Holmrook Tutors & Holmrook Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello,
I have completed my PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at UEA. I also have an MA (Distinction) in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, and a First Class Honours Degree in English Literature. I also have a good Fine Art degree from Chelsea College of Art and Design. I have been a private tutor for twenty years, and have taught many children in that time.

I am currently tutoring in Wadebridge in Cornwall but can offer Skype or Zoom lessons.

I'm 49, married and am an aunt and godmother.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at undergraduate level at university as well as writing skills in an academic skills centre. I have also taught SATs to thirteen year olds. I have a PTTLs degree level 4 qualification and taught on an Access Course to adult learners.

I have taught AQA and EDEXCEL syllabuses at GCSE and AQA at A-Level.

Please note that I do not teach any Eleven-Plus or verbal reasoning syllabuses and that I prefer to teach older children (13 plus)

Tutoring Approach:
I use past exam papers, model essays, and devote time and attention to close reading of set texts at GCSE and A-Level. I have also given art lessons.

I can also provide Skype and Zoom lessons and find this has been successful with older and university level students.

I have a friendly, professional approach and find I develop a real rapport with my pupils, who find their results and confidence improving with my tutelage.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Art and design has been the love of my life since early childhood. Being able to express oneself creatively and with imagination has always been my primary source of independence and happiness. Apart from that, i am also attentive to creative sparks and fires in the people around me, enjoying when the potential is given the chance to be fulfilled. Plus, i am thoughtful and hard working, with a light-hearted and empathic attitude towards people i work with. I am a bit of a connector, a bit of a maven, a bit of a geek and i always wear a sunscreen. I have studied Art and Design in Latvia and in London, have an Interior Design diploma and a degree in Product Design, strong drawing skills, sane knowledge of a range of arts materials, software skills and a spirit for safe experiments.

Teaching Experience:
Sustainable Opportunities Workshop 2011, in collaboration with British Council - designing the workshop and facilitating it.
Private arts tutor for life drawing and modeling, 2007-currently.
Learning Resources Assistant in University of Arts London, advising on materials and software (Adobe CS; Rhino; Solidworks for beginners) 2009-currently.
Arts tutor and group supervisor in Children Summer Camp, ages 6-16. 2007.

Tutoring Approach:
The best tutors in my life have been the strictest ones, with high demands and set standards. I have learned from them well and would aim for the same level of aspiration they have given me. But in addition, my strongest belief is that the best teacher is the one who understands the way his student works and learns and acts accordingly, being an inspirational teacher. Ages 6-99 can all benefit from expression through the different forms of art. First of all I would discuss the needs and desires of stakeholders and form a brief, which would include:
Desired outcomes
Program to reach them
Sourcing materials - what materials are needed
Timetable
Location

Then, we would be set for starting the learning and revealing the wonders of life and ourselves.

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Personal Description:
I have 35 years teaching experience both in the UK and overseas. I feel it's important to understand a students learning style and adjust lesson materials to suit that style whilst setting purposeful, realistic and attainable goals.

I enjoy teaching and deem it a privilege to have a share in helping others reach their aspirations.

I have a Trinity CERTTesol and an MA in English Language Teaching.

Teaching Experience:
Between 1992 & 2010 I lived and taught in Hong Kong to a variety of students from Chinese medium of instruction (CMI), English medium of instruction (EMI) and International schools. Assistance was given to help students progress towards their HKCEE (GCSE equivalent) and `A` levels, and in recent years the IB diploma, IGCSE's, and HKDSE.

Topics used in the lessons cover many of disciplines in the school curriculum, including, History, Geography, Economics, Biology, English Literature. Further guidance was given to help students prepare for exams, such as: SAT; and IELTS exams and common apps for HE.

In the past 15 years I have been tutoring students in the UK to prepare them for the 11+ entrance exams; teaching students at KS3, GCSE, A levels & IB. Additionally, I am currently guiding students with their dissertations for their chosen degrees, and proofreading BA, MA, papers prior to submission.

For the past 7 years, I have been involved in intervention teaching, which involves identifying learning styles and other factors that inhibit a student`s progress, and then devise strategies to engage the student in learning, to identify and then support their current learning needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am committed to providing students with assistance to achieve the grades they need by patiently tutoring each student according to their learning style. I trust that my student-centred approach is effective in this area. My one-to-one tuition produces noticeable improvements in student confidence, attainment and ambition.

