Smithes Tutors & Smithes Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced maths and science teacher with nearly 30 years experience. I have worked as a teacher and head of maths in sixth form college and I have a PhD in physical chemistry.
A bit of background about me: I completed my degree in chemistry in 1993 and began my PhD in physical chemistry the following year. Following completion of my PhD I continued to work in academic research in physical and materials chemistry until 2002 when I changed career to work in industry. I initially started off as a chemist in an analytical laboratory before working my way into senior management in the automotive, chemical and oil industries. My areas of industrial expertise also cover quality, environmental and health and safety auditing and management. I then moved into full time education and teaching in 2012 where I found my true vocation.
I first began tutoring nearly 30 years ago and I enjoyed it so much that I have maintained a small tuition business over the years prior to committing to a full time career in education. I also coach kayaking and cycling.
I am experienced with online tuition. I am experienced with using a number of different platforms and can help you get set up if needed. For online tuition I use an electronic white board which the student can also write on and other media platforms as required.
I have some online availability at weekends and also evenings. I am also prepared to travel in the Sittingbourne area.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as Head of Mathematics in a local sixth form teaching GCSE and A level maths including further maths and I have also taught chemistry at GCSE and A level in school.
I have experience of teaching chemistry up to and including degree level and I have also supervised students up to and including PhD level in chemistry. I have also taught physics and maths to undergraduate science students.
I have a PhD in physical chemistry and an Honours degree in applied chemistry.
I am qualified with level 5 diploma in education and training and hold QTS status

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in helping the student to understand fully what they are learning not just reciting information from memory. Not all students can recall everything they are told to memorise but understanding how something works or what causes something to happen is more readily remembered. Breaking down difficult subjects into more easily understood concepts in a progressive manner makes learning less stressful and more readily absorbed.
Everyone learns at different rates hence I am flexible with bookings and the amount of time required to cover what needs to be learned.

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Personal Description:
If you needed a doctor, dentist or lawyer then you would want someone who was fully qualified and very experienced. So don't settle for anything less when you need a tutor. To get the best out of your tutoring, and hence the exam grades you want, make sure that you are getting the following:

1. Someone who will sit beside you and teach you in person. If the covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything then it has taught us that online tutoring can't hold a candle to having a teacher in the same room as you.

2. Insist on someone who is a qualified teacher. Just because someone has passed a few exams themselves doesn't mean that they will be able to teach their subject well. That's precisely why we have teacher training, to help people learn how best to convey that knowledge to others.

3. Insist on someone with plenty of experience. Practice may not make perfect, but it usually does make one a lot better, and this is often the case in teaching.

4. It's very important that a tutor knows their subjects very well and really enjoys them. Without both of these they are never going to be a good teacher.

Let's see how I measure up to these criteria. Well, I only teach in person, and from my home. On several occasions I have been offered online work, but always refused it, as I really do believe that I would be offering students a much inferior service. I have a Joint Honours B.Sc. in chemistry and physics, and for my PGCE my main subject was mathematics, and my secondary subject was physics. So I am well qualified in all the subjects that I offer: maths, further mathematics, chemistry and physics. My PGCE is from the University of Leeds, which has a very good reputation for its teacher training. I also have many years classroom and tutoring experience. As for knowing and enjoying my subjects, those who come to me for tutoring can see my large collection of maths, chemistry and physics books. I have also had a subscription to Scientific American for decades. I read maths and science for fun. Maybe that's why I gave up a very lucrative career as a software engineer to become a teacher. This is also why usually I only offer tutoring at A-level or equivalent, because I particularly enjoy teaching at this level. However, I am currently accepting a limited number of Y11 Higher Level Maths GCSE students.

Students studying maths might also be interested to know that I have written books about the best graphics calculators and also the Classwiz. So it's very likely that I'll be able to show you how to use your calculator much more effectively, which could save you time and mistakes in your exam.

Over the years many students, and their parents, have been very happy with my tutoring. Perhaps you will be too.

