Blackwood Tutors and Blackwood Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a Mathematics graduate from Cambridge University. Since 2009, I have been successfully tutoring Mathematics full-time to well over 300 pupils, with about 95% of my students achieving or surpassing their desired grades.
Before that, I worked in the IT industry, initially for a large corporation and then for an independent software house. I later formed my own company, specialising in developing applications for small- to medium-sized companies.
I study extensively to keep up to date with the latest mathematical ideas and educational trends. I ensure that I am familiar with the most recent syllabuses.
Outside work, my main interest is music, particularly singing. I belong to two choirs, one of which I am chairman.

Teaching Experience:
I teach exclusively one-to-one, as I believe that provides the best outcome for learning Mathematics. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I currently tutor exclusively online, using the applications Zoom for communication and bitpaper for whiteboard. I am available for home schooling: please contact me for rates.
My experience covers:
A-Level - Edexcel, AQA, OCR/OCR-MEI and Pre-U

Further Maths - Core Pure, FM1/2, FS1/2, FP1/2, D1/2

University entrance exams:

STEP
Oxford Maths Admissions Test
Advanced Extension Award

International Baccalaureate (IB) - Standard and Higher

Undergraduate topics - please inquire for details.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in tailoring the teaching approach to each student's needs and individual learning style. For school children and university students, I discuss their aims with them - and with their parents, if required - to determine what topics need additional tuition and then to work out the appropriate programme. I advocate continuous assessment to measure the student's progress. Closer to exams, the pupils will work through focused papers. At this stage, strategic choices may be made to concentrate on the pupil's strengths.
My core teaching is for A levels. I have discovered that certain topics in the new syllabus often require extra explanation and practice. These are:
Pure: Logs, integration, and trigonometry
Statistics: Hypothesis testing
Mechanics: Forces and projectiles
For adults, I work with them to develop a personalised programme to enable them to achieve their goals. This may mean working towards a specific qualification they need.
I have great passion for and a deep knowledge of Mathematics. My aim is always to get my students to enjoy the subject. Most importantly, they are encouraged to gain confidence in their own abilities by building on what they feel comfortable with. I believe that the right teacher can undo wrong learning very quickly.
Although online currently, lessons would normally take place at the student's home, or at my home in Kingston, where I have a quiet study. Assignments and homework are an integral part of my teaching: there can be no improvement without practice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello. My name is Dr. Zara and I tutor students in the age group 13-18. I hold a Ph.D. in medical biochemistry and a PGCHE from the University of Kent. I am currently working at the University of Bristol.

I specialise in teaching Chemistry and Biology at A-level, specifically for OCR and AQA exam boards. I also teach Edexcel Biology (SNAB). I come across as a friendly, patient and enthusiastic tutor. I strive to make learning a creative and enjoyable experience, while always keeping the students goals in mind.

In the academic year ending June 2019, 80% of my students of my students achieved predicted or better-than-predicted grades, and the majority of them were able to go to a University of their choice. Their testimonials are available for you to read on my website.

Apart from regular tutoring, I also offer intensive coaching in preparation for entrance exams, GCSE and A-level exams. I am able to help with homework assignments and proofreading. Additionally, I have previous experience of tutoring students with special needs.

