Abbotswood Tutors and Abbotswood Tuition

Personal Description:
I'm Pauline, and I specialise in French and biology. It sounds an odd combination, but read on and I'll tell you more.

For French: I'm half French, complete with both British and French passports. I am fluent in the language, having started with "survival French" at the age of five to yell at my cousins, and then studying it at both GCSE (A* grade) and A-level (A grade). I go to France regularly and enjoy reading news articles in French. For lessons, I usually mix in reading, speaking, listening and grammar, as well as some history, geography and French current affairs to bring it to life. I am also available to practice speaking French, to improve your accent. I can teach both students for exam prep and adults if you're going to France and need some help with asking for directions and a coffee/glass of wine!

For biology: I again studied at GCSE and A-level and then did three degrees in the general field of biology! My PhD was in biomechanics so I specialise in anatomy and physiology, exercise science and cardiovascular; but feel free to contact me and we can discuss what you need. I can even teach plant science! A common request is to go through past papers: often, students have a good knowledge of the subject but find it hard to answer exam questions, especially AQA. My specialty is in exam technique, helping you to understand the questions and what they're really asking for. I have a large bank of past papers and questions of all shapes and sizes that we can go through.

I'm patient and friendly and use a flexible approach so you learn at your speed. Having obtained my PhD, I can relate to students and the specific pressures they face. I am DBS checked and can supply references on request.

Lessons are £30 per hour per person and £50 for two hours, including travel in and around Newcastle. There will be a small charge to cover my fuel for a longer drive, but I'm happy to discuss.

I may not be the cheapest but I'm experienced, reliable, friendly and flexible - I'd rather be good than cheap!

At the moment I am quite near full capacity but give me a shout and I'll do my best to help.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, working with a variety of ages and in a range of topics from French tuition to sports coaching. I have taught over 40 students, both school students and adults, and have excellent references.

Tutoring Approach:
I will work closely with you to achieve your goals, if that's to improve in the subject for its own sake, to pass an exam or even to be able to order in French at a restaurant. During the first session we'll agree on a timetable and set specific goals. We'll set aside a few minutes during each subsequent session to assess our progress. I am patient, friendly and reliable and above all I love teaching!

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Karina. I am 45 years old. I am from Argentina and I am currently living in London where I am teaching Spanish. I really enjoy my job and enjoy meeting different people all the time. I love languages and the cultural exchange that comes with the process of learning a language.

Teaching Experience:
I have a university degree to teach both English and Spanish as a second language, both have been recognised by NARIC and I also have a CRB. I have wide expirience teaching English and Spanish both to kids and adults. I have worked in very well known companies such as Univeler, Neoris, Ernest and Young and Mogan Staley, HMT, Nabarro Solicitors, KMPG, Wieden + Kennedy, McKinsey & Co, Credit Suisse. I also have experience in GCSE and A levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailor made classes based on you needs and interests. Communicative approach where you learn by doing things with the target language.Dynamic and fun!!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native French speaker and I recently graduated in Mechanical Engineering. I have always been passionate about Maths and Physics. I like to share my passion with people, especially those whom I can help, and make these subjects accessible to all. I also love promoting my language in as many ways as I can.
I understand that it is very important to tailor learning to individual needs and I adapt myself to any situation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been giving casual tuition at secondary school level as well as University level to friends and family. I also explained Maths and Mechanics to university fellow students and friends when they needed help to understand topics I had mastered.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to find interesting ways to explain when the student is confronted to a problem he cannot solve. I make a point of leading my students to their goal while setting good working standards. I like to transmit my dedication to my pupils.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France and am keen to pass on my love for the language and culture of this fascinating country. I am fluent in French and have an MA in French studies. I love all things French - music, history, culture - and I love to communicate this in my teaching. I am good-humoured and patient in my approach to tutoring and love to encourage my students to try new things in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all level of learners from little ones to GCSE students through to adult learners. I have been teaching for 10 years and have built up a wealth of experience and can recommend websites and links that will be of use to lots of different levels. I have paid for access to a language learning website and I invite my learners to register through the links I send (this is free for students - I have paid for the access).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much to ensure that you are comfortable with the learning environment. I use the Gianfranco Conti method of teaching which means that I encourage speaking and listening in our classes, however, I do back this up with writing and reading exercises so that all the 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are practised in my lessons.
I work with the student to make sure that we are approaching the learning that you need in a very proactive way.

