Alton Tutors and Alton Tuition

Personal Description:
Hola. My name is Maria. I am a qualified and experienced native Spanish teacher from Spain; teaching Spanish from year 7 to GCSE, IGCSE, A level and University, across all exam boards.

I also provide tuition for adults and businesses, from complete beginners to advanced levels.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a Spanish Tutor from home for the last 10 years, teaching both young students working towards their exam qualifications, and adult students learning Spanish for holidays and travelling in Spanish speaking countries.

In this period, I have helped over 200 students from all major independent, grammar and state schools in my area to prepare for their GCSE, AS, A level and university exams, across all exam boards, with a proved track record of achieving great results.

I have taught students from the following centres: North London Collegiate, Haberdasher, Merchant Taylors, Northwood College, Henrietta Barnet, Watford Grammar, Notting Hill, John Lyon, Nower Hill, Whitmore, Sacred Heart, St Gregory's, St Dominic's, Avanti and London School of Economics, among others.

I also worked teaching Spanish in the City of London to business people for over 15 years. I was Head of the Spanish Department at my business school for the last 5 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer one to one and group lessons online.

Each lesson is tailor-made according to your personal interests and needs.

I use a communicative approach and speak Spanish from the first lesson, unless requested not to.

I provide all the materials required for the lessons, and I have good experience helping students with conditions like dyslexia or anxiety.

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Personal Description:
Retired, deputy headteacher of a primary school in London. I have been tutoring now for 10 years.

Teaching Experience:
Taught in primary and secondary schools for 34 years. Over 20 years experience as a deputy headteacher. Have taught the full age range of primary school but mostly KS2 (age 7-11). My main role over the last 15 years has been a Year 6 SATS teacher so I have lots of experience for SATS preparation. I also did a lot of work in booster groups in Maths and English, moving children from level 3 to level 4. I have now been tutoring for a year with children aged between 7 and 14. For the last 3 years I have been a Key Stage 2 SATs marker. I can also tutor GCSE maths foundation level.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim is to improve the ability of the children in the subjects chosen. Most of my tutees find the one-to-one personal touch invaluable because it allows me to quickly identify the areas of difficulty and devise a learning programme to meet these at a pace which the tutee finds comfortable. Many of the parents have commented that one-to-one sessions have rapidly improved the tutee's confidence and has frequently resulted in them being moved up groups in the classroom. Other parents have asked me to prioritise my teaching time working with their children on school homework. I like to create a friendly but purposeful atmosphere. I always give time to the parents at the end of each session so they are kept completely informed about my aims and strategies. I have years of experience and all the relevant materials to support the children in these subjects.

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Personal Description:
I am of french nationality, i arrived in bristol 7 months ago. I have spent my whole life in france, passed my A level, studied carpentry and passed my exam successfully. I practiced english for 6 years at school, and i am now completely bilingual. I read a lot in english and i am very ineterested in languages in general. Since i arrived in England, i have been working as a waitress in a restaurant ( Poco on stokes croft ), and i would like now to work as a tutor to help children and people learn french the best way possible.

Teaching Experience:
Back in france, i have been helping children doing their lessons, not only in french, but also in all the other subjects. I have never been " teaching", but i am very good in communication and working with children and people.

Tutoring Approach:
I am willing to give my best to help people learning french and helping them in the understanding of the language. The communication and being patient must be my priority.

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Personal Description:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified GCSE artist teacher and artist and manage a very successful multi-award winning art education business in Hertfordshire teaching children, teens and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2009 and have vast experience with both children and adults. I have taught for schools, galleries, councils, courses and also privately. I can teach pencil, pen, charcoal, chalk pastel, watercolour, oil, gouache and acrylic paint. I have coached many students through GCSE art, A Level art and university portfolio submissions.

Feedback from customers:

"Thank you so much for helping my daughter get her portfolio ready, she couldn't have done it without your guidance and its been a pleasure having you in our home. Thank you!" - Terry, mum of Tara (16 years)

"I never knew there was so much to learn about art! My 2 children loving having their very own art tutor, its developed their ability and they can now do artwork with confidence" - Maya, mum of Nicola & Jake (10 & 12 years)

"Amber was recommended to me to help my son put a portfolio together in order to apply for graphic design BA courses. The catch was, there were only two weeks to do so. Amber introduced him to new techniques and media with which he was able to create great pieces of work, she advised him on the structure and the visual layout of his portfolio and how to make it look fit for university interviews. She was amazingly accommodating and flexible at all times. With her work, she not only inspired my son but the rest of us as well - She is an amazing artist indeed! most importantly, my son got offered and accepted a place in Falmouth Universtity (his first choice). He continues to explore the techniques Amber taught him and has got confidence to venture further afield with his art. I hope to have some tutoring from Amber for myself and my daughter in the future too. A truly inspirational, calm and relaxing art adventure. Thank you Amber! We were very lucky to find you." - Renata, mum of Lucas (18 years)

Tutoring Approach:
As a qualified teacher I have a very calm approach to teaching because the journey and the end result are as important as each other. I am able to encourage and support students to push past their personal creative barriers. I always bring a smile and a sense of humour to classes because its important for students to feel comfortable around me.

