Scotland Tutors & Scotland Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello,

I am Alfiya. I am a professional, qualified and experienced tutor in individual and group Russian teaching. I have been in Edinburgh for almost 11 years and have been a tutor in Russian, freelance interpreter and translator for all this time. During my tutoring career I have assisted almost 250 learners with teaching Russian. I like communicating and meeting new people. I'm friendly, easy-going, open, quick-minded. In my free time I like reading, learning about different cultures, going in for sport, socialising.

Teaching Experience:
I graduated from Irkutsk State Linguistic University in Russia in 1996. Had been teaching English for Russian students and Russian for foreign students at Kazan State University for 15 years (Russia). My specialities are: Russian from Elementary to Advanced.

In 1999 I studied at the Open Society Institute-Samara where I attended Soros Intensive Teacher Training Course for University Instructors in Samara Russia. In 2000 I finished the course in 'Improvement of Professional Skills on Teaching Methodology of Foreign Languages' at Kazan State University in Russia. In 2005 I attended the Conversational Spanish course in Spanish Centre of Education and Culture at Kazan State University. Back to Russia I worked as a senoir lecturer in English and Russian at Kazan State University. I participated as a tutor in English in the Presidential Programme of Russia by giving lectures on Business English for top managers, directors of companies and firms and businessmen to take part in international business as Russia opened up to worldwide and free trade. 10 of my former students went onto internships in Greece, Italy, Denmark, Germany and Japan after finishing this programme. I am the author of four scientific publications in the field of linguistic relations in Russian, English and Tatar.

While living in the UK I have worked as a freelance tutor and translator for Scottish&Newcastle, Scottish Parliament, NHS and Rudolf Steiner School. I am really proud of the fact that among my students are people of different ages, knowledge of Russian and purposes of learning it and who are professionals in different fields for example in language and science teaching, sales and marketing, medical research, social work, to name just a few.

I have completed successfully the HNC and HND Tourism course at Edinburgh college.

Tutoring Approach:
Always try to make students interested in the subject I teach. Create a ftiendly and an encouraging learning environment. Not afraid to praise them even if they do not get immediate good results. Tend to get feedback from them. Plan carefully each lesson. Use the Internet and PC in preparing for lessons. Try to make lessons interesting, various by combining different aspects of learning a language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading. Each course that you will attend is tailored to your needs and depends on your level of knowing Russian and your purpose of learning. I teach Russian through the Skype system as well. Each month organise Russian Converstaion Club for my students to help them learn some more about Russia apart from lessons. We discuss various topics in Russian (the topic of each session is given in advance), do different activities based on the theme of the session. The aim of Russian Conversation Club is to improve Russian conversational skills of my students and help them learn more about Russian culture and history.

Subjects

Personal Description:
- qualified ex-secondary MFL teacher (PGCE, QTS obtained), familiar with and taught Mandarin Chinese GCSE specifications (AQA and Edexcel), A Level Chinese specifications at UK secondary schools. My students have great exam results.
- Native Mandarin and Taiwanese speaker, Excellent communication skills
- Experienced Mandarin Tutor. I worked with pupils at different levels: pre-School/ KS1- 5/ FE/ HE/ adults/ retired/ business Chinese/ tourism Chinese, including those with SEN and from diverse cultural background using English as an additional language)
- Freelance translator (television programmes subtitles, between English and Mandarin Chinese)
- Freelance interpreter (legal/Immigration)
- Experienced in tailor-making and delivering one-to-one tutoring lessons
- Knowledge of traditional Chinese/Taiwanese culture, politics, history, geography, society and current pop culture. Also able to combine the above with Mandarin learning/teaching
- Patient, reliable and honest
- mentored PGCE student teachers, Early Career Teachers.
- conduct and co-lead research projects with IOE (Institute of Education, University College London), on Content and Language Integrated Learning, 2021 to date. Co-presented the research results at 2 international academic conferences in 2023.

