Ambleside Tutors & Ambleside 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 am currently experienced in Science, English and History predominantly, and am fluent in 3 languages, with a basic knowledge of some European languages.

I have also been involved in setting up a Limited Company which aims to provide academic resources to students in Higher Education (at University level).

My work experience in the healthcare, higher education and training business sectors over the last 13 years has also given me the opportunity to develop a range of teaching / training styles that will suit most learners very well.

Teaching Experience:
Over 9 years experience, delivering 1-2-1 tuition to students aged predominantly 6-18.

Most common subjects taught - English / Maths / Science (up to GCSE). Also worked extensively with adults in the local community, training people in basic computing skills relevant to their specific needs.

For those interested in Business Studies, or how to set up your own business, I can offer lessons on these topics as well, including topics on where to go to get your funding, and how to market yourself effectively (including networking) etc.

Below is a more complete and comprehensive list of subjects which I am able to teach. All subjects can be taught from primary level, up to the level specified, and can also be taught as Adult Learning classes - unless otherwise stated.

Biology - GCSE
Business Related - All
Chemistry - GCSE
Citizenship - All
Combined Science - GCSE
Computer Studies/ICT - A Level
Craft and Design - 11-14
Drama - GCSE
Earth Science - GCSE
English - A Level
English (Foreign Language) - All
Entrance Exams - KS3
Film Studies - KS3
French - 11-14
Geography - GCSE
German - 11-14
History - A Level
Life Science - All
Maths - 11-14
Physics - GCSE
Politics - All
Psychology - GCSE
Reading and Writing Skills - All
Religious Studies - A Level
Sociology - GCSE
Urdu - 11-14

Tutoring Approach:
I follow the National Curriculum, with set lesson plans for each tutor session.

We will follow a learning plan that will run alongside school teaching. I do not help with school homework on a regular basis. Instead, I use the time I spend with each student, to improve their areas of weakness, so that they can do their homework and coursework / assignments with confidence themselves.

Lesson 1 is always a discussion of what the student / parents wish to achieve, along with an assessment of the students current capabilities. If you would like the first lesson to be more productive, I can send the assessment to be completed before the first class. The assessment will need to be returned at least 24hrs before the first planned lesson so I can look it over and plan my teaching approach for the student.

Teaching styles / tools:
- Each lesson will have a starter discussion about any areas of concern in school - I will make notes and plan to work on those areas in the next lesson.

- We will then work on a mini-project together, which will help the student to learn and develop a range of skills that he/she can then use in their own coursework / homework assignments.

- For subjects which involve reading, the student will be given homework to read a chapter / section for discussion at the next class.

- For Maths / Science, there will be worksheets which the student will need to complete on his/her own after lesson.

- If at any time there are any questions / concerns from the students or parents, I am more than happy to spend part of the lesson in discussion about these with you.

- All lessons are taught in an informal and positive / open-discussion style. But in order to make lessons successful and get the most out of your learning plan, please ensure that there is somewhere quiet to work, and that you have all of the required equipment / stationery beforehand (i.e. pens / pencils / eraser / ruler / calculator / notebook or note paper etc).

- It would also be useful to have internet / wifi set up, to use either with your own computer, or with mine to access online resources.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All student details are kept confidential and you can be assured that no personal information will be shared with anybody else. However, I may ask permission to use student's work as an example of how to achieve highly in assignments / homework, with other students. Again, all personal details would be removed.

The minimum time per lesson is 1 hour per week for regular bookings.

Semi-Intensive courses can be booked at 2+ hours per week with prior agreement.

Intensive 2-4 week courses can be booked with daily lessons close to exam times. These have very limited spaces available and would include longer classes if need be, depending on how the student performs during our initial assessment.

Intensive courses are also very useful for students wanting to pass grammar school entrance examinations or prepare for other specific exams and assessments.