My fee always includes materials to save you time and money. I spend a lot of time planning and preparing so that the student gets the best from the time spent with me.

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Personal Description:
Welcome, artist friend! I'm Calina and I have been studying art since 1986. I have created the way in this field for more than 35 years. Currently I live and create in Earley (Reading). I love and I am pleased to expanding the field of Abstract Expressionism. I use simplified shapes with small details in the descriptive scenes.
A big part of my inspiration comes from the natural surroundings and through my travels. The main topic that I approach it is landscape, in all moods and mysteries. Through my art I would like to share with you different states of nature.The composition is balanced by the characters you always find in nature: different species of trees, wild animals and their world. The diversity of materials that I use helps me to create in the smallest details, impressions created about the natural world and our experiences with it.
My works can be found in numerous private and corporate collections throughout the United Kingdom and internationally. I can't imagine a single day without the colours, brushes and canvases.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring art from 2015 to all different ages and abilities from young kids to adult learners. I have furthered my experience with children after school program. My philosophy in teaching, is to produce lessons that excite and inspire. I have an enthusiastic style and my lessons are delivered using a variety of the latest learning techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
In my studio you will find motivating encouragement, wild enthusiasm, exciting ideas! Both thought provoking and inspiring, and concrete actions to take in service to your dream of creating the art that is true to you.

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Personal Description:
I'm currently a private Mathematics and Further Mathematics tutor, providing high-quality tuition to A Level, GCSE and KS3 Mathematics students. I achieved First Class Honours in BSc Mathematics at Durham University, and I recently completed a postgraduate secondary Mathematics education course at Newcastle University, which involved teaching many classes across two secondary schools. I took A Levels in mathematics, further mathematics, chemistry and economics, achieving A* grades in all four subjects. In my GCSEs, I achieved A* grades in all eight subjects with letter grades, as well as grade 9 in Mathematics. As I currently tutor a considerable number of students, my knowledge is constantly refreshed, and I can offer well-informed, up-to-date tuition.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored over 45 students, across Years 7 to 13 and beyond. My experience of working alongside students with many different approaches and attitudes to learning enables me to provide an extremely high quality of tuition for my students. Throughout my time tutoring, I have received overwhelmingly positive feedback for my services, and my tutees have made significant progress in Mathematics.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in the mantra "Learn - Remember - Revise", by which I initially help students to understand a topic, before enabling them to refresh and consolidate their knowledge and finally I assist them in answering exam-style questions. This ensures that the student will be confident in that topic, and be able to apply their knowledge in an exam.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Danielle and I just love English! I strive to foster a love of and appreciation for Literature in my students. A friendly, highly experienced teacher of English, I love helping keen learners grow in confidence, ultimately achieving the highest standards they can. I will use my genuine passion for the written word and excellent academic subject knowledge to tailor my teaching to your current needs.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past sixteen years I have been privileged to have been able to help hundreds upon hundreds of young learners develop their enjoyment, skills and confidence in English Language and English Literature, and therefore achieve success. I have experience of a variety of educational settings, including the state sector as well as the independent, and teach the full secondary age range - from Key Stage 3 through to A Level.
As a current examiner of GCSE Literature and with past experience examining different specifications for GCSE Language, GCSE Literature and AS Level Language & Literature, I have an extensive knowledge and understanding of what is required to secure good grades.
Other positions I have held have been Head of Year, Head of Drama, Literacy Across the Curriculum and Assistant Faculty Lead.

Tutoring Approach:
I really believe that writing for a purpose motivates potential authors, so last year I submitted the work of over five hundred young people to a number of writing competitions: some reached the higher rounds (BBC 500 Words), one entrant reached the final (Wicked Young Writers) and over seventy had their entries published. In order to get you excited about your writing, I would seek similar opportunities for you to show off your enhanced skills after some lessons on crafting writing! Did you know that great writers grow from great readers? To further develop your expertise in English, I will encourage you to read more widely by setting challenges to broaden your literary diet.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Milo. I am undertaking a Masters in Astrophysics at the University of Cambridge, having just achieved a First Class Bachelor's Degree in Natural Sciences. I have a high proficiency in Physics and Maths and am an experienced teacher. I also offer tutoring in Chemistry, for which I was awarded the Salters Advanced Chemistry Award for my outstanding A level performance.

