Cottenham Tutors & Cottenham Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a previous Head of Mathematics where I taught Years 5 - 9

Before this I was a Skills for Life maths coordinator for Cambridgeshire CC

I am passionate about the subject and believe that everyone can learn maths

I am also very enthusiastic and I am good at building up confidence and self-esteem

Teaching Experience:
Head of Mathematics - teaching Years 4 - 6

Middle school Mathematics teacher Years 5 - 9

Skills for Life Coordinator - maths - Post-16

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everyone can learn maths !

I think maths should be fun - as if you enjoy something you want to do it!

I always try to instill confidence and boost self-esteem as these are vital components in learning

I subscribe to using an active learning approach with a variety of resources where possible to meet learners needs.

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Personal Description:
A highly effective educator; experienced, well organised, motivated, enthusiastic, with good sense of humour.

I establish rapport with my students. In my long career in teaching, I have learned how to make the most complex concepts in science 'digestible'. My motto is: 'Excellence in Education'.

I am a member of Pi Lambda Theta (International Honour Society in Education).

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified Teacher/Lecturer, and have taught for over thirty years in Secondary, and Further/Higher Education in the US, the EU, and the UK. In addition to teaching students, I have trained teachers, as well.

I am very familiar with the AQA, Edexcel, OCR, and the International Baccalaureate specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
While my Bachelor's Degree is in Biomedical Science, my Master's Degree is in Education with emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction, which means I have trained in designing and delivering effective lesson plans, as well as a complete curriculum. I design my instruction taking into account the student's learning needs. The 'one size fits all' approach to teaching is responsible for the failure of many students. Every student can learn and can do well in the right learning environment, and if there are no gaps in what is prerequisite knowledge for taking a certain course.

Knowledge builds on pre-existing knowledge. I make certain that my students really understand and appreciate that. I diagnose gaps in content knowledge and fill them, providing a solid foundation for my students to build on.

Study skills and exam technique, which figure prominently in my teaching, combined with a well-rounded, in-depth content knowledge, provide the key to success.

At the end of the course, my students not only do they have what they need to tackle the Biology, Chemistry, or Psychology exam, but also a wealth of learning skills which they can apply to other subjects as well, and which they will find essential in all their future academic studies.

Educational technology supplements my instruction. The content in every session is presented on PowerPoint with quality images. I clarify every point and make certain my student has grasped the present concept before I proceed with the next. Where appropriate, the PPT presentation is followed by a brief video which makes the content come alive. My PowerPoint presentations, as well as my notes on PDF or Word files are available for my students after the lesson.

I finish the lesson practicing exam-style questions, and I provide my students with lots of past exam papers. It goes without saying that regular revision is very important.

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Personal Description:
QUALIFICATIONS

- MPhil (Distinction) from University of Cambridge
- BEng (First Class Honors) from Imperial College London

AWARDS

Willis Jackson Medal & Prize - Imperial College London
Honorary Jesus College Scholar - University of Cambridge
Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar - University of Cambridge

SERVICES

• Regular tutoring
• Exam preparation (identification and support in weaker areas, exam technique practice)
• Last minute exam sessions
• Advice for university applications
• Homework assistance
• Setting and marking of homework
• Confidence building
• University interview advice
• Mastering Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for professionals)

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE

- Teaching Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies/Management, Computing and Electronics

- Taught over 75 diverse students since 2009, usually for several months, providing support to students consistently through the academic year

- Experienced in tutoring degree level students

- Conducted remedial classes to Business Management undergraduates at the University of Cambridge

- Guided university level students in preparing first class coursework assignments and final year dissertations under tight deadlines

- Successfully supported two students in preparing for their Oxford University entrance exams

- Coached a student for his Imperial College London interview for Mechanical Engineering (MEng Mech Eng)

STUDENT FEEDBACK

"Umer explains things in a clear and concise manner and has made learning Physics ever so fun for me. He is punctual and continuously tailors his teaching style to suit the needs of the student he is teaching." - Kalpna, A2 Mathematics

"More often that not, students spend a considerable time studying unimportant things. Umer has the ability to channel the effort of his students in the right direction, resulting in effective exam preparation. If it wasn't for him, my son wouldn't have scored so well in his exams." - Carlos, A2 Mathematics, A2 Physics

"Umer often uses visual aids to explain abstract concepts. He takes time to understand the interests of his tutees and then uses something of their interest to explain complex phenomenon to them. This really keeps the child motivated and involved. Hats off to his teaching style." - Roma, AS Physics

