Askern Tutors and Askern 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:
About Me. I'm now taking on a small number of private students, as my university commitments have settled. I currently lecture at the University of Salford and have over 28 years of teaching experience. I'm a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Visiting Lecturer at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and also teach in São Paulo, Brazil. I've worked extensively in higher education, including as an assessor for university teaching qualifications and an external examiner for several universities. Over the years, I've been nominated by my students for "Best Teacher" and "Best Postgraduate Supervisor" on multiple occasions - something I'm incredibly proud of. I completed my PhD in Rheumatology in 2009 and began private tutoring in 2008. I offer individual tuition in Biology, Science, PE, Study Skills, and other health and medical-related topics. I also love teaching science to children and helping students build confidence in their learning. Before moving into education, I worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist in the NHS for 13 years, including three years as Physiotherapist for the England Women's Football Team. It was a privilege to represent my country and work with such talented athletes both at home and overseas. I'm also an internationally published author, having written and edited nine textbooks, now translated into eleven languages, covering subjects such as anatomy and academic writing.
Please note:
I cannot tutor current University of Salford students due to a conflict of interest.
While I'll do my utmost to help every learner succeed, I cannot write assignments or guarantee grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for over a decade. I began teaching in a professional capacity whilst working in a hospital environment where I became a Clinical Educator for undergraduate Physiotherapy students from Universities in the region. This role involved teaching and training undergraduate students within hospitals. Eventually my enthusiasm for teaching overtook that of my day job and I began teaching at Salford University on a part time basis, becoming a full time member of staff within the School of Health Sciences in 1996. I am the longest serving member of staff in the department and enjoy my job, and the interaction with students, as much now as when I first began teaching. Please note that if you are a student at the University of Salford I will be unable to offer private tuition due to a conflict of interest. Also please note that if we commence tutoring that whilst I will do my absolute best to help students, I cannot write assignments for students or guarantee a specific score or grade.

Teaching at a university entails a range of teaching methods including lecturing to hundreds of students, small and large group seminar-based sessions and a mix of theory and practical skills. Since 1998 I have been the Year One tutor which involves a pastoral element as many students are having their first experience of independence away from friends and family.

As a private tutor both in my own home, I mainly focus on one-to-one tuition, which I find hugely rewarding as I am able to dedicate unwavering attention to the tutee and their chosen subjects. I have experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and ranging in age from 14 years to 50 years.

In 2009 I won the first ever Teaching Excellence Award at Salford University, and the following year was nominated for the Times Educational Innovative Teacher Award - both nominated by my students, a fact of which I am extremely proud.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly and informal approach to teaching, as I believe a relaxed environment is most conducive to learning, regardless of the subject or age. However, I am aware that private tuition is a serious commitment, and there must be a clear structure to the sessions. I am familiar with the syllabi for OCR, AQA, and Edexcel for GCSE, A-level, and degree courses. The first session will include an informal discussion with parents/tutee to gain an understanding of the tutee's requirements and to explain my role and how I can aid learning. The tutee largely dictates the structure of the sessions, including the subjects they wish to focus on and their preferred learning style, which can be discussed during the first session. As the student develops, the structure can be adapted accordingly.

Additional Information

I prefer to teach in my own home
Thanks very much for viewing my profile.

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Personal Description:
I am a kind person with a passion for music. I have many interests such as playing in bands, writing my own music, and music technology.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching all age groups from adults to young primary school children. I took a teaching module as part of my undergraduate music degree at trinity college of music. I am familiar with teaching one-to-one and groups.

Tutoring Approach:
I find everyone's brain absorbs information differently so I find it best to incorporate visual and aural exercises. I like to tailor what I teach to each individual for their own strengths and weaknesses to improve.

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Personal Description:
I'm a professional and creative teacher . My passions are teaching, drama, animals, travel and books. I've lived in the UK for over 16years.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher of Polish for over 20 years. I teach Polish to students of various ages, levels and abilities .

Tutoring Approach:
I am working with passion and enthusiasm. My forte is patience, good sense of humour and very active individual approach to each student.
I prefer active learning methods.

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Personal Description:
My aim is to help each student reach their potential through individually tailored lessons designed to make learning enjoyable. I have a strong belief that for people of all ages, learning can be fun, and if you relish the process, you are much more likely to learn something!

Every lesson includes the use of several workbooks, learning diagrams, reading books, learning games and rewards (for younger students) ranging from stickers to special prizes for the hardest workers!

I also believe that a hugely understated part of any teachers role is to give a student confidence, as when belief is established, the student's results tend to rapidly improve as well. Therefore my extremely enthusiastic approach to tutoring is vital in building a students confidence and skyrocketing upwards in levels.

There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a student achieve what they set out to do, be it a particular grade they need to obtain or a skill they need to develop.

Teaching Experience:
For over thirteen years I have been teaching English, Literacy and Reading from my own home. I have an Honours Degree in English Language BA (Hons).

