Devon Tutors and Devon Tuition

Personal Description:
Paola
Online lessons nationwide and face to face based in Aberdeen.

I am a native Italian speaker with British nationality and fluent in both English and French.

I have a long working knowledge of English, having worked for several years as a librarian in Aberdeen and for the oil & gas industry (GE and NOV) for 8 years. I also worked for RGU prior to start teaching full time.

I offer Italian, French and English tuition at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced.

I studied English language and literature with French and Italian at La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where I obtained my PhD.

After graduation I spent a long time working in France in Disneyland Paris. This gave me the opportunity to hone my French language skills.

I have experience teaching students of various age and nationality, both school children and adults who need to pass exams.
I have a PVG check.

Teaching Experience:
University of Aberdeen
Rosemount Community Centre, small groups - Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen language department
Tutoring agencies

Tutoring Approach:
I offer distance learning tuition via Skype for all beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.

I describe myself as enthusiastic, friendly and patient.

I am committed to delivering high quality tuition by offering tailor-made classes to suit different students' needs.

I think that a good tutor should guide the student towards the learner's goal with confidence and be able to explain clearly and in a friendly manner.

I am committed to bridge the gap between the textbooks and the demands of modern learning making the learning process fun and adaptable to each student.

Learning a new language should be fun. I am passionate about creating activities for the learners and make them feel at ease and comfortable during the class.

I have experience teaching school children and adults one-to-one, one-to-two, and small groups for different organisations across the UK such as private schools and community centres.

I offer flexible hours so my students can arrange the classes according to their needs and availability.

Learning a new language is a great opportunity to discover the culture of another country.

Cultural awareness is part of the language experience. Therefore, I love sharing the culture of my country and my knowledge of other cultures with my students.

For my teaching, I use different techniques and media. I love sharing online resources such as videos, articles and podcasts for listening activities and guided speaking exercises.

I can prepare for school and university exams, including GCSE and National 4 and 4 English, French and Italian and EFL exams.

For learners who take regular classes I can correct short written exercises.

During the first class I can assess the student's level in order to plan a suitable course tailor made to the learner's needs.

I am enthusiastic for using new technologies to add to the learning experience.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Russian language is my second profession and my passion.

I'm proud to say that I qualified with distinction at the Pushkin University which is widely considered to be the best place to train teachers to teach Russian as a foreign language.

Teaching Experience:
One to one Russian language tutor
Tutor for group of students
GCSE and A Level Russian oral examination

Recent successes of my students include achievement of A* and A marks for GCSE and A-Level exams respectively.

Tutoring Approach:
As a native speaker I provide all levels of support including specific courses such as Russian for business, Russian for travellers etc

I believe that challenging and exciting materials can help you to learn the language that's why I prepare each lesson with special care so the study does not seem boring. In my work I pay attention to all areas of language learning, such as reading, listening, speaking, writing relying more on the specific needs of the student.

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Personal Description:
I have a BA History (2:1) degree from Plymouth University. In October 2014 I will be studying the Graduate Diploma in Law at BPP University in Bristol.

Teaching Experience:
I am a confident new English teacher. I am CELTA qualified (May 2014). I am working this summer at the Language Study Center in Bristol with 11-18 year old`s.

Tutoring Approach:
*Available August 2014* Conversational/everyday English.

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Personal Description:
My name is Michael and I teach private one to one drum kit lessons to people of all ages, in and around the Yorkshire area. I have been playing the drum kit for over 20 years and started playing at the early age of 11. Since then I have been in many bands and performed in many venues in and around the Yorkshire area.
After studying music at school in Scotland and forming my first band I soon found myself addicted to the drum kit. I decided I wanted to further my skills by getting private drum kit lessons which helped me gain my Standard Grade/GCSE and Higher Grade/A-Level in Music. I then furthered this by studying a BTEC in Popular Music at Huddersfield Technical College and a BA (Hons) in Popular Music at the University of Sheffield. I have also recently completed my PGCE in Life Long Learning at the University of Huddersfield and hold QTLS with IfL.

Teaching Experience:
I had my first teaching experience when I was 16 years old at a music workshop during the summer holidays where I was involved in teaching groups of people how to play the drum kit within a band setting. At the end of the workshops each group that had formed had to perform their songs to the public.

Since then I always had a desire to pursue my teaching and in 2006 I started teaching at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley. Initially, I only had a couple of students that I would teach in my spare time between my job and other commitments. However, more students started coming and having only started with a couple I soon had enough to become self-employed and put my all into my teaching.

In 2007 I started teaching at Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have taught at other private music schools and in local schools in the Yorkshire area. I also have experience delivering group workshops within both private and local schools.

