Ash Vale Tutors & Ash Vale Tuition

Personal Description:
I like being a teacher and I get true enjoyment from sharing my knowledge and skills with new learners, making them realize how easy learning can be and how much actually they do know already. I like helping young people enjoy learning and making learning easy for them. I am patient and adaptable and easy to talk to. I always discuss the needs of my new pupils very carefully and aim to build their confidence in the subject. As an Examiner with a well-known Board, I am able to help my students to maximise their potential using targeted revision and exam techniques.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher for many years. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have worked in several schools now, gaining experience from working with a variety of learners of various ages and learning styles. I have worked within the requirements of more than one exam board, therefore I am quite familiar with all exam formats. I have been a tutor also for 10 years with very good results. Students do like me within first session, gaining confidence and self reassurance that they are capable of a lot already. Only some issues need re-addressing, building on their prior knowledge. I work as an Edexcel and SATs expert examiner. I am recommended as a tutor by Emmanuel College and Cardinal Hume School in Gateshead, as both schools know me well. Among other teaching positions I have been a classroom teacher at Lord Lawson School in Birtley and Whitburn School in Sunderland. I have worked as an intervention teacher (one to one teacher) in a few schools already, due to my extensive experience gained along the past years.

Tutoring Approach:
Within the first session, I discover the individual needs of my learners, their strengths and weaknesses. Then I devise a plan to address the whole programme of study within the number of weeks available, so no topic is ignored. I work simultaneously on exam requirements, but also on skill development, skills that the student can benefit from, outside the boundaries of a specific exam format. Students find themselves forgetting the time, often engrossed in their work, mentally challenged and stimulated. I set short homework at times, so that students can practise independently on those skills they develop with me, being reassured that they can transfer those skills further. I do provide learning materials which I do personalize for each student. I am very likable and I do make young learners be at ease within minutes of meeting them.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly trained, experienced, self motivated and flexible individual with excellent organisational/interpersonal and communication skills, able to operate at all levels, with students from all backgrounds and nationalities.
I began my Photographic career over twenty years ago, then slowly slipped into Film making as a natural progression.
I have shot photographic projects and films all over the world, and have been an ambassador representing several schools, colleges and universities whilst involved in this work.

Teaching Experience:
I have over twenty years of Photography and Film making experience, working abroad to shoot several short films in Prague, Paris, Africa and China. I have worked with both African and Chinese students in their countries, shooting a variety of Photographic and Film projects, having spent three months, and one month in these respective countries.

I have over twenty years of teaching/training experience in various establishments, Schools, Colleges, Universities, and with various council's throughout the Midlands. I have over twenty years of experience of dealing with a wide variety of students , from various backgrounds. I have worked with students of all ages, from primary school, to adult students in their eighties!
I have worked with people from mental health units, drug rehabilitation centres, and the probation services, using the creative media and arts as a form of therapy to bring about positive change.

Over twenty years of writing and delivering bespoke re-engagement training courses in a wide variety of areas (including photography, film making, digital imaging, film and media studies, literacy, numeracy, preparation for work training, CV writing, personal motivation and decision making), to disenfranchised, marginalised students.

Excellent computer/I.T. skills using a wide range of high end/professional software for video editing, image manipulation and audio visual presentations/performances.
Extensive experience of curriculum development, development of schemes of work, child protection policies, professional practices, and internal verification of work using assessment criteria from a multitude of awarding bodies.
I have been associated with UK Tutors since 2005.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is a very relaxed, informal one, giving the student ample opportunity to attempt things for themselves, and to allow them to flex their own creative and mental muscles with support and guidance where necessary.
Students are allowed to be themselves, feel relaxed , comfortable, to be able to make mistakes, without the pressure of being surrounded by or judged by their peers.
I often use projects to reinforce creative ideas or techniques, so that students begin to create their own portfolio's of their photographic work or video clips that they can use to create a show reel.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional , competent qualified Chinese teacher who has 20 years of invaluable experience, And I am able to effectively communicate with students of all ages and abilities .

