Steppingley Tutors & Steppingley Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher with Cambridge MA, PGCE & DELTA, with 30 years' experience of teaching in a variety of contexts including general secondary school English and Drama, GCSE, A Level, IB, and tuition at university and postgraduate level, including assistance with theses and similar.
I have considerable experience of TEFL/TOEFL and a successful record in teaching Cambridge FCE, CPE, etc as well as Business English classes for non-native professionals.
I recently returned to the UK from Spain for family reasons and I am new to the York area. I'm taking time out for a while to write that elusive million-seller or sitcom! Meanwhile I am a member of SfEP and work part time as a professional proofreader and copy editor. I am very happy to help groups or individuals with their academic needs.

Teaching Experience:
15 years in all key stages of secondary school education in England.
5 years Adult Education, TEFL and private tuition in the UK.
10 years teaching a British curriculum in an international secondary school in Spain at all key stages incl. GCSE, A Level and IB.
Group and individual EFL classes for children and adults, including Business English for professionals and TOEFL in an American-affiliated college.
I have an excellent record of success in preparing students for English and Drama exams - GCSE, A Level, International Baccalaureat and beyond - as well as for Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency in English.
Amongst other notables, I was employed as personal tutor to the actress Rebecca Hall as a child and also to one of Tony Blair's sons!

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a supportive approach and a friendly relationship, but without forgetting it's work: you're paying me because I can improve your (or your children's) future prospects.

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Personal Description:
I have worked with some 800+ children and have a pass rate of 91%. I recommend that children start tuition from near the beginning of year 5 and have a 50 mins-one hour lesson per week.

I am a regular contributor on 11+ website forums giving parents the benefit of my experience/knowledge.

In 2003 I produced a guide to 11+ success and have sold over 1500 copies to date.

I have been an adviser to publisher Nelson Thornes on the contents of their VR books which include the Bond range.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 21 years experience as a private tutor preparing children for the grammar school entrance exams (11+) and 11 years as a year 5 class teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I carry out an initial assessment test which provides me with an accurate guide as to whether the child is a suitable candidate.

My aim is to familiarise my pupils with the different types of verbal reasoning questions they will encounter in the exam and teach them methods to tackle them most effectively.

As we approach the exam we concentrate on 'fine-tuning' i.e. concentrating specifically on any areas that need further attention and ensuring that the child is used to working at the required speed. Appropriate practice tests are done on a regular basis.

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Personal Description:
Teaching has always been a vocation rather than a job as I love to see 'the penny drop'.
I am married with a daughter of 33 and a son of 29. My husband and I garden for the elderly and disabled. I graduated from Exeter University in 1985 with a B.Ed Honours.

Teaching Experience:
In the last 2 Secondary schools I was a Deputy Head of Science and the Professional Tutor for the school.
I have now been a tutor for 18 years and love making each subject accessible to the individual.
I offer day time tutoring as well as evenings.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is informal. I believe students learn best when they are at ease and not under pressure. If students are distracted in their own home I offer them tuition in mine. Students understanding has risen by 2 to 3 levels, leaving them, their parents and myself very happy.

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Personal Description:
After finishing my A level in Weymouth, Dorset, I then went to Essex University in Colchester to study Science. Ater getting my first degree, I then decided to do a masters Degree in Chemistry and passed. In my University days, I have always loved Maths and Science and in my first year at University, I did Physics, Chemistry and Maths. I have a very high understanding of Maths because of my passion for Maths and I have solve several problems in Maths, Physics and Chemistry up to A level. I am very passionate about numbers and anything that has numbers in it, I will solve. My chemical knowledge is absolutely unbelievable. I have been taeching Chemistry and Maths longer than A level Physics but I teach A level Physics in my current School. If you really want to be tutored by someone who understand and know how to teach, then, contact me and I will get you the best possible grade in Physics, Chemistry and Maths.

