Banff Tutors and Banff Tuition

Personal Description:
I am mum to two boys, both who have flown the nest. I miss them greatly now that they are based in London but try to visit as much as I can. I love to shop and also exercise, especially pilates. Oh and I do love to cook!

Teaching Experience:
I studied at Dundee College of Education where I gained a Diploma in Primary Education. This was a three year course. I then took another Certificate in Early Years. After leaving College, I taught in both the state and private primary sector. I left teaching to have my children and then to nurse my youngest child who was quite sick for a few years. Once his health was better, I started working as a tutor from home or going to the client's house to tutor. I now tutor seven days a week. I have experience in Maths, Language, Phonics and Grammar. I also tutor children in preparation for entrance exams in to the independent sector, which includes Verbal, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Maths, Language and Spelling. The children I have tutored have all had great success, many going forward for a scholarship.
I have an online Dyslexia touch type programme which has had tremendous success. Many children, with the school's permission , come to be tutored within school hours.

Tutoring Approach:
I always believe that the child should feel comfortable with the person they are being tutored by and build up a good relationship. Tutoring is not only about helping the child to succeed but also for them to gain confidence and self belief. I have various methods of tutoring from written work, reading and oral work. I also have a computer available where we can work from. eg online games After each lesson, I give the child homework to be completed for the next lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a very approachable person who interacts well with students of all ages. Most would say that I have a positive outlook on life and always leave a positive impact on those I meet. I'm friendly, down to earth and honest. My philosophy is that studies don't have to be boring, and I always use my career as a teacher/tutor as testament to this.

I enjoy a variety of different things such as arts, culture and cuisine. My hobbies include drawing comic strips, magna, anime and playing electric bass. I am open minded and welcome students of any age, race, background and culture as an honour for me to teach.

Teaching Experience:
Over 19 years experience teaching and tutoring in and out of classrooms. I have taught both in the UK and abroad. I am one of the few teachers in London who is able to teach Mathematics, English Language, English Literature and the three respective Sciences to A* at GCSE.

Valid DBS
School/Classroom references available
Tuition references available

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different, and I feel it an insult to my students' integrity to tell them how to revise when first meeting them. Through my experience teaching, there is no right way to study, but there are a variety of 'better' ways to make the best grades for each person's potential.

Many students approach me frustrated that they often don't achieve the same calibre as their peers despite the hours they put in. Often it is due to the fact that they aren't their peers and a different approach to revision and homework is required. I believe in working smart before working hard.

We'll tailor a program as a team, and prioritise it factorising your: current ablities, time proximity, and scope of subjects you'd like to cover.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualified teacher for almost eleven years.
Currently Head of Design and Technology at a school in Nottingham
Teaching Design and Technology at one of England's top schools in Uppingham for Eight years.
BA (hons), PGCE and CRB cleared

Teaching Experience:
Eleven years Experience in Teaching Design and Technology GCSE, AS and A2 Level.
Grades my students have attained over the past four years GCSE - A*-B = 100%, As - A-C =100%, A2 - A-C = 100%.
Experience of AS, A level and GCSE Product Design with OCR and Edexcel. Have taught from Year 5 -Year 9 Food, Textiles and Resistant Materials.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every pupil is able to achieve their own potential with specific tutoring to their needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a friendly and outgoing personality and love working in a job that enables me to meet and deal with the general public. I also like being part of a good working team.

My hobbies include parachuting , country / folk dancing , camping , listening to music , swimming , hill walking , travel , and looking after my two small children.

Teaching Experience:
Prior to coming to the United Kingdom I spent four years at University in Turkey studying Chemistry. I have had my qualifications translated into the UK equivalent by UK NARIC which equates to a Bachelor Degree. I also have my general high school qualifications ( which includes Maths and English ) translated by NARIC which equates to a standard between GCSE and GCE AS level.

When I left university I spent 6 months at a hospital in the bio chemistry department in order to gain practical experience. I then taught in a primary school for a year teaching pupils aged 10 years. From here I moved on to a secondary school where I spent the next two years teaching chemistry pupils aged 15 to 17 years. During this time I gained a wealth of experience and enjoyment teaching pupils of various ages.

I work in Secondary School as a Science Technician since 2010 in Epsom Area that I really enjoy.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to keep my brain active and have also undertaken several part time study courses in my spare time. I enjoy working on my home computer and I have attended IT courses at NESCOT in Epsom learning about IT principles , spreadsheet , and word processing.
I feel that the skills and knowledge that I have obtained so far would be very useful in helping me to gain a position within the tutoring in my fluent Turkish Language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Award winning portrait and abstract artist, based in Fleet, Hampshire.
Painting and exhibiting for over 15 years professionally, specialising in oil & acrylic portraiture, landscape and abstract subject matter, My paintings foundation is from a hyper-realistic background, a portrait style which I studied and explored during and after my university education, while in recent years expanding to expressive mark making and more ambitious subject matter.
My main passions are within the visual arts and teaching drawing and painting. I'm also experienced teaching people with mild to severe learning difficulties, ADHD, autism and epilepsy whilst exploring art in a therapeutic way to help learners with diverse abilities and needs reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching for over 12 years, conducting 1:1 sessions and workshops to students with varying abilities, skills and mixed age ranges.
I specialise in teaching different styles of painting, for example impasto expressionism to fine technical realism, mostly concentrating on acrylic and oil based paints.
The subject matter I teach is usually portraits and landscape, although I encourage my students to explore all facets of visual arts including mixed media and abstract painting which I also have experience in my own artistic practice.
Besides painting I tutor drawing techniques with pencils, charcoal, chalk and oil pastel as well.