For example: for beginner adults we can look at:
- shopping / personal opinions/directions
For more advanced adult learners we can look at
- tourist attractions/describing people and places/asking for more information
For GCSE students we can look at:
- key vocab in the exam/pas papers/key grammar structures/speaking exercises/picture card exercises

These topics are very much agreed on with you as the student and are flexible as we continue to work together

Subjects

Personal Description:
Jamie is an award winning writer director of feature films, short films and music videos incl. Radiohead & Coldplay. He has made four feature films to date, 'The Low Down' (2001) starring Aidan Gillen (The Wire/Game Of Thrones) and Kate Ashfield (Shaun Of The Dead), 'The Cry Of The Owl' (2006) starring Paddy Considine (Dead Man's Shoes) and Julia Stiles (The Bourne Identity), 'Treacle Jr' (2010) starring Aidan Gillen and 'Pickups' (2016) also starring Aidan Gillen. All his films have had cinematic releases and have been televised on Channel 4, Film 4 and the BBC.

He has directed many award winning short films. 'I Just Want To Kiss You' starring Martin Freeman won the Fox Searchlight Prize for Best Short Film at the 1997 Edinburgh Film Festival.

His music video for Coldplay's 'The Scientist; won three MTV awards in 2003, Best Director, Breakthrough and Best Group.

Teaching Experience:
Jamie has taught at Reading University for the MA Course in Film Studies, Kingston University BA Film Studies/ The Royal College Of Art, The London College Of Communication, The London Film School/ Central Film School and currently teaches at MET Film School in Brighton.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach every aspect of film making from writing screenplays to editing, shooting, acting workshops, producing and film studies. If you want to make a great short film, or music video, I can help.

I want my students to achieve their full potential. I have a very direct, honest and encouraging approach.

I still continue to make my own films. I teach because I love sharing my knowledge of the film industry.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Fun and friendly primary school teacher offering private tuition after school, weekends and holidays in and around the Edinburgh area.

Available from 4pm Mondays to Thursdays and from 1pm on Fridays. Weekends available between 8.30am and 3pm

Holiday tutoring available on request.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified primary school teacher of ten years.

Graduated with a PGDE Primary Education from University of Strathclyde.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to approach tutoring in a fun and relaxed way using a variety of resources to positively engage the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an American actor, director, producer and coach currently living in London.

As an actor, I've performed in regional theatres across the US including Cincinnati Playhouse, St. Louis Rep, The Alliance, Playmakers Rep, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, and The Old Globe. Before moving to London, she made her home in Colorado, working at various theatres across the state. She received Denver Post Ovation Awards for her work in ALL MY SONS at the Denver Center, and RABBIT HOLE at the Curious Theatre, as well as the 2012 Culture West "Best Season by an Actress" award and the 2013 Culture West "Best Supporting Actress" in STEEL MAGNOLIAS at Senior Housing Options.

I produced two off-Broadway plays in New York City and two site-specific productions in Denver. I co-founded The Mile Square Theatre in Hoboken, NJ, now in its 16th year and I'm an Artistic Associate with Théâtre Du Rêve in Atlanta, GA.

I served as Literary Producer for LOCAL Theater Company, and adjudicated the LAB, a 3 day new play festival, for 7 years, and produced it for five. She is also a script scout for Noggin Sauce Pictures, a Colorado-based film company. Their short film, MRS. DRAKE, which I produced and performed in, has been in 18 film festivals in 2017, and won several awards. I am currently working on STILLNESS, a short film I wrote and will direct, with Five Fifty Five Productions here in London.

Since moving to London, I have been focusing on TV and Film, most recently shooting an episode of BERLIN STATION in Budapest.

Teaching Experience:
I taught audition techniques with Sylvia Gregory Casting in Denver, and have been a private one-on-one acting/audition coach for over 15 years.

My corporate work includes developing leadership and communication skills thru the practical application of theatre techniques. I have delivered over 200 hours of one-on-one coaching in the last 18 months to global clients, and traveled interntaionally to lead two day workshops on leadership and confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very hands on, and take the time to get to know you and your challenges so I can address them specifically. As an actor, I am used the spotlight and the high stress situation of auditioning, and can help you navigate the pressures. I love seeing the "ah ha!" moment when something clicks into place for my clients.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a mom to two teenage boys and have been teaching English for the last 15 years. I enjoy keeping fit, reading and cooking when I have spare time,
I am passionate about English language and Literature and love supporting students to achieve their best and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher with a track record of excellent pupils results.
I am currently teaching English in a local secondary school from ages 11-18 years.
Specialisms are GCSE Literature and Language.
I adapt various teaching methods to suit the individual.
I have taught GCSE with various exam boards and an expert when enhancing pupil skills to meet examination criteria.