Teaching Experience:
I actually started teaching as soon as I left University in 1993. In those days, I did not have teaching qualification. I then decided to get some experience outside education. After gaining experience in Industries, I decided to get back into teaching and took my teaching qualification. I am now a fully qualified teacher and then started teaching again in September 2007. My strength in teaching has always been on a one to one basis. I do teach in a Grammar School at the moment but I always prefer to teach on a one to one basis because I enjoy helping individual student's as each student's requirement is different and you can't properly help individual student's in a class of 30 students. I am very passionate about teaching and devote a lot of my time teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is quite unique. Being a school teacher myself, I now understand why it is so difficult for students to understand the subjects that I teach. I do not believe in pressurising students to learn. I prefer a much more relaxed atmosphere whereby the students needs and requirement is the absolute paramount. Style of teaching is also important and how you come across to the students is also very important. Investing into new ways and new ideas in order to aid students understanding is also very important. When you come to me for tutoring, I will not move unto another topic until I am fully satisfied that you have understood the topic that we are doing at the moment and that you can answer questions on those topics that we have done comfortable and confidently.

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Personal Description:
I am a Cambridge University educated, fully-qualified teacher. I am available to tutor in English, French, Spanish, Italian and EFL. I tutor all levels from KS2 upwards and I am also an experienced 11 plus and Entrance Exams tutor. I also tutor at KS3, KS4 and KS5 and for all the main exam boards at G.C.S.E, I.G.C.S.E and A'Level. In addition, I currently deliver online tuition to students, many of whom I prepare for the academically selective school admission process. I also deliver EAL and exam tuition to Chinese students who are preparing for Entrance Examinations and support those already at independent schools in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching experience, having started out as an EFL teacher before gaining my P.G.C.E. After graduating, I also spent time tutoring in London and often received requests to travel with international clients to continue tuition. I hold UK Qualified Teacher Status [QTS] and have taught Modern Foreign Languages at Secondary School. In addition, I have taught Adult Education Language Courses for East Riding Council.
I also run regular group courses in French, Spanish and Italian for Adult Learners. In addition, I run small Literacy support groups to help students improve their reading, grammar, spelling and punctuation. I also tutor student teachers for the QTS Literacy Skills Test and have achieved passes for students who had failed the test on previous attempts.I also continue to teach English as a Foreign Language and have taught students from all over the world from Russia to Japan and India. For example, I have successfully prepared UK and Chinese students for interviews and examinations at the following schools: Cheltenham Ladies' College; Badminton School; Queen Anne's School; Roedean School; Bruton School; Bromsgrove School; The King's School Canterbury; Woldingham; Godolphin; Queen Ethelburga's; Ashdown House Prep; Queen Elizabeth's, Barnet; Dame Alice Owen's; Sevenoaks; Latymer.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor my approach is patient and flexible. The learner is at the heart of what I do and my aim is for all students to make rapid progress but also to enjoy their learning. As a result I enjoy planning varied and engaging lessons which are tailor-made for my students. I strongly believe that one-to-one and small group tuition can deliver real results for all types of learners due to the focus on individual learning needs and styles.

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Personal Description:
A resident of Edinburgh for the past twenty years I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things myself. I am fairly well travelled, enjoy the arts and have a passion for working alongside others to help them achieve their goals.

I worked for 10 years as a professional actor with degree level qualifications in both Philosophy (Dundee University) and Acting (Queen Margaret University College).

Teaching Experience:
Exam season is always a great time for a little confidence boost and skills brush-up. I have worked with adults in improving spoken and written English for UK degree entry level. I have also worked with college and university students in the Middle East (UAE) to train science and drama education in both Arabic and English.

For several years I have visited schools in both the public and private sectors delivering reading, drama and science communication classes.

I have regularly taught 5-15 years drama in private classes and enjoy working with pre-drama school entrants of all ages in working on giving the best entrance audition possible.

Tutoring Approach:
I am confident at creating a structured approach that works with a pupil's own strengths and needs to provide a tailor-made package for learning.

Ideally I meet with each student to discuss their learning needs, current level and expected outcomes.

Although it is important to push the boundaries of learning, it should always be a workload that is both manageable and individually tailored.

People learn best when they are enjoying themselves, so I try my best to make learning fun and interactive.

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Personal Description:
Equipped with an ACCA and ACA - Kaplan Financial London & BSc in Accounting and Finance, I consider myself a problem solver which has given me an edge over others and has made me confident. Possessing strong working knowledge of real world accountancy & finance has conceptually made me very clear with the subjects of listed professional bodies.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching different types of students on different levels since 2008 and my fundamental objective is to get them through decently.

Post exam qualified experience has enabled me to evaluate students' understanding on particular subjects and then deciding the level of approach.