I've taught at charities such as Disability Initiative, facilitating observational and technical teaching to people with both mental and physical disabilities. At the charity I support clients to fulfil their artist potential to create personal and group artworks throughout the course of a 12 week rolling programme.
I've also taught for over 8 years at Arthouse Unlimited and The Meath Epilepsy Charity where I delivered similar workshop sessions to groups of people with learning difficulties and epilepsy. Their art works are sold to the public and exhibited in professional exhibitions and art fairs.

Tutoring Approach:
Being kind, open and honest about the learners wants, values and interests. Finding a connection and what inspires them to build confidence in their artwork and passion in their ideas. My job is to help this journey, with any technical and professional knowledge used only as a guide.
I believe students with more insight into their own ability can then become truly versatile and more importantly 'satisfied' with their work and practice.

I teach a range of techniques in my art lessons such as palette knife, paint brush techniques and technical sketching methods. I also instruct with a diverse variety of mediums such as pastel, charcoal, pencil, acrylic and oil paint as well as mixed media.
With my background in hyper-realism portraiture, I specialise in realist portraiture with also experience in landscape and abstract/expressive mark making.

Whether studying for GCSEs, A Levels, University or just your own enjoyment, I teach at a level best suited for the learner and the goals in which they pursue. I would encourage students studying for grades to follow certain assessment checkpoints which would be revolved around contextual and method referencing, self reflection, experimentation and consolidation. This will vary for different learners at different stages and obviously with different interests. I do stress though at the heart of my teaching is learning to explore personal artistic growth. These are skills which are easily transferable to whatever stage you're at with your art practice.

Subjects

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:
I am an Instrumentation engineer/software developer with a passion for teaching.

Teaching Experience:
10+ years of experience of teaching Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry to GCSE, A-levels and STEP.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach a subject by simplifying the concepts and then doing a lot of practice to master the topic. Practice questions are tailored to the individual`s ability. Challenging work is given to more able students and more practice is done to uplevel Maths grade irrespective of one`s ability.
Please note : All the lessons are now online.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been tutoring students across London in all aspects of Computing since 2015. Having a PhD and a 1st Class Degree in Computer Science from Sheffield University, I have a great deal of experience in everything from general programming to academic research. I worked for a decade as an academic at both Sheffield and Surrey Universities. I have helped many students through their studies at GCSE and A-level, teaching AQA, OCR and CIE syllabuses. I am also happy to teach adult learners who are looking to expand their skillset.

For A-level and GCSE students it is worth beginning tuition as soon as possible, not just in the weeks running up to exams (although this can still help). This is particularly important for Computer Science because students should be learning a programming language in parallel with their studies. Some exam boards require a programming project as coursework, and it is important that this is completed as soon as possible to leave room for exam preparation.

I am happy to help degree students with theory and learning programming, but enquiries asking for help with an assignment for hand in next week are unlikely to be followed up.

I teach:

Programming - C, C++, C#, Java, Javascri pt, Python, Lua, php
Web Technology - HTML, CSS
Computing Theory - Data Structures, Algorithms, Vectors and Matrix Algebra, Computer Graphics, Animation

This is not an exhaustive list, so please do contact me even if your subject is not listed here.

I conduct lessons both in person, and remotely.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught seminars, graded coursework, helped design courses at degree level, and have also tutored students to PhD level.

I have been teaching students online mostly since the beginning of the pandemic. Many students are used to this type of teaching now, and the tools available have made it much more viable. Whilst teaching in person is, in my opinion, superior, the convenience of audio/video calls and the ability to reach more students from more varied backgrounds has been invaluable.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning only happens by doing. Tailoring a course to the students individual requirements and the pace at which they can work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Kay and I have 21 years' experience as a tutor in all of the following subjects and levels:

1) English at Primary level (Years 1 to 6), KS3 , GCSE (Language & Literature) and A level Literature.
2) Maths at Primary level (Years 1 to 6).
3) 7+, 11+ , 13+ entrance exams.
4) History at KS3 and GCSE level.
5) Piano - from Grades 1 to 5 , as well as learning for pleasure
6) Singing -from Grades 1 to 5., as well as learning for pleasure
7) Guitar- from Grades 1 to 3, as well as learning for pleasure.
8) Music Theory- from Grades 1 to 5.

