David Coates – Chemistry & Biology Tutor
David holds an MA in Natural Sciences and a PGCE from Cambridge University. He joined MPW in 2006 and teaches GCSE Chemistry and Biology, as well as the new Pre-Programme course.
Prior to MPW
I have worked at Cambridge Seminars College, Abbey Tutorial College and St Andrew’s College Cambridge as a teacher of science, primarily Chemistry, but also Biology and Physics.
Role at MPW
Teacher of GCSE Chemistry and GCSE Biology, Teacher of the Pre-Programme. The Pre-Programme is a very exciting new course for international students with a lower level of English, and I’ll be teaching the science component of the programme. As part of these courses, I often take students to the Cambridge University Botanic Gardens.
Why teaching and why MPW?
I love the science side, the technical subjects, and the people side, meeting and helping students. MPW is a friendly school with small class sizes, which makes for a very good environment.
David beyond the classroom
I have many international interests; I like learning languages, I’m currently learning Russian and Mandarin, and I have taught abroad during my summer holidays. I spent five summers teaching English to students at university in Taiwan (ROC) and I spent three summers teaching English in schools in remote parts of Uganda. I have also been a volunteer for many years in free international cafes that welcome international students in Cambridge. I also love wild swimming; I often swim in the river Cam.
Tips for students looking to study science topics
You need to have a fascination for the natural world, because these are the natural sciences; you need to be curious about the world around you and keen to try and understand and explain the phenomena happening around you. Also, it is the gateway to many interesting STEM careers, including Medicine, Engineering and Software Engineering.