Charlcombe Tutors and Charlcombe Tuition

Personal Description:
I have many thousands of hours tutoring experience following a career in the telecommunications industry. I am also a qualified Flying Instructor, and have been trained to effectively deliver one-to-one tuition.

I have always enjoyed helping people to achieve their goals and will go the extra mile to ensure the success of my students.

I am passionate about the choice of physics and engineering as a career. Without physics there would be no iPhones, games consoles, or the internet!

Teaching Experience:
Besides being an experienced tutor of at up to A-level standar I have been a visiting lecturer to both Aston and Coventry Universities.

I am a qualified flying instructor so I am very experienced in providing one-to-one tuition to students with a range of abilities and I have been trained to teach in a difficult environment (an aircraft).

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding teacher with experience of teaching a wide cross-section of pupils and am familiar with many of the common stumbling blocks pupils encounter when studying physics in particular.

Wherever possible I try to use the experiences that I have gained during my career to provide real life examples and case studies and to demonstrate that physics is fun!

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified economics and business teacher with 20 years' experience in secondary schools, and now as a full-time tutor. I've provided over 9,000 hours of private tuition to 400+ UK and overseas students. I have an economics degree from Liverpool University. Prior to teaching I worked in advertising for 10 years. I also own two online businesses. I live in Bristol, am married with 3 teenage children, and I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I taught economics in secondary schools for over 10 years, but I am now a full-time tutor. I typically tutor 40 to 50 students across an academic year, and they consistently perform above expectations; for example the majority of my 2024 students achieved at least a grade B, with several gaining an A*. However, my main focus is adding value, and all my previous students have improved at least one grade since I began working with them. Indeed many have improved by 3 or more grades. I teach all the major exam boards (International Baccalaureate, Cambridge International, Edexcel, Edexcel International, AQA, Eduqas, OCR and WJEC) and am an experienced economics examiner. I also have a current CRB.

Tutoring Approach:
I will always begin by discussing my tutee's individual requirements and areas of the syllabus they would like to focus on. Students may ask to recap concepts and theories that aren't fully understood, however in my experience most require help with exam technique, and how to translate their knowledge into a high grade answer. I therefore place a great emphasis on guiding students through the process of answering past paper questions, across all topic areas. In our sessions I will help with essay structure, illustrate how to use higher order analytical and evaluation skills, and crucially, how to apply an answer to information in a case study, or how to bring in real world examples.

Over the years I have taught an increasing proportion of students online, so that currently about 90% of my tutoring is done this way. I use Skype/Google Meet/Zoom and Google Docs, which students can also access. This makes the sessions as interactive as meeting face to face, and it also means I can tutor students from anywhere in the world (I have taught people in South Africa, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Spain, France, Serbia, Russia, Montenegro and Bermuda). I always encourage students to provide feedback so that they receive maximum benefit from their teaching.

Below are some testimonials from past students (many more can be seen in the reviews section):

"Ian tutored my daughter prior to her A Level exams in the summer of 2024. She had been predicted a B grade, but needed an A for her university offer. Ian covered content as well as exam technique with her, they also worked through past papers together and Ian on request would mark some of her written work. My daughter achieved an A☆ in economics… This was beyond her expectations, and we are extremely grateful for Ians tutoring and guidance." - Mrs De Simone - Cambridge

"My son initially struggled with the subject gaining an E grade in his mock exams but with Ian's help he managed a grade B in his AS level and attained an A grade in both A level papers. This was a huge improvement over the two years and I doubt it would have been possible without Ian's help, both with weekly tutoring and the all important pre-exam revision days. Ian's approach was personalised and intensive and my son's needs we're concentrated upon fully. Ian was always punctual and organised and struck up a good relationship with the whole family. I would happily recommend him." Mrs W - Redland, Bristol

