Cottingham Tutors and Cottingham Tuition

Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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Personal Description:
I am a native English speaker and have been studying languages for 20 years. I have travelled to many countries and experienced many cultures. I know speaking a language fluently is so important to enjoy new experiences. I have a Degree in Linguistics and have been trained in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL). I have a variety of experiences in teaching, training and tutoring. Although I am originally from Australia I am now based in London. I have spent time learning Russian, Spanish and German, so I know how useful it is to have someone helping continuing to build vocabulary and correct language use. I also know how hard it can be to get started learning a new language. I will be sure to find out what you want to learn and how you enjoy learning the most.

Teaching Experience:
I have a Degree in Applied Linguistics and have been trained in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL). I have a variety of experiences in teaching, training and tutoring in the workplace, in group and one-to-one sessions with both adults and children. Although I am originally from Australia I am now based in Crewe. I have spent time learning Russian, Spanish and German, so I know how useful it is to have someone helping continuing to build vocabulary and correct language use. I also know how hard it can be to get started learning a new language.

Tutoring Approach:
My initial focus will be to spend time finding out what you want to learn and how you enjoy learning the most. My focus will be what you identify as needing help with, as well as giving feedback on how your language skills are progressing. I am most happy providing conversational English practice so that you can improve your skills in interacting with others, either at work, or study or even just travelling with greater ease. I am happy to provide exercises and tasks for you to work on as well as English conversation.
I am happy to meet you wherever is convenient - perhaps a local cafe or library. I can also tutor in my home or yours if that is easier. I am happy to tutor via Skype following a first meeting if travel is an issue.

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Personal Description:
FILM | PHOTOGRAPHY | IN-DESIGN etc.

***Don't miss the unique opportunity to work with a multiple award winning International Director.***

Award-winning director Kezia Barnett is a filmmaker with over a decades experience. She creates short films and music videos and has been directing international commercials since 2004.

With a degree in Fine Arts, she has an appreciation of film, photography and fine art in a practical, theoretical aesthetic way as well as technical.

Kezia has won numerous awards in recent years. She was the only director from the region presented in the Saatchi and Saatchi Young Directors Showcase in 2005. At the inaugural advertising award show, The Kodak Gongs, held in Sydney in 2005, Kezia was given the Young Director of the Year award.

Her directorial successes have also been awarded at music video and short film festivals. Kezia won the award for Best Commercial Spot with Love Story at the L.A. Shorts Fest in 2006 - this Hollywood event is the largest short film festival in the world.

In her commercial work Kezia has produced work for, and in, various cities and territories including the UK, New York, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Kezia has worked alongside some of New Zealand's most prestigious bands, making videos, including Goodshirt and Pluto. At the Juice Music Video Awards, in 2006, Kezia's music video Hands for Sarah Brown won Video of the Year. In 2005 her Cement video, for Goodshirt, won the People's Choice award at the Below Ground Music Video Fest in Sydney and in 2004 Goodshirt's Buck it Up won Best Group Video at the Juice TV awards.

She has written and directed several short films including Sweet As Candy (2003), Paperdoll Girl (2000) and Cyber Kicks (1999). These have been shown in both local and international festivals. Sweet As Candy is distributed by BritShorts.

BACKGROUND

Whilst studying at Auckland University she gained straight A grades and was awarded several scholarships including the Senior Scholarship in Film and Television and Media Studies, the Elam Art Scholarship and the NZ Federation of University Women's Final Year First Degree Scholarship.

She gained top in New Zealand in Bursary Photography (last year of high school).

In 1998 she was live-in field director / camera operator for More Flatmates (a documentary / reality TV programme) where she lived in a flat and documented the lives of her flatmates for 5 months.

During her early directing years she also worked in the art department, designing short films and worked on drama, TV programs and commercials.

Art exhibitions include: Barnett Newman - Calendar Girl (1997), at the George Fraser Gallery and Light Bytes (2003 & 2008 - projected animations on a four-storey high billboard in High Street, Auckland), in collaboration with Lesley Kaiser.

