Debenham Tutors & Debenham 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 expert mathematician with double degree in mathematics from prestigious UK university and full time tutor for more than 14 years of teaching experience. I am fully experienced in building student confidence to solve challenging maths problem at GCSE, A level and university level. Last year I have achieved above 90% success rate in exams through result-orientated teaching methods.

Teaching Experience:
Key stage 3 and GCSE level- 14+ years
A level - 14+ years
Undergraduates 6+ years

Tutoring Approach:
I am offering online one to one and small group tuition to GCSEs, A-levels and undergraduates. My method of teaching mathematics is based upon rigorous practice on exam style questions.

My in-depth subject knowledge and mentoring experience means I can approach problems multiple ways and select the methods best suited to my student. Above 90% of my students achieved their target grade or better result last year. Biggest gift I can give to student is confidence to solve problems and manage time to relief exam stress so that they can focus on gaining maximum mark in the exam.That is why my focus is on guiding student to the solution by promoting independent learning and research skills.

I am discounting all my fees in order to help students stranded at home by ongoing corona pandemic. Please contact me as soon as possible to take advantage of this discount.

CRB checked: Yes
References will be provided upon request.

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Personal Description:
I am a kind person with a passion for music. I have many interests such as playing in bands, writing my own music, and music technology.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching all age groups from adults to young primary school children. I took a teaching module as part of my undergraduate music degree at trinity college of music. I am familiar with teaching one-to-one and groups.

Tutoring Approach:
I find everyone's brain absorbs information differently so I find it best to incorporate visual and aural exercises. I like to tailor what I teach to each individual for their own strengths and weaknesses to improve.

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Personal Description:
I am a native French speaker, born and educated in Paris, but I have been living in England for over 30 years and married an Englishman. I graduated from the Sorbonne University with a view to teaching English there but when I came to England as a French assistante. A year later, having completed my Master's degree I cam back to settle in England and soon qualified as a French teacher. I have been working in that capacity until 2012 when I retired from full-time teaching to dedicated myself to private tuition. I am thus very experienced at all levels consider myself an extremely dedicated teacher, eager to see the students progress and enjoy learning about French culture at the same time as they improve their command of the language. I believe that the most efficient way of learning other than total immersion is the one to one approach which has often allowed me to enable the students willing to invest the extra time to progress exponentially, get motivated and achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught French and English to adults (managerial staff and trainees) in the private sector, in small groups and individually.
Subsequently, I have taught French from KS3 to KS5, full-time on permanent contracts for nearly 30 years in total. At the same time I have tutored my own son to passing his French G.C.S.E. with the top mark in the country, and his French A Level with flying colours. As a result he is now reading French at Oxford University and he continues to call on my expertise whenever needed. A few years ago, one of my A Level students whom I tutored privately obtained the top marks in the country in every module of the Edexcel exam. I am extremely experienced in coaching students to success in their G.C.S.E. and A Level French exams and the overwhelming majority of my students systematically achieved their potential or better. For over 10 years I took on virtually all the A Level French teaching at my last school and have always acted as teacher-examiner for both G.C.S.E. and A Level. This year 2017 all the students I prepared for Oxbridge achieved the grade required to fulfil their conditional offer.

Tutoring Approach:
First, I assess what each student is aiming to gain from the private tuition, whether it be coaching for written and/or oral examinations, building confidence in communicating within a given context, improving pronunciation,mastering the finer points of grammar, studying French literature etc. I also quickly evaluate the level and ability of individual student through gentle probing and questioning. I go on to prepare an appropriate programme of study and gather material such as PowerPoint presentations, tailor made practice exercises, Past Papers, relevant websites, use visual and aural aids to add interest. I set homework and can give feedback on line between lessons to maximise efficiency of personal contact time. Basically it all depends on what the student wishes to achieve.Because I know the subject so well I can be extremely flexible and can instantly fine tune my approach according to the need of my student at any given moment. Thanks to my long experience I have become extremely responsive to the all-important feedback

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Personal Description:
I have studied PGCE Mandarin at a university in the Uk and obtained a qualified teacher certificate. I am teaching Mandarin at a school in the south of England. All of my students like my teaching because not only can they learn mandarin listening, speaking, reading and writing, but they also enjoy learning about the different Chinese cultures as well as taking part in many activities at the same time. All of my GCSE year students have achieved A* grade GCSE Mandarin. I am a mandarin native speaker and I used to be a compere on the stage in China. I taught Chinese language and Chinese dancing in a Chinese school in the UK for 14 years.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Children's, adult mandarin, Chinese GCSG and A level private tuition 1 to 1 and 1 to 2.
•My dancing group students won the championship in the UK south west region Chinese Dancing competition in year 2012 and 2013.
•I graduated from Goldsmiths University of London with PGCE Mandarin and the tutor chose me to film my Chinese lesson for 11 to 12 year old GCSE students for Mandarin teachers' training. I also give Chinese teachers training.
• My students won the first prize for participating Mandarin Speaking Competition in 2020 and they will represent the UK to compete with other countries'.