Please also note that I ONLY TUTOR FROM MY HOME: no exceptions. Among other reasons, this allows me to teach many more students, some of whom have been known to travel a considerable distance in order to get the right tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Let me be very frank. In the UK teaching in most schools is much less enjoyable than in many other countries. Behaviour, and what the school is prepared to spend on a teacher are often major issues. For students who genuinely want to learn this has serious implications. How qualified and experienced a teacher is may not be be a school's main recruitment criteria. Foremost may be their cost. A well qualified and experienced teacher will cost significantly more than a much younger one, so many older teachers' applications are often passed over. Also much greater weight may be given to classroom "management" skills, rather than the ability to teach ones subject.

Most of my time teaching in the classroom has been spent abroad, with a lot of it in private schools. For these schools neither behaviour nor salary is a major issue, so they recruit and retain teachers based on how well they can teach their subjects. This is the environment in which I have done my many years of classroom teaching. My years in the classroom have been spent in schools where ones teaching ability is paramount.

In regard to tutoring, this has been my main source of income for the past ten years, and most of this time has been spent teaching A-level, or the equivalent. It's probably fair to say that I spend many more hours teaching A-level than most classroom teachers, and as such I know what most students need, and where they are likely to experience difficulties.

Among the schools whose students I have recently tutored are: Ashmole Academy, Dame Alice Owen`s School, Enfield County School, Enfield Grammar School, Highlands School, Hockerill Anglo-European College, Princess Helena College, Southgate School, St. Michael`s Catholic Grammar School, The Latymer School, The Royal Masonic School for Girls, and Woodhouse College.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that when it comes to teaching I know my subjects very well. So you don't have to tell me in advance what you require help with. If you come to me for tutoring you will be able to ask me, on the fly, about any maths, physics or chemistry that you are having problems with, and I would expect to give you good help immediately.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour! My name is Samantha and I am from Bordeaux, a region famous for its wine. I am a qualified and experienced teacher. I have been living in the UK for many years and, after working in different roles in the educational system, I decided to undertake a French teaching qualification. The course was really stimulating and learning about pedagogy was particularly interesting. I have enjoyed teaching ever since.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten years experience teaching on a one to one basis as well as small group from the very young to adults face to face or online. I am familiar with the curriculum for French GCSE and A Level.
I also teach University students, supporting them with grammar and conversation.
I have experience teaching French to adults from basic knowledge for holidays up to advanced level.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons to what the student requires. I respect each student`s pace of work and way of learning and try to help them to fulfill their potential.
I make lessons interesting, stimulating and adapted to my clients' needs.
I am aware that tutees have different learning style and therefore I offer a variety of exercises.
I use different materials such as videos, images, magazines, music and the latest Course books from L'alliance Française as well as my own creation.
I empathize with my students because I had to learn English myself. Therefore, I know it can be difficult to learn a foreign language and even frustrating at times but also very rewarding. That is why, I make students aware of their progress on a regular basis.
I love teaching and I have had some very good feedback from my students. I am a friendly, patient and approachable person.

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Personal Description:
As a highly qualified tutor with a strong background in Computer Science, I believe in the power of education to transform lives and unlock new opportunities. With an undergraduate degree in computer science, a Multidisciplinary PhD in Computer Science, and significant postdoctoral research experience in Brain Computer Interfaces and AI, I have a wealth of knowledge to share with my students.

In the past five years, I have had the pleasure of serving as a lecturer in computer science at the University of Nottingham. Throughout my career, I have developed a wide range of skills, including the ability to teach people how to code and to think critically about building technology responsibly around users needs. My research interests are particularly focused on Human Computer Interaction and Human Robot Interaction,Trustworthy Autonomous Systems as well as Responsible Research and Innovation.

Teaching Experience:
As a tutor with over 10 years of experience, I have had the opportunity to work with a diverse group of students and help them achieve their academic and professional goals. I have developed a range of teaching strategies and approaches that have proven effective in helping my students succeed.

Throughout my career, I have consistently received positive feedback from my students for my ability to explain complex concepts in a clear and concise manner, as well as my patient and supportive teaching style. I am comfortable working with students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced learners, and I am dedicated to helping my students achieve their full potential.