Lessons can also be taught online, via Skype or Google Hangouts. All prices are reduced for online tutoring - please contact me for further information.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have tutored a variety of GCSE, A-level, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as young adult and adult learners for over 30 years.
I HAVE A LONG-ESTABLISHED PROVEN TRACK-RECORD OF DELIVERING SUCCESS FOR MY TUTEES!
MY KEYNOTE RESULTS ARE:
1. my tutee L.W.(Egham):
~ Sat AQA Hist A2 Unit 3 Opt.B (HIS3B) The Triumph of Elizabeth 1547-1603 in June 2013: RESULT 88%. A*

2. my tutee T.S. (Guildford):
~ Resat AQA Hist AS 1041 Unit 1 Opt.A (HIS1A) Crusading Movement & the Latin East, 1095-1204 Jan 2012: RESULT 86%. A (Original Mark June 2011 = 68% B)
~ Sat AQA Government & Politics GOVP2 Unit 2 "Governing Modern Britain" in Jan 2012: RESULT 88%. A*

3. my tutee M.Y. (Horsell):
~ Resat Edexel AS Unit 2 (6H102A) Brit Depth Stud; Opt.A1 - "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jan 2012: Result 90% A* [original mark 68%]

4. My tutee A.C. (Knaphill):
~ Resat Edexcel AS Unit 2 Opt A (6H102A) "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jul 2011: Result A* (90%) [original mark June 2010 = 69%].
~ Sat A2 Unit 3 Opt A JUL 2011: Result A* (100%). ~ OVERALL A-LEVEL RESULT: A* [351/400]

~ I am a well-established academic historian and have published many books and articles.
~ I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and have been a member of Council of the Society of Army Historical Research.
~ During 2004-2008 I was chariman of the Prestigious Templer Medal Historical literary prize selection Committee. ~ Over the past 20 years I have had a wide variety of tutoring, teaching and lecturing posts in the field of history and military history.

~ My tutorial style is enthusiastic and engaging, and is tailored to the individual needs of the student.
~ I can use my expertise to enhance a tutee's essay writing and exam technique, their analytical and writing skills, and their coursework, to maximise the impact of their answer's on the examiner.

~ I have a valid CRB and MOD Security Clearance.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Assistant, History, King's College University of London (1992-94)
Assistant Lecturer, History, King's College University of London (1995-96)
Associate Lecturer, Dept of European and International Studies (1995-96)
Senior Lecturer, Ministry of Defence (1996-present)
Tutor in History/Politics for Home Tutors, London (1990-1997)
Tutor in History for Premier Student Conferences (2004-2005)
Tutor in History/Politics for UK Tutors, First Tutors GCSE, AS/A2, Undergarduate (2008-present)
Tutor in History (Independent) at GCSE, AS/A2, Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctoral Level (1991-present)
Tutor/Lecturer in History, various American University Summer Schools (2001-2009)
Visiting Lecturer in History, The University of Birmingham (School of Continuing Adult Studies)
External Examiner, University of Wolverhampton (2004-2008)
External Examiner, University of Birmingham (2009-)
Examiner for Edexcel (2005)
Student seminars in History:
The University of Wolverhampton; The University of Salford; The Universty of Birmingham
I am a Parent Governor at the local primary school (2009-)

Tutoring Approach:
I will hone your essay writing/question answering skills so that your responses have the maximum impact on the examiner.
I will respond to the student's individual needs.
You will get a carefully structured approach that suits your abilities and individual objectives.
I aim to make learning fun.
You will get considered feedback to help you develop your skills.
I will, if required, develop your essay writing skills so that you obtain better marks with whatever subject-matter knowledge you possess.
I will, if required, develop your analytical skills.
I will, if required, develop your background knowledge and subject-matter understanding.
I wil, if required, assist with revision programmes.
I am flexible with regard to frequency, timing, duration and scope of individual sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an Oxford Classics graduate with experience of teaching children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years experience of teaching a range of ages up to 18, both private tutoring and school teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring programme designed according to the student's needs and aims,

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a Cambridge graduate and Fellow of the University of London, with fifteen years of experience tutoring Religious Studies and Philosophy. My students have a strong track record of A/A* grades. I tutor it full-time across OCR, AQA, Edexcel and other exam boards. I can offer hundreds of exemplar essays and resources.

Get in touch for a free 1-hour trial session!

Extracts from letters of recommendation (available in full on request):

"James is an extremely capable and sensitive tutor."
Mother of RS (OCR) A-Level student
Grade received: A

"My daughter got a D in her mock earlier this year ... for her to get an A really was at the top end of our expectations."
Father of A-Level RS (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"I cannot recommend James highly enough. He is punctual and thoughtful and I would not hesitate to hire him again in the future."
Mother of Religious Studies (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"James immediately established a very good working relationship with my daughter which encouraged her to really engage with the subject…I would highly recommend James as a tutor."
Mother of Religious Studies (OCR) student.
Grade received: A

"James was brilliant."
Mother of twin daughters taught in Religious Studies (OCR) and Philosophy (AQA).
Grades received: A