"Matt only got an E grade in his February A2 mock exam and the school predicted he would get a C grade at A2. With the significant assistance from Ian, Matt achieved an A* at A2. In his other two A levels, Matt achieved Bs (he also had tutors for these). There are several reasons why Ian made the difference: 1.Being taught on Skype. Matt was initially very apprehensive about being taught on Skype rather than in person. But Skype proved really beneficial. Firstly it enabled Matt to fit in tuition at times that would just not have been possible if travel had been involved. Secondly it enabled Matt to have additional lessons when he had spare time. 2.Focussing on how to structure essay answers. The school just didn't put anywhere near enough emphasis on this crucial area. 3. Essay marking. A key aspect of A2 is exam practice. We paid Ian for essay marking which meant that Matt was effectively maximising his time with Ian. 4. Not accepting mediocrity. The school said that Matt should not retake his AS exams as he had a good B grade. Ian said he should retake as he could do better. 5. Providing positive encouragement. Matt has always lacked belief in himself and Ian gave Matt the confidence that he could achieve a good result.
We would strongly recommend Ian as an Economics tutor" Mr P - South Gloucestershire

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Personal Description:
My mum was from Germany, and my frequent childhood trips to Germany fuelled my love of languages, leading me to study French and German at university. I have a wide range of interests, including sport, music, current affairs, reading and travel, which enables me to find areas of common interest with my tutees - this is particularly helpful at a more advanced linguistic level, when discussion and conversation play a greater role. I am friendly and sociable and love helping students achieve their language goals by finding ways of learning that work well for them.

Teaching Experience:
I achieved a First Class Joint Honours degree in French and German from Nottingham University, where I spent the third year of my degree as an 'Assistante' in a school in St-Lô in northern France. I then completed a PGCE in Secondary German and French at Manchester Polytechnic. Since qualifying I have worked in secondary, primary and adult education, teaching all ages and levels, including GCSE and A-level. I have also tutored privately, again with a variety of age groups and levels.

Tutoring Approach:
I am enthusiastic, friendly and conscientious and believe that good relationships are at the heart of effective teaching and learning. My experience in different sectors of education means I have developed a wide range of teaching styles which can be adapted to the needs of each individual learner. Whilst every student is different and requires a tailored approach, I aim to create a relaxed and open atmosphere in which students are given encouragement at every stage and feel able to ask about anything they do not understand. I review with the tutee on an ongoing basis how they feel things are going and whether their needs are being met.

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Personal Description:
My name is Krysie, I have a degree in Biomedical sciences and have worked in the medical communications and education industry since 2016. I am passionate about biology and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others. I am a reliable, approachable and open person.

Teaching Experience:
I do not have professional teaching qualifications but have tutored GCSE and AS biology in 2014/2015 and again in 2018. Over the course of my career I have developed the ability to adapt my communication style for the relevant audience, from Clients and suppliers to senior and junior colleagues.

Tutoring Approach:
Breaking down complex information into relevant and memorable bite-sized chunks. We all learn differently and I enjoy adapting my sessions for the student so they remain engaged and find their own confidence and understanding with the subject.

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Personal Description:
I'm a MSc construction project management student and had my Bsc in Statistics.

Teaching Experience:
I've been a tutor on mathematics for more than ten years.

Tutoring Approach:
Breaking down problems in the simplest methodlogical approach is the best way I use in making my students understand complex calculations like Differentiations, integrations, probabilities, algebra, e.t.c

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Personal Description:
I have a BA Honours Degree in English Studies from Aleppo University in Syria in 2000. I embarked on two Postgraduate Diplomas at Aleppo University one in Linguistics (2002); the other in Education and Qualification in 2003. In both of these Diplomas I was awarded a Distinction. In 2002, I was fortunate in gaining a scholarship to study in the UK and was nominated to study in the department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex. I found this course to be immensely useful to me as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional as I was able to observe a range of different EAP (English for Academic Purposes)classrooms; make academic presentations and really developed my love of scholarship which fired me with the enthusiasm to read for a PhD degree. I finished my doctorate in TESOL at the University of Ulster entitled "EAP Teachers Approaches to Giving Written Feedback on Academic Writing in British and Syrian ELT Centres". . I am extremely interested in teaching the language skills (as my recent doctorate shows). I am extremely hard working and sociable. I have good comparative knowledge of Western and Islamic societies which I could share with students where pertinent. I also have two qualifications from Ulster University in Peer Mentoring and Counselling.