"Umer has tutored me from grade 8 through to A level. He is knowledgeable, reliable, patient and always polite. He constantly maintains a positive approach and encourages me even when I perform badly. He also helps me organise my study schedule and remained a great source of motivation for me. I would blindly recommend him to anyone!". - Basa, Mathematics (grade 8, GCSE, AS, A2)

Tutoring Approach:
- The underlying factor for my success is my ability to change my style of teaching according to each student's ability

- I provide practical and lively examples to explain concepts in Maths, Physics and Chemistry

- I guide my students towards obtaining correct answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing them with information to `rote learn`

- Tipping exam questions is a common practice and I can do this nearer to exam period

- I am very patient and endeavour to remove the abstraction in mathematical concepts through simplification of seemingly complex procedures

- I am a strong believer in building a good relationship with my students

- I tend to focus on harder exam questions early on so that students are not overwhelmed with them nearer to exam time

- Providing students with visual representations in science works wonders in establishing their concepts

- Asking students to teach back what I taught them some weeks ago also helps in improving their communications skills besides serving as a revision tool

- Providing students a clear mental image of the process being taught when teaching sciences. For instance, explaining the concept of electric current by modelling it as a flow of water

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Personal Description:
Steve started his Kuk Sool Won ™ journey at the age of 26 to learn a skill in martial arts as well as to keep fit, lose weight and build confidence, making Steve a great instructor for those facing the same issues having successfully overcoming these himself.

What is Kuk Sool Won™? It is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ is exteremely well-organised; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training.

Steve is DBS (formerly CRB) checked and insured.

Teaching Experience:
After successfully achieving his First Degree Black Belt, Steve began to instruct both kids and adults in the art of Kuk Sool Won ™ and has been doing so for over 10 years. It is a credit to Steve that he has seen many kids and adults successfully achieve their Black Belts under his guidance.

Tutoring Approach:
Steve is passionate about martial arts and wants to instill confidence, respect, self-control and self-defence to his students.

He believes that martial arts can help to improve fitness, confidence and concentration, relieve stress, and teach self-defence, all of which are so important in today's modern world.

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Personal Description:
I'm currently working in finance for Molson Coors, having previously worked in external audit for PwC for 4 years where I obtained my ACA qualification.
Prior to this I was a student studying Economics at the University of Birmingham, where I achieved a first level BSc. I am interested in sharing some of the things I have learnt over my years in education with others, which is why I'm keen to tutor. I have previously mentored students throughout secondary school and really enjoyed it. Apart from university my other interests include; playing netball and renovating my house.

Teaching Experience:
I have previously mentored students through their GCSEs and Alevels at secondary school and really enjoyed it. I am the coach of a netball team so this also gives me skills which help to make me a better tutor such as patience, organisation and effective communication skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe tutoring is the responsibility of both the tutor and the tutee. I would like to plan sessions which are stimulating, engaging and involve ideas bouncing between the two of us, whether that is through debate, discussions or question and answer sessions. I am also open minded so would be prepared to experiment a lot with teaching style. I would be happy to take suggestions about how you'd like me to tutor you so we can establish an approach that works for both parties.

For the benefit of all parties involved, I will suggest that the first session with any new tutee is spent making a plan of all of the material to be covered across all sessions to ensure all parties feel comfortable with the tutoring expectations.

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Personal Description:
I have a BA in philosophy with first-class honours from the University of York, and an MA from the University of Birmingham. A number of my papers have been published, and I was previously an editor of a philosophical journal.

I am a professionally trained, passionate philosopher. I believe in helping students to achieve highly whilst also imparting some of what makes philosophy a wonderful subject. Despite what some people think, you absolutely can maximise both simultaneously. Learning should be fun and rewarding, but still results driven.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over four years. I am reliable, dedicated and professional. I have an exceptional history of helping students achieve success.

Tutoring Approach:
I have excellent communicative and interpersonal skills. Philosophy is hard, we will look at things together that some of the greatest minds of the last two and a half thousand years have struggled to grapple with, so although I can never make it easy, I can certainly make it *easier*. I want to help you appreciate the satisfaction of understanding and working with something that was originally very challenging.

In short, work with me if you want someone:

- Professional
- Reliable
- Experienced
- Results driven
- Passionate
- Knowledgeable

We will work on understanding, essay writing, and exam technique. I will also help you to think in a more critical, rigorous manner. I offer a high-quality service that will maximise your chances of success and bring you the highest intellectual return. My excellent reviews attest to this.