Teaching Experience:
- Mandarin Teacher at University of Leeds (Sep 2008- May 2011), a private school in north Wales (Y7 and Y9, complete beginner group/individual and GCSE preparation, 2011), a grammar school on the Wirral (2015- 2020, Y7- Y13, including GCSE/A Level preparation), and a comprehensive state school in Liverpool (2020-2023).
- Author/proof-reader of online Mandarin course contents (targeting KS2, KS3, and GCSE learners); Online Mandarin Tutor (KS2 learners and GCSE candidates. One of my pupils was accepted by a Chinese undergraduate course as her first choice for Sep 2014 entry, because of my lessons); eLearning Specialist advising the management team regarding VLE/ LMS and providing training on online teaching for fellow teachers (all above under this bullet point: between Jun 2012- Jun 2014, employed by a private company in north Wales)
- freelance one-to-one Tutor of Mandarin, face-to-face and online
- University Lecturer in Audience Development in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in Arts Management in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in English in Taiwan
- Tutor of English (adult/primary/secondary level, face-to-face, individual and groups) in Taiwan

Tutoring Approach:
- Use real-Life scenario for examples and conversation practice
- Integrate Culture into language acquisition
- Offer Business/Leisure/Travel/Conversation Mandarin Lessons
- Offer Pin-Yin and Phonics; Simplified and Traditional Mandarin characters
- Lessons are tailor-made to suit different levels from beginners to advanced Mandarin speaker
- You can choose to get trained in Listening, Speaking, Writing or Reading skills, or a combination of these four
- Deliver lessons in English-only, Mandarin-only, or a combination of English and Mandarin
- Devise different learning methods/ activities/ content for each individual learner to suit their own confidence, Mandarin abilities and learning targets/ motives.
- Encourage students to participate in their own learning process actively by creating an interactive and friendly learning environment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Enthusiastic, dedicated, specialist English tutor with 30 years of teaching experience and strong results record at all levels.. Examiner for Sats, GCSE and A' Level. Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. Patient and focused on helping students to improve their skills, enjoy the subject and get the grades they deserve.

Teaching Experience:
During my teacher training year, I worked in a primary school, a grammar school and a boarding school where I taught English, Latin and Greek. My first teaching job was teaching English and English Literature to A' Level. Following the outstanding results of my A' Level classes, I was promoted to Head of A' Level English. I was also the Course Designer for all key stages, Assistant in Gifted and Talented and Line Manager of the Learning Resources Centre and the Integrated Learning Suite. I then became Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. The examination results of students dramatically improved under my leadership. I have worked for the examination boards Edexcel, AQA and CCEA , examining SATs, GCSE and A' Level papers. I also have recent experience teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin by getting to know the student and identifying their learning needs. Lessons are objective based to achieve desired learning outcomes, improve skills and achieve target grades or better. I aim to make lessons focused, enjoyable and interesting. I love teaching and there is nothing better for me than to see a student improve, gain in confidence and get the grades they deserve.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker from mainland China, and I have been living in the UK for more than 15 years, working as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher at a independent school. I earned a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Manchester in 2015. I have excellent teaching experience in Chinese at all levels, as well as in Maths (from KS1 up to GCSE). I have received positive feedback from my previous students, who have praised my patience, clear communication, and sense of responsibility. Additionally, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a secondary school, where I gained valuable experience supporting young people's learning.

In terms of personality, I am very easygoing, kind, and highly responsible. Since moving to the UK in 2010, I have lived in diverse environments, working with students from various creeds and ethnic backgrounds. This experience has enriched my understanding and appreciation of international cultures and individual differences.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing new things. I have visited several places, including European countries (England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Iceland, and Greenland), Africa (Cameroon), South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau. I love sports, particularly swimming, yoga, cycling, hiking, and horse riding.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and dedicated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher, currently teaching students aged 3-18, including GCSE, GCE/A Level,HSK and YCT(Youth Chinese Test) Chinese, at an independent school in the UK. With about 15 years of experience teaching Mandarin both online and face-to-face to non-native English speakers of various ages and levels in both China and the UK, I have developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and the ability to meet individual student needs.