Teaching Experience:
I have three years experience tutoring Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics for GCSE, A level, IB and University admissions. This includes experience with all the major UK exam boards including AQA, OCR, Edexcel. I am represented by a tutoring agency called BridgeTutors who will provide free graphics tablet when you start lessons with me.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching conceptual misunderstandings is that any idea can be understood by anyone, as long as it is deconstructed into small enough steps and that the student is walked through each step at the correct pace. During lessons, I guide students through past paper questions, building their confidence as they apply their knowledge to real-life situations. For exams, I believe that active recall (recalling and using information from memory alone) and studying mark schemes are the best way to revise.

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Personal Description:
*** Use my experience as an IELTS examiner to help you pass your exam! ***

If you need to pass IELTS quickly, then look no further as 98% of my students pass the test with Band 7, or higher!

My name is Lee and I am a friendly and qualified teacher of English and a former IELTS examiner. Let me help you to achieve a score of Band 7 or more on your IELTS exam with a tailored course for your specific needs. I can offer tuition and exam preparation support and share with you my techniques to help you to pass the tests.

As well as making my teaching enjoyable, I am able to use my insights from working as an IELTS examiner to make sure you meet the precise IELTS marking criteria in order to get the best Band score possible. I have extensive knowledge of the tests and know what examiners look for in a good answer. Let me use this experience to help you to pass your IELTS exam.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2003 and since 2015 have specialised by teaching students to pass the IELTS test in which my pass rates are around 97% at Band 7, or higher.

My pass rates are very high as I am a former IELTS examiner for the writing and speaking components. I now use the experience and skills gained from that role to teach students how to pass the test quickly and with the best score possible.

Let me help you to pass your next test!

Tutoring Approach:
We will start with an assessment of your current level of English and your particular needs. Then, I can go on to plan a course which will strengthen your skills and address your areas of weakness.

I am very experienced in assisting students who need to obtain IELTS very quickly owing to visa, emigration or higher education course requirements. I can provide intensive courses which fit around existing test date bookings.

Courses can be tailored around the following skill areas:

LISTENING
Lots of practice using exam style questions which use a variety of accents. Emphasis is given to all four parts of the listening test in including conversations and following academic lectures.

WRITING
How to structure your task 1 report and task 2 essay. How to describe and analyse graphs, tables and charts. Understanding diagrams and maps. Writing letters and expressing ideas clearly. Checking and correcting your work.
ALL WRITING LESSONS INCLUDE ESSAY CORRECTION AND FEEDBACK.

READING
Techniques to save you time under pressure. How to scan a text for the information you need. Skills to help you answer True/False/NG and Yes/No/NG questions. Support to help you deal with the matching headings questions, short-answer, table completion and multiple choice questions.

SPEAKING
Lots of practice on all 3 parts of the speaking exam. How to structure a response. Articulation and pronunciation. Improving Lexical Resource.

All of the materials you will need are provided, hence there will be no need for you to purchase any additional course or textbooks. Band 9 answers are also supplied to you for all of the writing tasks.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Hannah. I am a languages student studying Spanish and Modern Standard Arabic and I have a passion for my subject. I love to travel and am currently living abroad in Barcelona. I understand how it feels to learn a new language and want to help make the process as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for you!

Teaching Experience:
I have spent time volunteering in Tanzania, Africa, where I taught English in schools to young children. I have also been a Spanish teacher in England in a both a secondary school and primary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to create a personalised and engaging environment for my students. Having experience as a language teacher, I know how to incorporate the specific interests of my students into the lesson to keep it engaging. I am also a clear speaker and understand the importance of explaining new concepts simply and plainly. All my lessons can be adapted to your interests and needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a BSc Maths Graduate that's absolute 'maths nerd' that loves seeing people understand maths, and spreading information about maths.
I think anyone can learn maths, given the right teaching and going at their own pace, and I think I can provide this style of teaching

Teaching Experience:
I've taught students aged 7 to 18, both online and in person, using a flexible and encouraging approach. Working with such a wide range of learners has helped me adapt to different needs and learning styles, helping students build confidence, understand things more clearly, and see real improvements in their results.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching follows three stages for topics that students are less familiar with:

Guided Example - I begin by working through an example with the student, explaining each step in detail.

Supported Practice - I then provide a similar question broken into smaller parts, prompting the student to ask questions and gradually increasing their independence. This step is repeated until they are confident.

Independent Practice - Finally, I give the student a full question without hints or prompts, to check their understanding and ability to solve it independently.

I can tutor Mathematics up to A-Level (including Further Maths), and I am confident with all the content at this level. Informally, I have tutored peers in the past and found it rewarding to see their progress reflected in improved grades.

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