We're delighted to share an insightful conversation with our Director of Studies and Chemistry teacher, Dr. Jan Capar at LSI College. In this wide-ranging interview, we explore the unique approach to science education at LSI, from our intimate classroom settings to our state-of-the-art laboratory facilities. Our Director brings a wealth of experience, including a PhD in Chemistry and years of research at various universities, perfectly embodying LSI's commitment to academic excellence and personalized attention.

Through this Q&A, you'll discover how our distinctive tutorial college model in the heart of Hampstead creates an environment where students thrive, supported by exceptional educators who bring deep subject expertise to every lesson. From career guidance to hands-on laboratory work, learn how we prepare our students for success in science, medicine, and beyond.

Step inside LSI College as we explore the educational philosophy that has made our institution a standout choice for aspiring scientists and medical professionals. Forma

Could you tell us about your role as Director of Studies and what a typical day looks like for you?
I did not have long experience in management, but I found my current role quite interesting and enjoyable. Surprisingly, one day can be quite different to another. I would regularly talk to students and teachers each day, sometimes with appointments, but oftentimes casually. Listen to their feedback and issues. I also closely work with my colleagues in the admin team on diverse issues.

What initially drew you to teaching, and specifically to Chemistry and the sciences?
I have always been interested in Science since I was a small child, particularly Biology. Later, I shifted towards Chemistry. In high school, my music teacher suggested that I apply for a music teacher degree at a university since I was very active in the student choir as the choir leader, and the school arranged additional hours to prepare me for the music examinations. Around the same time, my Psychology teacher and friends suggested that I should pursue a teaching career after a class presentation of a Psychology project. In the end I ended up as a chemistry teacher.

As Science Coordinator, how do you ensure students receive a well-rounded and dynamic science education?
We have an excellent team of Science teachers with PhD degrees. I work closely with my colleagues and listen to students' feedback on a daily basis. We also have a brand new well-equipped Science lab in which we perform interesting scientific demonstrations. In fact, I love the Science lab so much that I spend most of my time in the lab and my students and colleagues know that they can find me there whenever they need me. Although we prepare our students for the exams, we make sure that they receive an excellent Science education with hands-on experience, and the students would often perform the experiments themselves.

Can you share a memorable success story of a student or class you've taught at LSI College?
The small size classrooms often with 3-4 students meant that I had almost one to one tuition experience with my students. Therefore, I taught very closely to them, and they were all very special to me one way or another. Seeing them succeed and their grades improve have been a memorable experience, particularly cases where their grades improved tremendously leading to their dream programs at their dream universities have been invaluable.

What skills or habits do you encourage in students to help them succeed in science and beyond?
I advise my students that this is a long journey rather than a short one. Almost daily effort is needed to get the top grades. The students should make sure that everything is understood during lessons, if not, they should communicate with their teachers immediately. Homework is also essential, they shouldn't miss or delay any. The students should find the topics interesting and not just study for the exams. All this would automatically lead to their natural curiosity and they would actually enjoy it when they study and learn which ultimately will lead to their success.

How does LSI College support students aspiring to careers in science, medicine, and related fields?
We have weekly Career sessions timetabled to all our students. We also created a Science/Medics group with weekly sessions where the students and Career teacher engage in various activities for successful Science/Medics career paths.

What role does technology play in your teaching, and how do you incorporate it into science education?
We created an online channel for all subjects where their teachers upload resources, assignments etc. By this way, if students miss a lesson due to an illness etc they can easily catch up. The students can also follow their notes and assignments while studying at home. We also have brand new large size smart boards in virtually all our classrooms. Despite all this, virtually all our teachers would still advise the students to have their textbooks ready for learning and studying. When it comes to education there is no one size fits all. We listen to individual students and find the best way for each student.

What do you find most rewarding about being both a teacher and Director of Studies at LSI College?
I am a solution-oriented person, and being the Director of Studies enables me to work on solutions that teachers and students face, and being a teacher at the same time enables me to get to know the issues first hand. Being able to help students and colleagues has been very rewarding.

Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives in the Science Department that you're excited about?
We are organising to join the Olympics and visits to Science museums, and want to see a strong Science/Medics group with interesting activities in their weekly sessions.

What advice would you give to students who are passionate about pursuing a career in science?
I tell them that they made a great choice and they will discover many fascinating parts of the science world. Therefore, they should chose what they are most fascinated by and the time will show what a great path that they chose to follow.

What's one piece of advice you always give to your students at the beginning of each academic year?
I tell them that they shouldn't underestimate being a student. For me it counts as an occupation, in fact, the most important occupation they would ever do. It is those few years that will mostly shape their entire future. And these are not just grades, it is the friendships, communication, collaboration and team working skills that they acquire will affect their future paths tremendously. Therefore, I tell them to take these years very seriously.

Finally, what do you enjoy most about working at LSI College, and what sets it apart from other institutions?
I joined LSI College 7 years ago and from the first day I fell in love with it. I loved my colleagues, students, the magnificent Victorian building, and the beautiful location, Hampstead. We are not a big college with strict rules, uniforms etc, but rather a small tutorial college that allows us to teach our students almost one to one basis. By this way, I am also able to pass on my vast subject knowledge that I acquired during my PhD and research years at various universities. In big colleges, subject knowledge of teachers are often overlooked or even ignored; it comes third or fourth after classroom management and communication skills. However, the vast research in education had long proved that good subject knowledge is crucial to be a good teacher. At LSI College, subject knowledge is greatly appreciated both by the recruitment team and the students and this sets clearly apart LSI from other institutions.

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