Belle Isle Tutors and Belle Isle Tuition

Personal Description:
A Royal Academy of Music graduate, I have taught piano privately for over 20 years. As well as children and adults from the ages of 4 to 84, I have tutored and mentored high profile rock musicians, film composers and producers.

I taught composition in the music technology department at London College of Music (Junior College) for twelve years where I became department head from 2004--2012. I was mentor on the MA course in music production at Leeds College of Music from 2006-2009, and have guest lectured at The Academy of Contemporary Music and West Thames College.

As a composer and producer I have two decades of experience writing for theatre, TV, film and the concert hall. I have written scores for theatre companies including Hampstead Theatre, The National Youth Theatre, EmpathEyes Theatre and Baraka Theatre, and my music has been synced to many television productions and documentaries including BBC Horizon, BBC Natural World, Top Gear, Sky Box Office, Ghost Whisperer and America's Most Wanted. In addition to this I have worked for the music production house 'Soundtree' on various projects most notably as assistant to Peter Raeburn on his score for the 2018 feature film Nancy.

My concert works have been performed at concert platforms including the Huddersfield Festival; The South Bank Centre; De Doelen, Rotterdam and Kunstmuseum, Liechtenstein, with commercial recordings and broadcasts across Europe.

I have written string arrangements for bands and worked as session pianist for several artists including Cathal Smyth (Chas Smash from the ska band, Madness). 

Teaching Experience:
1997 - present: Private tutor (piano, music theory, music technology, composition)
1997 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - composition and music technology teacher.
1999 - West Thames College - guest lecturer
2004 - 2010: London College Of Music (junior college) - music technology department head.
2003 - Academy Of Contemporary Music - guest lecturer
2006 - 2009: Leeds College Of Music - mentor on MA Music Production course.

Tutoring Approach:
Piano (all levels/styles) - I have a 100% pass rate for students entering the ABRSM exams (grades 1-8). Students who do not wish to take the classical route can learn using my method for playing by ear. As well as teaching classical, I specialise in teaching jazz piano and theory.

I also offer tuition in Composition, Orchestration, Theory, Logic, Sibelius.

Subjects

Personal Description:
David has over 25 years professional experience working with computers in industry. He has worked in software development and project management for U.K.'s Racal Electronics Group, and later for Aeroflex - a U.S. organisation.

He holds an MSc degree in Computer Studies & a BSc Honours in Electronic Engineering.

David is also a registered tutor with Age UK, Bucks (including the usual checks and CRB clearance).

Teaching Experience:
For ten years David has successfully run a personal tuition service and website in the south Bucks area.

He provides one-to-one tuition for people wanting to learn how to use the computer, as well as offering more advanced tuition for people looking for a higher level of skill and confidence with specific software packages.

Subjects can include Word, Excel, Photoshop, Powerpoint, Outlook, web design, Windows 8, Windows 10, iPad, email, network setup, and more.

Tutoring Approach:
David specialises in training adults and seniors who are new to computers and the internet, but also deals with more advanced subjects for those of you that want to improve your understanding or your computer skills.

Each learning session is tailored to suit your needs. Depending on your requirements, he can cover specific topics or broader areas of interest.

With many years experience in this field, the aim is to set out clearly and simply the services on offer so that you can easily find what you are looking for - we want you to have the highest confidence and the least uncertainty.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professional, amiable and passionate Oxford educated teacher, with experience teaching at some of the best schools in London. A level Chemistry and GCSE Science/Mathematics tuition. Available daytime, evenings and weekends.

Hello, my name is Christopher, I've taught Science and Mathematics for over 20 years, having previously taught Chemistry and Lower Science at Highgate School, North London, as well as Science and Mathematics at City of London School for Girls. I established a tuition business back in 2005, after graduating from Oxford University (Worcester College 2001 - 2005), with a Masters in Chemistry.

Teaching Experience:
I am a friendly, approachable Oxford educated teacher with over 20 years tutoring experience, comprising a mix of one-to-one tuition, teaching within small groups as well as larger classroom environments. I have extensive, detailed knowledge of all the major GCSE and A-level examination boards, with particular expertise in the OCR, Edexcel, CIE/Pre-U, WJEC and AQA syllabuses.

