Ballater Tutors & Ballater Tuition

Personal Description:
I have a first degree in History and English and a masters in Art History. I have been teaching successfully in London and Norfolk for the past 30 years and can honestly say that I have never had a student fail, whether it be for an entrance exam or GCSE, 'A' level or even at University helping with a final dissertation. I am passionate about my subjects and believe that each student should be approached with tailor made lessons to achieve their desired goal. I have in many cases remained friends with many of the families of the students I have taught. It is a pleasure to work with young people who believe in their abilities to achieve in life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at further education colleges in and around London as well as private schools mainly in English and History for G.C.S.E. and 'A' Level students. I am also an Associate Lecturer for the Open University in the Humanities and have been doing so for 14 years. My main strengths are in private tutoring in which I have been engaged for the past 30 years around London and Norfolk.

Tutoring Approach:
In the case of coursework for GCSE or 'A' level I am happy to have students email their work for me to check over and then have a lesson in person or on-line. With regard to working towards examinations, I prefer to use the question papers as the basis for learning as generally each exam board has a preference for the way in which questions are answered especially in the subjects I teach. English and History especially are open to interpretation. I believe the need to read around the subject and offer a wider knowledge than is generally taught at schools or colleges is vital. Regular tuition is therefore preferable, so that all problems can be addressed over a period of time but I am flexible as to how many lessons are needed.I am also happy to teach on-line using Skype or similar if preferred, as I have been doing this over Covid and thereafter.

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Personal Description:
I am French, living in Manchester since 2006.
I love languages and sharing my knowledge of different languages.
I believe that anyone can learn a foreign language as long as they put enough work into it.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher since June 2002.
Self employed in France, specializing in home tutoring from 2002 to 2006.
Teacher for the alliance francaise in Manchester since 2006, teaching small groups as well as one to one lessons.
Language assistant and part time teacher in a secondary school in Tameside between 2007 and 2012.
French primary school teacher on a part time basis between 2007 and 2012.
Language assistant and part-time teacher in a sixth form college in Bury from 2012 to 2015.
Part-time teacher at the University of Lancaster since 2013.
Language assistant in a secondary school in Manchester since october 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that a good relationship between the tutor and the student is essential to achieve improvement.
As a native speaker, I can also give extra information which will create a deeper interest in languages for the students.

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Personal Description:
DO YOU NEED A TUTOR FOR EXAMS/RE-SIT EXAMS THIS YEAR? LOOK NO FURTHER!


GRADE 1 OUTSTANDING - OFSTED (from 2002 to 2024!)
I have been the Head of Accounting since 2006, at a large Catholic Sixth Form College in Hulme, Manchester. I am 46 years old, living in Didsbury, South Manchester. I gained my degree in Economics and Finance in 1998 from Leicester University. I began teaching in 2002 so have many years of experience teaching Accounting.

I mainly offer tuition at my home, or a local library, either at the weekend, or weekday evenings. However, I am usually able to offer tuition during the school/college holidays.

Teaching Experience:
I completed my PGCE at Manchester University in 2002. I only teach Accounting AS and A2 Level, and this is therefore my main specialism. I can also help students in need of tutoring on the Finance elements of the Business Studies A Level, or on Accounting/Finance elements of Business/Accounting/Finance degree courses.

I teach the AQA specification.

Many tutors are not willing to advertise the results they have achieved with students. I recommend you read the section below on the results i have achieved with my A Level Accounting students.

Also, many tutors seem to offer tuition in a wide variety of subjects. Are they really specialists in so many different subjects? I am an Accounting specialist, and only offer tuition in Accounting or the Finance elements of a Business course. If you need a Maths tutor, then hire a Maths specialist. If you need an Accounting tutor, then hire me!

Tutoring Approach:
Many other tutors seem to describe their strategies/relationships etc, without mentioning anything concrete like exam results! Surely the one thing a prospective student wants to know about is exam results!?!? Read on.

I have an incredibly strong track record of results at A Level Accounting. Compare the results of my students against the national benchmarks below. Please compare the difference between my students, and the benchmarks. We are WAY ahead!