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Personal Description:
I have been speaking Spanish for over 30 years and have a passion for the language, for Spain and the Spanish culture.

I have visited Spain every year since I was eight and regularly visit friends across the country and members of my family who live near Valencia.  I spent a year of my degree studying, living and working in Northern Spain, at the University of Salamanca.  I regularly update and improve my own language and teaching skills and most recently attended an intensive week's teaching and learning course in Málaga . 

I have a passion for watching people develop as foreign language speakers and have been privileged to share my enthusiasm for the language and culture across a range of ages and abilities -  from 5 years old to 70+ covering all levels from tourist, conversational, GCSE, A-Level and International Baccalaureate.  

Teaching Experience:
I have a degree in both Spanish and Teaching and have been teaching the language in colleges, primary and secondary schools for almost 10 years.  I am a co-author for the new CGP GCSE Study Guides and workbooks. I am also an examiner for the International Baccalaureate Course. 

Tutoring Approach:
I offer 1-2-1 Spanish tuition online.  I teach all ages from beginners to A-Level students; whether you are a total beginner, did Spanish at school and are looking at getting back into the language or are an advanced speaker wanting to hone your language skills. My strength is in working with you to create a tailored, relaxed and fun session. I will design a course with only you in mind.  I ensure your lessons have a balance between the four skills of speaking, reading, writing and listening. We will work at your pace.  Whatever your personal goal, we will achieve it.

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Personal Description:
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Teaching Experience:
I hold Certifcate in Education. I have been teaching English as a Second Language since May 2007. The students would stay at my house for a week or up to eight weeks. I have also taught Maths, Biology, Science, History, Geography and Physics to GCSE level.
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.
I love skiing, horse riding, walking with my dog. dancing Salsa, Ceroc, Bachata and Kizomba. I also enjoy learning a new language

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every child has the ability to learn given the right tuition and guidance. Patience maybe required in order to explain a point in several different ways for the student to understand it.
I enjoy teaching English as it is the language of the world, the internet and the language that is spoken by the most number of countries. I find the enjoyment comes when some who can't speak or pronounce English well at first become confident and fluent over time.
I like to make my lessons fun and excited, as I believe that a lesson that is boring will not be remembered by the students.
I have learnt over the course of my teaching that students are individuals and cannot be taught the same. What works for one student will not necessarily work for another. Every course can and should be adjusted to suit the different student.
My classes would be packed full of fun with the intention of energizing everyone in it. I like my students to participate fully in the class, so that they are able to get the most out of their time with me. They should not realize the time because they are enjoying the interaction with me and the other students, if not a one to one scenario.

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Personal Description:
I am a Specialist Dyslexia Tutor with over 10 years' experience of supporting students in secondary, further and higher education. I am a Professional Member of the British Dyslexia Association and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

I am passionate about helping students achieve their potential. My experience has shown me just what a difference one-to-one tutoring and specialist intervention can make. Not only have I seen the improvement in my students' academic ability, but the difference to their self-esteem and confidence has been immeasurable.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified secondary school English teacher and have previously worked for three London universities as a Specialist Study Skills and Academic Writing Tutor. I currently work with students in the east of England.

I support students with all aspects of their academic work. I help my students to plan and write their essays with confidence, stay on track with their academic reading and most importantly - reach their academic potential. My knowledge and experience enable me to use a blend of specialist teaching strategies which help students to understand and work with, rather than against, their dyslexia.

My tuition also helps students develop strategies to learn effectively and successfully online.

I also regularly carry out full dyslexia screenings. This is a comprehensive test which is followed by a detailed feedback report.

Tutoring Approach:
When working with students my aim is to boost their confidence, and in turn their ability, through friendly, patient and creative tutoring. My lessons are tailored towards the individual strengths and talents of the learner and are designed to improve their writing and study skills, whilst also enabling them to become successful independent learners.

My tuition always begins with an assessment of needs. Prior to our first session, I will request any diagnostic assessment reports you may have. This will enable me to gain an understanding of your unique dyslexic profile.

Together, we will discuss what you would like to achieve during our sessions. We will consider your strengths and areas for development and subsequently identify your learning goals. Based on this discussion, we will create a learning plan with clear objectives and review dates. Learning goals will give our sessions a clear focus and allow us to jointly evaluate your progress.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced tutor, Maths with Statistics MSci graduate - King's College, University of London.

I completed my GCSEs, AS and A Levels at the UK's 'Number 1 Ranking' Grammar School - Queen Elizabeth's School for Boys.

