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Daniel Newman

Daniel Newman

Daniel is a skilled tutor whose philosophy for tutoring is closely tied with his passion for scientific innovation. Particularly, this includes an approach to teaching that combines a core, first principles, understanding of content and applications far beyond the basics of the syllabus, but important to the precise high standard seen in examinations. This nexus dually fosters excitement for learning and enhanced critical thinking skills. Daniel graduated as the Dux of Chatswood High School with a perfect 99.95 ATAR, the first in many, many years at the school. He placed first in his candidature for quite a diverse range of subjects: Mathematics Extension 1, Mathematics Extension 2, (noting CHS ranked in the top 5 statewide for these subjects), Chemistry, Physics, and Modern History. Daniel is currently studying Physics, Mathematics and LLB at the University of Sydney on a full Academic Scholarship.

Results and qualifications

  • ATAR: 99.95
  • School: Chatswood High School (Dux)
  • University: University of Sydney Bachelor of Science (Physics) and Bachelor of Laws
  • Subjects: Mathematics Ext. 1 (98/100, 1st at CHS), Mathematics Ext. 2 (97/100, 1st at CHS), Chemistry (97/100, 1st at CHS), Physics (96/100, 1st at CHS), Modern History (96/100, 1st at CHS), English Advanced (94/100, 2nd at CHS)
  • Scholarships: Full Scholarship to USYD (Chancellor’s Scholarship), UNSW Scientia Scholarship (Declined), UNSW AAA Scholarship (Declined)
  • High Distinction Average at Sydney University, notably (raw scores): 99.0 in SSP Multivariable Calculus, 95.0 in SSP Physics 1B, 95.0 in Advanced Statistical Thinking with Data, Accepted into research within the School of Physics
  • National Physics Olympiad

Approach to tutoring

Daniel’s approach to tutoring, while methodological in terms of the practical attitude to teaching, is to nurture high standards of academic excellence through making it actually enjoyable to learn. He does this through:

  1. Assessing flaws in existing understanding - whether through mock examination or viva voce assessment.
  2. Addressing these through logical and easy-to-comprehend teaching - especially by setting achievable learning goals that are consolidated in thought-provoking homework.
  3. Where possible and of interest to the student, extending beyond the required knowledge to facilitate a passion for the subject matter - in the form of further reading into practical applications, published literature or even just discussions about personal interests of his students in the field.

While ideally content will be learnt in advance of the curriculum, Daniel’s tutelage is personalised in that students have the option to either choose advanced learning, or supplement the content being taught in school with a focus on consolidating and then challenging students beyond what class would usually present.

Biography

Daniel grew up in Willoughby East, attending WPS. His primary education was guided by his affection for Chess, winning his first tournament in Year 2 and going on to win four of the annual WPS open chess tournaments, and multiple interschool tournaments. Further to this, sports and music were integral parts of his early life, accumulating various instruments and sports: at one point in Year 9, he was playing the Saxophone, Clarinet, Viola, and Piano in three different ensembles, while playing competitive soccer for Lane Cove. He continues to enjoy playing the piano and soccer.

Daniel was always interested in STEM subjects, particularly the Natural Sciences and Mathematics. These avenues culminated in him studying Law and Physics at the University of Sydney. Alongside coursework Daniel engages in research within the USYD School of Physics.

Outside of tutoring, Daniel researches with the University School of Physics, enjoys social sport, playing the piano, and participating in competitive mooting with the Sydney Law School.