Teaching Experience:
I have six years teaching experience at both undergraduate and post-graduate level, in addition, I have been a part-time tutor for four years. I have marked GCSE and A-level papers and can offer advice on the best way to answer exam questions to maximise marks. Most of my students show rapid increase in confidence levels after 2-3 sessions of tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
My aim is to motivate young people to achieve the best of their abilities. I believe that all students can do well, turning negative barriers into positive outcomes. My approach is to break down difficult areas into bite size achievable goals. I set goals for my tutees and plan my lessons well in advance. Lesson plans and student progress reports are available to both tutees and parents. For students who work with me for an entire year, I offer additional help with exam paper revision and feedback sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Personal Description:
I am a Senior Deputy Head at a grammar school in SW London.I have been a Deputy Head for 16 years and have had oversight of teaching and learning in both schools in which I have held the role. I have taught French to GCSE, Italian to A Level, Latin to GCSE / Common Entrance / Scholarship, and English to GCSE. I have worked as a Lead Practitioner for the Specialist Schools Trust, and I have run training for them and for exam boards on a regional level. I am a Cambridge graduate with a degree in Italian and French, and an MPhil in European Cinema.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Experience:
I taught Italian to A level for 12 years. I have taught Latin to GCSE for 18 years. I have also taught French to AS Level.I have worked as a tutor for French, Italian and Latin for the last 8 or so years. I can create resources to support your learning and also help you with tasks set at your school.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience of tutoring pupils in my own school on a one to one basis, and have also previously worked as a tutor for pupils learning English. I have been tutoring via UKtutors for the last 8 or 9 years. I have also worked at revision schools in the Easter holidays for a commercial company. I will establish the areas on which you wish to focus, then prepare thorough resources. I will also support with tasks which are set by your school.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Ching-Yi, a friendly and passionate Mandarin teacher from Taiwan, now living in the UK. Mandarin is my native language, and I've been helping students of all ages learn Chinese for over 15 years-both in Taiwan and the UK.

Learning a new language should be meaningful and fun, so I blend structured lessons with real-life conversation. Whether we're talking about family, food, travel, or pets, I help students build confidence in expressing themselves naturally in Mandarin.

I like to think of my students as friends-we laugh, explore, and grow together while diving into the language and culture.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Experience in Taiwan
• Started teaching Mandarin to Western learners back in 2005
• Created beginner-friendly and culturally rich courses focused on everyday Mandarin
• Background in Public Finance, with 6 years of accounting experience in Taichung (yes, numbers and spreadsheets were part of my past life!)

Teaching Experience in the UK
• Been teaching Mandarin since moving to the UK in 2008
• Freelance translator & interpreter with Woking Interpreting and Translation Service (2011-2017)
• Currently teaching at Orpington Chinese Language School (since Nov 2022) - working with amazing students aged 5-16 from all backgrounds
• Lessons focus on speaking, listening, cultural stories, songs, and games!

Tutoring Approach:
One-to-One or Learn Together - You Choose!
Most students love the 1-to-1 learning experience, but if your child has a friend or sibling who'd like to learn together - even better!
For every extra student in the same session, the fee is half price! (Yes, half! )

Why Learn Mandarin with Me?
Whether your child is a complete beginner or studying for exams, my goal is to help British students build confidence in Mandarin language and culture - and actually enjoy it along the way!

To spark their interest, I mix interactive resources, creative worksheets, fun videos, and even some materials I've designed myself.
With me, students don't just learn Mandarin - they experience it, and many become inspired to take it further at school, in future studies, or even their careers.

For School-Age Students
Need help preparing for assignments or exams? I provide focused, friendly support to help students improve performance, deepen understanding, and feel more confident - without the pressure.

How Much Does It Cost?
My tuition fees are based on lessons from home or online.
If I need to travel to you, there will be a small additional fee depending on the distance.

Let's chat and work out what suits you best!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Senior Lecturer, University of London.

Teaching Experience:
Senior Lecturer with many years of experience tutoring mathematics.

Tutoring Approach:
My main focus is to consider past examination papers as soon as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying medicine having previously gained a BA and and MA in modern languages. I worked in London and Manchester for six years before returning to university. I have lived abroad and am familiar with some of the great experiences which this can offer as well as the challenges you might experience. I am based near Warwick university and can meet to tutor on campus in the evenings.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored a range of students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. This has included spoken English, preparing for public speaking and presentations, as well as essay support and written English development. I have worked with students in a range of disciplines including sciences, arts and social sciences. I have tutored European students including Italian students who I can translate with as well as students form the Middle East. I am very happy to tutor anyone with any language background.

Tutoring Approach:
I will discuss what you are looking to achieve and plan around your studies. We can vary what we do each lesson or focus on one skill.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Garrie, a tutor for Maths/Physics/Engineering/Chemistry/Computing at university and secondary school level, and one of the top-rated tutors in Scotland.

I am a full-time tutor, with a background in academic teaching and research, having previously held posts as Research Assistant / Teacher at the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering.

I graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2011 with a first class B.Eng. (Hons) in Aeronautical Engineering, finishing at the top of my class. I also previously conducted postgraduate research and teaching duties at the University of Strathclyde.

