Aldford Tutors and Aldford 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.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified economics and business teacher with 20 years' experience in secondary schools, and now as a full-time tutor. I've provided over 9,000 hours of private tuition to 400+ UK and overseas students. I have an economics degree from Liverpool University. Prior to teaching I worked in advertising for 10 years. I also own two online businesses. I live in Bristol, am married with 3 teenage children, and I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I taught economics in secondary schools for over 10 years, but I am now a full-time tutor. I typically tutor 40 to 50 students across an academic year, and they consistently perform above expectations; for example the majority of my 2024 students achieved at least a grade B, with several gaining an A*. However, my main focus is adding value, and all my previous students have improved at least one grade since I began working with them. Indeed many have improved by 3 or more grades. I teach all the major exam boards (International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International, Edexcel, Edexcel International, AQA, Eduqas, OCR and WJEC) and am an experienced economics examiner. I also have a current CRB.

Tutoring Approach:
I will always begin by discussing my tutee's individual requirements and areas of the syllabus they would like to focus on. Students may ask to recap concepts and theories that aren't fully understood, however in my experience most require help with exam technique, and how to translate their knowledge into a high grade answer. I therefore place a great emphasis on guiding students through the process of answering past paper questions, across all topic areas. In our sessions I will help with essay structure, illustrate how to use higher order analytical and evaluation skills, and crucially, how to apply an answer to information in a case study, or how to bring in real world examples.

Over the years I have taught an increasing proportion of students online, so that currently about 90% of my tutoring is done this way. I use Skype/Google Meet/Zoom and Google Docs, which students can also access. This makes the sessions as interactive as meeting face to face, and it also means I can tutor students from anywhere in the world (I have taught people in South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Spain, France, Serbia, Russia, Montenegro and Bermuda). I always encourage students to provide feedback so that they receive maximum benefit from their teaching.

Below are some testimonials from past students (many more can be seen in the reviews section):

"Ian tutored my daughter prior to her A Level exams in the summer of 2024. She had been predicted a B grade, but needed an A for her university offer. Ian covered content as well as exam technique with her, they also worked through past papers together and Ian on request would mark some of her written work. My daughter achieved an A☆ in economics… This was beyond her expectations, and we are extremely grateful for Ians tutoring and guidance." - Mrs De Simone - Cambridge

"My son initially struggled with the subject gaining an E grade in his mock exams but with Ian's help he managed a grade B in his AS level and attained an A grade in both A level papers. This was a huge improvement over the two years and I doubt it would have been possible without Ian's help, both with weekly tutoring and the all important pre-exam revision days. Ian's approach was personalised and intensive and my son's needs we're concentrated upon fully. Ian was always punctual and organised and struck up a good relationship with the whole family. I would happily recommend him." Mrs W - Redland, Bristol

"Matt only got an E grade in his February A2 mock exam and the school predicted he would get a C grade at A2. With the significant assistance from Ian, Matt achieved an A* at A2. In his other two A levels, Matt achieved Bs (he also had tutors for these). There are several reasons why Ian made the difference: 1.Being taught on Skype. Matt was initially very apprehensive about being taught on Skype rather than in person. But Skype proved really beneficial. Firstly it enabled Matt to fit in tuition at times that would just not have been possible if travel had been involved. Secondly it enabled Matt to have additional lessons when he had spare time. 2.Focussing on how to structure essay answers. The school just didn't put anywhere near enough emphasis on this crucial area. 3. Essay marking. A key aspect of A2 is exam practice. We paid Ian for essay marking which meant that Matt was effectively maximising his time with Ian. 4. Not accepting mediocrity. The school said that Matt should not retake his AS exams as he had a good B grade. Ian said he should retake as he could do better. 5. Providing positive encouragement. Matt has always lacked belief in himself and Ian gave Matt the confidence that he could achieve a good result.
We would strongly recommend Ian as an Economics tutor" Mr P - South Gloucestershire

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Personal Description:
I have studied PGCE Mandarin at a university in the Uk and obtained a qualified teacher certificate. I am teaching Mandarin at a school in the south of England. All of my students like my teaching because not only can they learn mandarin listening, speaking, reading and writing, but they also enjoy learning about the different Chinese cultures as well as taking part in many activities at the same time. All of my GCSE year students have achieved A* grade GCSE Mandarin. I am a mandarin native speaker and I used to be a compere on the stage in China. I taught Chinese language and Chinese dancing in a Chinese school in the UK for 14 years.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Children's, adult mandarin, Chinese GCSG and A level private tuition 1 to 1 and 1 to 2.
•My dancing group students won the championship in the UK south west region Chinese Dancing competition in year 2012 and 2013.
•I graduated from Goldsmiths University of London with PGCE Mandarin and the tutor chose me to film my Chinese lesson for 11 to 12 year old GCSE students for Mandarin teachers' training. I also give Chinese teachers training.
• My students won the first prize for participating Mandarin Speaking Competition in 2020 and they will represent the UK to compete with other countries'.

