy the elegance of pure mathematics I work hard to apply maths to solving real world problems.

I like to view maths like a tool bag which you can take to a particular task, where you then decide which tools will get the job done the best. Knowing which tool is best for which job is an important part of maths. Sometimes a task can be done with a number of tools, or may require multiple tools.

I was born in 1987 in the bay of plenty and have spent most of my time in Auckland. I studied physics calculus statistics chemistry and graphic design at Pakuranga College in Auckland. These subjects lead nicely towards studying engineering at university. Whilst at school I play hockey socially and am currently playing for a team in Christchurch.

In my own time I enjoy a wide range of activities, some of which include: fire spinning, building and modifying computers, watching movies.

Sarah Byers

Hi, my name is Sarah Byers and I am a tutor for Accounting and Economics. I am a second year Canterbury University student who is a recipient of an accounting first year scholarship and am studying towards an honours degree in accounting while striving to become a chartered accountant.

I am hugely involved in sports, especially hockey and am therefore a highly motivated and extremely well organised student and athlete. My sporting, academic and community achievements along with my many coaching, mentoring and leadership positions led to my selection as one of only two sporting youth in New Zealand to be given the honour to be the Youth Representative for the Beijing Olympic Youth Camp in 2008.

I have a huge passion for commerce and am also driven to use my knowledge and skills to help more people achieve their maximum potential in the areas of accounting and economics.