Tutoring Approach:
I always try to make my lessons very enjoyable with Chinese music, PPT, CD, flash cards, Chinese idioms, telling stories, roll play, singing Chinese songs, videos of Chinese cultures, playing different games, computer games and debate. Lots of variety making the lessons an active learning process.

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Personal Description:
I am very passionate about films, theatre, the media industry. I am currently in my second year of a BA Hons in Film Studies at Edge Hill University, living away from home during the week but always available on weekends. I am hardworking, dedicated to my studies and after my undergraduate degree I am hoping to continue my studies with a Masters degree.

I also love to learn languages, currently able to speak 4 fluently (English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi) and also learning Spanish in my free time.

Teaching Experience:
I have a younger sister who is following my path into Film Studies, not knowing a thing before starting her A Level in it she is now predicted an A*. I have held short after school lessons for her and other family members in this particular field and the outcome has always been satisfying.

I have also started my TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) which helps me gain a qualification in teaching the English language.

Tutoring Approach:
The lessons will be about the student, and not the teacher. Therefore everything will be tailored to areas you wish to improve (spoken communication, written skills, reading, accent, listening)

I have a calm and relaxed approach to tutoring, understanding the problems and weaknesses in people and using those to bring out the best in them. If I can see passion within the student then I will do my personal best to bring out the potential in my students.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an author and a poet, I have had many poems published, won first prize in an international poetry competition (2011) and have also brought out two collections, which are on sale on Amazon. In 2015 I published my memoir A Hippopotamus at the Table. Set in South Africa in the 1970s. I'm about to publish my second memoir and published a book called Writing Memoir. How to Write a Story from Your Life in 2017. Formerly I taught memoir writing to small groups. I have a blog which is updated regularly with articles about writing, poetry, my travels and events.

Teaching Experience:
I taught in Adult Education at a variety of colleges for approximately 10 years (until 2000) - my main subject was Ancient Egyptian History - one of the colleges was Birkbeck University (University of London) I taught undergraduates. I ran a class for a number of years before that for City University on Ancient Egyptian History. For 6 years I taught Information Technology (seminars) at London Metropolitan University, to first year undergraduates. More recently (2000-2014) I worked in Criminal Justice delivering Cognitive Behavioural programmes to offenders and also on another programme supporting victims of violence.
I used to host language students for St Giles English Language school and also for a year taught TEFL one-to-one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is Socratic in delivery, to draw from the student what they know, what their interests are and expand on that. I like to bring students to poetry, and know about poetry from a variety of cultures from Moslem (like Rumi, Omar Khayam) to French and Afro Caribbean writers. I think learning English should be broad and interesting and make people think. My teaching method is through a conversational approach, short written exercises for identifying strengths and weaknesses, building on strengths and working on areas that require a structured approach for improvement. Learning should be interesting and it should be fun.

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Personal Description:
My name is Clarissa, i am 24 years old and currently working part time as a French tutor whilst setting up my business with the other half of my time. I am half French, fully bilingual, and have tutored both GCSE and A level students since I graduated to help pass their exams with flying colours! I have studied French to degree level from the University of Sheffield completing the four year course and coming out with a 2.1 honours degree. Having previously completed both A* in GCSE French and an A in A levels, I am now looking to help tutor those struggling with GCSE and A levels around Reigate, Redhill, Merstham, area etc. Please do message me if you are interested.
Price can be negotiated and is dependant on location so just message and let me know.

Teaching Experience:
Taught multiple students from beginner to GCSE to adult level. Helped achieve all goals set out at the beginning of the first lesson together.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly but motivated, and hopefully good fun!

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Personal Description:
I am highly qualified in music and maths. I studied Astro-Physics for a year at London University before switching to study music. My PhD in Composition at the University of Liverpool ended up being half maths and half music. I studied Godel's Theorem and used maths as an aid to composition. This means I am expert at using maths to solve problems which is a core syllabus requirement for all exam boards.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored in maths and music for 25 years. I have a 100% pass rate for students who have taken maths GCSE. I have attended courses in child protection.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is to help students understand maths, enjoy concepts in maths and apply the knowledge they have learned to pass exams. I am an excellent choice as a tutor as I am patience, have an excellent grasp of the subject and I am able to teach my knowledge to others in an effective way.

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Personal Description:
For me, languages are a vital component of a rounded education. I have always loved to travel and being able to communicate with people in different countries in their own language has always thrilled me. Teaching languages allows me to help others to enjoy their language learning, too.