Teaching Experience:
I have given various talks and lectures, including to students at Unitec and Auckland University of Technology. I have also taught a workshop-based Interdiciplinary course at Unitec and tutored photography students in their last year of school, who achieved good grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring in a friendly and informative way. I can adapt the sessions to suit the individual, whether it is about learning in-design or whether it is seeing you through a photographic or film/video project or designing your showreel etc. I have a depth of knowledge and industry experience to draw on. I can help you extend your knowledge or develop the knowledge you already have. Please contact me to discuss your individual needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a retired police officer who has retrained as an EFL teacher. My main interests are my rescue dog, swimming, music, reading, cinema, concerts and travel. As a person I am empathic, patient and kind. I am interested in current affairs both in the UK and worldwide.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I spent 5 years teaching IT in industry. As a police officer I spent 7 years in the Training Department teaching IT as well as Communications Skills, First Aid, Law and Force Policy.

Since retiring I have passed a CELTA course and have taught English in Vietnam for 3 months and Mexico for 4 months as well as a short contract in a high school in Austria. In the UK I have taught at a residential Easter School and two residential Summer Schools, teaching children and adults of all ages and from beginner to advanced level. During 2021 I volunteered teaching online for my previous employer in Vietnam as they were in lockdown for a considerable time and value having a native English speaker working with them.

Tutoring Approach:
I apply to tutoring the same skills that I have used during my extensive time as a trainer - I motivate by encouragement, patience and praise, and use a teaching approach that will suit the learning style of my student. I also enforce strict deadlines and standards in order to maximise the learner's gain from the teaching time and to ensure that they use their study time wisely and efficiently. My attitude towards learners is that the only silly question is the one which they want to ask but don't, and that if they do not understand something then it requires me to explain it in a different way. I believe that if a learner enjoys their study they will gain a lot more from it, so endeavour to make lessons and tasks interesting and relevant.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Sammy.

I offer private tutoring in German and Italian in friendly, focused and supportive lessons. Whether you are learning a language as an adult, need help with exams, or would just like some conversation practice to boost your confidence, I will tailor our sessions to suit your needs. Of course, if you just want to brush up on your language skills before a holiday or business trip, I can help with this, too!

I offer lessons for groups at a discounted rate - ideal for couples and friends.

I also have extensive experience in teaching English as a foreign language and I welcome international students to get in touch.

I am based in Liverpool and offer online tuition.

Teaching Experience:
* Former Head of Languages in a secondary school
* Fully qualified teacher with over ten years' experience teaching GCSE and A level
* Masters in Education and 1st class BA (hons) in German and Italian with a distinction in spoken language
* Experience teaching language for business
* Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certified

Tutoring Approach:
My first aim is to put you at ease and boost your confidence. Lesson content is completely flexible to fit with what you need and we will always work at a pace you are comfortable with.

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Personal Description:
I deliver maths courses since 2009 in Romania and UK. I am a friendly person and all my students successful passed their exams with my help.

Teaching Experience:
2009 - 2011 - maths teacher in Romania 11-16 years old up to A level
2013- present teaching GCSE maths to 16+ students and adylts

Tutoring Approach:
I am opened to all kind of topics and anytimeduring the evening or weekends

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Personal Description:
Former Head of Science (research) King's School Canterbury Kent. Now teaching A level, IB and GCSE Chemistry courses at Kent College Canterbury. Author "Around the world in 18 Elements" pub. Royal Society of Chemistry 2014. Author Edexcel A level chemistry student practical guide. pub. Hodder 2017. Co-author A level Chemistry books 1&2 Edexcel and OCR Pearson. Former Principal examiner for OCR.

Teaching Experience:
30 years plus. Home and abroad. Familiar with all A level syllabuses. Able to take Chemistry beyond the A level syllabus to university level.

Tutoring Approach:
Question and answer approach. Able to provide many tried and tested techniques. Have developed Online lessons via Teams using Wacom writing tablet.

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Personal Description:
I am 50 years old female, a native Arabic speaker who's trying to help children learn Arabic in a simple and easy way. I am very patient and professional, and my objective is to improve your child's skills in the Arabic language and in reading Quran which can change in a few weeks. I usually focus on writing and conversation practice. I use great and effective materials to help your child develop his reading/writing skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored children with ADHD, primary and secondary levels for more than 10 years. I have also tutored candidates for Edexcel GCSE Arabic, IGCSE Classical Arabic and AS/A Level Arabic for the last 5 years.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is quite simple. First, I get to know the student and find what level he/she is in and then work on what he/she is missing.