My A Level Accounting students in 2022:

Grade A*-B = 79%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2022:

Grade A*-B = 43%


Each department within the college is graded according to the college's own internal validation procedure. I have been graded as 1 'OUTSTANDING' for 17 years on the row, since I became head of the department!!!

The Accounting department was also graded as 1 'OUTSTANDING' in the last OFSTED report in Jan 2023. Key Findings from Ofsted:

"A high proportion of students achieve grades A and B. In A-Level Accounting more than two thirds of students gained a high grade (A-B). In AS Accounting, almost four times the national average achieved a high grade (A-B)."


I have been awarded grade 1 on the ALPS measure for value added on 3 separate occasions in recent years. This means i add more value to my students than any other college in the country. Value added measures the difference between what the Government predicts a student should achieve at A Level based on their GCSE performance and what they actually achieve.

Here are the previous years results, so you can see that the performance is ALWAYS impressive, and WAY ABOVE benchmark.


My A Level Accounting students in 2021:

Grade A*-B = 63%


Benchmark A Level Accounting 2021:

Grade A*-B = 47%


My A Level Accounting students in 2020:

Grade A*-B = 61%

Benchmark A Level Accounting 2020:

Grade A*-B = 44%


My A Level Accounting students in 2019:

Grade A*-B = 47%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2019:

Grade A*-B = 33%


My A2 Accounting students in 2018:

Grade A*-B = 47%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2018:

Grade A*-B = 37%


My A2 Accounting students in 2017:

Grade A*-B = 63%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2017:

Grade A*-B = 40%


My A2 Accounting students in 2016:

Grade A*-B = 51%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2016:

Grade A*-B = 35%


My A2 Accounting students in 2015:

Grade A*-B = 48%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2015:

Grade A*-B = 34%


My A2 Accounting students in 2014:

Grade A*-B = 56%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2014:

Grade A*-B = 36%


My A2 Accounting students in 2013:

Grade A*-B = 68%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2013:

Grade A*-B = 38%


My A2 Accounting students in 2012:

Grade A*-B = 68%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2012:

Grade A*-B = 36%


My A2 Accounting students in 2011:

Grade A*-B = 54.54%

Benchmark A2 Accounting 2011:

Grade A*-B = 35.12%



My A2 Accounting students in 2010:

Grade A*-B = 67.35%


Benchmark A2 Accounting 2010:

Grade A*-B = 37.36%


My A2 Accounting students in 2009:

Grade A*-B = 66.67%


Benchmark A2 Accounting 2009:

Grade A*-B = 35.83%


My A2 Accounting students in 2008:

Grade A*-B = 77.27%


Benchmark A2 Accounting 2008:

Grade A*-B = 33.93%

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Personal Description:
I am a certified teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language. In May 2012 I finished the Master de Educación Secundaria Obligatoria y Bachillerato, FP y Enseñanza de Idiomas in Spain, a program similar to a PGCE. I am also working on the dissertation on another master program that will qualify me as a teacher of Spanish as a Foreign Language. I enjoy Qualified Teaching Status since November 2012 and I am familiar with the English curriculum and the programme of study for KS3-4 in all aspects related to teaching Spanish as a MFL. I have taught Spanish to people of all ages and nationalities and also have classroom experience as a Chemistry Teacher (ages 15-16 and 17-18).

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced professional with a strong academic background and I am confident that I can be a valuable asset to your school. To be part of your teaching team will be a fantastic opportunity for me because it will also give me the opportunity to embrace the British culture again.

I have worked very hard to become a good teacher. My grades have been outstanding and I am receiving very good feedback from my instructors. I have carried out the practical phase of the teaching programme (Master in Secondary Education) in the same high school that I attended many years ago. In this school I have been responsible for teaching Chemistry and Physics to over 60 students and I also implemented a social learning environment to support their learning which has received very good feedback from my students and the lead teacher. I have accrued more than 800 teaching hours to date. I have the skills required for a classroom teacher and also the specialised skills required for teaching a second language.

Tutoring Approach:
From my own experience, I believe that learning a new language is similar to opening a door into a world full of possibilities: traveling, getting a new job, meeting new people and, in general, becoming a stronger individual both personally and professionally. In my classes, I like to tap into that part of each of my students that is exited about learning a new language, because that motivation will lead them to succeed in my class.

