Leagrave Tutors and Leagrave 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:
I`m a German, English and Educational Studies undergraduate from the University of Trier in Germany. I`m a native German, but have been living in the UK for over 15 years now.
I`m a self-employed Tutor and Translator and also work as a Proofreader.
I teach German at GCSE and University level as well as German for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced.
I also teach English at SATs and GCSE level as well as English as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
I`ve been a self-employed Private Tutor for over 12 years now, however have been tutoring since I was 15 years old.
I have studied English, German and Educational Studies at University in Germany and I have always tutored alongside my studies (also while I was at school) and I have undergone internships/ work experiences in different types of schools in Germany.
In the past 6 years I have accompanied a great number of students to a successful graduation (most of them have achieved As and A*s in their GCSEs and A-levels).

Tutoring Approach:
I can adjust very well to my students and cater for individual needs. I plan lessons according to the student's needs and don't follow a particular pattern.
I am always up to date with the school curriculum as I keep in touch with teachers and schools.
I am always very well prepared and I am very flexible concerning time, date and rearrangements.
I've got a very easy-going way of teaching and can adjust myself to any age groups and personal need.

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Personal Description:
I am a 42 year old maths teacher with nearly 20 years of experience in teaching, education and tutoring. I have wanted to teach from a young age (weirdly!) and see it as a way of giving something back to the local community, as well as having a keen knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject I teach.
I undertook a 3 year teaching degree at Liverpool John Moores University at their IM Marsh Campus in Aigburth between 2000 and 2003 and graduated with a 2:1 with honours in Key Stage 2/3 Mathematics education. My teaching qualification means that I am fully qualified to teach maths between the ages of 11 to 18, in addition to being able to teach upper primary pupils, although it had been nearly 10 years since I last taught in a primary classroom! I also have A Levels in IT, English Language & Literature, Pure Maths & Statistics, General Studies and French in addition to my teaching qualification. I am also a trained exam marker for OCR.marking GCSE Maths exams since 2015.

Teaching Experience:
After graduating in 2003, I began my teaching career by doing supply teaching with Select Education (Liverpool), working in a number of short term posts in different schools in Knowsley and Liverpool. I also worked voluntarily for 2 days a week in Prescot Primary school in Knowsley teaching mathematics to a whole class of Year 5 children as well as working with small groups. I also ran booster classes in maths for Year 6 pupils who were Gifted and Talented in the subject (Working towards level 6) in preparation for their National Curriculum tests (SATs).
In September 2004, I began my first full time teaching role at Holly Lodge Girls' College, passing my NQT induction year in the summer of 2005. Between 2005 and 2006, I was given responsibility for creating a transition unit based on government documentation to help Year 7 pupils to settle in to life in secondary school before they were setted in the subject. During my time there, I gained experience of teaching a wide variety of schemes of work (Key Stage 3, Modular GCSE, Coursework, Linear GCSE) and also taught sixth form GCSE resit classes for 2 years. I was also a form tutor for 5 years carrying my form through from Year 7 to Year 11 and participated in the school PSHE programme where I was involved in designing a unit of work for year 7 pupils with regards to financial management and calculations.
I left Holly Lodge in July 2009 due to my father becoming seriously ill and his subsequent death and took a year out of teaching to begin a family history research project before returning to the profession in September 2010 by working for Celsian Education (Liverpool) as a supply. However work was few and far between so by September 2011, I moved to another agency The Education Specialists. But once again work was far from plentiful. In October 2013, I joined Our Whiston Library Group (OWL) as a campaigner/volunteer with the initial aim of opening in April 2014 in partnership with Hugh Baird College of Bootle, but they withdrew at the last minute leaving our group to make a bid on our own to take over the building. I became vice chair of the group in October 2014. I am also a GCSE exam marker for OCR marking GCSE maths papers since the summer of 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
I have been tutoring for nearly 10 years now and my aim is to provide the same approach to tutoring as I did in the classroom. A firm but fair approach with an easy going manner and reasonable expectations of what pupils can do. Recent Ofsted and media reports have heavily criticised the standards of numeracy and maths teaching in the Knowsley and Liverpool areas. My aim is to give something back to these communities. And also to provide support for pupils in my subject during the current COVID19 pandemic. I also have a vast electronic collection of resources as well as books, at my disposal that I have collected over my teaching career.
My tuition rates are lower than the average due to my main target area of Knowsley (Mainly Prescot and Whiston) being a deprived area.

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Personal Description:
I am a proactive, dedicated teacher hailing from Montpellier, southern France, with a passion for teaching. Based in the UK, I have worked across 3 continents in a variety of education institutions and universities in the last few years, and have always enjoyed making a difference in the learning experience of my students and tutees.

