Alva Tutors & Alva Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 62 years old and I have worked as a maths tutor for over 15 years

This is something I really enjoy and I gain a huge amount of satisfaction from seeing children learn , progress and

SUCCEED

I live in Liverpool and I can run the sessions either in my own home , or in the pupils home. I offer discounted rates for tutoring small , groups of pupils

I prefer face to face lessons. On a Saturday I travel to clients homes for face to face lessons. In the week Clients come to my home in Crosby. Sunday is the one day I do not work. I can do ZOOM lessons if it is impossible for me to travel to you.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a number of schools , and have taught , both , pupils who find maths very easy and those who find it very difficult.

I have taught both in primary and secondary schools. I have taught all levels up to A level maths.

I mark GCSE maths exams, working for EDEXCEL. So having marked over 50,000 GCSE questions I am very aware of the common mistakes pupils make. Just by eliminating , their basic errors , will result in most pupils going up one GCSE grade. Learning to answer the TEN banker questions , that turn up year after year , should also boost a pupil by a grade

Tutoring Approach:
Maths is about mastering a number of key skills. So rather than try to teach the whole of the GCSE maths course , I focus on a few key skills starting with the basic Sums , before moving onto ratio , percentage , factorisation and algebra.

The key points are - get rid of basic errors - learn a bit - practice a lot

In particular I like my pupils to practice past exam papers , as the best way to get better at GCSE maths , is to do LOTS of GCSE maths questions

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have several years English teaching and GCSE/A level examining experience following my degree and am currently teaching English/English Literature at GCSE, A level and Undergraduate level on a private basis. I have an MA in English with the Open University which I passed with merit, and have recently achieved a further Master's degree in 19th Century Literature and Culture at Birmingham University. Please note that I am currently tutoring online due to the pandemic, with a 10% discount.

Teaching Experience:
I originally taught A Level and GCSE English in FE colleges. Following this I started private tutoring in English at all ages and levels along with some basic Primary Maths. More recently my work as an examiner in A level Language and Literature has enhanced my understanding of student needs and of course the requirements of the A level exam syllabuses. As I have been tutoring for some time now I am familiar with the varying requirements of all the major exam boards in GCSE and A level English Language and English Literature.

Tutoring Approach:
The greatest thing is seeing the student gain in confidence as their ability grows. One to one tuition enables the student to be honest about problems that are difficult to raise in the classroom at school or college. Consequently the tutor can focus on the individual needs of the student. This is the philosophy I adopt in tutoring. I am very conscientious, approachable and happy to adapt to the needs of the individual student, then watch them thrive. However, this is still achievable with online tuition and for the time being I am focusing on this and happy to discuss how it could work for you.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching for the past eight years and am currently Head of Law and a teacher of Economics at a secondary school rated as outstanding by OFSTED. Previous to teaching I graduated in 2006 from Loughborough University with a BSc Hons degree in Banking, Finance and Management, I then worked for three years as a trainee quantity surveyor on a civil engineering project at the Olympic site in Stratford before training to become a teacher. In my spare time, I enjoy taking part in sports, especially track running and cross country.

Teaching Experience:
I am a teacher of A-Level Law under the AQA examination board. I am currently teaching both the old and new specifications for A-Level Law. I also teach both Year 1 and Year 2 Economics on the OCR specification A-Level. As well as preparing students for their exams, I am also confident as a head of subject in providing individual intervention strategies to supplement learning. I also have experience mentoring newly qualified teachers and students.

Tutoring Approach:
I consider myself an approachable teacher and am confident in tailoring the learning dependent on the tutees needs. As well as revising key concepts, I will also ensure students are confident in preparation for the exams by looking at analysis, evaluation and application techniques. Also, I feel it is imperative to spend time looking at exemplar answers and providing writing frameworks to best prepare the tutee for their exam.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a former humanitarian worker with a keen interest in philosophy, politics, feminism, and political economy.