I am deeply passionate about my subject and the fields which underpin it. I enjoy sharing that passion with others, and helping them to comprehend these subjects in a way that is hopefully inspiring and interesting to them.

Teaching Experience:
Having tutored for over 15 years, I've helped 500+ students improve their grades and achieve the exam results they were hoping for.

I've helped students from across the globe, including high school students sitting Scottish SQA qualifications (Nat 5, Higher, Advanced Higher, HNC and HND, etc), AS/A levels from various UK exam boards (AQA, OCR, Pearson/Edexcel and WJEC Eduqas), and University students from Mathematics, Physics, Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical and Civil Engineering departments across the UK. I also prepare students for entrance exams to top schools/universities, and help mature students prepare to return to education after a break.

In my previous roles I lectured course modules and supervised student projects in a top 100 global university in my role at the University of Glasgow's School of Engineering. I taught subjects of all levels across the engineering disciplines (aerospace, mechanical, electronics/electrical) - from foundation years, undergrad, up to postgrad MSc/Masters level, and have an excellent reputation and feedback within the School of Engineering.

I also taught in my role as a research student at the University of Strathclyde, providing tuition and guidance to Mechanical Engineering undergrads during lab demonstrations and tutorials.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student has individual needs and learning styles, and I aim to tailor my approach to match the student, and give them some control over how they want to be taught.

Students will have a say in what they learn from me, and how we approach it, helping me to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and structure a learning programme that complements them.

I intend for my students to gain a solid foundation and interest in their subject, and develop their own revision skills to improve their capacity for independent learning - it isn't just about passing the exam, but about nurturing an interest the subject and developing skills for the future.

I believe that the best way to learn is to enjoy yourself while doing it, so I aim to keep the sessions engaging for the student.

I am not a secondary school teacher, and do not teach like one. Feedback from clients suggests that the approach of many teachers doesn't resonate with all students, often failing to inspire them/their children to take an interest in a subject that could be interesting for them if they were introduced to it from the correct perspective. I aim to provide that missing perspective - expanding on what's taught in the classroom and filling in the gaps are left in the classroom.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and highly experienced piano and music theory teacher offering piano lessons via Skype or video exchange, and music theory lessons by email correspondence (file exchange).

I am a fellow of the Incorporated Society of Musicians, and an ISM registered private teacher. I am also ICO registered, DBS checked and have completed the NSPCC child protection training.

Teaching Experience:
More than 25 years of experience teaching piano and music theory privately.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach children and adults, all ages are welcome from age 6 upwards. I am happy to teach people who just want to learn for fun, and I am equally equipped to prepare students for exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Creative art teacher with an emphasis on artistic development, innovation and creativity.
Art teacher who thrives in a highly collaborative, studio-based environment.

Motivating art teacher who stimulates excellent communication, interpersonal and student artistic skills to produce outstanding visual products.

Experienced, versatile and accomplished artist, curator and art director.

Teaching Experience:
Art Teacher of IBDP, MYP & GCSEs at The King Fahad Academy－ London , UK
Curator and Art Advisor at P21 Gallery&Museum － London , UK

Tutoring Approach:
I provide insight, instructions and guidance to individuals from different cultural backgrounds, for the purpose of achieving set of artistic and conceptual goals.

On a personal level I regularly review my own practice, set myself high targets and take responsibility for own personal development. To me everyone's opinion counts and I go out of my way to get feedback from those I supervise.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I love sharing what I have learned, not only from University, but also from my life experiences. I believe that learning another language is not about grammar, but about understanding the culture that conveys its ideas throught that language.

Teaching Experience:
I engaged in a number of student tutoring positions when I was doing my Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism. There, I helped my peers to improve their writing skills. You can be sure that I am way better than Duolingo.

Tutoring Approach:
You won't forget something that you love. By exploring your personal interests, we can find a way in which you start loving Spanish language.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Science: Physics with Mathematics, Institute of Education, UCL, and a PhD in Theoretical Physics. I am passionate about physics and mathematics, I enjoy teaching, and I have a genuinely positive attitude towards one`s aspirations and wishes.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with over 6 years of experience in tutoring physics, mathematics, and further/additional mathematics including home schooling. Enhanced DBS certificate.

