Birdstall Tutors & Birdstall Tuition

Personal Description:
Hi. I'm a native Portuguese speaker from Portugal. I've been teaching European Portuguese in the UK for over 15 years, and for seven years at UK universities. I am a fully qualified Portuguese teacher (U. do Porto). I have a PhD in Portuguese studies. I was the main Portuguese language lecturer at the U. of Manchester for five years full-time, where I taught all levels of Portuguese language (A1/A2 - Beginners; B1/B2 - Intermediate; C1/C2 - advanced). I love teaching and I will make the grammar work for you! My students progress quickly, and see results from day 1 and learn something new every single lesson. I have trialed and tested all the most widely used Portuguese language learning methods and materials and use the most effective ones.

- My lessons are the full hour (60 minutes or more, but never less!).

-I provide email support to my students and original class materials (pronunciation and grammar) for free.

-If you require a teacher to speak Portuguese in Portugal, choose a qualified, experienced teacher from Portugal. Portuguese from Brazil is very different (especially when it comes to pronunciation: phonetics/sounds, the most difficult aspect of the language).

- A native speaker is not a teacher. A language teaching qualification is a proper five years higher education degree, in the theory and practice of language teaching. Think about it, would you ask a driver to fix your car?

- I'm a fully qualified Portuguese teacher. I have a languages degree, a postgraduate teaching qualification and teacher training from Universidade do Porto.

- I'm a very experienced teacher. I have been teaching Portuguese all levels and skills (speaking, listening, reading comprehension, writing, grammar) for 15 years.

- For 7 years, I was the main full-time Portuguese Language Lecturer at several UK universities. I was responsible for getting undergraduates from beginners' Portuguese to fluent.

- I'm fully flexible, and happy to change lessons at any point. This is 1-2-1 private tuition online. I work around your availability and your learning needs. I do pay-as-you-go lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7 years full-time teaching experience of Portuguese at U.K. Russell Group Universities. I worked full-time for 5 years at the University of Manchester where I was the only full-time Portuguese language lecturer (16 weekly contact hours with language-specialist students), having left my teaching position to commence my fully-funded PhD studies. I have also taught in the evening and during lunch hours for a Beginners' Portuguese course in the University's Language Centre which targeted a wide range of students, including adult learners and students with no previous language learning and/or higher education experience. I have carried out all of my students' formative assessment which included weekly written tasks and independent language learning portfolios. I have also marked my students' yearly exams, periodic written tests, essays and oral and listening exams. Over the years I have attended induction courses on a variety of subjects besides being invited to deliver my own language methodology sessions such as 'first lesson and lesson planning'. I have experience of on-line teaching and learning platforms such as Blackboard. I am experienced in private tutoring in all ages and abilities and one-to-one is my preferred way of teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a thorough understanding and interest in grammar and I will pass this on to my students while teaching. I prepare all of my individual lesson plans and I have in the past assessed and delivered all of my courses. I have created many of my own class materials using 'realia' such as newspaper articles, theatre programmes, reproductions of paintings, popular music, film-based activities and art craft. During all these years of teaching I have become familiar with the handbooks available to students and I am able to comment on the advantages and drawbacks of each one. When teaching I work on each language skill (listening, speaking, writing and reading comprehension) with every content unit by using a variety of related exercises. I prepare classes using a thematic approach (holidays, work, family etc.) and work suitable grammatical points with each unit (e.g. introducing continuous past in Portuguese when talking about childhood). In my teaching of advanced and expert levels I also acknowledge the oral and written differences between European and Brazilian Portuguese. One of the main reasons why I prefer one-to-one teaching is because it allows me to cater each class for each student according to their own interests and specific language requirements. It allows for a more in depth learning and relational process which I find a more rewarding professional context than large multi-ability groups.

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Personal Description:
I am 53 years old and work with Lasers, Optics and Electronics and so I am in a position to use my Mathematics and Physics skills every day. As part of my job I have run a number of training courses communicating complex ideas to a range of people. I live in St Neots and am registered with the Institute of Physics as a Chartered Physicist and hold a PhD level qualification. I have undergone an enhanced DBS check.

Teaching Experience:
I began providing tuition in Physics and Mathematics on a part time basis in 1994 while studying for my PhD and have helped over 100 students prepare for their exams. I have mostly work at GCSE and A level but have also helped University students with degree level studies. I have gained a wealth of experience supporting students with their progression toward their exams helping them develop confidence in theses subjects.

Tutoring Approach:
The sessions that I run are planned to be structured and informative as well as enjoyable. I try and identify areas where there is a lack of understanding quickly and then address these issues through explanation and practice. I am approachable, patient and enthusiastic and willing to spend time with a pupil to help them understand a particular problem.