Currently, in 2012 I opened my own teaching studio based in Wakefield, and continue to teach at Rhythm Inc Music Tuition in Barnsley, Take 2 Music Academy in Birdwell, Barnsley and at Rockem Music in Rotherham. I have recently completed a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Lifelong Learning and hold QTLS with IfL (Institute for Learning)

I am fully CRB and DBS checked and currently have a 100% pass rate for students sitting their graded exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are taught on a one to one basis using two drum kits, one for the student and one for myself. Choice of electric of acoustic drum kits. Lessons are taught at the students own pace and involves practical work.

GROOVES
Learn all styles of drumming such as Rock, Blues, Latin, Metal, Jazz, Hip-Hop, Funk, etc.
Learn drum grooves from songs including your own favourite songs.
Learn how to improvise on the drum kit to backing tracks including soloing.
Learn all grades from the Rockschool or Trinity Guildhall syllabus.
and more…

TECHNIQUE / TECHNICAL
Learn hand and foot techniques
Learn all 40 Rudiments and how to apply them to the drum kit
Learn syncopation and independence studies including Accented Studies
Learn Time Keeping exercises
and more…

GENERAL MUSICIANSHIP SKILLS / THEORY / AURAL SKILLS
Learn how to hold the drum sticks correctly
Learn how to read drum notation including sight reading
Learn the drum kit voices
Understand note values and rhythms
Learn how to play a drum part from Ear and identify rhythms
and more…

SONGS
Learn songs from the graded syllabus
Learn songs of own choice
Learn recommended songs
and more…

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Personal Description:
My name is David and I am 40 years old. I live in a small village called Slinfold, which is just outside of Horsham. I am a upbeat, positive person, who loves helping people in all aspects of life. My interests outside of languages and teaching include golf, cricket, and snooker. I am a keen baker, but not quite Bake Off standard. I have a little dog called Molly.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign Language in both France and Germany in primary and secondary schools. I have also taught foreign students at English Summer Schools as well. Recently I have started up my own French and German private tuition company and teach students between the ages of 15-70. I have a Degree in French and German from the University of Oxford.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible in my approach tp language learning, offering a bespoke service for the specific needs of each individual student. This includes emphasis on conversational skills, grammar, preparation for exams, or a more general approach for a hobby. I like to make my lessons fun and motivating, and will provide ongoing homework and testing if the student would like to be stretched. Ideally, I like working with students who are equally focused and motivated, as this will ensure the best results.

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Personal Description:
I first began to take interest in education in late 2016 during my second year of studies at Falmouth University, after undertaking 'skills for music leaders' module, where I studied different approaches to formal and non-formal music education. In September 2017, I have taken my ambitions to teach guitar further and fully dedicated my third year of studies to learn about ethics in music education, and began work experience with Cornwall Music Service Trust. I have shadowed 3 guitar teachers as well as 1 violin teacher and learned how to work with children aged between 6-16. I have actively engaged during the lessons, and helped as much as it was possible. I observed their teaching style and studied how to apply it into my own practice, gaining very good references

Teaching Experience:
I have completed 'skills for music leaders' during my second year studies and dedicated the rest of my time researching ethics and practical teaching strategies in music education. I have completed a year of work experience with Cornwall music service trust shadowing their teachers and learning their teaching styles. I am currently doing more work experience at Penair School learning about classroom teaching. Soon I will be looking to apply for Teacher training

Tutoring Approach:
I structure my lessons to each student individually

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A Cambridge graduate and a very experienced maths tutor - with over twenty years of helping pupils to really understand what maths is and why it works. I am also a full time story teller and infuse my lessons with stories, that embed maths in its own history - and make the dry problems of today sing with the stories of the past.
I specialise is helping pupils to really understand how to use paper, and how being a mathematicians is like being an artists or a poet, it is a method of writing as much as a means of reckoning - and there are always more ways than one to under stand and draw a problem.

Teaching Experience:
And am a fully qualified maths teacher with for twenty five years experience in teaching kids in small groups and home education.

Tutoring Approach:
For so many maths can be so daunting. My approach always and at all elves is to demystify maths, and make it feel possible and fun. As such I use stories, I use rigours writing strategies, I use humour to allow my pupils to understand how maths made the modern world, and hw they are part of that story,

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Personal Description:
Very approachable, calm and patient. Having a young son myself, I understand the challenges of educating different individuals and needing to adapt the style to suit the learner. I spent a number of years living in Bahrain, and as such am very used to working within a multicultural environment.