Teaching Experience:
I am currently a Mandarin teacher in a university , teaching university students and adult learners .I have experience teaching students in primary schools and secondary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons depend on the individual needs of the students whether it is for preparation for an exam , for tourists ,for business travellers or for those wanting to learn for their pleasure .
My tutoring covers pronunciation ,conversations,grammar, reading, culture and simplified Chinese character writing.
I can teach at my own house or that of the students.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I`m Kevin, a friendly and patient full-time maths tutor.

After gaining 11 A's at GCSE (before the days of A* grades) and 4 A's at A level (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry), and winning both of my school's mathematics prizes, I went on to study mathematics at uni. Since then I worked as both an Accountant and an Actuary before becoming a full-time maths tutor in 2012.

I am an intelligent guy, with the ability to break things down to their simplest forms. I'm also patient and a good listener, with the ability to understand the way someone else thinks about a problem. I think it's the combination of these qualities that makes me a natural tutor. Even before becoming a tutor, I experienced time after time, that when people had a problem understanding something, it was me they`d come to.


One of many 5* reviews:

"My son was struggling with his AS level maths course having failed to keep up with the pace of new topics. We were fortunate enough to get Kevin to help him and there was a complete transformation of his confidence and approach to maths. Before Kevin's intervention my son had achieved U, D and E grades in various mock exams but in test papers before the actual exams he was getting results right at the top of the grade spectrum. I cannot
recommend Kevin too highly for his technical expertise in the subject or for his organised and sympathetic
teaching approach which was essential in my son's case. Kevin brought my son order and confidence out of confusion and despair"

Teaching Experience:
Since becoming a full-time maths tutor I've given after school help to over a hundred students with their GCSE and A level maths courses. I have also taught home schooled children, adult learners, International Baccalaureate and QTS.

Tutoring this many pupils on a 1-1 basis has meant I've become extremely familiar with the individual syllabus requirements of the main exam boards (Edexcel, AQA, OCR and OCR MEI).

Tutoring Approach:
Let me know what your aim is - whether it be to understand that topic/module you 'just cant get!', or to go through past papers, or to learn a whole course from start to finish, and between us we can agree the best approach for you, and prepare a plan of action to ensure you achieve your goals.

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Personal Description:
Hello everybody. My name is Vincenzo. I am 50 years old and I live in Leeds, in the North of England. My interests include reading, cycling, swimming and of course languages and meeting new people!

I am passionate about languages and foreign cultures and I look forward to helping you enjoy your studies and achieve your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native Italian with teaching experience, at different levels, both in Italy and the UK.

After a couple of years teaching English in Italian secondary schools, I moved to the UK and since then I have worked mainly as an Italian lecturer in various colleges in West Yorkshire.

I did all my studies in Italy and I also qualified there as language teacher as well as special educational needs teacher and, when in the UK, had all my qualifications converted from the General Teaching Council for England. In fact, I was awarded the QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in November 2004.

Tutoring Approach:
Since I have been in the UK, I have continued to keep up to date with new teaching innovations and methodologies in language teaching.

I am familiar with the use of IT and online teaching and I strongly believe in its effectiveness in languages.

I believe myself to have a professional and friendly attitude to teaching and convey this well to the students that I teach.

My dedication to language teaching is, and has always been, without doubt one of the driving forces of my career. I find the challenges of cultural exchanges stimulating and pleasurable.

My teaching approach is very much on encouraging you to use your language skills in life conversation. I believe that focusing on verbal communication skills quickly builds your confidence and your enjoyment of the new language.

Lessons can be structured to support a home study programme or I can develop an individual learning programme tailored on your own personal needs.

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Personal Description:
I entered the teaching profession in the year 2000, immediately after my graduation. I started my career tutoring Intermediate students, helping them in Mathematics for almost three and half years.

Teaching Experience:
I worked in India, Maldives, Thailand and Nigeria teaching different sort of pupils and Curriculum. I worked in American, British Schools making a vast and varied experience in teaching

Tutoring Approach:
The self- discipline, flexibility and commitment which I have gained from my 15 years of experience along with my enthusiasm and striving for knowledge in Mathematics make me wish to continue in this teaching career.

