Copythorne Tutors & Copythorne Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced, well-qualified teacher of English language and literature. I teach online using Teams or Zoom. I enjoy teaching English literature at all levels. Many of my students have achieved very pleasing results. I have concentrated on English at GCSE level recently. I am familar with a number of exam boards such as OCR, and Edexcel but most particularly AQA. I help identify areas in which a student is struggling, especially Poetry and Creative Writing.

Teaching Experience:
I taught for 17 years at an independent school in Zimbabwe before coming to the U.K.I have a wide experience of working with pupils of different ages. I have prepared pupils for examinations at all levels, and have had a lot of experience setting and marking entrance examinations for senior schools. I have marked A and AS level Eng.Lit. for Cambridge International Examinations. I have taught as a supply teacher in U.K. schools since moving here in 2007. I have had a large number of private pupils, with commendable results.

Tutoring Approach:
I was given the 'Most Approachable Teacher' award by the pupils in the school where I taught for 17years! I love teaching, and interact well with young people. I am able to understand their needs and tailor lessons to suit that individual. I am told that my approach is friendly and understanding.

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Personal Description:
Dan is a composer, pianist and music tutor based in Tonteg near Pontypridd, South Wales. Dan has a Post Graduate Diploma in Composition from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama as well as a BA (Hons) Degree in Music from Bath Spa University College.

Teaching Experience:
Dan has over 10 years experience in music tuition, specialising in Piano, Theory and Composition. He had a teaching position at Forte School of Music for 3 years before deciding to commit to freelance music tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
Dan offers enthusiastic and fun piano lessons for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

Face to face and/or online lessons are available (all popular online platforms are offered, including Zoom, Skype, FaceTime and WhatsApp etc.)

Often praised for his friendly and encouraging approach to teaching, Dan specialises in Piano, Music Theory (up to Grade 5) and Composition and delivers over 1,000 individual music lessons per year. Workshops and masterclasses are also provided. You can either learn for fun or work towards music exams. Dan has a full and up to date DBS certificate and Public Liability Insurance.

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Personal Description:
I strongly believe that studying a foreign language is an incredibly enriching experience that can really widen and improve your world, at any age! I started learning languages when I was six and I will probably never stop.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching Italian as a foreign language while studying languages and literatures at university. I kept teaching part-time for 3 years to students of various ages and levels until I graduated.
I then pursued a career in advertising: I worked as copywriter and trainer of new employees for 6 years. I had the opportunity to train new colleagues from all over Europe. I loved training so much that I decided to go back to language teaching, but full-time. I completed my teacher training at the London Italian Cultural Institute, where I achieved my TIAFL Certificate (Teacher of Italian as a Foreign Language).
I am currently working as part-time private Italian tutor in North London.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is student-centred: this means that I plan lessons according to my learners' level, needs and interests.
Lessons are completely in Italian and are designed according to the principles of the communicative method, which makes authentic Italian material the starting point that will lead students to explore and discover the language in a spontaneous way.
You will be learning Italian and Italian culture through different texts and activities. My resources are the latest Italian learning text books, but also literature, songs, videos, articles and games.
Guided by the student's objectives, we will be working on all language abilities: speaking, writing, listening and reading, in order to promote a full and enjoyable learning process.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic Music Tutor (ABRSM friendly)

My music studies began at the age of 9 with classical piano.
Since 1990 I began studying and playing as a keyboards and bass player in many different music's styles bands.

During my music studies I also had the chance to attend several masterclasses in improvisation, music harmony and theory with important musicians as: George Garzone, Bob Brookmeyer, Ayn Inserto, Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, John Stowell, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkel and more.

Teaching Experience:
Since 1997 I'm teaching in several schools and as a private tutor piano, keyboards, guitar and drums for beginners. Bass guitar and Music Theory for all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on analyzing and listening with deep attention at
students' needs and requests, being patient while motivating with positive and neutral critic.

I also responsibly acquire an appropriate teaching material and resources relating to individual students' needs ensuring an up-to-date knowledge and a critical awareness about
their level.

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Personal Description:
Current Head of Geography. Approachable, friendly and more than anything, a very enthusiastic Geographer having travelled extensively worldwide and ran trips for secondary school aged students to diverse locations.

Able to tutor Geography KS3, KS4/GCSE and KS5/A Level. GCSE can easily adapt to any exam specification. For A Level, the AQA exam specification/board is my speciality.

Teaching Experience:
Geography teacher for 18 years.
Head of Geography for 13 years at a large and highly respected school in NW England.

Geography degree from red brick university, Geography Teaching qualification (PGCE) at distinction level as well as a Masters in Education (Geography specialised) at distinction level.

Secured outstanding results over many years, including great value added scores with students going on to red brick universities and Oxbridge and other high profile London universities.

Fully up to date in teaching methodology for all levels and Geography examinations, having been an examiner and completed a Masters analysing examined Geography education. Also ran subject specific training for Geography teachers and written academic journal articles.

Tutoring Approach:
Individual - happy to adapt according to the needs of the pupil.

On first meeting, will discuss and assess requirements and tailor to suit.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Jesús. I´m a 27 years old boy, from Spain. I love dealing with children and I´m a passionate about the education. I have recently moved to London because I would like to enrich me through it culture and traditions.

