Head of Renwick Psychology. AQA Expert GCSE/A-Level Psychology & Degr; over 15 years' experience with EHCP/SEN (AQA examiner).

Find out more about Stephen

• When did you develop an interest in your chosen field and in private tutoring?

  When I was 17 years old, I read a book called 'The Power of Positive Thinking' by Norman Vincent Peal. This book sparked my interest in how our thoughts can impacts the results we get in life. I never looked back since. I am also now the author of 6 books myself.

• Tell us more about the subject you teach, the topics you like to discuss with students (and possibly those you like a little less).

  I teach GCSE and A-Level AQA Psychology and support students doing their degrees. I love research methods, biopsychology and Schizophrenia. I enjoy all the topics, however the above are my favourite!

• Did you have any role models; a teacher that inspired you?

  I was inspired by Dr Wayne Dyer, from the USA, who I met before he passed away. Dr Dyer is well known for his counselling psychology and spiritual teachings, and has been very influential teacher.

• What do you think are the qualities required to be a good tutor?

  Well, as a stand up comedian, I would say a good sense of humour and someone who makes learning psychology fun. Also, being encouraging and supportive, rather than boring and critical, because students don't want to feel down after a lesson. To love the subject helps too and this comes across when teaching it.

• Provide a valuable anecdote related to your subject or your days at school.

  I had a student once who was studying agriculture and communications, specialising in sheep. He came out with a BAA (Joke).

• What were the difficulties or challenges you faced or still facing in your subject?

  Well, I was told I would never get a degree by certain family and I did my degree to prove them wrong, and completed my Masters too. Also, in the final year of my degree, sadly, my brother and father passed away, however I still finished the psychology degree and passed.

• Do you have a particular passion? Is it teaching in general or an element of the subject or something completely different?

  I have a passion for helping students with their psychology, because I had a very helpful tutor myself, and I know what a difference it can make. I love the subject and find helping students very motivating.

• What makes you a Superprof (besides answering these interview questions :-P) ?

  I am a dedicated, funny and supportive tutor with excellent feedback from students. My tutoring style is engaging, and motivating. Plus I am an examiner too!