Tutoring Approach:
I always try to make my lessons very enjoyable with Chinese music, PPT, CD, flash cards, Chinese idioms, telling stories, roll play, singing Chinese songs, videos of Chinese cultures, playing different games, computer games and debate. Lots of variety making the lessons an active learning process.

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Personal Description:
I am Pearl and I love teaching Mandarin. My students enjoy my versatile teaching methods too.

I have teaching experience from beginners to GCSE, A level and IB level. My students all got first round very excellent exam results most of them got A grade.

The students enjoy coming to my home to learn and I have lots of visual aids to assist them in learning. I love to teach Chinese culture and share my cooking, calligraphy and chess etc experience with learners too.

Also, I taught in international schools before and as Mandarin teacher and head of Department.

I also taught in Bolton school recently.
I have been an Edexcel examiner too and I am very familiar with the Chinese syllabus and exam contents.

I am capable to deliver Chinese A level exam contents.
I do online teaching only.

Teaching Experience:
I have over twenty years professional teaching experience in Mandarin. I am professionally qualified and I have a Master Degree in Education and PGDE too.

Tutoring Approach:
Interactive, versatile, professional and spiral approach.
Fun, creative, practical and enriching in cultural experience too.

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Personal Description:
PhD in Molecular and Cell Biology.
Working as a GCSE Science teacher in a dyslexic school.
Head of Science

Teaching Experience:
20 year experience working in schools as a Science teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
Build students' confidence
Organisation and study skills
Ways to learn key words
Revision strategies
Mentoring

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Personal Description:
I was a student researcher in Church laboratory at Harvard Medical School. My research interest lies in synthetic biology and molecular biology. Currently, I am an undergraduate Biochemistry student at the University of Surrey.
I believe that I am a calm, collected person who enjoys encouraging others to take an interest in Science as it is a fast-growing field with a wide variety of job prospects. In my personal experience, one to one tuitions greatly benefited me before I applied to University. For that reason, I would like to provide others with the same opportunity to boost their confidence so that they can excel even more in biology and chemistry.

Teaching Experience:
I have volunteered and Henry Tyndale Primary School from 2012 to 2013, in which I was able to help and teach pupils of ages 10 to 11. Through attending the school every week, I was able to develop my communication skills and learn new teaching methods depending on the student's needs.

When attending Sixth Form College of Farnborough, I tutored AS Chemistry students from 2013 to 2014. This tuition was set up by the college in order to help new students understand difficult questions, equations or coursework. This was a great chance teach them simple tricks to help them overcome anything they struggled with.

Tutoring Approach:
With biology and chemistry, I believe it is vital to understand basic concepts before learning anything in a higher level of detail. Due to this, I believe it is important for tutees to be taught the basics of a topic before learning detail.
If the tutee seems comfortable with a topic and would just like to consolidate, I would test them with some questions from either past papers or textbooks. This will ensure that, they are able to apply their knowledge.

Also, I believe memorizing key terms and definitions is very useful in exams so I use flashcards or small tests during the beginning or end of the tuition session to test their understanding and make sure that they learn these key words and definitions.

My new approach to teaching includes making online presentations containing key concepts and diagrams that will help my tutee learn about a topic with a new perspective.

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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

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Personal Description:
I'm a second year biomedical science student. I took my A-Levels in Maths, Biology, Chemistry and Physics in 2019 and GCSEs in 2017 and having recently done these exams, I know just how challenging they are.

Being a student myself and having the experience of currently tutoring students who are doing their GCSEs and A-Levels, I know the methods that work best to help your child understand the content they need to know. I understand the way young people learn very well and the ways I teach reflect this - with an extensive focus on understanding (not memorising) and application to real-world contexts so your child can appreciate the reason behind learning what they learn. In addition to this, I offer extensive exam practice to ensure they understand their course, its structure, and how to maximise marks in their exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching students of varying ages for over a year now in Maths, Chemistry and Biology. Some of my students have been predicted As and A*s at their current level - some of them had started out at C grades when they had first come to me.