I've taught A-level Chemistry and GCSE Science at Highgate School, North London, and both Chemistry and Mathematics at City of London School for Girls. I have experience teaching pupils affected with learning difficulties such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia and those on the autistic spectrum.

I also offer tuition for the BMAT and GAMSAT medical school entrance exams. Over the past decade, I have helped numerous students of school age (as well as mature students), with these difficult, niche tests, gain entry to their chosen medical school. Additionally, I offer bespoke coaching and mock interview practice for those applying to medical school and Oxbridge, including the preparation of a Personal Statement for the UCAS form (this being one of my designated roles at Highgate).

Lastly, I have substantial experience preparing students for the 13+ (Common Entrance) and 16+ exams, with some of my previous cohort gaining entry to very prestigious schools in the U.K., such as Winchester College, Westminster School and City of London School for Girls (where I taught both Mathematics and Chemistry for over two years). Furthermore, I have been an examiner for these papers too.

Trust when I say I have a deep understanding of what content goes into these tests; I've written the questions as well as marked them!

2024-2025 rate for all services: £65/hour

A 120 minute session is charged at a reduced rate of £120.

Terms: 24 hours notice is required in the event of a cancellation, otherwise full payment is required for the missed lesson.

Full online tuition services are provided utilising whatever platform you wish - whether it be Zoom, Skype or Microsoft Teams. Online lessons are streamed in full HD using professional audio, visual and lighting equipment, ensuring your experience is as close as possible to in-person tuition. Furthermore, I utilise an electronic whiteboard, so you can take notes during the lesson and we can discuss problems in real-time. Lastly, practice questions, mark schemes and notes can be sent over instantly during the lesson.

I have an extensive list of references from previously satisfied clients for your perusal - please get in touch and see my personal website and Google Business listing for more information.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to get the very best out of students using a variety of teaching methods with a strong emphasis on exam technique. I have helped pupils of all ages and abilities both on a one-to-one basis as well as within small groups/large classroom environments.

Every person is different, and every person has his/her own grasping ability whether at home or in school. With this in mind I am very flexible and adaptable in my approach to teaching, and endeavour to create a learning environment where the pupil can thrive.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a full-time, specialist, one-to-one biology tutor for 34 years. I was based in Oxford, for 25 years and was widely regarded as 'Oxford's Premier Biology Tutor'. I have now moved away from Oxford to rural Devon and have been offering my services online only, nationally and worldwide, for the past nine years via the medium of Skype and 'Scribblar'. Scribblar is an interactive online whiteboard that is better than face-to-face tuition as there is zero travelling and waiting time and cost and it is more intimate and concentrated than 'in-person' tuition. I have taught online to 43 countries per date and can teach up to 55 hours per week. I have my own printed, illustrated notes for all sections of all the A-level specifications, plus the IB, and many of the GCSE specifications which I can e-mail in advance of tutorials as well as putting them up on Scribblar. I charge £80 per hour normally but offer a £10 per hour discount for tuition after 11 am and before 3 pm on weekdays.

Teaching Experience:
34 years (the last nine totally online) of one-to-one tuition in A-level, IB and GCSE biology.

Tutoring Approach:
Stick to the specification. Do ALL the past paper questions and go through them with the mark schemes. Take the exam. and get on with your life.

I like to work in a very methodical and structured fashion and not confuse effective work with hard work. The students who say at the end "yes, I learned biology - but, better still I learned how to study" are the ones with whom I know I have really succeeded.

Apart from an internet connection all that you need for tutorials is a thin A4 ring binder with a copy of the specification punched and put into the front and some coloured dividers in the back. If you are a retake student I ask you to highlight the specification (in yellow with solid highlighter if you are quite happy with the content; dotted highlighter if you are a bit unhappy with it and no highlighter if you have not done it or have forgotten it). This will tell me where to start and I can estimate to within an hour or so how many lessons will be needed to 'reteach' the syllabus.

I have board-specific, illustrated notes for all of the UK A-level specifications and IB, and for most of the GCSE specifications.
Effectively I have written a textbook for you and give you notes (to be filed in the coloured dividers) via e-mail and Scribblar (my interactive online whiteboard) to fill in any gaps in your knowledge. As I cover the specification I highlight my copy in pink so that I can monitor progress.