In addition to my one-on-one tutoring experience, I have significant experience teaching courses and workshops at undergraduate and postgraduate university level. This has given me experience in developing and delivering effective lectures and course materials, as well as facilitating interactive and engaging learning experiences for my students.

Overall, my teaching experience has given me the skills and confidence to help my students succeed. Whether you are looking to improve your grades, prepare for a certification exam, or simply want to learn more about computer science, I am confident that I can help you achieve your goals.

In addition to my academic and research background, I also have significant industry experience. This hands-on experience has given me a unique perspective on the practical applications of computer science and has allowed me to bring real-world examples into my teaching. I have worked with a variety of organisations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, and have gained valuable experience in a wide range of areas including software development, data analysis, and project management.

This industry experience, combined with my strong educational background, makes me well-equipped to provide valuable insights and guidance to my students. Whether you are looking to enter the tech industry or simply want to enhance your skills and knowledge, I am confident that I can help you succeed. My goal as a tutor is to not only help you achieve your specific objectives, but also to provide you with the tools and understanding you need to continue learning and growing throughout your career.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, my approach to teaching is centered on personalized and interactive learning. I believe that every student is unique and requires a tailored approach to education in order to succeed. When working with a new student, I take the time to understand their individual needs and goals, and I develop a customized plan to help them achieve their objectives.

In my lessons, I strive to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their ideas. I believe that the best way to learn is by doing, so I often incorporate hands-on exercises and projects into my lessons to give my students the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills.

In addition to providing technical instruction, I also place a strong emphasis on the development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I believe that these skills are essential for success in the field of computer science and beyond, and I work to help my students develop their ability to think critically and solve complex problems.

Overall, my approach to teaching is focused on helping my students achieve their goals and reach their full potential. I am confident that my combination of technical expertise and interactive teaching style make me an effective and supportive tutor.

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Personal Description:
I like to be friendly around people who are eager to learn. I'm very patient even if anyone has struggles, I'm confident and I'm willing to put too much effort into the subjects that I'm teaching.

Teaching Experience:
Fellow students achieved grades that are similar to mine, straight A's in their GCSE's

Tutoring Approach:
I'm a student and I need money but by helping people around with what I collected of knowledge.

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Personal Description:
Hello,
I am a 50 year old French woman who enjoys providing one to one support following my client/pupil's curriculum.
I have been in the UK since 1993 and worked as a Personal Assistant for 17 years, I am also a Personal Trainer.

Teaching Experience:
My experience to teaching is mainly through being an aunt to a 10 year old boy and an 18 year old girl - tutoring them English following their school lessons but giving more details, examples and lights on the rules of the languages and their exceptions, always aiming to reach the conversation level.

With my experience as a personal assistant and personal trainer, I know how to tailor exactly to the person's needs and requirements and also to foresee the next necessary step.

Tutoring Approach:
Once again, I very much adapt to the person but I am always warm, friendly, professional and driven.
I can come to tutor to your place providing that it's not above a 20 minutes drive, otherwise I am happy to tutor at my home in Hamble (not in the evening).

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Personal Description:
A 32-year-old French native from Normandy, I've been living in Manchester for seven years. Prior to that, I worked as a qualified English teacher in France until I decided to move back to Manchester, where I now work as an English-to-French literary and specialised translator.

I've been passionate about languages from a very early age, taking relish in studying and comparing the idiosyncrasies of French and English - from idioms to slang to past participle agreement! Training in translation and working as a translator has made me an expert linguist with a thorough knowledge of the intricacies of the French language and a perfect command of French grammar and spelling.

Teaching Experience:
My language teaching experience includes:
- 2 years working as a qualified English teacher in French secondary schools
- 2 years working as a French Language Assistant near Manchester (including Stockport Grammar School, where I tutored AS- and A-Level students)
- 9 years working as an English teacher (with French students) during two-week language summer courses in England (University of Essex, University of Cambridge, Devon)

I have also taught and run workshops in various other contexts (drama workshops, translation workshops and conferences, reading competitions in primary schools, etc.). My diverse experience not only means I'm comfortable teaching learners of any age but it has also made me an adaptable teacher who's aware that everyone has a different way of learning.

