Downham Tutors & Downham Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an Italian citizen living in London since 1996 ; I came to London as a research student, sent by Rome University, to study and work for Westminster University.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a tutor for 24 years (I still teach Spanish/Italian to private students. I was a teacher in Italy (Spanish/English) and a bilingual assistant from 1996 to present in London (Pimlico School/North Westminster/Churchill Gardens/St. Vincent de Pau); I have a PGCE in MFL (Spanish/Italian/French) KS 3 and 4 and a Master in translation (English vs Italian and vice versa).

Tutoring Approach:
I do see each student/pupil as an individual and while teaching/tutoring I take into account their personality/skills/interests as well as age/sex/religion.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.

I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.

Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, and English, Spanish, Economics and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).

11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.

KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.

GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.

I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.

Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.

Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:

Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.

Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.

Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme.

I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.

NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.

If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:

Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)

Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)

Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)

Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.

Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar

Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)

Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)

Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)

Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)

Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)

Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 32 years old, I live in the East Midlands and I have a degree in French and a Masters in International Relations (before I got married, I used my maiden name, which is why my degrees are in that name). I have a wide range of interests, but language, specifically French, is my main passion. I started teaching 7 years ago and tutoring 8 years ago when I was a teaching assistant.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a French teacher for the past 7 years, teaching a range of year groups from Year 6 to Year 13. Whilst French is my main subject, I have taught a range of others, including Spanish, RE, Maths and Citizenship. I have taught in a range of schools in Leicestershire and the South East and taught pupils from a wide variety of backgrounds.

Tutoring Approach:
I started tutoring in 2010 and have tutored pupils from Year 5 to Year 13. I vary my style of tutoring as every child is different and I learn quickly what each child will respond well to and how far their ability can be stretched. I tend to focus on grammar, as this is the area where most pupils struggle. I have access to a wide range of materials pupils can use including current GCSE resources, online language-learning website and a variety of games to make learning fun.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Personal tutor, with experience in mainstream, private and special schools. My students come from a range of backgrounds and nationalities from Birmingham to Beijing, mostly through personal referrals. I teach Maths and English to children aged 4 to 14 and adults wishing to learn basic skills. My enthusiasm and powers of persuasion have converted many "maths phobes" into happy numerically skilled individuals!

Teaching Experience:
I have eleven years of experience as a class teacher in English primary schools, including five years in a private school. I have taught in all year groups in KS1 and KS2 in mainstream, private schools and special educational schools, where I also taught KS3 classes.

I began private tuition ten years ago, one-to-one and small groups, and have taught children from Italy and Beijing to speak, understand, read and write English as their second language. I also coached pupils to prepare them for their international Key English Tests (Cambridge curriculum).

I teach children according to their specific needs, especially those that need a boost in basic skills to keep up with the curriculum for their year group, but I have also helped Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils to prepare for 11+ examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are tailored to the needs of each student. We work together to identify areas which require support and I teach accordingly. Some of my resources will follow the national curriculum, other resources will be brought in as needed to help my student understand and practise the skills they are developing. Parents have commented that I am friendly, patient and clearly spoken especially when working with children with autism. My students feel at ease to ask any questions to make sure they fully understand the information and skills being imparted to them.

As a basic resource, I use workbooks to identify areas of difficulty, then teach in depth using my own examples and explanations. I keep explanations light and include games to keep those with shorter attention spans occupied. Online, we use an interactive whiteboard to share homework, pdfs, and powerpoints. My lessons use verbal and visual explanations alongside examples to practise in order to cater for all learning styles.

Please message me with any questions and I will look forward to meeting you soon!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born in Madrid where I studied Filología at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I have a Master degree in Teaching Spanish as a foreign Language by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I am currently working as a supply teacher for The East Lothian. I am a PVG Scheme member, children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native Spanish teacher with over 20 year experience preparing students for their national and international exams. Teaching Spanish is my passion.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a dedicated teacher, flexible, good fun and committed to my students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello!
I'm Dima, an enthusiastic, qualified educator with a rich background in teaching Arabic, Quran, and Islamic studies. Over the past nine years, I've had the privilege of guiding many students on their language and Islamic cultural journeys.