I completed a PhD in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2018, and became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE). I have gained relevant teaching skills, valuable insights and a solid experience in the UK and abroad both during and after my doctoral programme, and currently teach French language in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

I am involved in scholarship and have a huge academic interest in American and comparative literature. My research portfolio contains a dozen publications in peer-reviewed outlets, including Academia Letters, The European Journal of American Culture and The Literary Encyclopedia, and a research monograph about two writers from the Beat generation - Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg - published by Peter Lang in May 2022, which has been nominated this year for a BSA Book Award. I am currently working on a research project with Cambridge University Press on the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of high schools and higher education institutions, both in the UK and abroad, since 2009.
I taught as French Instructor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, USA, for 6 months, and as a French Language Assistant at Dunraven School and at Greenford High School in London (1 year in each).
I went on the work as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths for 3 years, and as a Pre-Sessional Lecturer at the University of Southampton in the Academic Centre for International Students.
I also taught as an Assistant Professor in English at Istanbul Kültür University in Turkey for 18 months, and currently teach French in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
I view tutoring as a means to empower learners and facilitate knowledge acquisition. The student-centred approach with which I work is tailored to the specific needs of each individual learner - an approach I have used in my 1-2-1 private tuition for over 10 years, and in the different teaching appointments I have held so far as a French Language Assistant and as a university lecturer.
This personalised approach is forged with respect to the uniqueness of each individual profile and learning style, increasing the opportunity for success. My aim is not only to fulfil the learner's scholarly potential; it is also to foster his or her confidence in the language over the longer term by creating an awareness of its greater cultural significance.

I cater for all levels and needs, from A1 to C2 and from Y1 to Sixth Form and beyond, and have worked with children, teenagers, young adults and professionals. Over the years, I have achieved a good grasp of the educational challenges that students face in the UK at various stages of the curriculum. I have worked with various exam boards and am familiar with the current requirements of the GCSE, A-Level, I-GCSE, I-B as well as private school entrance exams.

Owing to my academic background, I am also very keen on developing an awareness of study skills and critical thinking in higher education.

The tuition is delivered either face-to-face, or via Zoom or any other online platform such as MS Teams or Skype. After listening to the learner's needs, which can be discussed through e-mail or on the phone, the tuition will start with an assessment of the learner's linguistic skills, which will enable me to identify a series of specific learning objectives and create an individualised road map towards the achievement of these objectives.

This road map will constitute our programme, and each tuition will cover a part of it. The sessions, based on dynamic exchange, will involve a series of engaging materials and resources carefully selected to meet the learning objectives. These materials, which include videoclips, podcasts, literary texts, translations, news articles, practice sheets or former exam papers, can also be edited or designed from scratch (such as homework or exercise sheets for example), in order to concentrate on a specific point, embed newly-won knowledge.

My private tuition in French covers all language skills, whether it is writing, listening, speaking through thematic conversation with a native speaker, building an ability to read texts in the target language with various degrees of complexity, or developing French cultural awareness - beyond the stereotypical.

A high level of service is maintained throughout the tuition delivery programme, and careful attention is given to the learning experience, which remains my top priority.

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Personal Description:
I have many years of tutoring behind me and am currently studying for the Diploma in English Teaching to Adults.

I'm widely travelled and have spent many years living abroad. This has contributed to a high degree of fluency in Spanish and French. I acquire languages easily, being open to the cultures in which I find myself.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught exclusively in continental countries. One year in Finland, six years in Spain and two in Germany. In all cases the teaching took place in private schools or in company offices. Much of the teaching was 1 to 1, the rest being in small groups.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that language acquisition takes place when the learner is relaxed and so my approach may be considered informal. The choice of materials is a joint decision. Good classes can take place with or without them.

I also favour a communicative approach, which entails giving a needs analysis to all my learners.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
I completed my undergraduate studies (English Language and Literature) in Greece, and my Masters studies in London. I have been passionate about the English language since I was very young, and was awarded the Cambridge University Certificate of Proficiency in English at age 15. When it comes to Language Teaching, I consider my exceptional level of English, my teaching skills, acquired during my Bachelor studies, as well as my experience of eight years of teaching to be my greatest assets. Offering private lessons of Greek and EFL in London and online. All ages and levels welcome. Flexible timetable.

Teaching Experience:
8 years of teaching experience in Greece and the UK, privately and in schools, all levels of English and Greek, including English Literature and IELTS preparation. I have worked both with children and adults, especially second generation Greeks and Cypriots.

Tutoring Approach:
Every lesson is tailored to the needs of the student. The use of specific handbooks is determined by each client's desires and needs. Extra material provided by the teacher. To support, encourage and help the student achieve his or her goals has always been my number one objective when teaching.

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Personal Description:
I hold an MSc in Innovation and Technology Management degree with scholarship from the University of Bath which is ranked in the top 3 institutions in the UK. Before that I studied BSc(Hons) International Business at the University of Sussex.

I am a very sociable and relaxed person. I enjoy outdoors, music, and cooking.

I have my own private limited company selling organic cosmetics and offering business consultancy services.

Teaching Experience:
BUSINESS

I have experience in teaching Business Studies, and subjects related to it to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions. I also have specialist knowledge in Innovation and Lean Six Sigma.