I am familiar with and have very good experience of the exam boards Pearson Edexcel, Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE, AQA and OCR.

All my tutees have achieved their target grades or grades above the initially predicted ones.

Feedback:

"Thank you so much for teaching me this year; you have been a tremendous help and I can't thank you enough for giving me the confidence and wisdom to excel in Maths + Physics."

"Just to let you know I got my GCSE results today and was delighted as I got an 8 in maths. This was really down to your excellent tutoring and support."

"We'd like to thank you for your help & support over the last year with ___ she has gained confidence & clarity & really enjoys the sessions."

"You are an amazing tutor and it really made me feel more confident."

"Just wanted to let you know that ___ got a Grade 7 in maths - she is over the moon!!"

"Thank you very much for your help and support over the last months. I have really found it useful and I have loved the lessons - I really have learnt a lot."

"Just wanted to thank you for helping me achieve the 7 in Maths that I got today.
I'm really pleased and very grateful for your help - I don't think I would have achieved a 7 without it."

"Just wanted to let you know I got a 5!! Thank you so much for all your help through the lead up to the exams."

"Enjoying a mix of GCSE physics and maths tutoring. Explains concepts well, plans appropriate lessons, follows up with notes and homework. And is encouraging me to develop problem solving skills
Highly recommend"

"Helping my daughter with GCSE maths. My daughter is already feeling more confident and has taken to on-line lessons well. Only been a few weeks but we would definitely recommend Smaragda."

"Afer 3 lessons we are very satisfied with Smaragda. My son likes her and the most important he understand her tutoring and he enjoys doing math."

"I`m very pleased with the progress of my daughter thanks to Smara. Smara is very patient and outstanding as a teacher.
Thank you Smara."

"Smara has been working with son who has autism which means he finds it very difficult to engage in tasks and can be very challenging. Smara works brilliantly with him however and has managed to engage him to the extent that he is doing really well and making good progress. I would highly recommend Smara."

"I really enjoyed Smaragda`s AS physics tutorials and she was very clear with her explanations. I would definitely recommend her to my friends as she was friendly and I wasn`t afraid to ask her questions. She made herself available via email almost 24/7 for assistance if and when I required it. She accommodated my learning style very well with her broad subject knowledge and I really enjoyed every Monday! Smaragda also set relevant homework questions which reinforced my learning from tutorials. I have just done my exams and I feel confident I have done the best I can with her support. Thank you, Smara!! :) "

"Excellent tutor, very organised and clear."

"Very friendly, enthusiastic and reliable."

"Smaragda assessed my daughter on GCSE maths and Physics. She was very welcoming, engaging and kind and helps my daughter to understand the work."

"Excellent teacher, my daughter is at ease with Smaragda. Early days but she likes her methods of teaching and is very professional which my daughter appreciates. Smara works from a whiteboard which gives her enough time to take notes. All in all very happy with how tutoring is going."

"Smaragda is an excellent tutor, I can highly recommend her."

Tutoring Approach:
I put an emphasis on a deep understanding of each concept, theory, method, and observation, as well as acquiring and mastering technical skills.I am thorough in teaching, and besides explaining everything clearly I also provide and walk with the student through the necessary material - usually in the form of slides, interactive questions and quizzes, simulations, notes, problems and past papers / exam practice papers - for a solid understanding through assimilation of the ideas as well as practice. Problem-solving methods are discussed and explained, not only as to how a problem is solved, but also why it's solved that way: this helps the student understand the maths and science behind the problem better, as well as develop their critical and analytical abilities that will help them tackle any other problem in maths and science as well as in life in general.

I encourage questioning, not hesitating to raise unclear points, individuality in thinking and working, having an inquisitive and creative mind, and being good friends and generosity with working time. My particular planning and delivery of the tutorials depend on the individual student's current motivation, needs, and knowledge, as well as the particular content of the topic that is taught. I also often discuss with the student ways to learn as well as study. True learning and understanding has a multifaceted nature.

I believe that everyone has the potential to reach their aims, and I always do my utmost so that this will happen for each one of my students.

Subjects