Aikenshaw Tutors and Aikenshaw Tuition

Personal Description:
* Grew up as an eighth generation member of a travelling circus family. Brought up around a high risk lifestyle that
promoted good awareness skills. Son of a world renowned wild animal trainer.
* Began uninterrupted formal martial arts training in 1990.
* Achieved first instructor certification in a martial art aged 16.
* Organised security for the largest privately owned Dangerous Wild Animal collection of its kind in Europe on all their
open days.
*Founded Clubb Chimera Martial Arts
*Taught nationally and internationally in Ireland, France and Denmark
* Featured regular writer for Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine 2004-present.
* Featured writer for Combat Magazine
* Featured regular lead article writer for Jissen! Magazine 2008-present
* Wrote foreword for bestselling author and BAFTA award-winning screenplay writer Geoff Thompson's
"Everything that Happens to me is Fantastic"
* Edited Neil Horton's "Japanese Martial Arts"
* Wrote and presented the bestselling DVDs "Cross Training in the Martial Arts"
* Wrote "Mordred's Victory and Other Martial Mutterings"
* Wrote "When Parents Aren't Around: A Young Person's Guide to Self-Protection"
*Wrote "Wrong Fu"

Teaching Experience:
Relevant Qualifications:

Btec Advanced Certificate Self Defence Instructor

OCR NVQ/QCF A1 Assessor

Member of the Institute for Learning

First Aid Certificate

Child Protection Certificate

Full CRB check

Full public liability insurance

Geoff Thompson Self Defence Instructor

Mo Teague's Hard Target System

Clients:

Solicitor's Regulation Authority Forensic Investigation Unit

John Skillen's Martial Arts and Fitness Centre

Hard Target/Krav Maga Ireland

Various one-to-one private clients - both adult and children

Summersdale Media

Martial Arts, Self Defence and Combatives systems studied:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2004- present)

Various Mixed Martial Arts/Vale Tudo methods (2003-present)

Submission Grappling (2003-present)

Western Boxing, TVP Concept (2006)

Mongrel Close Quarter Combat Fighting System (2006)

C2: Core Combatives (2005-2006)

Dentokan Ju Jutsu (2003-2004)

Toyama Iaido (2003-2004)

Open Circle Fighting Method (2005, Assistant Coach)

Song Shan Shaolin Chinese Martial Arts and Wu Shu (1996-2003)

Taekwondo (1993-1995)

Sakiado (1st Dan Black Belt, 1991-1993)

Plus varying small degrees of formal instruction through seminars, workshops and private instruction in

Judo, Greco Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Kamishin Ryu Ju Jutsu, Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Goju Ryu Karate, Wado Ryu Karate, Tony Somers' Intelligent Self Protection, Noma Ukushaya Induku (Zulu Stick Fighting), small firearms self defence, Dennis Jones's self defence approach, Karl Tanswell's S.T.A.B. programme, Kali, Esckrima, Panantukan, various Thai Boxing styles, Systema, Eddie Quinn's The Approach, Urban Combatives, the Keysi Fighting Method and many more.

Tutoring Approach:
My training revolves around clarification, scepticism and individuality. All training is time managed to ensure the student gets the most out of their lessons. We begin with a clear set objective and make sure the student has in mind the goal of every exercise undertaken. Rather than teach a list of techniques, I actively engage all students to get the most out of their individual strengths and I encourage them to look critically at what will work best for them. I promote a self-coaching concept for more efficient skill retention.

I have fully tailored programmes for online tuition via Skype or Zoom. I have my own custom-built gym for personal training.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have:
a BSc in Math,
Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
I am also a respiratory physiologist. I
I am a foot health practitioner (Diploma)
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I have good communication skills. I am very flexible--available as needed. I work hard. I am a dependable person.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Maths and Science for over 20 years both in America and in UK I have the ability of explaining mathematical concepts in a very simple way that even those who hate Math start to enjoy doing Maths. I also tutor Nursing, respiratory therapy, handwriting and cake decorating and sewing.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to find out where the problem is first for the person I am tutoring. Each person is different and I tutor according to the person's needs, so my approach varies, depending on the person I am tutoring.
I can say I am a very good tutor (if not excellent). Just give me a try.