As a language teacher I firmly believe that in order for the students to succeed, two things must be present in the classroom environment: trust and respect. I have a lot of experience as a language student, Spanish is my native tongue and I have learned English, German and a bit of French and I have struggled with that first phrase I wanted to say out loud thinking that I was going to make a mistake or that it was going to sound funny. I understand that not everyone learns a language at the same rate and speaking in a foreign language takes courage and self-confidence. Courage and self-confidence are supported by an environment of trust and respect. In my classroom there are always ground rules: we are all here to learn, we learn from each other and we must respect each other.

The other very important aspect for me is making sure that the level of proficiency is correctly assessed. If the classes are too challenging or too basic, a negative environment not conducive to learning is created. Even if proper evaluation is made before the groups are formed, there will always be differences inside the classroom. I, as a teacher, try to be as aware as possible of this factor and strive to use that for the good of the group. Pairing a strong student with someone not as strong usually helps. Another important issue that I try to be as aware as possible is preventing the strong students from taking over the exercises and leaving behind other students that, because of either lack of confidence or not being at the same level, stop themselves from actively participating in class. In my classes, I make sure that everyone is heard and that I can evaluate progress of all my students.

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Personal Description:
Native speaker. I've been living in the UK nearly 20 years, most of them in South-West. I'm a keen reader and chair a reading group. I have two extremely bright and boisterous boys, both bilingual. My English is near-native.

Teaching Experience:
For the last seven years I've been contracted to teach Russian Language for MoD, which means that sometimes I can be extremely busy but most of the time I still have sessions available.
I am working towards teaching qualification (Cert Ed leading to Diploma in Education). Russian exam preparation, such as GSCE, A-levels, TRKI is my speciality although I quite like teaching Russian as a leisure course.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in using different ways of teaching and learning approaches. I use a variety of online resources, a number of course books suitable for foreign students studying Russian. I have good understanding of English grammar, which helps me explain Russian grammar through similarities. I encourage my students to speak as much as possible, read and listen to Russian news and watch Russian programs. I will tailor my course content to your needs and use my experience and materials to achieve the best results. I update my teaching materials regularly to make them relevant and follow the changes in latest exam requirements, changes in modern language and world news.
I prefer to teach in person although in current climate I've been using a number of platforms: Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom. I use all the latest technology, including Nitro Pro and Parblo and have completed several courses on online teaching.

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Personal Description:
I am a Chemistry Teacher in a Secondary School where I teach Chemistry and Physics from year 7 to year 11. I also teach A-level Chemistry (AQA Exam Board).

I can help students to practice exam skills and revision techniques.

I am also an Italian native speaker, so I can teach Italian at any level. I am also able to help with French from Primary to KS4.

I like helping others, so I enjoy helping students to achieve good grades.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Science Teacher in a Secondary School.

I have a PGCE in Secondary Science - Chemistry, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering.

Regarding teaching languages, I am an Italian native speaker and I am also fluent in French.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to be systematic without being too severe. I like to establish a good relationship with the students, based on a reciprocal respect.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified secondary school maths teacher with a BSc in Mathematics offering tuition for all ages. I have been very successful as a teacher and tutor with a wide range of different academic abilities. I have been tutoring full time since 2017. I have a full current DBS (criminal records check). I offer online or face to face lessons at your home or local libaries.

Please note the cost advertised here are for online lessons lasting 40 minutes, longer or face to face lessons will incur extra fees. You can take the option to spread the cost of term time lessons over 12 months (or less if appropriate). For example 36 online lessons at 40 minutes per lesson works out to be 12 payments of £90 per month.

Online fees: £40 for a one hour lesson £35 for a 50 minute lesson £30 for a 40 minute lesson.

Face to face fees: From £50 for one hour From £45 for 50 minutes From £40 for 40 minutes

Teaching Experience:
During my teaching career I have taught in 4 different high schools including schools with a sixth form. My first post was in a Lancashire High school where I was responsible for the intervention in Mathematics which involves helping small groups of pupils who are below target in Mathematics. My last GCSE group all achieved grade A*-C. (set 2 of 6)

My next post was in a Sefton High School and sixth form where I was responsible for organising and running intervention. My GCSE group (set 5/bottom set) all achieved at least three levels of progress from their starting point and 3 pupils achieved a grade C (This was above their target grade).