Exam Boards I cover:
- AQA
- Edexcel
- Cambridge/ Edexcel IGCSE
- OCR

GCSE English Literature texts
GCSE English Language Paper 1
GCSE English language Paper 2
- Writing to persuade
- Writing to inform
- Imaginative/ Creative writing
- Essay writing / structuring

GCSE Poetry
Love & Relationships
Power & Conflict

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Personal Description:
Teaching is my passion. I have made higher salaries in other lines of work- I choose to tutor because it makes me happy! Therefore I don't just do this for the money, if a student isn't making progress then I will always tell clients exactly that. My primary aim is to help people, and if it isn't working, you'll get nothing but honesty from me!

Exam Results

I take great pride in the results of my students. Whether it be Year 6 SATS, entrance exams, GCSE Maths or many others, the greatest joy I feel is hearing good news on results day. To hear that I've managed to help someone change their life forever in a positive way is a high that I am constantly chasing.

Here are some of my student's recent achievements in major exams:

GCSE Maths

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE Maths (2023)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 8 (A*)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2022)

1 student from an 8 (A*) ----> 9 (A**)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 2(E) (started tuition just 6 weeks before exams)

GCSE Maths (2021)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE Maths (2019)

1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 6 (B) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2017)

3 students from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2019)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
3 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

3 students passed
1 student failed
75% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

2 students passed on their first attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Teaching Experience:
Over the last 5 years I have been teaching Maths from within my own home.

Tutoring Approach:
The goal of each and every lesson is to make the sessions as interactive as possible. By engaging pupils at every opportunity, the lessons become really enjoyable with the students learning an awful lot more than if they were simply to be handed workbooks. There are many tutors that will take this approach and just watch a student go at it, I prefer to be much more involved! I also make new learning games everyday and this is a big reason why my students have been so successful at all ages.

Subjects

Personal Description:
10+ years experience as a teacher, subject leader, tutor and examiner of economics and business at GCSE and A-level across multiple exam boards.

Currently I am availabke for online lessons.

Teaching Experience:
10+ years teaching economics and business studies, 7 as the head of department leading economics and business studies in an outstanding school in South West London. I have been an examiner for the AQA exam board rated excelle t foe the quality of my marking and have taught Edexcel Economics for the past nhmber of years. A proven track record of success and will work with studenrs to address aeeas for improvement.

Tutoring Approach:
Depending on your requirements lessons will be driven by your specific needs. My tutoring style will be a mixture of theory revision and exam paper practice. I use a wealth of case studies and real world examples to aid in the explanation and simplification of difficult concepts.

I will share with you effective techniques that can really boost your grades and ensure you get that A* that you are working hard to achieve. I will be pushing you to excel but will be able to provide you with a wealth of notes, exam paper practice and model answers.

Unlike many tutors, you will find, I am a qualified teacher, and subject leader, and have experience with the various exam boards and their requirements for success; From the timing of your exam answers to evaluation skills necessary to standout from the crowd and ensure you reach those higher levels of response.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Melisa, a passionate Spanish teacher from Argentina with over 10 years of experience teaching students of all ages, from young children to university students, adults and retirees. I graduated in Spanish Teaching as a Foreign Language from the University of Córdoba (Argentina) and have taught in both Argentina and the UK. I am currently pursuing a Master's in Secondary Education, deepening my knowledge of modern teaching strategies and pedagogy.

I moved to the UK in 2016 and learned English as a second language, so I fully understand the challenges language learners face, from shyness to fluency, and I tailor my lessons to each student's needs and goals. I combine academic expertise, practical experience, and a love of culture to create lessons that are engaging, effective, and fun.

Teaching Experience:
• Argentina: Spanish teacher for 3 years, teaching Years 6-11 and Spanish to international university students (from China, Japan, England, Germany, Brazil, and more).
• UK: Teaching Spanish since 2017 to learners aged 2-80, both online and in person. Worked as a Teaching Assistant in KS1 for 3 years, supporting classroom learning and individual student needs.
Experience as a Spanish Language Assistant, preparing secondary students for GCSE and A Levels.
Private tuition: I design personalised lessons for individuals or small groups, including univerisity-level learners, focused on communication, confidence, and exam success.