Tutoring Approach:
Exam Results

GCSE English

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE English (2023)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 9 (A**)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2022)

2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2021)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE English (2019)

2 students from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 8 (A+)

GCSE English (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2017)

1 student from a 3 (D) -----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2016)

1 student from a U ----> B
1 student from an E -----> B
1 student from a D ----> C
1 student from a C -----> A*

GCSE English (2015)

1 student from a U ----> C
2 students from an E -----> B
1 student from an E ----> C
1 student from a D ----> A*
1 student from a D -----> B
2 students from a D ----> C
1 student from a C ----> A*
1 student from a C ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

GCSE English (2014)

4 Students from a D ----> C
3 Students from a D ----> B
2 Students from a D ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2020 & 2021)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

Year 6 SATS (2019)

2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard
2 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> below expectations

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2016)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
3 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

10 students passed
3 students failed
76.9% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

8 students passed on their first attempt
1 students passed on their second attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Recent Testimonials:

Ellen (10)
Year 6 SATS

Ellen was described as just below the expected level for English. We also felt her spelling was often poor and she struggled with extended writing. The main thing we have noticed is Ellen's confidence, attitude to learning and overall happiness: the improvement is immense. Ellen has now adapted a 'can do' attitude and revels in articulating what she has learnt with David. David is incredibly enthusiastic and positive, an approach that has really worked with Ellen. Speaking as a teacher, it is also clear that he understands the amendment procedures for Key Stage 2 and therefore every minute of every lesson is preparing Ellen for success. Ultimately my daughter loves to attend David's lesson and loves learning now!

Score: 10/10

Jack (16)
GCSE's

Jack's mock results were an E in English Language as well as a D in literature and he wanted to do Economics A level which required a B grade in his final GCSE. Jack had two hours of tuition per week from January to May. He enjoyed going (this surprised me as he hated English before the sessions) and had a new found likeness for literacy. He received a B in both language and literature and can now do A level economics. Jack related very well to David- this made learning easier for Jack and he obtained the grades he needed. His teachers at school noticed a marked improvement in his work when he was having tuition.

Score: 10/10

Oliver (6)
Year 2

Oliver was falling behind in Math's and English. I am very happy to say that his confidence and his ability to retain what David teaches him has improved greatly. His teachers at school have also commented on his marked improvement and he now feels a sense of achievement in everything he does- he also speaks of making David proud. David was/is exactly what I was looking for. Oliver doesn't seem to think about his lesson as lesson, he genuinely enjoys spending Saturday mornings at David's as he now really wants to improve himself! Wow!!!

Score: 10/10

Subjects

Personal Description:
Passionate about the 11plus. Experienced 11plus tutor, after teaching English in London for over 15 years. I hold a BA/LLB from an Australian University.

Teaching Experience:
Taught English in London for over 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an excellent teacher with the ability to explain things very clearly to my students so they can approach exams with confidence. & pass easily.

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Personal Description:
I have worked in theatre for forty years as an actor, director, Artistic Director, playwright and teacher. After a drama degree, I trained as an actor and worked for ten years in fringe, rep, and educational theatre with a little TV on the side. I then moved into directing and writing and - eventually - teaching. I have worked with all ages from small children to older people in care; youth theatre, new writing, touring theatre and regional rep as both director and Artistoic Director. I have taught at several leading drama schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at Rose Bruford College of Speech & Drama, The Royal Central School of Speech & Drama, LAMDA, Italia Conti and had a 25 year association with Drama Studio London during which time I taught sight reading, was a personal tutor, directed productions and had spells as Head of Year (One & Two Year Programmes) and Co-Artistic Director.

Tutoring Approach:
Starting with the individual - their wants, needs & aims - I work with and from the text in an atmosphere of trust and creative playfulness.

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Personal Description:
I am John, an English graduate who has several years experience in one-to-one and small group tuition. I enable my students to make the connections they need to find in order to achieve successful exam results. Many of my students have achieved results that they required in order to secure places at university or attain successful grades both at GCSE and A/L standard. Other students have achieved the results they needed for making successful job applications and professional placements.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching and tutoring since the mid 2000s. I enjoy working with students to enable them to achieve the grades they require, both for exam results and for securing the careers they have set their sights on. I have worked both one-to-one as well as with small groups, including those for whom English is not their first language.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is that of an enabler. I believe that every student has it in them to unlock the results they are aiming for, however unconfident they may feel about a particular subject or aspect of it. By working closely with examples from previous exam papers, I am able to show pupils how to take control and gain ownership of English texts and language. Pupils find out how to unlock their own innate abilities to analyse and comprehend the way language and literature works. Armed with these approaches my students gain mastery over their subject matter and gear their knowledge towards the exam targets they wish to achieve.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I understand the importance of the relationship between student and teacher in determining a student's enjoyment of the subject and developing confidence in their ability to succeed. I see it as a privilege to be entrusted with that role of tutor.

I have had an extensive career as a Biologist before becoming a teacher, working in the field of cancer research, and in the pharmaceutical industry, which gives me an insight into the possible careers associated with the subject.

I teach online using Zoom which has been very successful throughout the pandemic

Teaching Experience:
I am an accredited AQA A-Level Biology examiner.