In my final year I was teaching 3 GCSE classes. A higher group in which all achieved 6-9 as well as a vocational group and a bottom set where some pupils achieved grade 4 and others made their expected progress.

Some of the successes include a pupil moving from a predicted grade 6 to a grade 9 and another moving from a 5 in his December mock exam to a grade 8 in his March mock exam, gaining the award for most improved result in the whole school and then went on to achieve a 9 in his GCSE's. Another pupil who moved from a grade 2 to a grade 4. In total I had 14 final year students in 2017, 18 in 2018, 21 in 2019, 25 in 2020 and 23 in 2021, 26 in 2022, 18 in 2023, 12 in 2024 and 14 in 2025 who all improved their grade and achieved grades 4-9 (C-A*+).

Tutoring Approach:
I want all my students to be able to develop their understanding of mathematics rather than just learning how to answer a question. I try to work with their class teacher in following the methods they are being taught at school but also realise that different methods may be appropriate if they are struggling. I set homework weekly which is assessed at the start each session unless it is a longer piece or exam paper which is taken away and marked and brought back to the next session. I plan topics which are linked to previous learning in order to develop the bigger picture of mathematics but have excellent subject knowledge so I'm able to change my plan if the student wishes to look at another area that might have arisen as a problem in school/college. I also like my students to be proactive and get in touch if they wish to cover a particular topic which wasn't mentioned at the end of the previous session. I have a good relationship with all the people I tutor, they are at ease to ask questions and praise is central to help raise confidence. I am willing to travel however the price stated is the online price so please enquire if you would like a home visit.

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Personal Description:
My name is David and I am 40 years old. I live in a small village called Slinfold, which is just outside of Horsham. I am a upbeat, positive person, who loves helping people in all aspects of life. My interests outside of languages and teaching include golf, cricket, and snooker. I am a keen baker, but not quite Bake Off standard. I have a little dog called Molly.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign Language in both France and Germany in primary and secondary schools. I have also taught foreign students at English Summer Schools as well. Recently I have started up my own French and German private tuition company and teach students between the ages of 15-70. I have a Degree in French and German from the University of Oxford.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible in my approach tp language learning, offering a bespoke service for the specific needs of each individual student. This includes emphasis on conversational skills, grammar, preparation for exams, or a more general approach for a hobby. I like to make my lessons fun and motivating, and will provide ongoing homework and testing if the student would like to be stretched. Ideally, I like working with students who are equally focused and motivated, as this will ensure the best results.

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Personal Description:
I am a French native speaker with extensive experience as a French tutor. I am currently working as a researcher at the university of York investigating how to improve second language teaching methods. I have always loved helping people learning French as I am myself a passionate language learner. I can also help with German since I have been learning it for more than 10 years.
Given that I love learning languages myself, I am highly aware of the difficulties one can face in this journey. Moreover, I have a strong background in grammatical knowledge because I studied linguistics and literature in the past (and latin!).
Finally, I am a very friendly, enthusiastic and engaged tutor.

Teaching Experience:
I have a long experience in tutoring with students of various ages and various learning goals.
Below is a list of the positions I have had:
-French trainer, Educom GmBH, Vienna, Austria: I prepared and conducted weekly French lessons for a group of adults at beginner level (2 months).
-French tutor, Lernkurve institute, Vienna, Austria: I tutored various pupils in French (aged from 12 to 18-year old).
-private French tutor in Vienna, Austria and in the UK: I helped an 11 year old boy, a 13 year old girl and a 16 year old girl with their French homework once a week and helped them getting ready for exams during two years. I started to teach French from zero to two younger girls (6 and 8 years old). Finally, I designed personalised French lessons during 8 months for an adult student who wanted to start learning French.
-French conversation: I regularly met an adult student (advanced level) to have conversations in French.
-French corrections: I have helped university students of French writing essays in French.

Tutoring Approach:
I like keeping French tutoring sessions as interactive as possible. That is really the only way of learning languages!
Depending on the students' language level and desires, I can teach French from scratch, help with homework, have conversations or prepare intense exam revision sessions if the student tells me in advance what he/she has problems with.