Teaching Assistant (UK, 3 years): Worked in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, supporting classroom learning for all students. I delivered 1:1 interventions (Speech and Language, Maths) and small group sessions (English pre-teach, phonics and reading). I also completed courses on Speech an Language Support, Autism, ADHD, and behaviour management, equipping me to support students with diverse needs effectively.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning a language is most effective when it's interactive, consistent, and enjoyable. In my lessons, I speak Spanish 90% of the time and encourage students to actively participate. I focus on grammar, reading, listening, speaking, and cultural knowledge to provide a holistic learning experience.
• Children: Fun and interactive lessons using games, stories, songs, crafts, and activities. I also integrate strategies from my experience as a TA to support students with SEN, delivering targeted 1:1 interventions and small group support.
• Young learners / Teens: Lessons combining books, videos, and exercises tailored to their level, interests, and exam preparation needs.
• Secondary / GCSE / A Levels: Exam-focused lessons, confidence-building, and strategies for success in all areas of the Spanish language.
• University students: Academic Spanish support, exam preparation, coursework help, and confidence-building for presentation and written work.
• Adults and retirees: Lessons designed around your goals-conversation, travel, culture, or professional development. Flexible, practical, and enjoyable learning at your own pace, with focus on building fluency and confidence.

Why Choose Me:
• Over 10 years of teaching experience in Argentina and the UK.
• Expertise across all ages and levels, including children, teens, adults, and seniors.
• Specialised training and experience in Autism, ADHD, behaviour managment, phonics, reading, and targeted interventions.
• Personalised, student-centered approach: lessons designed to meet your goals.
• Passion for Spanish language and culture, making lessons engaging and meaningful.
• Flexible lessons online or in person, tailored to your schedule and needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Head of Physics at Independent school, experience teaching, tutoring and examining A level Physics all exam boards including IB.

Teaching Experience:
20 years experience, 15 as Head of Physics

Tutoring Approach:
Either online through zoom and interactive whiteboard software or face to face. One hour sessions based on filling in gaps in knowledge and exam practice.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Shannon and I'm in my third year of studying an illustration degree, soon to graduate. In my own work I'm experimental with a variety of art methods so I believe I have relevant skills to help young people with basic art skills. Such as, drawing techniques with the use of different mediums, digital drawing techniques (photoshop), making gifs, story boarding ect. Skills like this are useful to know if you or your child are thinking about college/university.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience as a volunteer in a school- primary school ages

Tutoring Approach:
My approach will be giving a good structure to your own learning, helping you with any skills you wish to pursue, showing openness to you or your child's situation, and building your confidence to become a good artist!

I would firstly get to know you and your struggles and strengths as an artist, run you through the structure of tutoring and check you're happy with it, then record what you want help with!

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Personal Description:
Hi my name is Ines.

I am Fluent in English so learning with me is easy i can make sure you can start learning basic to advance portugesse in no time

Easy learning stages.

My seesion included home work and stage learning blocks making your online learning easy as well as retaining the language with easy tips.

Please contact me with regarding any Portuguese Language sessions.

I will have you learning and speaking Portuguese with a nice Algarvian Accent in no time.

Contact me for any advise or help.

Regards Ines.

Teaching Experience:
I Have very good Experience in teaching professional Portuguese Languages.

References upon request.

Tutoring Approach:
A no rushed online learnig sessions ranging from basic to Gcse levels and so on. Course work posted as well as a easy package to work to.


Also guided language session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor, Maths with Statistics MSci graduate - King's College, University of London.

I completed my GCSEs, AS and A Levels at the UK's 'Number 1 Ranking' Grammar School - Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys.

I got the highest grades possible for Maths (grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A Level)
Achieved A* at A Level Further Mathematics.
Achieved 9 in Music at GCSE Level. Grade 8 in clarinet, saxophone and piano, and ARSM diploma in clarinet.

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

GCSEs - 7 x 9s, 4 x 8s
AS - 4 x A
A2 - 2 x A*, 1 x A (Maths, Further Maths, Physics)

King's College, University of London:
Maths with Statistics MSci graduate

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 3, Pass x 0, Fail x 0.

Tutoring Approach:
In my experience, I have learned that the majority of tutors just 'turn-up-and-teach' without actually preparing. 'Understanding' is the most important thing when it comes to learning, not 'regurgitating information'. As a tutor, I only get ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a way that not only clear, but coherent. Not preparing only means the student will only get more confused. But this won't happen with me!!

In my years as a student, I remember my tutors either setting no homework at all, or random questions from some textbook they've just picked out. Pick me as your tutor, and be confident each homework has been uniquely written by myself to complement the lesson that I've taught, which contains routine practice questions, as well as a couple of more challenging ones, designed to encouraging them to 'think' outside the box.