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Personal Description:
Hi! I'm Aman, a young and enthusiastic tutor who's currently studying Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nottingham. I've recently sat the newly reformed GCSE and A-Level curriculum so I'm fully aware of the style of teaching and help required to excel in Mathematics. At GCSE I obtained a grade 8 (A*) and at A-Level I achieved a grade A.

Teaching Experience:
My knowledge of exam boards such as Edexcel, AQA and OCR enable me to alter teaching styles in a way that helps both the student understand but also to check off the various points the examiner is looking for. Throughout my own studies, I often helped out tutoring students with their GCSE maths and also helped my fellow peers. Being a student myself, I understand which techniques work and which don't, this allows you to have the best possible experience with me as a mathematics tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching isn't to memorise the so-called 'steps' in maths. It is to understand the deeper knowledge as to why you take each step to solve the problem. This really simplifies everything and allows the once impossible task, to become tangible and much easier to solve. This is also beneficial as the new reformed A-Level and GCSE requires the student to spot what technique to use as apposed to telling them!

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Personal Description:
I am a marketing communications specialist with an extensive background in teaching English and English as a Second Language. I possess both a Bachelor of Education in English Language and Literature, as well as a Masters in Marketing. Furthermore, I recently completed a 120-hour course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language. I have lived across three continents over the past 20 years, broadening my cultural awareness and furthering my understanding of the needs of English language learners. I am a teacher at heart and have a passion for helping students reach their goals by advancing their English language skills. I have a particular interest in teaching Business English to professionals wishing to develop their communication skills in the workplace. I am a very positive and energetic person and enjoy infecting others with laughter and positivity.

Teaching Experience:
Teacher English and ESL 1997-2001
Manager Anti-Doping Education Program (delivering over 300 workshops a year to students, coaches, athletes and doctors)
Chair of the Advisory Group on Anti-Doping Education for the Council of Europe 2007-2008.
Elected to the Ethics and Education Committee with the World Anti-Doping Agency 2005-2007
Marketing Communications Consultant 2008-2015
Marketing Communications Manager, The Lost Food Project (Malaysia) 2017-2018
ESL teacher online April-Present 2020
Marketing Communications Manager, Piggott School (Commencing September 2020)

Tutoring Approach:
I encourage students to contribute their ideas as much as possible in my lessons. I prepare lessons thoroughly according to my student's needs and deliver relevant material to stimulate their interests and further their understanding of English in a real life context. I encourage students to speak out and be prepared to make mistakes, and I am willing to give instant or delayed correction as required to model the correct language. I believe there is always a place for teaching grammar points, however, my lessons are centred around real-life contexts and grammar teaching is embedded within that learning process. For every class I ensure there is great scope for conversation, both small talk and more structured discussions. I am an encouraging teacher, however, if you select me to tutor you, please be prepared to be challenged!

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Personal Description:
I have always been fascinated with numbers and mathematics was one of my favourite subjects at school. I had the privilege of having a private mathematics tutor and I am eager to give others the support that I received.

Teaching Experience:
During the last five years I have become highly experienced in tutoring at the primary, KS3 and GCSE levels. I also have a strong overall knowledge of the current A level syllabus and I am now looking to gain experience in tutoring at this level also if given the opportunity.

Tutoring Approach:
I would first ask the students if they want to look at any particular topics. If the answer is yes, then I would prepare the necessary material (unless they already have their own material). If the answer is no, then we would follow a more general pattern of study. When I show them a question, I would first allow them to choose if they wish to attempt to answer it, or if they wish for me to help them. If it is the latter, then I would show them a method and then give them a similar question to attempt in order to ensure they understand it.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Teacher & accredited/certified Neurolanguage Coach® with 5+ experience in tutoring Spanish, French and Portuguese in person and online. Recent tutees have included GCSE, IGCSE and A'Level students as well as adults, including working professionals & families moving abroad. I have a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and subsequently gained experience as a Teacher of Spanish and French at a local authority run secondary school; now academy, in outer London. I have previously worked as a Lecturer in Spanish at Falmouth College of Arts and the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. I lived and worked in Paris at the Sorbonne University and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified Teacher gaining a PGCE from Goldsmiths College, University of London. I subsequently taught at a local authority run secondary school; now academy, in outer London after having worked as a Lecturer in Spanish at Falmouth College of Arts and the Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter. I live and worked in Paris at the Sorbonne University and Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). I have four recent years experience as a self-employed Tutor.

Tutoring Approach:
Enhanced by my coaching credentials, sessions are person centred and tailored to meet the needs of individual learners, their interests and requirements. Therefore, my lessons include an initial diagnostic assessment & focus on building the confidence of individual learners.