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Personal Description:
I am a very positive person and have full empathy with students barriers to learning.
I am friendly and approachable and like to aim to raise student self-esteem and attitude to learning, focusing on positive recognition of achievements and constructive reinforcement of learning strategies.

I work just as easily with adults as I do with children.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 30 years of teaching experience teaching from pre schoo level up to GCSE level and adult learning for returning to work.

I also teach children within the care system who have missed a lot of the early building blocks through lack of education as opposed to lack of ability. This also includes overcoming huge barriers to learning !

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to develop an individual learning strategy to accomodate the students learning style and empower them to achieve and gain confidence through a positive learning programme suited to their individual style and needs.

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Personal Description:
Hello. I am an ex research scientist for the Atomic Energy Authority. Have a masters degree in Radiation Chemistry and have research published in the Journal of Radiochemistry. I am a fully qualified teacher and experienced tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I have several years experience of teaching and tutoring A level Chemistry. I can provide excellent testimonials and references from students and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in developing a thorough understanding of the subject to aid revision and sufficient exam preparation and practice.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Susie and I deliver personal, professional one-to-one and group tuition for adults face-to-face in Stevenage & online for English, French, Spanish and Italian. I am passionate about languages and I absolutely love sharing my joy for languages with others! Whether you want to brush up on your holiday phrases, pass an exam or move abroad, I can help.

Regardless of your language level, I will coach you to reach your potential and maximise your results, while having a great time learning. As a former student of the Open University, I fully understand the challenges of studying solo and of juggling work, study and personal life. I like to think of myself as a personal trainer for languages; I will be your guide, show you how to achieve great results, but I can't do the work for you. You get out what you put in; setting aside time to study or incorporating your learning into your daily life will be just as important as your lessons.

I offer the first 1-hour lesson completely free of charge and obligation. This time will allow us to get to know each other, discover your current level or start from scratch if we need to, as well as create a learning plan tailored to your skillset and interests.
Lesson plans can be adapted for Specific Learning Differences, neurodivergence or personal preferences; you can have confidence that I am never, ever going to laugh or be disappointed in your level. Everyone is welcome here.

My experience has taught me that confidence is by far the biggest obstacle on the road to learning a language, not aptitude, as you may think or may have been told in the past. I will be there to support you every step of the way on the journey, so you can stop worrying right now about not being good enough. Stop comparing yourself to others; you are unique and the only thing you need to focus on is your own journey.

I have a wealth of experience in exam preparation, in particular for IELTS & Cambridge FCE & CAE exams for English and GCSE & A-level for French & Spanish. Most of my sessions over the years have been delivering tuition to one or two students at a time, however I have run sessions for groups of up to 15 adults. Included within the price, you will receive exclusive access to all of our online teaching materials - accessible during your lessons and 24/7 for self-study to support your learning. I am a full-time tutor, so I offer very flexible hours for my tutoring services and I always endeavour to reply to all enquiries/ correspondence as soon as possible. I work as an independent tutor, as I like to guarantee you consistency, reliability and commitment to you.


Subjects taught:

- French & Spanish: KS3, GCSE, iGCSE, A-level (Spanish only) and adult tuition (beginner & intermediate).
- English as a Second Language (ESL/ ESOL students): All levels, including preparation for the following exams: Cambridge FCE, CAE, PET, IELTS General Training and Academic, PTE academic and ESOL access exams levels 1-3.

Since 2020, I have been teaching beginner Italian. I have a competent level of Italian, including a strong understanding of the grammar, which I use with my Italian friends and when travelling in Italy. If you are looking for beginner Italian for personal interest, conversation, casual use and travel, I can definitely help. I do not have any official qualifications in Italian, however my background in romance languages (Italian is a Latin-based language which, broadly speaking, I find to have a very similar vocabulary to Spanish with the grammar of French!) and my methodical nature means I would ensure that every lesson is thoroughly planned and carefully checked; I would never teach you anything I am unsure of, as this can be greatly detrimental. I am not available to help with exam preparation for Italian or to teach more advanced levels. My lack of qualifications in this subject and the fact that I am not fluent are the reasons that Italian lessons are offered at a lower rate per hour than my other subjects.