As a private Mandarin tutor, I bring the same level of commitment and personalized attention to each of my students. My extensive experience has equipped me with valuable insights into creating engaging and effective lessons tailored to each student's learning style and goals.

In addition to my current teaching role, I have been a freelance Mandarin teacher since 2012, collaborating with several language organizations. I am also an experienced interpreter and translator, with over ten years of expertise in both written and spoken translation. My background includes working in various sectors, such as business (e.g., 2010 EXPO Shanghai) and education (e.g., translating articles and interpreting at international conferences).

Testimonials:
"I decided to begin learning Mandarin with Yifen over the summer for business and travel purposes.
Given that I was a complete beginner, I was heartened by the friendliness and professional nature of the lessons and was delighted by the flexibility of the lessons.
The way Yifen catered the lessons to my specific areas of interest was very encouraging. It meant I was able to cover a lot more relevant content in the short time I had with her.
Had I not had to move back to University, I would've liked to continue my lessons." Matthew, a former Student

''I had the pleasure of taking my first steps in Mandarin with Yifen. I found her very knowledgeable, understanding, adaptable and extremely flexible to my needs. Only when I travelled to China, I could really appreciate how valuable her teachings were. Before Yifen, I could not understand anything at all. After only a few lessons with Yifen, my ability to understand had greatly improved and I could even venture into dialogues with Chinese people and, lo and behold, be understood!

Yifen's approach is systematic and practical at the same time. She frequently tested my comprehension ability, and engaged me in dialogues, but also illustrated the building blocks of the language, touching on grammar rules and special usage, as needed.
She was always keen on answering any additional questions that might have crossed my mind. She was motivating and an inspiration and greatly boosted my desire to learn more about the Chinese language and culture.
Yifen is a joy to work with and I would heartily recommend her to anyone who wants to approach the study of the Chinese language with a solid, competent and inspirational teacher.

老师，谢谢'' -Fernando, A former adult learner

"Yifen has been my teacher for the past four years throughout my GCSEs and A-levels! She helped me achieve an A* at GCSE and helped me achieve my required grade to get into university! With a lesson every week I was undoubtedly able to rely on Yifen for the support I needed for my work and to achieve the result that I not only wanted, but needed. She would always write lesson reviews and summaries for me to look upon to further improve my learning of Mandarin, and even set me work to challenge me and to push my ability further. I'm so grateful for all the time Yifen gave up for me and definitely wouldn't have been able to adapt and progress my Chinese without her help! Yifen is so helpful, reliable and able to focus on anything you ask her to help you with and I would highly recommend her to anyone who would want to learn or better their Mandarin!"-Bethan, a former GCSE and A-level learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I make every effort to prepare lessons that meet each student's individual needs. I strive to create a comfortable learning environment because I believe a good atmosphere is crucial for learning a language and encouraging learners to speak. Lessons are carefully prepared, incorporating engaging stories and other materials, so you can learn Mandarin and have fun at the same time!

I believe that a good teacher is responsible for meeting students' needs. My work experience has reinforced my belief that it is essential to teach the students in front of you rather than just following a textbook. I endeavour to be an attentive listener, observe, and identify any problems that arise during lessons. This approach helps me find solutions and maximise my potential.

I am passionate about helping my students succeed and am committed to providing high-quality, individualised instruction. If you are looking for a skilled and reliable private Mandarin tutor who can help you achieve your language goals, I would be delighted to work with you.

There are some textbooks I have been using for the learners, such as:
Confidence Chinese Vol. Getting Started
Confidence Chinese Vol2. Living in China
Chinese Made Easy Book1, 2 and 3.
Standard Course HSK
Edexcel Chinese for AS
Edexcel Chinese for A2
Chinese Made Easy for Kids.
Youth Chinese Test(YCT)

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

*

During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified Environmental Science Teacher and am passionate about helping you to achieve the grades you want. I specialise in teaching Environmental Science A Level (AQA). I have excellent knowledge of the syllabus and have assisted my students to increase their final grade form E to B in as little as three months. I also provide private tuition to BSc and MSc students studying a range of environmental science related degree courses.