I am now offering tuition on Zoom/Skype during the Lockdown.

I also have 26 written references from parents, for students of various abilities, across all these subjects and levels.
I have an English-related degree (in History- which included some English modules within the degree), and I have a Level 1 City & Guilds Teaching Certificate in English.

I also have a proven track record of improving student's grades, regularly improving them by 1 to 2 grades, often in less than 1 year's tuition. For example, in English, I recently tutored a student at GCSE level- he had been predicted C grades in both Language & Literature, but after just 8 months' tuition with me, he achieved an A in his GCSE English Language exam and an A* in his English Literature exam. This is typical of my success over the years as a tutor.

I use National Curriculum Resources for all tuitions. Furthermore, I have great experience tutoring all abilities from the gifted and talented to those with Learning Disabilities (I have regularly taught students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Asberges).

I can either travel to the student's home or they can come to me. I am available to tutor on all evenings of the week, Monday to Friday, as well as in the daytime.I tutor through most of the School holidays, providing the opportunity for students to put in extra revision during these periods.

Teaching Experience:
As a full-time tutor, I have built up an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum and the various exam boards.
I have also built up a wealth of National Curriculum Resources for English, Maths and History : my 3 main subjects.

For English, I have resources covering the following: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar , Phonics, Vocabulary, Sentence structure, Comprehension and Creative Writing.

For Maths, I have resources from the very basics: Number Bonds and Counting up and down at KS1, to the 4 operations & main topics : for example Fractions , Decimals and Percentages at KS2 . Also, I have books for Gifted and Talented Maths students at the top of KS2 level.In addition, I have an extensive resource base of past exam papers in all subjects and levels.

For History, I have National Curriculum Resources for the various exam boards and plenty of past papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in making students feel at ease in the lessons, and in offering plenty of encouragement during the tuitions to build the student's confidence in the subject I am teaching.

I generally teach a topic to a student , and then set practice questions for the student to attempt based on my teaching.I am open to setting homework for the students, but always liaise with the parents as to whether they want their child to have any and if so how much.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Being a structural engineer, mathematics encompasses a large part of my life. With all my experience I will be able to help your child overcome any difficulties they have with mathematics currently.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring high school students mathematics for the past 8 years both privately in one on one situations as well as being a boarding house tutor in many private schools in New Zealand.

Having sat A-Levels in New Zealand and gaining an `A` for A-level mathematics, I have a good understanding of what is required to prepare for these exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Practice is key when studying mathematics so once I explain the theory, I like to pose practice questions to my students and then fill in any gaps in understanding they may have.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A primary specialist, Zeshaan is currently the Head of Maths at a Primary School. He has several years of experience and a track record of producing excellent results in regard to KS2 SATs scores.

Teaching Experience:
Several years of experience, primarily within Bradford.

Tutoring Approach:
Hands on and friendly approach to students and parents/carers. Has a true passion for what he does and cares about each student he teaches.

Subjects

Personal Description:
-- I am a professional musician and actor with ten years experience.
-- I have played:
-- Rock The Mill 2012 and 2013.
-- Warped Tour Toronto 2012, 2013, and 2015.
-- Warped Tour Montreal.
-- Montebello Rockfest in Montreal.
-- I have played regular venue shows with bands like Silverstein, Counterfeit (Jamie Campbell-Bower From Stranger Things.)., Bleak Soul and more.

-- I have four years experience in a University Level Drama Class that had public exams.
-- For extra credit outside of my high-school diploma I was a Teaching Assistant in a Grade 9 University Level Drama Class.
-- I helped lead the warmups and did the discussions of what needed to be worked on.
-- I helped students work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and helped with character development for different pieces.
-- I gave advice and feedback for performances.
-- I marked paperwork homework and tests.

-- I have experience being in professional theatre productions of The Taming Of The Shrew, Done To Death, The Crazy Eights, and Come Away Come Away.
-- I was on a competitive Improv Team that did competitions in high school.
-- I was shortlisted for "Bat Out Of Hell The Musical.". in 2017.

-- Music:
-- I can answer general questions about playing a show.
-- Beginner Vocal Lessons and I can work on songs of the students choice.
-- Building A Set And Live Production.
-- Music Video And Production storyboards and references.

-- Drama
-- I can work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and help with character development for different pieces.
-- I can give advice and feedback for performances.
-- I can work on anything of the students choice.
-- Thanks.

Teaching Experience:
-- I have been teaching online for a year.
-- For extra credit outside of my high-school diploma I was a Teaching Assistant in a Grade 9 University Level Drama Class.
-- I helped lead the warmups and did the discussions of what needed to be worked on.
-- I helped students work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and helped with character development for different pieces.
-- I gave advice and feedback for performances.
-- I marked paperwork homework and tests.

Tutoring Approach:
-- Lessons are an hour long.
-- I teach Beginner To Advanced.
-- I can teach 8am To 10pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
-- Lessons are online are Zoom, Facetime, And GoogleMeet.

Subjects