Tutoring Approach:
My aim is to work with your child to help them learn and understand the content (rather than simply memorise) so the sessions your child has with me will be greatly focused on what they would like to learn in their specification, what areas they need to improve on, and exam question practice and please be rest assured that you'll be updated about their progress regularly.

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Personal Description:
Head of Spanish in a top London school. I am a native speaker and a very strong linguist with a lot of experience in different countries, including International Schools. I am from Spain and I have a solid career as a teacher as well as a Leader. I have worked in teaching since 2009 in Spain, France, Singapour and United Kingdom.
I am flexible to adapt the lessons to the necessities of students to achieve the best outcomes. Differentiation is the key of success, I am also an expertise in how to play the exams to get the best possible results.
My academic record is impeccable. I have studied three degrees in one of the most prestigious and old universities in the world (Salamanca) and did my Master's degree in a Russell Group University (Bristol, UK) also,I completed an NPQML for leadership in Education. My GCSE and A Levels were predominantly A* and A.
I have been described as a hardworking, friendly, warm and enthusiastic person and teacher who gets on very well with students, therefore they do not take tuition as something tedious and boring, but an opportunity to a fresh approach to the language. I love teaching Spanish.
I have excellent references that show the happiness of students and parents also a robust record in improving students work and exams results. Please do get in touch as my availability is limited.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours ' experience under my belt tutoring Primary, KS3, GCSE, AS, A LEVEL, IGCSE and casual learners …specially in Spanish but I have a lot of experience teaching Latin, French and English as a Foreign Language too. Every experience has helped me to become proficient as a linguist. I have taught pupils from the best schools in the UK: Latymer Upper School Alleyn's Boys, JAGS, Dulwich College, City of London Girls School, UCS Hampstead, Wimbledon High School, City of London and Putney High school are just some examples.
I always had a fabulous record of excellent results in my key exam groups and all of my lessons have been graded as Outstanding by Ofsted. I am an external examiner of EDEXCEL, AQA and IGCSE Spanish (GCSE, and A LEVEL), so I know exactly how the exams are from inside, or how to prepare the students to obtain the best qualification possible. I Have turned many Ds and Cs into A and A*, this proves my ability to boosting not just results but also students' confidence.
I tailor the lessons depending on the student's neccesities and learning style, including a lot of differentiation and new challenges. My resources are authentic and specifically designed according to the students' expectations and weakeness. I know excellent exam techniques that help student to become confident on how to face the exam to be able to aim for the highest marks in GCSE and Alevel. Students who I have taught have been always extremely pleased with my services.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a Languages lover and I try to pass this on at all levels. Students often seem to lack self-confidence in their approach to languages, and this is somewhere I am able to help.
I tailor the lessons according to the student needs and teach depending of the person learning style. I have plenty of experience differentiating the content to enable students to access it. I have also experience teaching students with any special educational needs such dyslexia or any other cognitive need.
With the recent major overhaul of GCSEs and A Levels, it is a great challenge for schools to cover all the course content in class and prepare students thoroughly for the external examinations. With large class sizes and often a lack of individual speaking practice, pupils can lack confidence and not achieve their full potential in their exams or lessons in school. This overwhelm students and could stress them as they may find they have not had enough time or opportunities to prepare themselves for the Speaking Exam or writing skills.
It is, essential to review past papers and study the specific requirements for a given exam; however, this is not everything, and I believe that there are some more general principles which help across the board. For example, writing techniques, translation, and of course motivation and focusing in grammar will help to achieve the best possible outcome.
Regarding A level, I know perfectly how to help students to obtain the highest scores in their exams as I am an external examiner who marks A level exam for Edexcel and AQA.I have attended numerous workshops for films and literature, besides my knowledge obtained from my Journalism degree and Spanish schooling.