GCSE, iGCSE & A-Level students:
I am committed to supporting the individual needs of students to build their confidence and language competency. I proactively keep up to date on current pedagogy, including developments within MFL secondary education.
I ensure that I focus on the requirements of the agreed school syllabus including AQA & Edexcel/Pearson qualifications. I draw on, appropriately adapt and/or build or create appropriate resources depending on the needs of individual students. I use digital tools including Kerboodle and Wordwall. I am currently a volunteer Tutor for the Access Project.

Adults:
Tutoring includes a free initial assessment & SMART goal setting session. I take a person centred approach to coaching and include a focus on individuals' preferred ways of learning to ensure an effective and efficient language learning for adults wishing to move or holiday holiday abroad.

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Personal Description:
18 year old A level student and high achiever at GCSE looking to help younger students.
I am currently studying Biology, Psychology and English Literature at Churston Ferrers Grammar School in the UK and have a strong passion for my studies.
I'm very much into my sport and exercise, I play wheelchair basketball for Plymouth Fusion and enjoy going to the gym a few times a week for how it makes me feel. I'm an overall advocate for all people (but particularly young people) taking care of their own physical and mental health through the right activities and approach to life.
Also, I enjoy playing music, mainly singing, as well as acting. I have performed in various shows and concerts in my school throughout the years which is something I really enjoy and a great way to boost my own confidence.
Finally, at the beginning of 2022, I began a YouTube channel with the aim of helping people start good habits (like that of studying) and build positive mindsets to approaching life in an enriching way.

Teaching Experience:
At my young age, I have no prestigious teaching qualifications. However I have two incredibly helpful experiences/characteristics to be an effective tutor:

1. Very high GCSE exam results that were achieved recently (2021)
2. I am a young person passionate about studying and can be a relatable tutor for my students as I am a member of their generation and have completed my GCSEs very recently.

My GCSE results were:

Maths - 9
English Literature - 9
English Language - 9
Biology - 9
Chemistry - 9
Physics - 9
Music - 9
Drama - 9
Religious Studies - 9
Spanish - 8

9 being equivalent to a previous A** and 8 an equivalent to a previous A*

I have also volunteered within school working as a teaching assistant in classes with younger years and have found it very easy to get along with students of all varieties.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to apply the same principles I used to achieve my own GCSE results, as they have been proven to work very recently to achieve high marks.
I will aim to create a fun working environment for my students where they look forward to working with me.
I will aim to be encouraging and empower my students to find their own love for learning.
I will aim to show all my students that they have potential to succeed and that they do not have to be demoralised by perfectionism and comparing themselves to others.

My lessons will be engaging and interesting for my students, due to my age and first hand experience of the current education system. I will hope to not only be my student's tutor, but also a friend in which they can ask any questions about their education.

My first session is free and from then the price will remain at £20.00 an hour for all of my subjects (maths, english, biology and drama) for the time being.
The best time to work with me are weekends and weekday evenings at around 7-9 pm.

I look forward to hearing from you and to begin learning some interesting stuff! :)

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Michelle.

With 25 years of teaching experience, at local FE and Independent Colleges, I have a passion for film, media and photography and a wealth of experience to share my knowledge with my students and to achieve the best results possible.
I am educated to Masters level, in Design & Media Arts from the University of Westminster and hold a PGCE in teaching certificate, from the University of Greenwich.

Teaching Experience:
I first taught Art and Photography to adult SEN students, as well as teaching City & Guilds Photography evening classes for adults. I progressed to BTEC course co-ordinator and lecturer for two years at Richmond-upon-Thames College, also teaching A level film studies and media.

I became BTEC Media Team Leader at Harrow College teaching Level 2 and 3 in 2004, focusing on vocational aspects such as creating music videos, documentaries, adverts, final major projects, from practical to theoretical. I also co-ordinated and taught the A Level Film Studies course using WJEC specification, teaching a range of film theoretical and practical, from French New Wave, British Film, US film comparisons and World Cinema, with an emphasis on exam practice.

I have taught A level Film and Media at private institutions such as Chelsea Independent college, Duff Miller, and more recently at Harrow College on vocational courses such as the UAL Creative Media course, as well as adult photography courses . I have also worked as a media and literary specialist with SEN learners part time whilst still teaching film/media, improving their literacy, comprehension and grammar.

I have also taught English to adult learners from abroad, correcting their pronunciation and grammar, with general conversations about daily life, culture and news.

Student comments:
"I am a past pupil of Michelle, and consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have had someone of her calibre as a tutor. Her expertise and teaching methods bring out the very best in every individual. Her understanding, patience and personable approach to teaching equates for a student to achieve their very best.'
Cuisle - ex UAL Media student

Tutoring Approach:
I believe all students need the additional support from an individual perspective, tailoring the lessons according to each students' needs throughout each stage of their course and help prepare them for exams and coursework requirements.

This enables my students to reach the highest grades and to progress successfully.