I love teaching 1-on-1 and take a holistic approach to helping students. That means that I can help you with both the technical academic things you are struggling with such as planning a research project, writing an essay or dissertation, or public speaking, as well as mental blocks like self-confidence, procrastination, anxiety, and mental health. Using a holistic approach means that we can discover the root cause of whatever is holding you back from being able to excel, develop strategies to overcome these obstacles, and help you become more a confident and independent student.

I have just completed my PhD thesis as part of a fully-funded doctoral candidate in Political Philosophy, during which time I was supervised in equal parts by FINO (The Northwestern Italian Philosophy Consortium, University of Turin) and the University of Vienna.

Teaching experience:

* In 2024 I was a Visiting Lecturer in Contemporary Political Philosophy, teaching first- and second-year BA philosophy students at the University of Hertfordshire.

* In 2022-23 I taught first- and second year BA students in the Government Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The course I teach is an Introduction to Political Theory (from Plato to Fanon).

* I have also given lectures to Master's students in Philosophy of Technology on algorithmic pricing.


My doctoral research project is a Normative Analysis of the Political Economy of Algorithmic Pricing.

Postgraduate studies:
PhD, Political Philosophy, 2020-2024

MSc, Merit in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science (2015).
Dissertation on the moral dilemmas related to Artificial Intelligence; received a Distinction.

Undergraduate studies:
BA(Hons), 2:1 in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Cambridge University (2010). Included modules in history, politics, anthropology, literature, and religious studies, as well as Arabic language.
I speak the Levantine dialect (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian) as well as the Iraqi dialect, and have lived and worked in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored undergraduate and Master's-level students who need help writing essays or dissertations in the following humanities subjects:

Anthropology
Political theory, Feminist theory
Political science
Political economy, History
International Relations, Conflict studies, Humanitarian studies
Sociology, Gender studies

Tutoring Approach:
I provide detailed editing to help you improve both your written style and content. I cover everything from grammar and citations to structure, methodology, and line of argument. I give you resources to continue improving your academic writing even after we finish working together. These will equip you to continue working on things we will cover, such as stylistic conventions both in academic English generally as well as those specific to different social science disciplines. I also coach you in how to plan your research, how to structure a paper, building a line of argument, effective use of primary and secondary sources, and how to write an engaging and compelling paper.

I start by writing detailed comments in Track Changes, then talk you through the issues so that you can not only improve your paper or dissertation, but also learn how to write in a clear, confident, and persuasive style. Ideally, if there's enough time before the deadline, I go over another draft once you've addressed the comments. This back-and-forth ensures the very best final product in your authentic voice, and that the process has been a valuable learning experience for you.

I will also give you the opportunity to discuss personal hang-ups that might be impeding your ability to work well. I am not a therapist, but I can discuss personal issues affecting your studies, and direct you to helpful resources to address underlying issues like anxiety, procrastination.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

---

I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

***

For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

---

Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I enjoy teaching maths in a way that makes it easy for students to understand. Have 10 years of one to one so I know the common misunderstandings students tend to have.

Teaching Experience:
10 years of one to one and 20 years at schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Breaks things down to make it easy to understand.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 32 years old, I live in the East Midlands and I have a degree in French and a Masters in International Relations (before I got married, I used my maiden name, which is why my degrees are in that name). I have a wide range of interests, but language, specifically French, is my main passion. I started teaching 7 years ago and tutoring 8 years ago when I was a teaching assistant.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a French teacher for the past 7 years, teaching a range of year groups from Year 6 to Year 13. Whilst French is my main subject, I have taught a range of others, including Spanish, RE, Maths and Citizenship. I have taught in a range of schools in Leicestershire and the South East and taught pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Tutoring Approach:
I started tutoring in 2010 and have tutored pupils from Year 5 to Year 13. I vary my style of tutoring as every child is different and I learn quickly what each child will respond well to and how far their ability can be stretched. I tend to focus on grammar, as this is the area where most pupils struggle. I have access to a wide range of materials pupils can use including current GCSE resources, online language-learning website and a variety of games to make learning fun.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dr. Sultan is an experienced academician and has been teaching Key stage 1-4 in UK since 2012. He is currently serving as a lecturer of engineering. He has a proven history of great results. He is well equipped with the latest curriculum of UK. He is a fluent speaker of English.