Tutoring Approach:
Face to face
Resources supplied

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hannah has worked as a full-time registered private tutor since 2009, and has taught over 250 students, both from the UK and abroad. Hannah graduated with a BSc (Hons) Biology from the University of St Andrews, where she was awarded a First in her research project on the neuromuscular disorder, Parkinson's disease. She then qualified as a Bowen Therapy practitioner, before completing her teaching degree at the University of Sheffield.

Teaching Experience:
In 2009 began working full time as a private tutor. She has since taught over 500 UK and international students in one-to-one, classroom, and online lessons.

Alongside this, Hannah also taught in the French private sector at the prestigious Epitech Montpellier (École pour l'informatique et les nouvelles technologies, also known as the European Institute of Technology) and currently works as a university application adviser. In addition, Hannah has built up strong relationships with a variety of schools within the UK and she specialises in tuition for students with dyslexia or slow-reading speeds, and is currently studying a Level 5 CPD award in Dyslexia Learning Support.

Tutoring Approach:
During her time teaching, Hannah has authored detailed notes on each topic on the A-Level course. She also has an extensive collection of exam questions and mark schemes, grouped together by topic to break down revision into manageable pieces.

Using their unique log in details, each registered student will have access to all these documents on the Tuition Matters website.

To supplement written notes, students often watch short videos that can help explain difficult topics more easily. Some students also choose to have homework to build upon ideas covered in the tuition lesson, this will then be marked together using the official exam mark schemes so that the student knows exactly what examiners are looking for in a high-level answer.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Edwin. I am originally from the United States and have lived in Scotland since 2016.

I enjoy working with children and helping them reach their potential. As a university student, I first discovered my interest in teaching by volunteering in my mother's preschool. And since then, I have worked with children in varying capacities. Outside of teaching, I was a volunteer youth counsellor for five years and a volunteer youth basketball coach for four years.

Teaching Experience:
I am a newly qualified Primary Teacher in Scotland, currently working as a supply teacher. I have experience teaching at all levels of primary education in a variety of school settings.

As a doctoral candidate, I worked as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) at the University of Glasgow. In this capacity, I led seminars and helped students plan their essays, which I later marked.

I also used to work as a substitute teacher and after school coordinator in the United States, working primarily with early level students.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher and a tutor, I build positive relationships by being both professional and approachable.

Understanding their prior learning is important for creating challenging lessons which engage and motivate my students. Furthermore, I stay up-to-date with educational initiatives and learning strategies.

Pupil welfare must always be the first and foremost consideration, and I strive to teach to their needs and in the style which best benefits them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary science teacher (specialising in physics), holding a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I gained these qualifications after having completed a Graduate Training Programme (GTP). I completed a BSc Physics with Astronomy degree at the University of Nottingham. I have qualifications in all sciences and maths at GCSE and A-Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught science (biology, chemistry and physics) since 2011, to all year groups from 7-13, following these exam boards and
specifications: at GCSE, AQA Science, Edexcel IGCSE Science, OCR 21st Century Science, OCR Gateway Science and WJEC Science (all including higher tier and separate biology, chemistry and physics content); at A-Level, AQA Physics, Edexcel Physics, OCR Physics A, OCR Physics B and WJEC Physics. I have also taught the physics International Baccalaureate diploma and BTEC Level 2 and Level 3 Applied Science. I have assessed examinations for the AQA, OCR and Edexcel exam boards. I have supported students preparing for physics entry examinations for universities.

Tutoring Approach:
In 2016, I set up my own tuition company and currently operate this full-time. Tuition has an advantage over teaching in that it enables me to better help students on an individual basis. This level of help is often difficult to achieve in a classroom environment, which can be very frustrating for both the teacher and student. Tuition also allows me control over my working hours, which in turn gives greater flexibility in planning quality lessons for students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dr. Catherine is a dedicated scientist and educator whose career spans advanced academic research, science education, and personal tutoring. With a deep-rooted passion for physics and its applications, she has combined her expertise in experimental and applied science with her vocation to inspire the next generation of learners.

Born with an early curiosity for the natural world, Catherine pursued her studies in physics with determination. She earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Physics from Wroclaw University, where she explored the growth of metals on alloy surfaces. Her doctoral research, "Growth of Pb on Ni3Al(111)", reflected her keen ability to investigate materials at the atomic level. She later expanded her academic journey at Warwick University, completing a second Ph.D. in Physics on "Growth and Characterisation of Metal Alloy and Metal Oxide Surfaces." Her work contributed to advancing the understanding of thin-film growth and nanostructures, leading to several publications in respected international journals. Among her noted contributions are studies on ultrathin metal layers, titanium dioxide films, and surface morphology, establishing her reputation as a careful and innovative experimentalist.

After years in research, Catherine transitioned into education, determined to share her scientific knowledge in a way that would have a direct impact on young people. She completed a PGCE with QTS at the University of Winchester, equipping her with the pedagogical foundation to teach science across all secondary school levels.