I have strong interpersonal, communication, and classroom management skills and self-motivator. Apart from being an interesting experience in itself, tutoring is an ideal opportunity for me at this stage of my career as the area of this job is interesting to me and I have got the enthusiasm and motivation and energy to do it well and to develop things.I would like consider offering online tutorials (email writing tutorials for students who can not attend some classes).

Teaching Experience:
In the Diploma of Education and Qualification, I have been trained how to teach and how to deliver lectures in Arabic and English and also how to prepare lesson plan. I have experience of teaching university students in Syria as I was a lecturer at Aleppo University from 2002 to 2013. I enjoy teaching and lecturing and love my profession as I am particularly interested in communicating with individuals and groups. My colleagues and supervisors all say that I am a natural communicator and this, coupled with my knowledge of the field, leads me to think that I would make a good teacher. My mother tongue language is Arabic, yet my knowledge of written and spoken English is very good as well. I am also interested in materials design and curriculum development in ELT and could make useful contributions in these areas. I have also specialized in ESP, Materials and Methods in ELT, Language Teachers in Classrooms and Vocabulary and would be interested in teaching international students. My job in Syria was delivering pre-sessional programmes in academic English language to Syrian postgraduate students. Those students have to attend some EAP and ESP courses and pass the final exam which will enable them to pursue their high studies in Syria or in some English speaking countries like UK, USA and Canada. My teaching experience gives me a deeper insight and understanding of actual teaching/learning contexts. When I did my MA degree at Essex University, I taught some international students as part of the "Teaching Practice" module. I have been trained how to write a lesson plan for international students and how to use the PowerPoint for delivering lectures. Furthermore, I am very au fait with technology in the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
It is the application of an integrating approach for the development of communicative skills in the lesson, in which the four skills in the acquisition of knowledge of a foreign language can be taught in a coherent way, and practiced together, with a distinction of the importance of one upon the other. One image for teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) is that of a tapestry. The tapestry is woven from many strands, such as the characteristics of the teacher, the learner, the setting, and the relevant languages (i.e., English and the native languages of the learners and the teacher). For the instructional loom to produce a large, strong, beautiful, colorful tapestry, all of these strands must be interwoven in positive ways. For example, the instructor's teaching style must address the learning style of the learner, the learner must be motivated, and the setting must provide resources and values that strongly support the teaching of the language. However, if the strands are not woven together effectively, the instructional loom is likely to produce something small, weak, ragged, and pale--not recognizable as a tapestry at all.

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Personal Description:
I'm 25 years old , lives in bath , I did my bachelors in life sciences from Pakistan , I know English and Urdu very well.

Teaching Experience:
I had a teaching experience in Pakistan , I was teaching biology , chemistry and life sciences in primary school, I'm very competent in Urdu , I can write and speak Urdu as well .

Tutoring Approach:
One of my friend told me about this site , I'm looking forward to see any students relevant to my subjects.

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Personal Description:
I am a 34 year old Post doctoral researcher in the field of endocrinology.

My undergraduate degree (2010) was in Biology from Imperial College, London, where I continued to study to Masters level (2011) in Reproductive and Developmental Biology. between 2013-2016 I completed my PhD in reproductive endocrinology. therefore my knowledge of biology spans multiple subject areas.

I have A-levels in Biology, Physics, Maths and History and a keen interest in all of these subjects.

Having completed my PhD and fulfilled 3 post-doctoral research positions, I feel I have gained experience in the skills required at all levels of education to progress and succeed and would really like to help others to realise their academic talents and to succeed in their education.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently training for my postgraduate certificate of academic practice, for lecturing and small group teaching at undergraduate level.

I have been tutoring privately for the past 6 years and have successfully guided GCSE and A-Level students to achieve their goals, gaining further jobs through recommendation.

Throughout my career, I have been responsible for overseeing and training undergraduate students in the laboratory and ensuring they have a key understanding of protocols, the biology behind them and how to use this knowledge to work out problems for themselves. This also involves mathematics skills, such as fractions, dilutions and molar concentrations, as well as helping them with any biology questions they may have outside of the lab. I provide feedback on presentation skills and on key learning skills required at degree level.