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Personal Description:
I have a doctorate in Mechanical Engineering (PhD), with years of first hand experience in satisfactorily engaging and supporting students as I attempt to demystify and tear down barriers (or challenges) in different subjects areas. I am passionate and enthusiastic at teaching Mathematics, Physics, Engineering related modules and Computer related modules including programming as I create an empowering environment for students while demonstrating empathy, pastoral care and patience at all times. I have gained an extensive knowledge base to enable me deliver an outstanding knowledge transfer process to stimulate curiosity, interaction and connection with students in their respective subjects of interest. I have successfully tutored students at GCSE , A levels and BEng programs. Again, I have lectured at College and University level on Science and Engineering related subjects while promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity at all times. In addition, I have excellent communication skills and ensure I offer bespoke teaching and learning that is tailored to the student's needs or requirements. Furthermore, I am fascinated at the opportunity to engage in problem solving, critical and analytical thinking. Hence, I am happy at the prospect to coach, mentor and offer pastoral care to others as I help resolve a challenge and put a smile on a face.

Teaching Experience:
I have hand on experience of engaging in pedagogical activities especially in a 1 to 1 session. I have applied active student teaching and learning styles to facilitate learning in different areas and support learners in:
-Mathematics
-Physics
-Applying productivity software including MS office suite including MS Excel for statistical thinking
-Computer modules: coding and programming using MATLAB, Python and Java
-Mechanical Engineering modules: Mechanics, Fluid Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Structural Analysis and Design using different Computer Aided Design software including SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, Fusion 360 as well as Ansys
-Report writing (essay, coursework report and dissertation)
Thus, I have supported diverse students in different subject areas to excel in their examinations with outstanding grades. I have lectured at University of Greenwich International College, Northumbria University and Coventry University as well as volunteered with Action Tutoring in supporting disadvantaged children with their learning. My experience enable me manage and meet the expectations of my students as I deliver a robust and standard explanation in different subject areas.

Tutoring Approach:
Typically, I elicit learning from my students by finding areas of the topic they find difficult, lack confidence and find challenging. Then, I facilitate engagement by starting my lesson from there as I clarify concepts, misconceptions or difficulties. I signpost and support the students by exploring and exposing them to the basic fundamentals of the subject. Then build their confidence in tackling related questions. Thus, empowering the students to gain a deeper insight in understanding the easy approach to learning as well as becoming competent, confident and successful in the subject of study.

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Personal Description:
I am an aspiring Medic currently studying at Imperial College London, I have lived in London my entire life and love all parts of it. I am a judoka training many times a week looking to develop my skill and passion for the sport. I am passionate about learning as a whole and enjoy the endeavour. I teach Maths, Biology and Chemistry as those are my strongest subjects and the ones which I find myself researching the most in my free time. I achieved an A* in Biology and A in Maths and Chemistry, 9's in all 3 of them at GCSEs gaining <90% in both my Maths and Further Maths Paper.

Teaching Experience:
I volunteered with IntoUniversity, for a year, to help kids who would struggle in school to develop their studying skills and their communication. It was a very unique experience for me and was extremely engaging and one of the main reasons I would like to do tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I would like to tutor in a way that I have found the most effective to learn. I find that by gaining a deep understanding of the content learning it becomes much easier and memorising it will no longer feel like a tedious chore. Coupled with that, a friendly teaching approach that encourages the student to learn and enjoy the lessons makes it much easier for them to succeed in their exams aswell, I feel when you become passionate about the subject or learning as a whole the entire process becomes much less robotic and as a result a much smoother and enjoyable experience,

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Personal Description:
I have a MA in Production Design for Film and Television from Kingston University and a BA Hons in Furniture Design and Applied Arts from Edinburgh College of Art. I have worked in the film and television industry since 2004. I lead large teams of specialist designers, art directors, junior assistants, crafts people and construction teams. And I collaborate closely with other experts within the industry including cinematographers, directors and screenwriters.

A production designer designs the worlds in which the TV Drama or film is set. That includes working with location people to choose locations in which to film - and building sets in studios. It can also involve working closely with SFX teams. The role juggles creative vision with practical project management. It's a collaborative media/ industry and relies heavily on communication skills- visual and verbal.

Teaching Experience:
I've tutored students looking to win a place in art schools/universities and specialist creative high schools. Students looking to better their results at A level, and I've taught larger classes of young adults in university and workshops. I help my four year old with his art and design too : )

Tutoring Approach:
My approach depends on the students needs and I am very flexible. I can work in a very focused way with the students brief on course curriculum. Or more loosely- developing verbal and practical skills for a portfolio for art school/media design or communication courses. I'm down to earth and structured in my approach.

If it's face to face tutoring, I may charge a small fee for travel time/costs dependent on how far away and dependent on whether the session is one or two hours long, etc. Please message me for further details, thanks.

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