Beyond her teaching, Catherine remains connected to her research roots. She has authored and co-authored several publications, including contributions to Applied Surface Science and Materials. These works, ranging from the structural determination of metallic surfaces to the optimisation of thin-film growth, illustrate her ongoing identity as both a teacher and a scientist.

What defines Dr. Catherine's career is the balance she has achieved between the rigour of scientific inquiry and the nurturing ethos of education. She has moved fluidly from the laboratory to the classroom, from international research to local communities, always with the purpose of unlocking potential in others. Whether mentoring young learners, supporting those with special educational needs, or contributing to the broader field of physics, Catherine exemplifies a professional life dedicated to knowledge, care, and inspiration.

Teaching Experience:
Her teaching career has since flourished across a range of schools and academies. Catherine has taught in institutions such as Swanmore College, Wildern Academy, and UTC Portsmouth, where she not only delivered the sciences at KS3 and KS4 but also pioneered the development of a new T-Level course. She embraced opportunities beyond the classroom, leading enrichment activities in CAD and crafts, coordinating SilverCrest Awards, and supporting students in employment readiness. At King's Academy Bay House, she brought her expertise in physics and broader sciences to pupils while nurturing Year 10 learners as a tutor. Her dedication extended to specialist teaching, including her time at Mayville High School and SEN Wavern House, demonstrating her adaptability and commitment to inclusive education.

Alongside her teaching roles, Catherine has pursued private tutoring through KEU Consultancy Ltd and Sherpa, where she continues to support learners preparing for examinations such as GCSE, A-level, and 13+ entry exams to prestigious schools including Eton and Westminster College. Her expertise in exam specifications-AQA, OCR, and Edexcel-has enabled her to guide students with precision and clarity.

Her academic and professional journey is complemented by an impressive commitment to continuous development. Catherine has undertaken extensive training in safeguarding, health and safety, emergency aid, radicalisation awareness, and supporting vulnerable learners. These certifications reflect her holistic approach to education, where student wellbeing is valued alongside academic achievement.

Tutoring Approach:
For Dr. Catherine, tutoring is more than delivering subject knowledge-it is about unlocking each learner's potential by understanding how they learn best. Her approach to tutoring is informed by recent advances in educational psychology, cognitive science, and pedagogy, all of which emphasise that no two students learn in exactly the same way.

Drawing on research in metacognition, memory, and motivation, Catherine builds her tutoring practice around the principle that effective learning occurs when students are not only taught content but also given the tools to understand their own thinking. She encourages learners to reflect on how they solve problems, identify what strategies work for them, and develop confidence in applying those strategies independently.

Central to her philosophy is individualisation. Every child comes with unique strengths, challenges, and aspirations. Some may thrive on visual explanations, while others learn best through hands-on practice or discussion. Catherine takes the time to assess these differences, adapting her lessons accordingly-whether that means breaking down complex physics principles into manageable steps, linking abstract science to real-world examples, or building scaffolds for students with learning difficulties.

Her approach also aligns with student-centred learning models, which place the child's needs at the core of the educational process. Rather than imposing a one-size-fits-all method, she co-constructs learning pathways with her students, ensuring that goals are clear, achievable, and motivating. Catherine is attentive not only to academic progress but also to emotional and cognitive wellbeing. She understands that resilience, curiosity, and self-belief are as important as exam results in shaping a lifelong learner.

Practical strategies underpin her sessions. She uses spaced repetition to reinforce knowledge over time, retrieval practice to strengthen memory, and dual coding (combining words with visuals) to aid understanding. She applies the latest insights from cognitive load theory to avoid overwhelming students, ensuring that new information is introduced in digestible stages. At the same time, she weaves in opportunities for creativity and inquiry, inviting students to ask their own questions and experiment with new ideas.

Catherine's tutoring style is also deeply relational. She believes that trust and rapport between tutor and student are foundational to success. By creating a supportive and non-judgmental learning environment, she allows students to take risks, embrace mistakes as part of the learning process, and ultimately grow in confidence.

For her, tutoring is not about producing short-term results but about nurturing independent thinkers who will carry their learning skills into future challenges. This philosophy is evident in her work preparing students for key milestones-such as GCSEs, A-levels, and entrance exams for prestigious schools-where she combines rigorous subject knowledge with strategies that empower students to approach exams with resilience and self-assurance.

In every session, Catherine demonstrates that tutoring is not just the transmission of knowledge, but the cultivation of learning itself. By combining cutting-edge research with compassion and adaptability, she ensures that each student is seen, heard, and supported on their unique educational journey.

Subjects