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, passionate and enthusiastic French Tutor. I like to assess each client's individual needs and then tailor the sessions to achieve them. I like to make the learning interactive and fun and I am a very patient tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I have successfully tutored French for the past 16 years. I have extensive experience with students looking to improve their GCSE and A Level grades, adult learners either seeking to gain conversational French or who require a deeper understanding of the language and primary age children who are learning French for the first time.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to assess each individual client's needs and tailor the learning to achieve their goals. I use a variety of learning material and I like to positively encourage clients in their lesson in order to improve their confidence and understanding. Additionally I always have a calm approach to my lessons, so that clients can maximise their learning, without feeling under pressure. I also like the sessions to be fun.

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Personal Description:
I very much enjoy working with other people and passing on what I have learnt. I find it wonderful seeing people with that lightbulb moment when everything just clicks into place. I work in my local area of Plymouth and online. I use Skype and gmail classroom but can download other software if required I also use an interactive whiteboard and two monitors to help facilitate a good working environment.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten year's main stream teaching experience in a classroom environment and eight years as a tutor/specialist. I've taught Music, English, Science, Maths, Art and Primary (KS 1 - 5). I`ve run my own department. As I'm also a musician I've taught guitar, cello, violin, keyboards and music theory. I use many different approaches to encourage development. When you see someone understand, learn and expand it is (in my opinion) fantastic.
I'm experienced in working with SEN. I`ve achieved excellent results with pupils with specific learning difficulties and behavioural problems. My experiences in this area are in Down syndrome, dyslexia dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's, ASD, verbal dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. I've also taught pupils with cerebral palsy, deafness and visual acuity problems. I`ve completed a basic sign language course & RPM for ASD. I did this so I could communicate with pupils, without relying on a teaching assistant to translate for them/me.
Apart from classroom teaching and tutoring I've also been a curriculum coordinator for people with ASD. I specialize in helping clients with learning difficulties and disabilities (ASD, ADHD, Asperses, & dyslexia/dyspraxia). This role involved designing a unique syllabus/curriculum and managed a group of educators.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it`s very important to understand how people approach learning. Everyone learns differently. I like to understand a pupils strengths through looking at how they learn (Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic (VAK)). I take the information I learn and find the best way to adapt teaching/learning. I like to use a holistic approach.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching for 12 years, and for 7 of those, I was a Pastoral Lead. This entailed me being responsible for 150+ students at various stages in their academic journey. More recently I have become Head of Mathematics at an independent school with a focus on supporting students who have SEN.

I have been privately tutoring 1-1 for 6 years now and I am adaptable to cater my sessions either virtually or 1-1, or 1-2

Teaching Experience:
12 years as a teacher of either Physical Education or Mathematics
7 years as a Head of Year
1 Year as Head of Mathematics

Tutoring Approach:
I love tutoring and the relationships you can create. Students often harbour a lot of ability in their chosen subject but need to have that inspiration. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing this occur. I try to tailor my sessions as much as possible to the individual with a mixture of questions and real life example.

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Personal Description:
I employ a communicative approach that emphasizes real-world interaction and practical usage of the Russian language. My lessons are designed to create a supportive and immersive environment, where students feel comfortable practicing their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills. I focus on personalization, adapting each lesson to meet individual goals and interests, whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills. By integrating cultural insights and interactive activities, I ensure that learning Russian is not just educational but also engaging and enjoyable. Together, we will break down language barriers and build your confidence in using Russian in everyday situations. This approach highlights key elements that potential students may find appealing, such as immersion, personalization, and cultural engagement.

Teaching Experience:
My experience teaching Russian language ranges from teaching children to the creative department of Associated Press and MIT engineers. I'm teacher, designer, programmer and engineer. SO if you want indepth knowledge my lessons will be priceless.

Tutoring Approach:
By integrating cultural insights and interactive activities, I ensure that learning Russian is not just educational but also engaging and enjoyable. Together, we will break down language barriers and build your confidence in using Russian in everyday situations. This approach highlights key elements that potential students may find appealing, such as immersion, personalization, and cultural engagement.

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