RATES
Free 1 hour initial lesson. If there is a results-based bonus I am happy to negotiate the hourly fee.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours of tuition experience built up over ten years of full-time tutoring. Some of the specific subjects I have taught include:

Cambridge Pre-U Theology & Philosophy
Philosophy A Level (AQA, OCR and Edexcel)
Religious Studies (OCR, AQA and Edexcel) GCSE, A Level
Government & Politics (Edexcel and OCR)
Theology and Religious Studies at degree level (I have helped six different students receive good grades for third year RS dissertations)
Oxbridge applications and interview practice

Tutoring Approach:
Receiving tuition can be a bit daunting at first, so I try to make sure my students feel I`m on their side and there to help them with anything they might not feel able to figure out at school.

My approach to tuition is to assess what specific needs a student has and then to organise the sessions around those needs. Some students need essay technique help and some have a specific set of topics they want to go over. Others might need an entire course taught to them as they have left school or are being home educated.

In my years of tuition, I have built up a cloud-based digital archive of hundreds of handouts which can help a student get back on track and achieve the highest possible grade.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Natalia I am native speaker of Russian language.
I am cheerful and natural, very sociable and inquisitive person.
I like nature walk read and travel.
I live in England and I have been giving private Russian lessons at all levels for several years.
Each of my lesson is unique very well individually planned and prepared to suit every level.

Teaching Experience:
I am a teacher by profession. I am an University graduate.
Specialist Diploma in Pedagogy and Psychology
(Instructor of preschool Pedagogic and Psychology and educational Supervisor)
I have more then 25 years experience as a teacher and psychologist. I have working experience
at the College of Education to prepare students for work as teachers and over 15 years at special school where I taught Russian language and literature to children with learning disabilities (including pronunciation and speech).
My skills and experience are working with groups and individuals.

Tutoring Approach:
I have been living in England for over 15 years, and I have been
giving private Russian lessons at all levels for several years.
I enjoy working with all age groups.
But more preference is given to young children because I believe that childhood
is the best time for easy mastering of the languages.
I can proudly say that some of my students have successfully passed the exams and are studying at
the Universities of Russia.
My lessons are unique very well planned and prepared to suit every level.
THE FIRST LESSON IS FREE.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Mathematics teacher currently working in an inner city secondary in Liverpool.
I graduated from the University of Liverpool with an honours degree in Mathematics and Financial Economics and have also completed a further Mathematics course at Liverpool Hope University.
My background in Mathematical education has provided me with the knowledge and skills to teach students of all ages and different abilities.
I have been tutoring for the past 12 years now, both independently and for a private agency, with a proven track record in gaining the results required by each of my students.
Full CRB available on request

Teaching Experience:
I currently work in a secondary school in the Liverpool area and I have worked in the schools for the past 12 years teaching pupils in classes, small tuition groups and on a one to one basis.
I have an extensive knowledge in preparing pupils for exams, whether it be secondary school entry exams, GCSE or A-level. This has come from working in various schools doing intervention classes, both independently and as part of my further Maths course in University.
As well as teaching in the UK I have been fortunate enough to go on a charity project to India over the summer holidays where i was able to teach in two Tibetan school, which has given me a wider perspective on teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
The first session is always used to get the know the student, find out what they want, what their strengths and weaknesses are and how we can develop these to reach our target grade/level. This is done by creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where the student can feel they are able to approach me with any problems or queries. By finding out the above information and creating such an atmosphere, i am then able to build their confidence and understanding in Mathematics.
I also aim to use the same approaches as i do in my classroom, where the students can see how they are doing and how to reach the next level. Regularly little assessments will take place as evidence of pupil progression.
Pupils will be encouraged to try hard and aim to reach the highest possible grade they can.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Fully-qualified French and Spanish teacher with a degree (BA) in Spanish and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (MA) in Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching Experience:
- 2 years teaching French & Spanish at secondary school.
- 10 years tutoring French and Spanish privately, in which time I have tutored over 100 students.
- 6 years working as an external examiner (marking GCSE exams).
- Experience working with students of a variety of abilities and needs.
- I have tutored 138 students through my own tutoring business.