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Personal Description:
i have taught in england and abroad. I have a teaching certificate from Cambridge. I belive that lessons should be fun and there should always be a smile of the student face to allow for the best and most effective learning to take place.

Teaching Experience:
ESOL teaching in UK and Hunguary
1 on 1 lessons
Large class size

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons should be tailored to the student. With the task that are relevant to the students learning style and take this part of teaching very seriously and belive it is the most important thing to take into account when teaching a student in a one on one enviroment/

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Personal Description:
Passionate, experienced educator and Chartered Mechanical Engineer with an MBA from London Business School and a strong background in STEM fields.

Before tutoring, I worked in the city for large blue chip financial services organisations within technology and data architecture. And before that I worked for tech companies including Microsoft and Uber, taking some time to organise an expedition to Antarctica on behalf of HRH Prince Wales, the Commonwealth and the BBC. I've learned how to build and lead world-class teams and really enjoy bringing a love of mentoring into tutoring key subjects.

Beyond my work, I enjoy climbing and writing music, and I'm driven by a desire to help others succeed, both in the classroom and beyond.

Teaching Experience:
100% success rate in improving student's GCSE and A-Level performance by a minimum of 2 grades or to the top possible grade.

Experience in GCSE Maths and Physics; A-Level Maths, Further-Maths and Physics; Post-Graduate Business and Management.

"Thanks so much for all your help it really paid off! I really wasn't the biggest fan of maths but I will miss our tutoring lessons as I actually found them fun." - Tutee Testimonial

"I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to you for the fantastic support you've given my daughter." - Tutee Parent Testimonial

General Experience:

I have also coached and mentored professionals throughout my career, guiding them through complex projects and helping them to achieve personal and team goals. My experience working with young people stems from my time as a mountain guide, where I took groups of children on outdoor expeditions, teaching them about the environment and leadership.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to tailor each session to the student's individual needs, focusing on making challenging subjects like Maths, Economics and Physics more accessible and engaging.

I believe in building confidence through problem-solving and helping students develop critical thinking skills that will serve them well beyond their exams.

Drawing on my experience in high-pressure environments, I aim to foster resilience and curiosity, encouraging students to ask questions and explore topics from different angles.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a current A-level student, I aim to offer targeted tutoring for students currently doing their GCSE's, using my recent experience and knowledge of the curriculum to my advantage. All the subjects I offer I've achieved grades 7 and above in, with 9s in both English language and literature, and 8s in history and religious education. My main priority as a tutor is to help students understand exactly what the examiners are looking for, whilst providing insights and strategies from a student's perspective in the following subjects:
-English literature (AQA)
-English language (AQA)
-History (Edexcel)
-R.E (Eduquas/ wjec)
-Maths (Edexcel)
-Biology (AQA)
-Drama (AQA)

Teaching Experience:
Whilst I haven't held an official teaching role, I've spent the last couple of years helping to mentor those around me when they needed it. I find it incredibly rewarding to break down harder concepts that people often find 'scary' into more manageable steps. For example, I previously tutored a friend in GCSE Maths who was consistently stuck on a grade 4-5. By focusing on consistently appearing topics that could also appear in larger mark questions, like SURDs and completing the square, I helped her build the confidence to tackle the higher-tier papers. I'm proud to say she went on to achieve a Grade 7 in her final exams. Additionally, I regularly help my younger sister with her primary school work, helping me to develop the patience and adaptability skills needed to explain the same concept in multiple different ways and examples until it clicks and sticks to the student being taught.

Tutoring Approach:
Growing up, I've always been a visual learner; I understand that textbooks aren't always enough. I've used this to my advantage to turn it into my greatest teaching strength: I use my iPad to make every session interactive.I do this by breaking down complex topics with live diagrams, graphs, and real-life examples to break down exactly how a concept works. I also use the 'I do, we do, you do' approach to help build a genuine understanding of the topic. First, I model exactly how to tackle a high-mark exam question. Next, we collaborate on a second question and work through the steps required together. Finally, I let the student take the lead on their own, allowing them to apply their new skills with their own knowledge.

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