I got the highest grades possible for Maths (grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A Level)
Achieved A* at A Level Further Mathematics.
Achieved 9 in Music at GCSE Level. Grade 8 in clarinet, saxophone and piano, and ARSM diploma in clarinet.

Teaching Experience:
Queen Elizabeth's School:

GCSEs - 7 x 9s, 4 x 8s
AS - 4 x A
A2 - 2 x A*, 1 x A (Maths, Further Maths, Physics)

King's College, University of London:
Maths with Statistics MSci graduate

Private music tuition:
Student results: Distinctions x 5, Merit x 3, Pass x 0, Fail x 0.

Tutoring Approach:
In my experience, I have learned that the majority of tutors just 'turn-up-and-teach' without actually preparing. 'Understanding' is the most important thing when it comes to learning, not 'regurgitating information'. As a tutor, I only get ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a way that not only clear, but coherent. Not preparing only means the student will only get more confused. But this won't happen with me!!

In my years as a student, I remember my tutors either setting no homework at all, or random questions from some textbook they've just picked out. Pick me as your tutor, and be confident each homework has been uniquely written by myself to complement the lesson that I've taught, which contains routine practice questions, as well as a couple of more challenging ones, designed to encouraging them to 'think' outside the box.

Closer to the exams, I go through years and years of past papers, and pick out the most appropriate previous exam questions - but not too early! It's important my students have developed that deep understanding of the syllabus first. Yes - yet again, my experience has made me realise that too many tutors are using these exam past papers and 'teaching' their students with them, instead of going through the basics first.

Is it a good idea to give a bunch of papers to a student and hope they'll get on with it? Especially when the student isn't ready, perhaps hasn't learned all of the content inside out, and hasn't been walked through a single practice question, let alone an entire paper before? I focus on exam practice, but only at the right time.

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Personal Description:
Languages and psychology are my passions. I enjoy learning languages (as well as the languages listed below, I have started learning some Arabic, Norwegian, Japanese, Spanish and Italian) and this has enabled me to try many different methods of learning a foreign language, which I can pass on to students to see which works best for them. In addition, I am currently researching the integration of psychology into language learning to make the learning process easier for students. I have lived abroad and am knowledgeable about different cultures. I have a good understanding of the common issues experienced by speakers of certain languages when learning English, including learning a new alphabet. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for languages and my knowledge to allow you to enjoy new opportunities as your English improves.

Teaching Experience:
My CELTA level 5 qualification in teaching English as a foreign language included teaching students of different ages and abilities from around the world via zoom. My students were very engaged in their lessons and weren't afraid to have a go even if it meant making a mistake, as I am able to ensure a relaxed and safe atmosphere in the classroom (or virtual classroom). I have taught all aspects of learning a language: listening, reading, writing and speaking. I am currently working in a voluntary role teaching English to Ukrainian guests in my local town, as well as tutoring my daughter in French for her GCSE exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am kind and patient and like to create a comfortable atmosphere where students feel they can have a go at using their new language. My psychology background enables me to explore the best method of learning for each individual. My lessons focus on communicating effectively in the real world for good general understanding and improving pronunciation in spoken English (which also helps improve listening skills). I can also set tasks in between sessions if students wish so they can progress quicker. This is generally how I approach lessons, but they would be tailored to your preferences. You can let me know what your aims are and if there is anything you want to focus on.

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Personal Description:
As an A level student at one of the top Grammar schools in the country (Queen Elizabeth's Boys School) I know exactly what it takes to achieve the top grades in GCSE Biology, Chemistry, Maths. I myself acheived very high grade 9s in these subjects at GCSE so I know what the mark scheme requires first hand. I can teach you the tips and tricks that I used in order to obtain these grades. I am passionate about the passing on of knowledge to younger students so that they can achieve their academic goals. I understand learning can be challenging and that is why I will motivate students to love the subjects they study.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience in tutoring children in KS3 Science both at Queen Elizabeth's Boys School and elsewhere and I have developed a deep understanding for how to help students achieve their potential.
In addition, I currently tutor students part time at my school for their GCSE exams and work as a mentor for many students who are hoping to ace their exams.
I have developed a wide range of effective teaching methods that I can successfully tailor to individuals. I believe all students can achieve their goal with the right support and guidance.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand that all students have unique needs and learning styles. I always feel it is best to identify the strengths and weaknessses in the subject so I can plan a good course to follow to better undestand and prepare studetns for the exams.
Whether you need help with specific topics, or want to work on exam technique I can provide the support that you need to excel.

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