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Personal Description:
Qualified teacher. A-level biology specialist. 20 years experience. A-level examiner for AQA.

Biology Chemistry and Physics up to GCSE

Mathematics to Key-stage 3.

Online lessons via all the popular platforms including Teams, Zoom and Skype including virtual whiteboard technology. Extensive online resources are available to all tutees.

Teaching Experience:
20 years Qualified Secondary Science teacher, KS3, GCSE and A-level.

Having also taught at university I am able to assist life-science undergraduates with dissertations or projects.

Experienced teacher of Key Stage 3 mathematics

20 years experience as a one-to-one tutor including online work.

A-level Biology examiner for AQA.

Extensive experience as the college co-ordinator for both medicine and biology HE+ programmes and well as vast experience preparing students for interview for competitive courses such as medicine and dentistry at Russell Group Universities.

Tutoring Approach:
I am results-focused and will approach session with the goal of achieving the best possible exam result in mind.

Concentrating on exam technique, application and other common areas of weakness in order to maximise grades.

Online sessions are available via all the popular portals including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype.

Discount rates for pairs or small groups negotiable.

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Personal Description:
I am a passionate musician, I started playing the drums at the age of 8 years and later played the Piano and the Bass guitar. I am currently into music production where I make music for recording artist playing the drums, piano and bass guitar. I like to mentor passionate upcoming musician and encourage them to be better in their craft. I play diverse kinds of music; Jazz, RnB, Soul/Neo-Soul, African traditional music, Contemporary gospel music. I adapt swiftly into genres of music as long as the music imparts the soul of the listeners.

Teaching Experience:
In my 15years of learning and performing music in church and secular music, I have also had a handful number of students who have become successful in the music and have taken this craft as their career. I have been so proud to have poured into them and watch them develop.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make music fun and enjoyable. I enjoy convincing students to see music as a gift and how privileged they are to be passionate about it. Being passionate about playing music or becoming a musician itself is a gift which millions of people living in this planet earth do not have. I like to make students realise that there is a sound, a melody, a song in them which the world needs to hear. That there is a creativity in every musician to be original in their music and yet the world would adjust and hear them out. However, to reach this level of creativity, they need to PRACTICE. This can not be overemphasized. The more time each student invest in constant practice and learning, the more they get closer to finding their own sound and music. This is my approach which has been working over the years. I try as much as possible to make it enjoyable for each student and let them be passionate about it. Once they are passionate about it, they wouldn't need me to tell them to practice or force them to do assignments. They just stayed glued to their music till they become greater in their purpose of calling.

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Personal Description:
Hi there! I'm Emily. I grew up in London, and I am a native English speaker with a British accent. I find languages fascinating, and have studied French, Spanish and Russian, so I understand the experience of a language learner. As well as language learning, my hobbies include swing dancing, reading, art and watching films!

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher with a native British accent. I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Education Studies and English Literature, before completing a PGCE in Primary Education. I am fully TEFL certified and DBS checked, and teach both adults and children.

I have taught in several London Primary Schools, and continue to teach Primary School children part-time.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer conversational English classes for intermediate-advanced students.

My lessons use art, music, literature and film to create stimulating conversations. I have a rigorous approach to grammar and pronunciation, but prefer not to use coursebooks. I will listen and respond to your needs in real time, identifying and working on your weaknesses with you, meaning that my lessons are fun and tailored to your interests! If you choose to study with me for the long term, I will create a personalised syllabus for you to ensure that you achieve your language goals.

I teach all my lessons over Zoom. When you start learning with me, I will share a Google Drive folder with you in which I will put all your lesson resources and extra support for self-study.

Please send me a message for more information. I look forward to learning with you soon!

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Personal Description:
A native Russian speaker, I have been living in the North East of England since 2014. In my spare time I enjoy learning Spanish, travelling, doing yoga, painting, and walking around the North Yorkshire moors.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Russian from 2015 both online and face-to-face, school children and adults. My online students have passed the GCSE (A & A *) and Level-A (A *) exams. I have an interesting communication course for beginners.

Tutoring Approach:
The course will be designed according to your personal needs and goals. Online lessons are held via Teams. They are prepared on the Google slides and are always available to you. Lessons and homework include video and audio, texts and exercises.

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