I have worked as an operational excellence facilitator in the past so I know how theoretical knowledge applies in real life situations.

Business studies is really fun and you will get to see it with me.

LANGUAGES

I have experience in teaching English as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

I have experience teaching any level, we can start from the most basic elementary things to the most advanced levels.

As a native Turkish speaker I have experience teaching Turkish as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very easy going, patient, and I can understand the different needs of every individual and find ways to accommodate them.

I like an interactive approach.
I like to make sure not to move onto next stages without making sure everything is well understood and learnt.

Most important thing for me is to to make sure the logic behind everything is understood, and I keep explaining until it makes sense to the person. I see this is the only way to learn anything.

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Personal Description:
I am a 36 year Deputy Head Teacher living in Glasgow. I relocated from Blackpool 12 years ago! I have a degree in drama followed by a post graduate degree in primary education from Lancaster; as well as various sports coaching qualifications.

I am able to teach a variety of subjects and I have also taught maths up to national qualification levels.

I am GTC registered as well as PVG cleared to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher but I also have experience of working with high school aged children, particularly in maths. Most of my experience comes in the 5-11 age bracket.

I have worked in both England and Scotland and I currently hold a post as a Principal Teacher within North Lanarkshire. I have a particularly good knowledge of phonics and helping children develop strategies to enhance their reading skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have high expectations of children as I believe this then fills them with the confidence to push themselves to achieve. I enjoy working with children and like to teach rather than give worksheet after worksheet, I like to use a mix of interactive resources along with more traditional approaches. I am also willing to set and leave homework if that is required.

I enjoy working one to one with children and find it really rewarding seeing the progress children can make in this environment.

If you find that you are out of my tutoring radius you can still contact me and I will try my hardest to accomodate you.
My hourly rate includes travelling costs so there are no hidden charges, however if you are out of my usual radius of travel this can be discussed.

I am available any weeknight after school hours and have some weekend availability too. Sessions usually last an hour, with around 45-50 minutes quality tutoring time, allowing time at the start/end of session for feedback with parents.

If you have any questions please get in touch!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently an undergraduate student at the University of Oxford studying Philosophy, Politics and Economics. I achieved 3 A*s at A-Level in Maths, Politics and Economics, as well as 8 Grade 9s and 2 Grade 8s at GCSE. I am strongly committed to academic success and hugely passionate about teaching. I am able to tutor online during my holidays.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of experience with private tuition and giving support to younger students in school across a range of subjects. This includes leading group revision sessions as well as providing individual help with exam questions. Having sat the exams that my students are working towards, I am in a very strong position to help them succeed.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to give my students not only a better understanding of the subject content, but also the skills to be able to study effectively. I have found this to be an invaluable skill that will help them massively throughout their academic career. I focus on what students find difficult both through listening to the students as well as assessing their level through exam questions.

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Personal Description:
Hello there! 🍁 I'm a friendly Canadian who's made the UK my home. Teaching English is not just my profession; it's my passion. Over the years as a volunteer, I've had the incredible opportunity to work privately with students from diverse corners of the world - South America, Europe, and, of course, back home in Canada. These experiences have deepened my love for helping others learn English, whether it's their second language or they're looking to polish their reading and writing skills in their first language.

What truly inspires me is working with adults who, for various reasons, have limited reading and writing skills. Witnessing their journey of learning and improvement is a real privilege. It's incredibly rewarding to see someone gain confidence in their abilities and open up new opportunities for themselves through language.

But it's not just adults I've had the pleasure of teaching. I've also worked with children, including my own little ones, to give them a head start in their schooling. Preparing them for the early years of school, and making it fun and engaging, is something I find truly fulfilling.

Whether it's guiding someone to discover the joys of reading or helping them express themselves more confidently in writing, or deciding to learn English, I'm all about making learning an enjoyable and enriching experience.

I'm here to help you on this exciting journey!

Teaching Experience:
Teaching English is not just my profession; it's my passion. Over the years, I've had the incredible opportunity to work privately with students from diverse corners of the world - South America, Europe, and, of course, back home in Canada. These experiences have deepened my love for helping others learn English, whether it's their second language or they're looking to polish their reading and writing skills in their first language.

I have also taught in Private School environment and but have chosen to work with students privately.

Tutoring Approach:
In my tutoring sessions, I prioritize practical learning approaches and concepts to foster a nurturing environment for both children and adults. Understanding that learning English as a Second Language presents unique challenges, I tailor my methods to meet the individual needs of my students, ensuring they grasp English not just theoretically but in real-world applications. By incorporating everyday scenarios, interactive exercises, and engaging material, I make learning English accessible and relatable. My goal is to build confidence and proficiency, allowing students to use English effectively in their daily lives and achieve their personal and professional goals. With patience and encouragement, I guide each learner through their journey, celebrating every milestone towards mastery and confidence in the English language.

Whether they are learning to read + write, learning for early years school preparation, or learning English.

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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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