I have 25 years experience teaching GCSE and A-Level Biology, mostly at selective state schools, where I have an excellent record of raising the attainment of my students, enabling them to achieve top grades.

I have a strong track-record in tutoring and have successfully worked with students to develop their exam strategies, build confidence and secure their desired grades.

I have worked with students resitting Biology A-Level and helped them improve their grades.

I prepare students for Biology in the Common Entrance 11+ and 13+

Tutoring Approach:
I work hard with my students to build trust quickly, so that they overcome their fear of `getting it wrong` and `sounding stupid`. This helps the students feel relaxed and more willing to verbalise their thinking. This in turn gives me the opportunity to understand their reasoning, identify gaps in their knowledge and correct any misunderstandings.

I support students to develop revision resources and exam strategies as they go through the specification. The sooner they start, the easier the revision before the exams and the more time for question practice they have.

It is important that the students I tutor enjoy their sessions and grow in confidence throughout their time with me, and I employ my coaching skills to achieve this.

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Personal Description:
I began tutoring in 2015 to help out a friends child with their French. During those lessons I started to develop a joy in teaching and thrived on seeing the progress of my student. Since then I have created simple methods, tailored to each child or adult, whether it be for the fun of learning or to obtain good grades. As a native French speaker living in London I am confident and proficient in English and French. My online services can be flexible depending on your personal schedules.

Teaching Experience:
After also enjoying the experience of tutoring primary students Maths and English, I started tutoring GCSE French on the side. Whilst doing this, I was a pre school teacher at a nursery!

Tutoring Approach:
Every individual has different needs and circumstances, these of which I try to cater to. I provide group lessons, one-on-one lessons and crash course lessons before exams at all levels of Education.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and experienced Maths and ICT teacher, and have taught all secondary year groups and abilities. I am also an examiner for GCSE maths for two exam boards.

I now work part-time as an online tutor, and part-time as a web developer. Both roles are flexible which means I can tutor at any time of the day and am free to adjust my schedule at short notice.

Prior to becoming a teacher, I studied aerospace engineering at university.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 10 years classroom experience at schools in the UK and abroad. As well as teaching Maths, I have taught ICT in the majority of those schools.

As a teacher, I estimate that I must have taught well over 1000 students. Those students have come from a wealth of backgrounds and abilities. All those who have had external key exams (GCSE, A level, IB) have passed, including at least two students who were expected to fail by a significant margin.
I have had students with Special Educational Needs as well as students who are Gifted or Talented. Whilst I like to teach the whole spectrum of abilities, I find it most rewarding to teach those who are struggling because it is satisfying to see them flourish and start to enjoy the subject.

As an examiner, I am well aware of the common mistakes that students make, and why they happen. I highlight these common errors to students so that they are aware of them and can avoid making the same mistakes themselves. The better a student can understand what an examiner is looking for, the more prepared that student is for the exam.

Tutoring Approach:
When teaching online, I make use a range of resources including the online whiteboard, web apps, a physical whiteboard, pen/pencil and paper. I have access to a tablet for use with the online whiteboard and an HD document camera for demonstrations using my physical whiteboard or pen and paper.

Some student like to tell me what to do each lesson, in which case I encourage them to let me know prior to the lesson so that I can prepare myself a little. Others prefer me to choose what to do. In both situations, if students have work they would like me to check between lessons, I am happy to do so.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dedicated and academically accomplished tutor with over a decade of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering across secondary school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, as well as delivering software workshops. Renowned for simplifying complex concepts, designing tailored curricula, and fostering student engagement through interactive, student-centred teaching methods. Brings practical industry insight from over five years as a Manufacturing Engineer in the automotive sector-most recently at Jaguar Land Rover-enhancing the relevance and application of engineering principles in the classroom. Passionate about inspiring learners and advancing STEM education through innovative pedagogy and real-world context.

Teaching Experience:
KEY SKILLS
• Mathematics & Physics Instruction
• Mechanical Engineering Principles
• Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
• Concept Simplification & Visualization
• Student Engagement & Motivation
• Assessment Design & Constructive Feedback
• Software Proficiency: MS Office, Minitab, COMFAR, CATIA, Abaqus, DEFORM
Teaching Experience
• Lecturer for Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering courses, KNTU, 2016-2020
• Lecturer for Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering courses, NIT, 2014-2016
• High school lecturer in Mathematics and Physics at Secondary School, ADIB, 2013-2015

Tutoring Approach:
1- Learner-Centered Philosophy
I prioritize understanding each learner's unique needs, strengths, and goals. My approach is adaptive, aiming to build confidence and independence in the learner.

2- Diagnostic and Goal-Oriented
I begin by assessing the learner's current level and identifying gaps or areas for improvement. Together, we set clear, achievable goals to guide our sessions.

3- Interactive and Engaging Methods
I use a mix of questioning, real-world examples, and active problem-solving to keep sessions engaging. I encourage learners to think critically and ask questions.

4- Feedback and Reflection
Regular feedback is key. I provide constructive input and encourage learners to reflect on their progress, helping them take ownership of their learning journey.

5- Supportive Environment
I foster a safe and respectful space where learners feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. Patience and encouragement are central to my style.

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