I will prepare you and guide you through your course, to help you understand the units you are being taught, check through any coursework before submitting, advise you on using subject terminology to enhance your grades and to check for any mistakes through proof reading. Any assignments set by your school/college/university can be discussed and worked on to develop your skills.

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Personal Description:
27, Graduated with 1st Class Hons. in a Computer Science Integrated Masters' Degree (Artificial Intelligence) from University of Manchester.
Have done previous online tutoring for Mathematics, Computer Science and Music (Piano and Clarinet) and have worked as a software engineer for Accenture, since graduating university in 2021.

Teaching Experience:
Currently teaching Computer Science and Mathematics at Oxford International College Brighton, covering the Cambridge International curriculum for Years 10-13 (iGCSE and AS/A Level).

Last year, 60% of my Year 11 students achieved Grades 7-9 (A to A* equivalent) for their IGCSE Computer Science exams.
This year, all my Year 11 students are predicted to have a Grade 9 (A* star equivalent) and more than 50% of my Year 13s an A* before sitting their final exams.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach involves three key strategies:

- Working through and verbally explaining past paper questions in a certain topic: this strategy allows the tutee to consolidate their understanding of any complex topic very effectively, as it clearly shows if there is a discrepancy between the quality of their written work and verbal explanations

- Getting to know the tutee's personal interests and hobbies, as this will allow me (as a tutor) to draw crucial connections that help them see where a concept is applied in their daily life (e.g. projectile motion and parabolas in the motions of flying balls in sports, data structures and algorithms being used in various online games of today...)

- Frequent questioning to make sure the sessions involve maximum engagement and active learning from the tutee's side: the questions may involve checking understanding, complex reasoning, fact verification and more

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Personal Description:
I am a 25 year old who has completed Masters in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from the University of Birmingham. I also have a year of experience working as a Sofware Developer at Mercedes Benz. I have an excellent academic background in Computer Science and Maths .

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching Mathematics and Computer Science to students aged 8 to 15, tailoring my approach to suit different learning styles and abilities. My teaching has focused on building strong foundational skills, encouraging problem-solving, and fostering a genuine interest in these subjects. In addition to working with younger students, I have also conducted doubt-clearing sessions for my juniors at university, helping them to overcome academic challenges and deepen their understanding of complex topics. This combination of experience has equipped me with the patience, communication skills, and subject expertise necessary to support students in achieving their academic goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is student-centered and adaptive, focusing on understanding each learner's unique strengths and areas for improvement. I strive to create a supportive and engaging environment where students feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts. I use a variety of teaching methods, including interactive problem-solving, real-life examples, and visual aids, to make complex concepts more accessible and relatable. I believe in encouraging curiosity and critical thinking, and I regularly assess progress to ensure that my students are building both confidence and competence in the subject. My goal is to inspire a love of learning and to empower students to become independent thinkers.

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Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified science teacher and the current Head of Biology at a large secondary school. With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialise in helping GCSE students succeed in Biology by building both subject knowledge and exam confidence. I also work as an examiner for AQA GCSE Biology, so I know exactly what examiners are looking for and how to help students maximise their marks.

Teaching Experience:
I've taught Biology across Key Stage 3 and 4, with a particular focus on the AQA GCSE specification. As Head of Biology, I lead curriculum planning, exam preparation, and targeted intervention strategies to support student progress. I also mentor early career teachers and trainee teachers, supporting them to deliver effective and engaging lessons. My work as an AQA examiner gives me valuable insight into how exam questions are marked and how students can approach them with confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring sessions are calm, focused, and tailored to each student's needs. I focus on building a secure understanding of key topics, strengthening exam technique, and improving confidence. I use a combination of clear explanations, structured practice, and real exam-style questions. As an experienced teacher and examiner, I can help students refine their answers to meet the mark scheme and feel well prepared for their exams.

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Personal Description:
Experienced maths teacher with over a decade of teaching across KS3 to KS5, including AL and Furthermaths. IGCSE , GCSE, AQA LEVEL2.
I have a 5 years of teaching online experience and each of my lessons will be tailored to your need. Not a one size fits all approach.
Each lesson will follow learning that will link. Exam focus and getting to know how to maximise your performance under examination condition.
Typical lesson will include PowerPoint, IWB and resources or relevant material shared with you via teaching platform .

Teaching Experience:
Teaching since 2013. Specialist Alevel and FM

Tutoring Approach:
Every lesson will focus on strengthening your learning and mathematical mastery - engaging you to analyse maths rather then do the maths. Linking key concepts and connection finding whilst practicing. This will enable you to become confident and fluent. Retain knowledge by revisiting and leading to complex multistage problem solving skills. At the same time I will offer preparation through the repetition of the same process. We will visit each and every topic until you are confident and ready for the next stage.
However keeping in mind that one hour will not magically change your results. You will need dedication and hard work outside the lesson to achieve the goal you wish to.

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