My passion for environmental science is infectious and will support you to achieve your learning goals. I will provide you with engaging and interactive lessons tailored to your individual needs, using a diverse variety of resources to help you develop your subject knowledge, research skills and critical thinking abilities. I also specialise in providing exam revision sessions to help you understand the mark scheme, improve your exam technique, and subsequently improve your grades!

I am passionate about engaging with the next generation of environmental protectors and sharing my knowledge and expertise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Environmental Science online for the past three years. Previously, I taught environmental science, biology, wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and research skills in Further Education colleges, environmental conservation organisations and research facilities, in the UK, East and West Africa, Asia and Central America for the past 20 years. Consequently, I have extensive experience teaching a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and cultures.

Tutoring Approach:
Our lessons will take place online and I am adept at using a range of platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. I will provide you with engaging and interactive sessions tailored to your individual needs. My teaching method is student-centred and inclusive: I use a mixture of direct instruction with inquiry-based learning to enable you to fully develop your academic, practical, and technical abilities.

We will use a range of learning materials, such as engaging slides, videos, infographics, webpages, and journal articles, to cater for individual learning styles and give you the best learning experience possible. We will use a range of past papers, quizzes and worksheets for revision and exam practice. We will use an interactive whiteboard in our lessons and I will provide you with all the resources used in our lessons and signpost you to additional resources to deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Our sessions will be a positive opportunity for you to get additional support with your studies. The lessons will be a bit different from learning in a classroom environment as I use an interactive and discussion-based approach. You can ask questions whenever you want to! I will encourage you to do independent/enquire-based learning and will set written/research tasks. Completing them will aid your learning but is voluntary.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi!
I'm Necdet and am a student of Boğaziçi University's teaching physics program. I have successfully completed the first year without failing any of my lesson and getting a GPA of 2.42. I am a Turkish Cypriot and I am quite familiar to the GCSE and A-level curriculum. Apart from my academic background I'd like to address couple more stuff I have in my life. First off I have to state that I love learning and teaching new stuff, and also I believe teaching is the older brother of learning; as you can not say that you have learned something deeply if you are unable to teach it to someone that does not know it; like I play chess and have been the 6th table player of my municipality's chess team. Even though I have attended many many games with that team I was not aware of the fact that thinking simple would actually be a benefit in any game, and I realized this when last year I have aided an association's chess team in stars category as an educator. When working with youngsters that are looking at the game much simpler than you do, you have to match their energy and try to predict what obstacles may get in their way, and I believe this working experience improved me quite a bit in that matter. There are couple more sports that I am into and have been a part of, I have listed them in my CV and I do not want to make this message too long and boring so I am stopping here:))

Thank you for your time and I am looking forward to hearing from you!!!

Necdet

Teaching Experience:
I am actively working in a private tutoring association for more than 2 years and also I have given many private lessons from grade 4 all the way up to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is not only a job for me, but also a way to stay active in life and become more energetic. Being with and tutoring youngsters boost my confidence in our future!!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a university law lecturer with nine years' teaching experience offering undergraduate law, PgDL, LPC or SQE tuition in Essex. I have experience of teaching post-16 foundation-year students, first, second and third year undergraduate students, as well as LPC, PgDL and SQE students. Before moving into higher education I practised as a solicitor at firms in Essex and South Wales.

Teaching Experience:
I currently teach law at a university as a senior lecturer, but have also previously taught law at a post-16 college, so I have experience of teaching students aged from 16, up to mature students returning to education or making a career change. Before moving into teaching I practised as a solicitor.

