Dr Maria Pavlidou

1992- 1996: Ph.D. in Acoustics, University of Wales, Cardiff, Department of Physics and Astronomy. Thesis: “A physical model of the string-finger interaction in the classical guitar”, 1997.

1983-1988: Degree of Physical Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Physics. Final year project in Space Physics. Graduation grade equivalent to second class honours 2.1. 

1983-1987: Diploma of Musical Harmony, Conservatory Orfeio of Athens. Graduation grade equivalent to first class honours.

Sep 2020 – today: Founder and Director of Galileo’s Voyage

A science education company specialising in physics and astronomy, supporting science & mathematics teaching and learning, from primary school through secondary school to early university years. Offering: (i) tutoring for individuals or small groups; (ii) talks and workshops for schools, clubs and festivals; (iii) guidance and support for students completing research projects; (iv) consultation services for educational professionals.

Sep 2015 – Aug 2020: University of Birmingham, School of Physics and Astronomy; School Liaison Officer

Outreach work: Designed and delivered innovative workshops for primary and secondary school students, teachers and the general public; trained primary school teachers at CERN; first to create a particle physics workshop for primary schools. Managed the A2B scheme in the School of Physics and Astronomy.

Academic work: lectured “Mechanics” in Foundation year; was a tutor for foundation year physics students; coordinated and was a tutor for the year 3 module “Teaching Physics in Schools”; established and lectured a new module in year 3 on the “Physics of Music and Sound”. Welfare tutor in 2017.

Sep 2013 – Aug 2015: University of Birmingham, School of Physics and Astronomy; Ogden Teacher Fellow

Co-established a research project on cosmic rays (HiSPARC) for secondary schools; established experimental research projects for KS3 students.

Jan 2008 – Aug 2015: Cleeve School, GL52 8AE; Head of Physics

Managed a very successful department, producing excellent results since 2009; increased the number of Physics A-level students by 100% in 3 years; collaborated with GE Aviation on the GirlsGetSET scheme to encourage girls towards physics and engineering (scheme engaged 80 girls per year, across all ages); established and managed the Cleeve Hill Physics Partnership in 2013 which brought additional funding to the school from The Ogden Trust.

Sep 2003 – Dec 2007: Tewkesbury School, GL20 8DF; Teacher of Science

Pastoral and teaching responsibilities in science; established Astronomy GCSE course; organised enrichment activities for students e.g., lunar rock loan, school trips to National Space Centre.

Sep 2000 – Aug 2003: North Bromsgrove High School, B60 1BA; Teacher of Science

Jan 2000 – Aug 2000: King Edward VI High School for Girls, B15 2UB; Teacher of Science

Sep 1996 – Aug 1999: 9th and 12th High Schools of Ilion, Greece; Teacher of Music & Science

1997-1998: Hellenic Mediterranean University, Department of Music Technology & Acoustics Engineering; External collaborator, advisor and course designer

Sep 1988 – Aug 1992: Experimental Music High School of Pallini, Greece; Teacher of Music & Science

Organised and ran outreach events for home-educated groups from 2015 to 2020.

Tutored home educated students since September 2020.

All sciences and maths up to GCSE level.

Physics up to A level and beyond.

Uses formative assessment in tutoring, to evaluate student comprehension, learning needs and academic progress, whilst building upon their knowledge and skills.

Teaching years have given valuable experience in communicating with individuals of all ages, abilities and social backgrounds.

£50 per hour for KS3 and KS4 (GCSE students)

£80 per hour for KS5 (A level)

Availability: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings only.