IB Chemistry, Physics and Maths, taught by a former university lecturer
I tutor and mentor IB Diploma students at international schools around Geneva and La Côte, at Higher and Standard Level. Sessions build real understanding first, then the exam technique that turns it into marks.
One-to-one, online or in person locally. I keep one day a week for tutoring, so places are limited.

How I help

Subject tutoring
Working through the topics a student finds hard, at the level of the course. We fix gaps in the basics, practise past paper questions, and build the habit of showing clear working.
Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics at HL and SL.
Internal Assessments and Extended Essays
Help to plan an investigation, choose a workable research question, and understand what the assessment criteria ask for.
I guide; the work stays the student's own, in line with IB academic integrity rules.
Mentoring for science and engineering
Conversations about what studying chemistry, physics or engineering at university is really like, how to read around a subject, and how to think about a career in it.
This is mentoring. I do not write or edit university applications or personal statements.
How it works
- A free 15-minute call
An online call with you, and your child if they would like, to understand what you want to achieve.
- A first session
We work through recent tests or homework to find where the difficulties really are.
- A plan
We agree what to focus on before the next assessments or exams, and how often to meet.
- Regular sessions
One-to-one sessions, with short updates for parents on progress.
Fees are discussed on the introductory call.
About me
I am Denis Cumming. Until 2025 I was a Senior Lecturer (associate professor) in Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield, where I taught undergraduate and master's courses and supervised twelve PhD researchers. Before that I worked as a development engineer in industry and completed a PhD in materials science at Imperial College London.
I now live locally and keep one day a week to work with students. I enjoy explaining difficult ideas from first principles and helping students see how chemistry, physics and maths connect to real engineering.
- Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, the UK teaching qualification for university lecturers
- Ten years teaching university chemical engineering
- PhD, Imperial College London
- Runs hands-on battery science workshops for school pupils

Book a free 15-minute call
Tell me a little about your child and what they would like help with. I will reply within two working days to arrange a time.
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