Tutoring Approach:
I am relaxed and friendly and always ensure that students feel comfortable asking any questions that they have. I provide one hour or two hour tuition sessions for undergraduate law, or postgraduate professional law courses (LPC, SQE). I will tailor the session to suit your needs and preferences, all of which can be discussed in detail in the free one-hour first session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a fully qualified, successful English teacher of twenty years, I have a plethora of experience to draw from to enable my pupils to reach their full potential. I am a dedicated, hard-working tutor who has tutored many pupils, all with great success.

I have a BA in English Literature from Lancaster University and an MA in Gothic Literature from Manchester Metropolitan University. I currently work at a well-respected school in the area and have done since I left university. I constantly try to upgrade my skillset through continued professional development and courses, so that my teaching and delivery continues to meet the needs of my learners. I have recently been accepted as a Fellow of The Chartered College of Teaching.

I'm an English GCSE and A level examiner and work with students on a multitude of exam boards all over the world. My average improvement is 2 grades for pupils that have 10 lessons or more, but some students have jumped up by as many as 5 grades. Get in touch for more info.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English for over twenty years. I am willing to teach both Literature and Language, from KS2 up to and including A level. I also offer grammar school entrance examination coaching for all schools, other than my own. I can also help support non English natives with their oral and written skills. I have tutored a hundreds of pupils previously, all with excellent results. I have worked as an examiner at GCSE level and A level for the last few years, for a wide range of examination boards. This has helped my students considerably.

I estimate that I have delivered around 4000 hours of 1:1 tutorials to pupils since 2010 alongside working in the classroom. I have tutored pupils aged 8 to 20, covering KS2, KS2, KS4, KS5 and degree level. I conduct most of my lessons at home, with some via online platforms like Zoom, MS Teams or Skype. I currently teach AQA specification, but have also taught EDEXCEL/EDUQAS/WJEC/IGCSE at KS4, and currently teach AQA specification at KS5, but have previously TAUGHT CAMBRIDGE/OCR/WJEC. I have also supported pupils with UCAS applications, personal statements, and 11+ entrance exams. I have worked with home-schooled pupils, and those who may have had gaps in their education at times, both with great success.

Tutoring Approach:
I am nurturing, supportive tutor who strives to get the best out of my pupils by gently pushing them beyond their normal limits. I offer bespoke one to one tuition based on the individual needs of the pupil so that they can fulfil their maximum potential. I feel very passionately about teaching one to one and find great reward in my pupils' successes.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a committed and highly qualified tutor specialising in English, Religious Studies, Media Studies, and Law. With a solid foundation in LLB Law and ongoing pursuit of my Masters, I bring a deep understanding of legal principles and their practical applications.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching journey extends beyond formal education. I have had the privilege of contributing to our local community by volunteering at the library, where I assisted children of varying educational levels in a range of subjects. Additionally, I was fortunate to serve as an tutor at a sixth form, offering crucial support to A-Level students. This endeavor led to a commendable 100% pass rate among my tutored students.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in an interactive and personalized approach to education, tailored to accommodate each student's unique learning style. My goal is to ensure that every child comprehends concepts thoroughly. Through structured lessons, engaging discussions, and practical applications, I aim to foster not only subject-specific knowledge but also critical thinking skills. I place great emphasis on creating an environment that encourages curiosity, where students feel empowered to explore and challenge their own understanding.

My dedication extends beyond content delivery; I am committed to your child's holistic development. I strive to instill confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. Together, we embark on a journey towards academic excellence and personal growth.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Farah, a graduate of Marine Engineering and Offshore Platforms from the University of Tripoli, Libya (Class of 2017). I currently live in Warrington, and I'm passionate about education, especially teaching Arabic, Math, Physics, and Science.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years of experience teaching Arabic, Math, Science, and Physics to students of different age groups - from primary school to high school. I've worked in both formal schools and private tutoring settings.

Tutoring Approach:
• I use a simple, step-by-step approach tailored to the student's level.
• I focus on deep understanding rather than memorization.
• I include visual aids, practical examples, and interactive activities.
• I aim to build student confidence through encouragement and positive reinforcement.

Subjects