My students come from different walks of life.
From Domestic to International, Privately funded/State funded, Students include from top 10 accountancy firms: PWC, KPMG, EY, Grant Thornton etc...

University students covered from the following institutions:

UCL
LSE
Kings College
Queen Mary
Warwick

Tutoring Approach:
Students who are novices would be given attention from the basics & those who are familiar with the concepts and need a little push, would be moved directly on to past exam papers and examination kit.

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Personal Description:
I am a current student of University of Exeter, pursing a degree in Law. I have recently moved here from Singapore so as to pursue further education. I have been learning Mandarin (amongst other subject, English being one of them) since the age of 7 I have also gotten an A for Chinese in my GCSE 'O' Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a primary school student on Mandarin and Math.

Tutoring Approach:
Be patient and calm.

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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 am an experienced tutor who has been tutoring for the last 25 years. I teach from KS3 to A levels, Maths, Chemistry and Physics.
I started my career as a Chemical Engineer and completed my PhD in that subject.
In Industry I have worked on Polymers, Pharmaceuticals and ceramics. I have designed towers using principles of Maths and Science and have been able to work out, how long it will take a ceramic to reach a temperature inside a furnace.
I have also worked on Pharmaceuticals and in particular enzymatic reactors and their Mathematical modelling. I also carried out calculation on diffusion through membranes.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for some 25 years on a one to one basis and to groups. All my students end up in getting admission to a University of their choice and a course to their liking. At the moment I am doing online tutoring. Online tutoring has many benefits which includes cost and the comfort of learning in familiar surroundings. . Online teaching has many positive aspects as compared to a traditional classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
I start by assessing the student in terms of present standard and academic potential. Once I have found out the level, I then collaborate with the parent or guardian to set targets.
My approach is a question and answer one, where the topic is discussed and any misconceptions are rectified and corrected.
Once the student has worked on their topic vocabulary, it is generally found that the student becomes a quick learner.
I also find motivation is an important factor in learning. If the student is keen on the subject they then begin to show creativity.

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Personal Description:
Ciao a tutti!
I am Vanessa and I come from Italy and I am here to help you learn Italian. I live in London but I was born in Rome. I am a qualified Italian Teacher to Adults. I can speak Italian, English, Spanish and Czech. I also have a degree in Languages and Linguistic-Cultural Mediation in English and Spanish and a Masters Degree in Italian teaching.
I have been teaching Italian and English to foreign people both offline and online.
I also prepare students to take the CILS B1 Cittadinanza italiana and I'm an examinator too.
I am very kind and patient and I always listen to all students` needs.
I truly enjoy learning about new cultures and countries, therefore I will have you speaking a lot :D
At the same time I will be teaching lots of things about Italian culture and our way of living.
I love teaching and share my language knowledge with my students. I also enjoy helping others experience the enjoyment and satisfaction of language learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have Italian and English teaching experience with both beginner and intermediate classes and I am happy to teach groups or individual. I always try to make lessons as fun and entertaining as possible by including games and fun exercises as well as educational activities of any kind. I believe that when you have fun and you look forward to your next lesson, that`s when you are learning the most.

Tutoring Approach:
I am currently tutoring on Zoom and teaching both Italian and English students.
I use a fully communicative and up to date approach to teach Italian. While teaching I always present the language in the context and features as grammar, phonology and lexis are analyzed in everyday situations. I use a wide variety of up-to-date authentic material which give the students valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society at the same time as developing the students` authentic linguistic and communicative skills. I use techniques and procedures made ad hoc to meet the students` needs. I will always provide detailed material and in case you want to learn something specifically, just let me know and we will cover it on our following class.

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Personal Description:
I have always be passionate about languages and I would love to support you to improve your skills and achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been Modern Languages teacher for 16 years and I am dedicated to sharing my passion for Spanish, Italian and French with my students. I love tutoring as I can tailor sessions to meet the needs of each learner. I have a had a lot of success in the past with learners of all ages as I have taught from nursery age to adult learners. I am also an SQA marker for Higher and Advanced Higher Spanish and bring all of I have learned from this experience to support my students.

Tutoring Approach:
All tutoring sessions are designed around the needs of the student. Please let me know what your needs and priorities are and I will design a program that best suits you.

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