Teaching Experience:
My qualifications:
Open University (2013) - 1st Class BA (Hons) Modern Language Studies
Open University (2012) - Diploma in French (Other)
Open University (2012) - Diploma in Spanish (Other)
150-hour TEFL/ ESL master course, accredited by ACTDEC
Understanding IELTS, British Council (6-week course)
Understanding language, University of Southampton (4-week course)
Cultural studies & modern languages, University of Bristol (4-week course)
Dyslexia & foreign language teaching, Lancaster University (4-week course)

Tutoring Approach:
What you can expect:
Your first 1-hour trial lesson completely free (although there is a fee to pay to UK Tutors, which we can discuss in your enquiry)
A flexible approach & lessons tailored to suit you.
A specialist in young adult and adult pedagogy.
Flexible tutoring, Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-3pm.
Responses to all correspondence within 24 hours (working hours, otherwise next working day).
Development of all key language skills - reading, listening, speaking & writing.
Follow my recommended course or cherry-pick the topics you wish to cover for specific purposes.
Gain confidence with conversation for real-life essential situations, not just in a text book
Exam preparation and study tips.
Discover the culture surrounding your chosen language too; music, film, festivals, celebrations & traditions.
Learn modern colloquialisms, idioms and sayings that will impress the natives
Exclusive access to all of my online teaching materials, accessible in class and at home for self-study.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A mature, professional teacher of English who would be delighted to meet anyone who wants to improve their level in the language. Recent experience with Chinese and Japanese university students, and with young and mid-career professionals in France.

Teaching Experience:
July/Aug/Sept 2017 - 2026 : Hertford College, Oxford University
Teaching Chinese and Japanese university students at an Oxford Uni summer school

Sept 2019 - June 2026
Language trainer in Paris specialising in business English

March 2016 - July 2019
Language trainer specialising in business English

March 2015 - October 2015
Teaching a large group of Omani policemen in Oman

October 2007 - May 2014
Nearly seven years teaching in Spain. Mainly young and older adults at their workplaces, but also some youngsters attending bilingual schools

Tutoring Approach:
EFL
I am a follower of the "communicative method" in English teaching. The method integrates the teaching of grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation, and the four core skills. The style is dynamic, with constant interaction and non-judgmental feedback.

My methods put the needs and interests of students first because it helps students to take charge of their own learning.
I am serious about making progress with students, so I want sessions to be focussed, but also relaxed and enjoyable.

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Personal Description:
A seasoned Economist, having studied Math, Business and Economics formally for the best part of a decade.

I am also a financial adviser and have gained a substantial amount of experience in applying economic theory to financial markets. Such experience allows me to teach in a way that the subject is not simply abstract theory, as I am able to draw on real world examples whenever necessary.

Having also studied Business Studies and Maths to a high standard, both complementary subjects, I am able to offer context to my lessons whilst aiding with the technical aspects of Economics; Statistics and Econometrics.

Teaching Experience:
I`ve been helping students like you for 4 years and currently supporting the following students:

A Level Business x 1
GCSE Maths x 5
A Level Economics x 4
Uni Economics x 4

Tutoring Approach:
Using simple to understand, real-life examples where possible.

Combining Maths, Economics and Business knowledge to offer clarity and context.

Working through exam questions as we progress through the syllabus to build confidence and identify gaps in understanding.

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Personal Description:
I offer a range of training courses in PC based applications. These include Microsoft products, Windows Desktop, Outlook Email and Internet.

I have excellent training qualifications and have been accredited by Microsoft multiple times throughout my career; these accreditations include Microsoft Certified Application Specialist Instructor, Microsoft Certified Professional, Microsoft Office Specialist Master, and Microsoft Office Specialist Expert. I also have a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education in Post Compulsory Education, ECDL Expert, an IITT Accreditation from the British Institute for Learning and Development for training delivery and I am qualified A1 Assessor.