Closer to the exams, I go through years and years of past papers, and pick out the most appropriate previous exam questions - but not too early! It's important my students have developed that deep understanding of the syllabus first. Yes - yet again, my experience has made me realise that too many tutors are using these exam past papers and 'teaching' their students with them, instead of going through the basics first.

Is it a good idea to give a bunch of papers to a student and hope they'll get on with it? Especially when the student isn't ready, perhaps hasn't learned all of the content inside out, and hasn't been walked through a single practice question, let alone an entire paper before? I focus on exam practice, but only at the right time.

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Personal Description:
Dedicated and academically accomplished tutor with over a decade of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering across secondary school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, as well as delivering software workshops. Renowned for simplifying complex concepts, designing tailored curricula, and fostering student engagement through interactive, student-centred teaching methods. Brings practical industry insight from over five years as a Manufacturing Engineer in the automotive sector-most recently at Jaguar Land Rover-enhancing the relevance and application of engineering principles in the classroom. Passionate about inspiring learners and advancing STEM education through innovative pedagogy and real-world context.

Teaching Experience:
KEY SKILLS
• Mathematics & Physics Instruction
• Mechanical Engineering Principles
• Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
• Concept Simplification & Visualization
• Student Engagement & Motivation
• Assessment Design & Constructive Feedback
• Software Proficiency: MS Office, Minitab, COMFAR, CATIA, Abaqus, DEFORM
Teaching Experience
• Lecturer for Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering courses, KNTU, 2016-2020
• Lecturer for Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering courses, NIT, 2014-2016
• High school lecturer in Mathematics and Physics at Secondary School, ADIB, 2013-2015

Tutoring Approach:
1- Learner-Centered Philosophy
I prioritize understanding each learner's unique needs, strengths, and goals. My approach is adaptive, aiming to build confidence and independence in the learner.

2- Diagnostic and Goal-Oriented
I begin by assessing the learner's current level and identifying gaps or areas for improvement. Together, we set clear, achievable goals to guide our sessions.

3- Interactive and Engaging Methods
I use a mix of questioning, real-world examples, and active problem-solving to keep sessions engaging. I encourage learners to think critically and ask questions.

4- Feedback and Reflection
Regular feedback is key. I provide constructive input and encourage learners to reflect on their progress, helping them take ownership of their learning journey.

5- Supportive Environment
I foster a safe and respectful space where learners feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. Patience and encouragement are central to my style.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of Polish Philology at the University of Warsaw. I'm a school teacher with an IB Diploma. I'm a poet, journalist, and cultural activist. I enjoy baking traditional Polish bread and exploring the world from a bicycle. I'd love to take you on a journey through literature, language, culture, film, and theater.

Absolwent Filologii polskiej Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego. Nauczyciel w szkole z międzynarodową maturą IB Diploma. Poeta, dziennikarz, animator kultury. Lubi wypiekać tradycyjny, polski chleb i poznawać świat z perspektywy roweru. Chętnie zabierze Cię w podróż przez literaturę, język, kulturę, film i teatr.

Teaching Experience:
More than 20 years.
Ponad 20 lat.

Tutoring Approach:
Explore literature. Develop your language skills. Learn to write. Prepare for the Polish language exams. Also, for the IB Matura exam. I offer individual lessons where I teach, in a clear and engaging way, the analysis and interpretation of literary texts, and the fluency in spoken and written Polish. I show you step-by-step how to create logical, coherent, and engaging statements, essays, and dissertations. After these lessons, you'll surely succeed in your exams, including the Matura and IB Matura exams.
I also help you organize your grammar knowledge and develop your fluency in Polish. I provide a friendly atmosphere, a personalized approach, and methods that help you achieve good results.

Poznaj literaturę. Rozwiń język. Naucz się pisać. Przygotuj się do egzaminów maturalnych z języka polskiego. Również do matury IB. Oferuję indywidualne lekcje, podczas których w jasny i ciekawy sposób uczę analizy oraz interpretacji tekstów literackich, sprawnego posługiwania się językiem polskim w mowie i piśmie. Pokazuję krok po kroku, jak tworzyć logiczne, spójne i ciekawe wypowiedzi, wypracowania, rozprawki i eseje. Po takich zajęciach z pewnością poradzisz sobie na egzaminach, w tym na maturze oraz maturze IB.
Pomagam również uporządkować wiedzę z gramatyki i rozwijać swobodę w posługiwaniu się językiem polskim. Zapewniam przyjazną atmosferę, indywidualne podejście i metody, które pomagają osiągnąć dobre wyniki.

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