Teaching Experience:
More than 10 Years

Tutoring Approach:
Dr. Sultan has prepared special revision guides and test papers for all levels. His revision books are much helpful towards rigurous practice and a guaranteed improvement.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am highly qualified in music and maths. I studied Astro-Physics for a year at London University before switching to study music. My PhD in Composition at the University of Liverpool ended up being half maths and half music. I studied Godel's Theorem and used maths as an aid to composition. This means I am expert at using maths to solve problems which is a core syllabus requirement for all exam boards.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored in maths and music for 25 years. I have a 100% pass rate for students who have taken maths GCSE. I have attended courses in child protection.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is to help students understand maths, enjoy concepts in maths and apply the knowledge they have learned to pass exams. I am an excellent choice as a tutor as I am patience, have an excellent grasp of the subject and I am able to teach my knowledge to others in an effective way.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a committed, caring and experienced teacher with a proven track record of bringing out the best in students and helping them to attain excellent results across all ability levels. I have been particularly successful at stretching those students aiming to achieve the highest grades. I have stepped back from teaching for a few years to care for my two young children full-time but I miss teaching a lot and helping students to achieve their potential. My favourite books to teach include Frankenstein, The Great Gatsby and The Handmaid's Tale, but I love teaching students to appreciate the power of words across a variety of different styles and genres. Former students would describe me as dedicated, hard-working and personable.

Teaching Experience:
I taught all year groups at a high-performing state school for six years between 2012 and 2018 before I left for maternity reasons. I am an experienced teacher of both GCSE and A Level. I was Second in Department for the last two years before I left and also held the roles of Head of KS3 and KS5 in my department before this. Sixth form teaching is my particular area of specialism as I headed up a school -wide team which sought to innovate effective teaching strategies to appeal to this age group.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and caring teacher who seeks to get to know her pupils' interests as well as their strengths and weaknesses. I am keen to review past work and feedback to gain a deeper understanding of knowledge/skill gaps. My approach is highly personalised to these needs. I am also focused on exam requirements and assessment criteria to maximise success.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly, approachable Oxford graduate and Deputy Head of English in one of the nation's leading grammar schools.
I am a passionate English tutor, and I always try to foster an enthusiasm for literature in all my students. When teaching, I aim to provide clear and concise explanation, assess understanding and provide detailed feedback and encouragement.
Education is not just for exams. I aim to build confidence, encourage independence, and inculcate positive habits which last for life.

Teaching Experience:
Deputy Head Of English
3 years experience as a full-time classroom teacher
Currently working at a top 10 ranked grammar school in the UK

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer:
- Tailored lesson plans to suit the learner's needs.
- A comprehensive program for all main exam boards and literature texts.
- Verbal feedback during sessions and detailed written feedback on optional assignments.
- Lessons adapted for a range of abilities.
- Warmth, enthusiasm and (occasionally good) humour.
I am well versed in the most popular English Literature Exam texts and well acquainted with the Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I organise the school's debating team, guiding them to the finals of the English-Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition.
My students typically go on to achieve the top grades in GCSEs and A Level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I hold a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering with QTS and PGCE from the University of Birmingham. My background in engineering has provided me with a strong foundation in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry, and I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with students. I am dedicated to helping students build confidence and achieve their academic goals through personalized support and structured learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience tutoring students in Physics, Mathematics, and Chemistry at both KS3 and GCSE and A Levels. My focus has been on creating a supportive and engaging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and exploring challenging topics. While completing my teaching qualifications, I have gained practical classroom experience, developing and delivering lessons that cater to different learning styles and abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is student-centered, focusing on understanding each individual's strengths and areas for improvement. I tailor my lessons to meet the specific needs of the student, using a combination of theoretical explanations, practical examples, and problem-solving exercises. I aim to make learning interactive and enjoyable, ensuring that complex concepts are broken down into manageable steps. My goal is to build the student's confidence and foster a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Subjects