I offer set training courses which are currently offered on a half or full day basis, or courses can be custom built to meet the needs of the user and I can also offer facilitating whereby time can solely be dedicated to one person to assist them with any specific problems they are having.

Teaching Experience:
My training career has including working in colleges, training onsite and many years working for a local authority where I trained many staff on Microsoft, and the Agresso Financial System. I have also extensively implemented and trained users on Cisco IP Telephony and WebEx. I have many times been complimented on my approach and patience with learners and pride myself on helping them accomplish their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer either a formal training course or an informal one to one approach depending on the needs of the client

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dedicated educator qualified in the UK and Australia. Passionate about working with young and adult learners. Strong commitment to individual development of each student through fostering positive learning experiences. Effective communicator across cultures and age groups. Taught in Sydney, Australia, Krakow, Poland and London, UK.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teacher (2005 - current)

• Thoroughly, holistically and continuously analysing individual needs of every student and creating a learning programme to meet their needs
• Working with adults and young learners one-on-one and in groups
• Assisting students in integrating into the British culture by providing systematic practice of speaking in various social scenarios
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback on their speaking and writing skills

• Subjects:
- English for Specific Purposes (e.g. English for scientists, medical professionals, psychologists, educators, businessmen, accountants, geologists, UX designers, interior designers, engineers; marketing, branding, and HR professionals)
- ESOL - English + cultural integration
- General English
- Business English
- English for Academic Purposes
- IELTS General and Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- A2 Key exam (KET), B1 Preliminary exam (PET), B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
- OET - Occupational English Test

• Teaching methods used:
Content-Based Instruction, the genre-based approach, Task-Based Language Teaching, Text-Based Instruction, Situational-Language teaching, the Audiolingual Method, Communicative Language Teaching, the Direct Method, and Total Physical Response

Academic writing and study skills tutor (2016 - current)

• how to structure: essays, reports, and presentations
• grammar, style, coherency and clarity of written work and presentations
• how to reference sources correctly
• how to make the most out of the writing cycle: first draft, research, proofreading, editing and seeking feedback
• time management and study skills strategies

English language tutor (2016 - current)

• Working with learners aged 5 - 16 years old one-on-one and in small groups
• Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2): phonics, reading comprehension, broadening vocabulary, writing skills, handwriting practice, communicating clearly
• Key Stage 2 (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6): writing stories, information reports, persuasive writing; practising a range of grammatical structures
• Key Stage 3 (Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9): engage with rich literary landscape; imagine stories and rely on facts to compose fictional and non-fictional texts
• Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and Year 11): practising recognising and effectively using a wide range of literary techniques
• The Perse Prep School Cambridge Year 3 (7+) Entrance Test preparation
• Year 3 (7+), Year 5 (9+), Year 6 (10+) and Year 7 (11+) - preparation for Entrance Examination - English
• Mentoring learners on how to build relationships with peers at school and how to work cooperatively with peers and teachers
• Updating parents on their child's progress

Art educator (2015 - current):

• Working with adults and young learners
• Drawing and painting techniques: portraiture, figurative, landscape, cityscape, and still life
• Experimenting with art genres: realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, cubism, abstraction, conceptual art, minimalism and relational art
• Clay sculpture
• Watercolour, acrylic, oil, pencil, charcoal, ink and mixed media techniques
• Art history and theory
• GCSE Art and Design - exam preparation
• A Level Art and Design - exam preparation
• A-Level History of Art - exam preparation

Russian language tutor (2011 - current)
• Absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced level learners
• Lessons for adults and young learners: focus on speaking skills, memorisation skills, accurate pronunciation, reading comprehension and writing skills
• GCSE (9-1) Russian - exam preparation
• The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language - test preparation


English as a Foreign Language Instructor (January 2023 - current)
The University of Cambridge
• Classes for learners with beginner - advanced levels of English to practise speaking in work-related and personally-relevant situations

ESOL Teacher (February - March 2025)
Orchard Park Community Primary School
• Worked with adult learners to practise speaking skills in a range of social scenarios