My qualifications:
- Master of Arts in translation (English-to-French/French-to-English), with distinction (University of Salford, 2012)
- CAPES (equivalent to PGCE) in English
- Bachelor of Arts in English (University of Rouen, France)

My translation portfolio includes work for Parisian publishers (novels and essays) as well as for English and French translation agencies alike. Most recently I have translated a number of psychological thrillers such as Michelle Frances' The Girlfriend and The Temp. Recent clients include Air France, Deliveroo, Estée Lauder, Ipsos, Porsche, Kedge Business School, Pernod Ricard, Sony, Swarovski, Uniqlo, Universal, etc.

Tutoring Approach:
I happily offer private or 2-to-1 French conversation sessions to learners with prior knowledge of French (B2/near-B2 level or higher). These can be:
- Casual learners (adults) with a penchant for French and French culture who are willing to broaden their vocabulary range, hone their grammar skills and further improve their fluency
- University students willing to achieve greater fluency, further hone their language skills and/or prepare for their oral exams
- A-Level students willing to prepare for their oral exams (based on a list of themes studied and/or on the topic chosen by the student for his/her individual research project)

Conversation sessions can be mostly informal and primarily aimed at helping you achieve greater fluency. However, should you require it, I'm also happy to tackle grammar points and help you regularly expand your vocabulary range through exercises and systematic revision of the new words/phrases taught.

The first session (45 min) is free so that we can make sure we get along and everything runs smoothly. It will also serve to define precisely what your expectations are so as to ensure every session is tailored to your needs.

Depending on your preference, sessions can be:
- run entirely in French: any grammar points/unknown vocabulary will be explained/paraphrased in French
or
- run predominantly in French, with grammar points being explained in English/unknown vocabulary being translated into English when necessary.

Sessions can take place in a cosy café in Manchester city centre, at Manchester Central Library or at your place if you live in Manchester city centre.

I'm available mostly in the evenings and at weekends; however don't hesitate to let me know about your preferred times as I'm pretty flexible.

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Personal Description:
I love sharing what I have learned, not only from University, but also from my life experiences. I believe that learning another language is not about grammar, but about understanding the culture that conveys its ideas throught that language.

Teaching Experience:
I engaged in a number of student tutoring positions when I was doing my Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism. There, I helped my peers to improve their writing skills. You can be sure that I am way better than Duolingo.

Tutoring Approach:
You won't forget something that you love. By exploring your personal interests, we can find a way in which you start loving Spanish language.

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Personal Description:
I began tutoring in 2015 to help out a friends child with their French. During those lessons I started to develop a joy in teaching and thrived on seeing the progress of my student. Since then I have created simple methods, tailored to each child or adult, whether it be for the fun of learning or to obtain good grades. As a native French speaker living in London I am confident and proficient in English and French. My online services can be flexible depending on your personal schedules.

Teaching Experience:
After also enjoying the experience of tutoring primary students Maths and English, I started tutoring GCSE French on the side. Whilst doing this, I was a pre school teacher at a nursery!

Tutoring Approach:
Every individual has different needs and circumstances, these of which I try to cater to. I provide group lessons, one-on-one lessons and crash course lessons before exams at all levels of Education.

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Personal Description:
Γεια σας, my name is Sofia and I am from Athens. I currently live in Leicester. I hold a PhD in Museum Studies and Education at the University of Leicester. I am also certified for the teaching foreign/second language by Open University, UK. I have been working as Greek tutor since 2018. I love to teach people from different backgrounds, ages and cultures. I have a passion for teaching, but learning too. Ι am also speaking Spanish and am an art and history lover.

I believe that the best way to learn a language is to SPEAK the language. Hence, our lessons will mostly be based on conversations through which you will practise vocabulary and get a better understanding of Greek grammar rules. I don't want to be the classic teacher; I consider myself a facilitator, and I can tell you that no language is difficult - what you need is the right method.