I am a mum of 2 primary-aged children. We love visiting parks, going for a walk, swimming, scooting and playing. We also love making things, painting, and they love to help me with my little craft projects.
I am based in Herefordshire, and we have lived here for 13 years. We love the outdoor lifestyle and the peace and quiet.

Teaching Experience:
Before becoming a private tutor 5 years ago, I had taught in secondary schools for more than 20 years. During my teaching career, I have been a classroom teacher, a Head of Department, an Advanced Skill Teacher and an Assistant Headteacher. My favourite role remains that of teacher, helping and supporting young people to understand languages and, I hope, enjoy them.

Currently, I work as a private tutor, teaching 1:1 lessons to GCSE and A level students. I also have adult learners, who are complete beginners, and I run a Spanish club at my children's primary school.

Tutoring Approach:
A private tutor can play a hugely important part in building confidence and self-belief for students. It is my job, not only to support them to make progress, but also to help them to feel comfortable and confident with their work.

Every student will have different strengths and areas for support, and I prepare individual lessons for each student that I teach, ensuring that they are interesting and engaging, and that they help them to progress. Also, students will often have areas which they would like to improve. I will take account of these in the preparation of my lessons.

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Personal Description:
I'm a specialist teacher of English to speakers of other languages and a native English speaker. I took my CELTA (Cambridge Certificate in Teaching English to Adults) qualification in 2015. I have experience teaching English in the classroom and as a private tutor.

I could help you improve your spoken and written English; increasing your job opportunities and your ability to communicate socially.
One of my students has recently passed the Grade 5 Trinity Speaking and Listening exam for settlement in the UK. Another student improved her English sufficiently to get a bilingual job. I can also teach English for special purposes, such as business English or the English needed to pass the driving theory test.

I'm enthusiastic about education and languages. I was a school librarian for 20 years and have also worked in Germany as a translator. I also give talks and presentations on behalf of a development charity.

Teaching Experience:
I've been working as a self-employed one-to-one English tutor since 2106. My students have come from many countries, including China, France, Poland, Germany, Mexico and India. Their English levels have varies from elementary to advance. Some students have just a few lessons over a short period of time, others have lessons for much longer periods.

During the summer months I've worked in language schools; with Anglo at Keele University and at EF in Manchester. This has helped me maintain and improve my teaching skills by working with other teachers and being observed.

Tutoring Approach:
When preparing lessons, I'm careful to take my students' personal needs into account. My first level with a student will establish their level of English. I discuss their needs with them, how they use English and in what ways they wish to improve their English.
I then plan what to cover in the first few lessons, although this can of course be adapted as lessons proceed.

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Personal Description:
** Available after 5pm on weekdays**
I`ve completed a PhD in Mathematics at the University of York, UK, and I'm a native Italian speaker with a strong passion for teaching.
I have 15 years of experience with one-to-one Maths tutoring to students from any level of education, and I worked for 4 years as a seminar leader in modules taught in my university department.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in Mathematics, and I teach GCSE, A-levels, IB, and university students; I have experience with Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
As to university teaching, I specialise in probability, calculus, and mathematical analysis.
I also have experience with teaching Physics to GCSE and A-level students and Italian to adult learners.

I started teaching in 2009 as a Maths a Physics tutor for secondary school students in Italy. I started tutoring in the UK in 2017, both online and in-person, and in 2018 and 2019, I also volunteered at the City of York council as a maths teaching assistant. I've been teaching secondary school and university students for 15 years now.
Between 2017 and 2021, I worked as a seminar leader in the Maths department of the University of York for probability, calculus, and mathematical analysis modules.
In 2019, I started teaching Italian to adult learners who need support with conversation skills and grammar.

Tutoring Approach:
My aim is to make my students confident and independent in their studies.

During the introduction, I meet the student and their guardian so that we can get to know each other. I learn about their needs and aims, and we start planning the lessons.

The plan typically consists of weekly or fortnightly lessons depending on the content the student needs to cover; some students need to focus only on specific topics, while others need support throughout the year.

During the lessons, I focus both on supporting the students with the new material they have to learn and on filling the gaps they might have in order to build a solid foundation. To do that, I use worksheets that are focused on a specific topic and past exam papers that can help students prepare for tests and exams.

I organise my lessons so that the students can think of how to solve exercises while I guide them to the solution, rather than tell them what to do step by step. That way, they develop their own method to understand and study Maths and boost their confidence.

As to my Italian lessons, I base them on practice so that the students can gain more confidence, especially with listening and speaking, while strengthening their basic grammar knowledge. During the lesson, I like to create conversations aimed at practising oral comprehension and production.

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