EFL Teacher (February 2025)
GL-Abroad
• Taught English to learners aged 12 - 13 years old
• Incorporated Cambridge-related cultural knowledge in a gamified form

EFL Teacher (July - August 2019)
International House London, Ellesmere, UK
• Taught English and art to learners ages 8 - 16 using project-based learning

Casual/Relief Teacher (July 2017 - July 2018)
NSW Department of Education, Sydney, Australia
• Taught visual arts, English, history, geography, PE, drama
• Worked in primary and secondary schools

Classroom Teacher (October - December 2017)
Chatswood Intensive English Centre, Sydney, Australia
• Taught: art, English, ICT and music to students aged 12 - 18 years old

Russian Language Teacher
BigWorld Pty Ltd (August 2013 - September 2017)
• Taught classes to learners with beginner and intermediate levels of Russian

Tutoring Approach:
• Using visual and audio material to accelerate learning
• Catering for a diverse range of learning needs in an interactive way that promotes students' engagement
• Analysing individual needs of students and meticulously tailoring lesson plans to address these needs
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback
• Assisting students in their careers

One-on-one lessons

30 minutes (under 8 y.o.): £25; 5 lessons: £115 | 10 lessons: £225
45 minutes: £35 | 5 lessons: £165 | 10 lessons: £315
60 minutes: £45 | 5 lessons: £210 | 10 lessons: £400
90 minutes: £60 | 5 lessons: £285 | 10 lessons: £540
120 minutes: £80 | 5 lessons: £380 | 10 lessons: £720

Please, enquire about group lessons as the rate will depend on the number of students in the group, on the location of classes, and on learning objectives of the group.

Lessons with 2 or 3 learners are also possible, please enquire.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been playing guitar for 20 years and teaching music for 7 years. I have been involved in a variety of different bands and ensembles within that time. My main focus throughout this time has been all kinds of rock music but I also have lots of experience in metal and acoustic singer/songwriter styles. I qualified from Leeds College of Music, gaining a 2:1 degree in Music Production and Performance, and possess a passion for all genres of music and teaching. I completed a Post Graduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in Higher Education Music at Edge Hill University in 2020, achieving a Distinction in the process.

Teaching Experience:
As stated above I have been tutoring in music, guitar, bass and piano for around 7 years totally around 1000 individual hours. I have experience working in colleges at BTEC level having completed a PGCE placement at Access To Music Manchester.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a professional approach to teaching and I usually like to start the student off with a song to allow them to enjoy playing their instrument immediately. No matter what their ability, I find a student is always able to learn a song they know and by adopting this approach I find they progress much faster. I can take you all the way from a very beginner through to advanced levels. I take a practical and direct approach to teaching and would expect the student to be involved from the very beginning.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified ACA and CIMA with a very rich industry experience. I am currently working as a Financial Controller of a very reputed not-for-profit organisation which is creating a true impact in the lives of everyone in the UK. I have been tutoring for the last 20 odd years privately and now want to do it to reach more students.

Teaching Experience:
More than 20 years

Tutoring Approach:
Explain till the time the concept is not clear. There is no need to rush. I believe that the minute you understand a topic, you will be able to master it with proper practice. I believe that there are no stupid questions and I make my students feel comfortable to ask me questions related to the subject as many times as possible.

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Personal Description:
I'm a qualified maths teacher with a degree in Pure Mathematics from Queen Mary University. I specialize in tutoring GCSE and A-Level Maths, helping students build confidence, master concepts, and achieve their target grades. My approach is to identify each student's areas of weakness, strengthen their understanding, and then focus on extensive past paper practice to solidify exam skills. Whether you're aiming to boost your grade or need help tackling tricky topics, I'm here to guide you every step of the way to success!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified maths teacher with a PGCE.
I have been tutoring one to one for 4 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I identify areas of weakness in the specification and work on this. I then work with my students to consolidate and extend their knowledge via exam style questions and worded questions. I then work with them on past papers and help students identify their areas of weakness and work on this with them. This best prepares them for the exam.

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