Teaching Experience:
I have 9 years of experience teaching students Greek as a second and foreign language in the UK as school, university and private tutor. I teach adults and children, and my aim is to make my lessons enjoyable, interactive and productive. I have acquired a great deal of experience in teaching; for adults, I have experience teaching at an A1 Level (Beginners) to C1, C2 (Advanced) and for children, primary school to GCSE. I currently preparing student for the Greek GCSE and teach Modern Greek at the university and in private lessons online, having students at different ages and from all over the world. I have also been GCSE examiner in the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand that every person is different, therefore, I organize and structure my lessons based on students' needs, interest, age and level, respecting their rhythm to learn and offering relaxing, comfortable and engaging environment to practice the language. In our first lesson, I would love to find out more about your interests, your goals, and your motivation to learn Greek. Likewise, the first lesson presents a valuable opportunity for me to consider your needs and feelings, and allows me devise a learning plan that is suitable and enjoyable for you.

I like to start my lessons by encouraging student to talk about what they have done in the last few days, or during the weekend. We will also review the vocabulary or grammar learnt in the previous lesson. I always create exercises that are useful for students to practice different skills. For example, I will share videos for listening and understanding or we would start a conversation after reading a text. I will also introduce a topic in each lesson, so my students can learn new vocabulary and grammar through different activities. Such activities could be reading, listening, role-playing and other visual games. My teaching materials are:

Text books
Songs
Images
Articles and News
Short stories
Quizze
Video
Presentation slides/PPT
GCSE previous exams


I would love to help you speak Greek, learn grammar, vocabulary, and idioms, whilst giving you an insight into Greek culture, history, music, and food, even recommendations for your holidays.

I also offer classes for Modern Greek for travel, Modern Greek for business, Modern Greek for going abroad and Modern Greek for academic study as well as Greek Music and News & Media in Greece for advanced students.

I would be very happy to be your guide and show you the magic world of the Greek language. There is no way we cannot find together for you to enjoy the process and turn the information into knowledge which will be yours forever.

Message me to have an online talk about what you need and how I can help you get it.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I have a Honours degree in German and French from Oxford University. I also have a post graduate teaching qualification in German and French, so I am familiar with the demands of the curriculum and exam work.

I have also lived and worked in Germany, so I speak native-level German and am great German language and culture enthusiast. I hope that our lessons will make you feel like that too, as well as giving you the knowledge to speak, listen, read and write with confidence.

I am happy to take advice from you about how you would like to spend your tutorial time, or I can advise you on how best to reach your goal. You can also let me know if you wish to consolidate tutorials with some homework .

Teaching Experience:
I have a post graduate teaching qualification in German and French from UCL's Institute of Education and I taught in several secondary schools up to GCSE as part of my teacher training.

I have tutored students at all stages of secondary school up to GCSE, and have tutored adults who wanted to brush up on their German.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy teaching one to one and providing a learner with the extra edge that can provide. I like to build on a student's knowledge and language confidence by reviewing what has been learned in class and identifying any gaps in understanding. I like to teach in the target language when it helps student confidence.

For students who want to go that bit further, or who may be considering a language A level, I encourage them to watch and discuss films and programmes in the target language, and read some great literature as part of their language learning experience.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified, DBS-certified teacher, private tutor and Dyslexia Specialist with over 30 years' experience in education, teaching and as an Advisory Practitioner for the Society of Education and Training (SET).

Alongside tutoring, I have previously worked as a Dyslexia Coordinator and teacher in various schools and colleges, including Harrow College, Uxbridge College, Barnet College, Stanmore College, Weald College, West Herts College, and as a Teacher/Tutor Inspector for Harrow Borough Council. My most recent lesson observations were graded Outstanding (Grade 1) by Ofsted, and I can provide excellent references from colleges, parents and former students.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience supporting students of all ages, including those with dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger's, and English as an additional language. I specialise in English Language & Literacy and Maths, tailoring each lesson to the individual needs of my students.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is multi-sensory (visual, auditory and kinaesthetic). I believe in making learning fun and enjoyable, not a chore. In the first lesson, I assess individual needs, form a learning plan, give feedback to parents, then aim to fill in any learning gaps before moving on. Each session builds on previous learning. I always say that if a student does not understand how I have explained something, this is my responsibility to rectify, not the student. Repeating instructions is not the key - explaining in different ways is what works.

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