I have spent the past 20 years of my career working in the Pharmaceutical industry leading a team of chemists in the development of analytical methods to support new therapeutic treatments. I also worked within the external training team as a tutor to deliver training sessions within my specialism, training many delegates from other companies, which spanned a very large age range. Additionally, I wrote a number of articles and White papers on several key areas of chemical analysis within the Pharma industry, as well as providing support to business marketing.

As a person I am methodical, tenacious and have an eye for detail.
I have very good communication skills and always focus upon positive attributes to build confidence in weaker areas. I would conduct an initial evaluation of subject knowledge to ensure that any gaps present from an earlier stage in their subject are filled before moving onto further study.

Teaching Experience:
Extensive tutoring experience as detailed above. I was also regularly involved in mentoring new graduates within my team.

Tutoring Approach:
As eluded to above, I am acutely aware of the different styles needed to suit different individuals. Therefore I avoid a 'one size fits all' approach, ensuring that I adapt to suit each individual. I am always keen to evaluate current knowledge and identify gaps that will prevent effective learning in areas of weakness. I am also of the opinion that everyone has potential; it is fundamentally important to build confidence in demonstrating to the tutee what they already know and to demonstrate progress that they are making along the way. With my industrial experience my style will always involve real examples of chemistry in action.

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Personal Description:
I am a very calm teacher believing that the best way for anyone to achieve is to believe in their potential and to make them feel special.

I have a wealth of exam board experience and understand how numerous exam boards devise and mark their papers, therefore I know how best to answer questions to achieve the higher grades.

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring experience: 20+ years

JFS School | Brent, London

Secondary school Teacher

•Providing suppport to highly able and accelerated students on the Autistic Spectrum with anxiety

• Presently teaching subject areas such as English, Spanish and Sociology GCSE

Hammersmith, Fulham and Brent Council | London September 2008 - November 2016 English Tutor

•Independant lesson preparation in order to fulfil social services educational prerequisites of the particular child .

• Microsoft Excel, academic evaluations and correspondence with Social Services

•Taught the following Cambridge qualifications of , PET, FIRST and Cambridge Advance Online to foreign students and English GCSE

Vincente La Canada Institute London

Spanish/ English Teacher September 2006 - July 2008

• Organisation of levels and class groups and of teaching adults English

•Taught English at a Primary level, to expatriate Spanish children in class and online.

International House Madrid , April 2000 - July 2005 English Teacher

•Taught English as a Foreign language to adults, I encompassed the IELTS, TOEFL, FIRST,

•Classwork preparation, marking and classroom management skills

Organisation of class group excursions to provide an interactive variation of my teaching, using online classrooms to conduct my lessons

•Taught Business English to students working in the finance sector for companies

•Online tuition via Skype for students preparing their Cambridge examinations

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method focuses on providing a comfortable environment for my students to learn in. I aim to provide various means to get my point across to students, whether it is graphically, exercises or past exam questions, this provides a wider scope of understanding for the student. I am also very interested to know what the topics are being studied at school or University, and support this with exercises and more challenging questions in my lessons. I relish the opportunity to teach and I always motivate and encourage my students to improve further. Having taught students of many age groups and backgrounds, I understand and accept that lessons need to be taught differently to different people. Using the internet as means of conducting my tuition online has allowed for me to reach and educate students from a greater array of educational backgrounds Therefore my adaptability is paramount in order to provide my students a comfortable environment in which to study in.

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Personal Description:
Research Technician working in R&D of hydroponic systems. Background in molecular biology having studied BSc Genetics at the University of Leeds.

Teaching Experience:
2+ years tutoring A-Level Biology. Student attainment grades A and A*.

Tutoring Approach:
Failing my A-Levels then achieving resit grades AAA (Chemistry, Biology, Maths) was the perfect opportunity for me to gain an insight into effective teaching strategies. I like to follow a dialectical method; helping students to critically examine their own reasoning is the best form of teaching.

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Personal Description:
I have a warm, encouraging and confidence boosting approach, inspiring self-belief, progress and success.

Teaching Experience:
An experienced and skilled teacher of 20 years, I have worked with a wide range of age groups and am a skilled teacher across the curriculum - primary trained but also with significant experience beyond primary as a Maths specialist teacher. I have worked with both children who need support and those who are working significantly above expectations. I have had much success in developing skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence in my students and helping them to succeed and excel. I have also worked closely with children with SEND and supported children with EAL. In addition to the academics, I am an Art specialist.

Tutoring Approach:
Patient, encouraging, confidence boosting. Continual revisiting of key concepts and skills to strengthen understanding and focusing on developing strong foundations to build on.

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