I try to create a good atmosphere with the students so that the class is more fun and enjoyable.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked like private teacher with many pupils for all the subjects in Spain.

Besides, I have been working as teacher-in-training during six month, doing the basic tasks of a Primary teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I think the most important thing to learn is being motivate, so I try to get this, about different resources like pictures, songs or games.

Another important topic is to follow the interest about their tastes; in this way, it learning will be too much enjoyable.

My lessons are personalise to the goals you want to achieve!

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Personal Description:
I prepare a course which is personalised to the needs of the students.

Teaching Experience:
I taught English in Italy for 31 years. During this time I taught in a High School to students aged 14 to 19. I am also experienced in teaching students of any ages from young children to adults and any level.
I am a Cambridge prepared teacher and an examiner for Cambridge B1 and B2 level.

Tutoring Approach:
I use an eclectic method and arrange the lessons according to the needs of the student.

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Personal Description:
Hey I'm Abdul. I'm currently studying Computer Science at the University of Leeds. I passed my 11+ and attended Wilson's School and I absolutely loved my time there. When studying for my GCSE's, I struggled quite a lot with Chemistry and so I decided to get a tutor. After a few months of receiving tuition, there was a noticeable improvement in my grades and I achieved a grade 9 in Chemistry GCSE and later on studied it for A-level and achieved a grade A. I was very thankful to my tutors and teachers as I could not have done well in my studies without them.

During my time at sixth form, I volunteered to tutor GCSE students in my school. I later on taught some students outside of school for 1 year and it allowed me to build a long term relationship with my students and be able to actually see improvements in their grades and confidence in that subject. This was an extremely rewarding feeling for me and is what motivates me as a tutor.

In my free time, I like to play badminton and spend time with friends and family.

Teaching Experience:
**Volunteer Mentor at Wilson's School (6 months) & Private Tutoring outside of school (2 years)**

- Regularly mentored GCSE students, personalising lessons based on individual needs and abilities, which improved their comprehension and academic performance. After around 3 months of this, the students confirmed they had seen at least a 1 grade improvement from grade 7's to grade 8's and 9's.
- Created a supportive and nurturing learning environment, instilling confidence and motivating students who initially struggled to see the value in their education

Tutoring Approach:
I ask my students about their weakest areas of subject knowledge and plan my lessons from there. Moreover, I engage with my students by asking them questions to ensure they are understanding everything. When showing them a subject specific question, I make sure it's from their exam board and is from past papers so they are able to answer similar questions in their exams.

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Personal Description:
I am a semi-retired teacher and am a very passionate and experienced teacher. I am a keen sportswoman and musician. I have three adult children.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 25 years of teaching in Secondary schools and since 2019 I have been teaching adults and GCSE and A level French and German. My group of GCSE German students and my A level German students achieved outstanding results in 2023.I also teach private students at highly regarded English independent schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always student-centred and I use innovative methods of teaching to promote and support learning. I encourage students to be active participants in their own learning and support with developing transferable skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and reflective thinking. I have also worked with several students who have needed extra help and reassurance due to having anxiety issues and with my support, my students are able to take control of their learning and achieve the success they deserve.

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Personal Description:
I have a MA in Production Design for Film and Television from Kingston University and a BA Hons in Furniture Design and Applied Arts from Edinburgh College of Art. I have worked in the film and television industry since 2004. I lead large teams of specialist designers, art directors, junior assistants, crafts people and construction teams. And I collaborate closely with other experts within the industry including cinematographers, directors and screenwriters.

A production designer designs the worlds in which the TV Drama or film is set. That includes working with location people to choose locations in which to film - and building sets in studios. It can also involve working closely with SFX teams. The role juggles creative vision with practical project management. It's a collaborative media/ industry and relies heavily on communication skills- visual and verbal.

Teaching Experience:
I've tutored students looking to win a place in art schools/universities and specialist creative high schools. Students looking to better their results at A level, and I've taught larger classes of young adults in university and workshops. I help my four year old with his art and design too : )

Tutoring Approach:
My approach depends on the students needs and I am very flexible. I can work in a very focused way with the students brief on course curriculum. Or more loosely- developing verbal and practical skills for a portfolio for art school/media design or communication courses. I'm down to earth and structured in my approach.

If it's face to face tutoring, I may charge a small fee for travel time/costs dependent on how far away and dependent on whether the session is one or two hours long, etc. Please message me for further details, thanks.

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Personal Description:
I'm a highly experienced language teacher. My students appreciate my patience and ability to create a welcoming and comfortable learning environment.

I'm friendly and approachable, which helps to put my students at ease and encourages them to ask questions and engage with the material. I have the ability to explain complex concepts in a way that makes them easy to understand.

Teaching Experience:
• Worked with both adult students and children, groups and individuals;
• Worked alongside leading academics in the field of art and Polish literature as an assistant;
• Developed and presented conference papers; led panels' discussions;
• Conducted research and analysis;
• Organised conferences;
• Assisted in books publications;
• Liaised with various departments to coordinate course content, internships, co-op experience, and curricular development.
My skills are based on solid academic background and 18 years of professional experience as an academic tutor and a school teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm flexible and willing to adapt my lessons to meet the specific needs and goals of each student. I listen carefully to my students and tailor my lessons to their individual needs, ensuring that they receive the support and guidance they need to succeed.

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