I have also had experience teaching students at A-level stage, in a two part workshop surrounding the biology of genetics. A key component of this is helping them to understand a totally new subject and to answer any questions they have surrounding university applications, study skills and personal statements.

I like to think this broad range of experience has taught me to interact with students of various ages and to recognise learning approaches that work best for different individuals.

Tutoring Approach:
The most important thing to consider is a student's personal requirements and to find a learning style that works for them. People learn in different ways so to teach in a style that maintains interest and works for the individual student is really important to me.

a goal based approach is important in my eyes. to understand what need to be learnt, by when and to work through a strategic plan to achieve the best results for the student.

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about teaching and I love to spread the Italian culture through different tools( art, music, readings, cinema). I depict myself like a hard-working, outgoing and particularly sensitive person. I am even imaginative and keen on my job activities.

Teaching Experience:
In Italy I managed reading projects in schools and I have worked for libraries, bookshops and nurseries as a teacher. In london and Brighton I organized animated reading events aimed at Italian and English children. I currently teach Italian to adults and children using Italian books and multimedia tools on online and face to face basis(when possible & following health and safety measures due to pandemic).

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very pratctical approach and I like to teach Italian through readings, the use of original video and audio. I don't want to use only the grammar, but also offer ample space for conversation and real life topics.
In my method, the student is protagonist and he/she is able to elaborate and speak as much as possible.

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Personal Description:
Qualified Computer Science Teacher PGCE QTS with experience teaching A Level & GCSE at top independent schools, a Master's Degree from King's College London and experience working as a Software Engineer.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at some of the top independent schools in the country, including North London Collegiate School and Berkhamsted. With industry experience as a Software Engineer in various fintech companies, I am equipped to teach students at all levels, from secondary through to post-university, covering KS3 to A Level.

I am dedicated to effective teaching and employ proven techniques such as interleaving, spaced repetition, step-by-step modeling, guided practice, and fostering enthusiasm, all of which contribute to a high success rate. I regularly research educational theory and practice, specifically, in and around Computer Science Pedagogy.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy what I teach, and love to continually learn, not only about my subject but also in theories such as Metacognition (learning how to learn) and Cognitive Load Thoery.

I take a friendly and down-to-earth approach, focusing on creating a relaxed and effective learning environment.

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Personal Description:
My name is Husamettin, a recent Phd from the University of Notre Dame's (USA) history department. I am currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Oxford University's Islamic center. I would like to help you improving your Greek, Arabic, or Turkish language skills. Also, I can assist you with writing academic essays, articles, and applications in history and any related subject. Please reach me out through my email.

Teaching Experience:
2019-2021, Teaching Assistant, University of Notre Dame, Department of History. Description: My responsibility was leading discussion sections, grading papers and exams, proctoring the exams and offering office hours for the students.
Courses: HIST 10200 (Western Civilization)
HIST 30996 (War in Medieval and Modern History)
HIST 30355 (Russian History -RasPutin to Putin)

2016-2018, Teaching Assistant, Sabanci University, Department of History. Description: My responsibility was leading tutorials, grading papers, and exams, proctoring the exams, and offering office hours for the students.
Courses: SPS 101 (Humanity and Society I)
HUM 232 (Major Works of Asian Art)

Tutoring Approach:
I am open to teach beginner, intermediate, and advanced level of language courses. I would prefer in-person teaching in the Oxford area; however, online sessions would also work. Please let me know. I would like to go through a grammar book that I mostly rely on when teaching languages. However, if your level is above the beginner level, we can also do speaking sessions, where I can occasionally correct mistakes, taking notes about them. After this, we can go over the related subject.

If you need any guidance about any academia-related subject, I can help you with this. My previous students were quite happy to see that the quality of their term papers and short term assignments significantly increased after having one to one in-person sessions with me. Aside from teaching students how to contextualize various academic subjects, I also show them how to structurally organize their works.

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