I have banks of past paper questions that I can e-mail to you that you can work through - these are specific to one exam. specification and contains not only the most recent AS/A2 papers and mark schemes but also the preceding many years of papers for that specification, chopped up into topic headings. So, for example, it will take an hour to 'cover' The Heart and then I'll give you the questions specifically on the heart on that board to do before the next tutorial. It is all very straightforward and actually rather less hard work than doing it in a slapdash, non-systematic fashion. The study skills that you will learn will stand you in good stead throughout life.

I can also advise on coursework/practicals.

Please note that I ONLY tutor online nowadays.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying English Literature at the University of Edinburgh. I love reading, writing and reading some more. I also enjoy sketching while listening to music. I am a frank person, have an straightforward approach to everything in life and like people to behave the same way with me (which always does not happen). I love to have a laugh, but don't worry, I can be serious when needed( for example, when teaching your children English and History).

Teaching Experience:
While I have never tutored for money, I have an extensive tutoring experience. I volunteered to teach illiterate students English as a part of a volunteering program from my high school in India and have been a part of that program for the past two years. I also used to tutor my two siblings in History, Geography and English.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that children learn best in a stress free environment. If they feel it is fun and challenging, they will be more willing to learn than if they feel it to be an obligation. English is an easy subject and children enjoy learning it, once they realize the joys that English has to offer. History can be challenging due to the vast amounts one has to learn by heart but steady habit of writing down answers to questions helps more than reading the material ten times. Other than that, History is a vastly interesting subject which helps us understand the workings of the present society and of course, knowledge about our ancestors. Geography is relatively straightforward subject. A lot of practice and a dedicated perusal of it should be enough to get good scores. While it can be relatively dry, it can be made interesting with pictures and videos.I focus on exam technique, past papers as well as text work (English Lit.)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a current A-level Chemistry and Biology examiner and author of A level Biology exam papers as well as textbooks and workbooks. I have worked in bioscience research and more recently in life science marketing and academic conference management in chemistry and biochemistry. I am a Chartered Chemist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and committee member of the Protein & Peptide Science Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

I now offer tuition exclusively online, using the Zoom platform.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years' experience in one-to-one teaching, starting with giving undergraduate tutorials at the University of Oxford. I have been offering private tuition in A-level Chemistry and Biology for over 10 years.

I am able to tailor my teaching style to the individual needs of the student and to make best use of online and other electronic resources to help students to an understanding of the subject.

Tutoring Approach:
I start by identifying the particular needs of the student: do they have problems with understanding some or all of the subject; are there any areas of weakness that need to be strengthened; are there issues with exam technique that need to be addressed?

Even well taught students who have a good grasp of the subject can fail to achieve their full potential through poor exam technique. My earlier experience as a Chief Examiner, responsible for setting and marking A level exams, means that I have a detailed knowledge of the exam system and how students need to approach exam papers. My current examining experience has given me an insight into how to help students avoid unnecessary loss of marks by developing clear and rigorous approaches to their answers and to develop strategies to approach individual questions so as to maximise their performance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Welcome, artist friend! I am Calina and I have been studying art since 1986. I have created the way in this field for more than 35 years. Currently I live and create at my studio in Lower Earley (Reading). I love and I am pleased to expanding the field of Abstract Expressionism. I use simplified shapes with small details in the descriptive scenes.
A big part of my inspiration comes from the natural surroundings and through my travels. The main topic that I approach it is landscape, in all moods and mysteries. Through my art I would like to share with you different states of nature.The composition is balanced by the characters you always find in nature: different species of trees, wild animals and their world. The diversity of materials that I use helps me to create in the smallest details, impressions created about the natural world and our experiences with it.
My works can be found in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. I can't imagine a single day without the colours, brushes and canvases.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring art from 2015 to all different ages and abilities from young kids to adult learners. I have furthered my experience with children after school program. My philosophy in teaching, is to produce lessons that excite and inspire. I have an enthusiastic style and my lessons are delivered using a variety of the latest learning techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
At my studio you will find motivating encouragement, wild enthusiasm, exciting ideas! Both thought provoking and inspiring, and concrete actions to take in service to your dream of creating the art that is true to you.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Geographical and geological educational issues, especially those impacting on SW England.
Most sporting activities and currently involved in gig rowing, having rowed in the World Championships in the Scilly Isles several times.
Formerly Head of Soccer at Truro School.
Now volunteer as a tour guide for the National Trust at a historic tin and copper mine.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 30 years in both the state and independent secondary sectors, being a Head of Department in the latter. In my previous post we won the prestigious 'Good Schools Guide School of the Year' on several occasions for best 'A' Level geology results in the U.K.