Tutoring Approach:
- I am organised, friendly and enthusiastic (but strict when necessary!).
- I aim to create a positive learning environment for my students where they feel comfortable, gain confidence and enjoy their lessons.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a Japanese teacher in Birmingham. I grew up in Tokyo Japan, worked in various industries in Japan and America, including international film festivals, research institute, environmental npo, and teaching etc. I studied social anthropology and hold bachelor and master degrees in sociology. I currently live in Birmingham UK and teach Japanese online and in class rooms (a boarding school and Saturday school). I can help you learn from basic Japanese to GCSE, A level or travel, survival, business, or academic level!
I like arts, music, reading, gardening, DIY, cooking, baking, eating, crafting, painting, soap making, knitting, traveling, walking, scuba diving, skiing, "Onsen" natural hot spring spas...and much more!

Teaching Experience:
-More than 10 years experience in teaching Japanese in the UK both class room environment and online lessons.
-Currently I am teaching several groups of GCSE, A level pupils as well as university under & post graduate/college students and adult learners who are studying for JLPT N5- N1 online.
-Currently I am teaching at a mixed boarding school and a Saturday school in Shropshire.
-Made face to face Japanese language and culture lessons for adult before 2019.
-Made 40min lectures about Japanese society and culture for up to 20 people online at a well-known law firm in Birmingham.
-I have online teaching experience since 2020

Tutoring Approach:
If you have just started learning Japanese, I will help you learning basic vocabs, pronunciations through basic sentences, how to read/write Hiragana letters using text books such as GENKI and/or online or original materials. I am flexible and would love to discuss what your aim/target is before we start. I can also tell you about Japanese culture both traditional and modern/pop that you might be interested in and to help you want to learn even more about Japanese language and culture in future! It's all tailor made lesson for you :-)

If you are studying for GCSE / A level Japanese, I can help you learning each topics that need to be covered, and provide homework and mini Kanji test to build certain knowledge required. I taught/am currently teaching several pupils GCSE (Higher tier and foundation) and A level at online classes.

If you would like to know more about Japanese language and culture in business environment, I can offer lessons to teach formal conversations used in business scene, manors and culture typically observed in Japanese company environment. Of course you don't need to behave like Japanese but I can help you to understand why they behave in certain ways, what they actually mean etc in business. I have a wide range of working experiences in various fields in Japan such as working as a researcher in research institute, assisting CEO in advertisement venture company, working for environmental NPO, I even worked in film festivals as an event organiser. I can share my experience and knowledge with you so that you can grasp a better picture of how it could be like in working with/for Japanese business persons.

If you are at more advanced level, or you would like to learn Japanese in formal written form, how to write reports and thesis, how to translate/interpret Japanese/English, I can discuss with you in detail about your needs and will tailor my lessons just for you. I hold master degree in sociology (cultural studies/social arthrology), worked for Mitsubishi research institute (Tokyo) as a researcher for more than 10 years. I can help you writing and reading in "proper" Japanese if you like to!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching Economics and Business for over 16 years as Head of Economics and Business in three high performing independent schools. This followed 19 years working in commercial roles in the fast moving consumer goods industry, after which I completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Business Education) at the University of Roehampton in London.
I am taking early retirement at the end of 25-26 academic year so I will be a full time tutor available whenever I am not on holiday!

Teaching Experience:
Having retrained as a teacher in 2010 I have been teaching Advanced Level and GCSE Economics and Business. I have experience across all major exam boards: Pearson Edexcel, AQA, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas and International Baccalaureate Organisation.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is very much based upon the needs of the individual. I identify the curriculum areas and exam technique that they wish to develop confidence in and work with tailored practice exercises that meet these goals. I help to deliver much improved exam and very often the confidence they need to approach external examinations with a positive mindset. I am used to working with a range of abilities in my private tutoring ranging from those who are very confident in their understanding but wish to improve exam skills to those who seek much greater clarity of the fundamentals of Economics or Business.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! My name's Sarah, I'm now based in the UK but have spent the last 6 years teaching and working in the beautiful city of Seville, Spain. I'm a Veterinary Nurse and have been since 2012 but studied and progressed into teaching in 2017!

I am friendly, flexible and pride myself on creating a safe and comfortable environment in which my students feel happy to learn and speak freely.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching online since 2017, I teach both English and Spanish to a variety of students from different countries and different stages in life.

I have taught using online curriculums, self- developed curriculums and tailor classes to suit that individuals needs.
I have gained experience in classroom settings, group, single and online classes.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is fairly simple, I am flexible and listen to the needs of the student.

Everyone has an individual learning style and I feel that languages should be tailored to suit the need and learning style of the student, so as to make the language fun, and therefore easier to learn.

Subjects