Tutoring Approach:
I would expect to initiate pupil-centred learning involving the student as much as possible in debate and discussion, avoiding being a merely dispassionate purveyor of facts. Teaching should not involve lecturing, but encourage guided self-discovery with the student, especially at 'A' Level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently an Academic Foundation Doctor at University Hospital Southampton. I studied at Westminster School as a Queen's Scholar and secured 14 A* at GCSE and 4 A* at A-level. In 2020 I received first class honours in Natural Sciences and was awarded a scholarship by Jesus College in 2020. I graduated Cambridge University in 2023 (MBBChir)

I am also a keen musician and played the clarinet with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain between 2014-2017. On holidays you might see me climbing and camping around Scotland or catching up with close friends in London.

What do I offer?:
• 13+ entry scholarship examination to Westminster School; 'The Challenge'
• Oxbridge interview preparation for medical applications
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)
• UCAS personal statement
• Other; please reach out to discuss

Teaching Experience:
Between 2020-2022 I have taught the neuroscience course (NHB) for 2nd year undergraduates at Jesus College Cambridge. Supervisions comprise of weekly small group teaching. I have also taught the NHB course privately 1:1. I regularly teach younger students (10-14).

Tutoring Approach:
I am a kind and supportive tutor looking to work with my tutees to identify and consolidate areas of weakness. In addition, I hope to provide insight into the skills required to tackle competitive application processes, including scholarship exams and medical interviews.

I prioritise improving exam performance and I encourage the development of critical thinking skills at all levels of learning. In undergraduate supervisions, I aim to tackle difficult concepts from first principles and question underlying assumptions, as well as help undergraduates develop their written communication. I believe these skills are highly valuable for writing personal statements and for success at interview.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My self Smita. I am post Graduate in Mathematics.
I was teaching in India to year 11and year 12 students. I want to teach here in England.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7-8 years of experience in teaching Mathematics.

Tutoring Approach:
Role play method and many more methods

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Italian and I have been living in UK for the past 15 years. I have experience in teaching Italian in a Community centre and I work as Italian Interpreter. I am also a qualified Medical Herbalist and Naturopath with a Diploma from the College of Naturopathic Medicine in London.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching a drop-in Italian Language course for beginner adults and conversational Italian for adults at a Community Centre in Brighton, East Sussex, UK.

I have maintained the drop-in format by effectively managing students of various proficiency levels, providing a good balance of flexibility and freedom for students to join at any time according to their availability.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons incorporate a mix of fun, practical language games and fundamental grammar basics, making the classes suitable for students at different levels.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Sophie - a fully qualified primary school teacher with over 10 years of classroom and leadership experience, specialising in Key Stage 1. I'm passionate about creating positive, confidence-building learning experiences for young children through patient, engaging and carefully tailored tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified primary teacher with over 10 years of classroom and leadership experience, specialising in Key Stage 1. I offer warm, engaging and confidence-boosting tutoring that's carefully tailored to your child's individual needs and learning style.

I'm a phonics expert with a proven track record helping children build strong foundations in reading, writing, spelling and maths. Whether your child needs a gentle boost, phonics intervention, or stretch towards greater depth, I create fun, focused sessions that truly make a difference.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is child-centred, nurturing and positive - helping every learner feel seen, supported and empowered. I use creative resources, active games and visual tools to keep children motivated and proud of their progress.

A typical lesson is lively, purposeful and personalised. We'll begin with a quick warm-up to spark focus and confidence, then move into tailored activities based on your child's goals - from phonics games to hands-on maths tasks. I use a mix of visual, verbal and practical methods to suit different learning styles, and always end with a short reflection to celebrate progress and build self-belief.

Having worked closely with families, SEND learners and children with a range of needs, I understand the importance of adapting my teaching to suit different personalities. Every child learns at their own pace - and I'll be right there encouraging each small step along the way.

Subjects