I hold a degree from the School of Sharia at Damascus University, grounding me in the principles of Arabic and Islamic knowledge. Besides, I hold a diploma from Goldsmiths University in London in teaching the Arabic language and culture. Additionally, I have the CELTA qualification from Cambridge, equipping me with effective teaching techniques.

I aim to inspire a love for the Arabic language and Islamic culture, especially in young learners. I am responsible and committed to providing the highest level of collaboration possible. I am proactive and dedicated to providing my students with special support and an enjoyable learning experience.

Every student is unique. That's why I customize my teaching materials to suit individual needs. I firmly believe in student-centered learning, where students actively engage in the lessons. I aim to ignite a love for language and faith through interactive lessons that resonate with each learner. I'm proactive in ensuring an enjoyable learning experience for all learners.

Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I'm excited to connect with new students and embark on this educational journey together!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Arabic for 9 years now. I built up my teaching experience by teaching in both private and public sectors in the United Kingdom. I am willing to teach Arabic and share my knowledge with my students, and I will deliver the most suitable and convenient content for each student.

Tutoring Approach:
* Teaching Philosophy:
- I firmly believe in student-centered learning. When students actively engage with Arabic and Islamic content, they thrive.
- I aim to ignite a love for language and faith through interactive lessons that resonate with each learner.
* Tailored Approach:
- Every student is unique. That's why I customize my teaching materials to suit individual needs.
- Expect the most suitable and convenient content delivered directly to you.
* Commitment and Support:
- I take my role seriously. You can count on my commitment to collaboration and excellence.
- Special support? Absolutely! I'm proactive in ensuring an enjoyable learning experience for all.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hey! I am an A-Level student looking to consolidate my knowledge by helping others. I achieved all grade 8s and 9s at GCSE level (this is equivalent to As and A*s). I have a vast skill base. I have been head boy, prefect and a young leader.

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring students in the lower school

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that teaching students on their level and disregarding the formalities like 'sir' or 'miss' builds a stronger bond between tutor and student. I am very patient and I am very capable of changing the wording so you understand. I can also provide you with my own revision notes that got me my awesome grades.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly and easy going person from St. Petersburg. I live in a small town in England with my family and two cats. We enjoy going on long walks In the countryside, cooking pies and watching movies. I am a highly enthusiastic and committed teacher and get the best out of my students. I am a creative and inspiring person. I have a positive attitude and this motivates students and builds their confidence.

Teaching Experience:
I have lived and worked in UK since 2000. I have substantial teaching experience working with children of all ages and their families. My working experience ranges from working in the children centres and pre-schools to working in a primary school. I enjoy teaching Russian and English to bilingual/ multilingual children at a weekend school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that communicative method is the best way forward. I use a variety of activities and tasks to make lessons engaging but challenging and productive. The lessons are tailored to you and your needs. Developing all language skills is important, however I am happy to be flexible and focus on what you need most- whether it is speaking or listening, reading or writing, improving vocabulary or pronunciation.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Zohaib currently studying Masters at Bournemouth University, England. I am from Pakistan with URDU as my native Language so will be happy to teach urdu at lower price. I'll make sure that you'll get good communication in URDU after learning from me.

Teaching Experience:
I am not a teacher by profession but do have experience of tutoring of like 3-4 Years.

Tutoring Approach:
Urdu being my mother tongue makes me able to spread it by giving lectures to ones who are willing to learn this language. I am happy to teach you URDU and will make you perfect URDU speaker, listener, writer with my teaching skills.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a passionate, hardworking, skilled, and outstanding teacher. I am fully qualified and experienced Primary School teacher specialising in all primary phase subjects. I am extremely professional, energetic, and up to date with the demands of the current Primary Curriculum and the requirements for Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, preparation for SATs, SEN and learning support.

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my 15-year teaching career, I have gained extensive skills in teaching and working directly with children within the Primary Phase (4-11 years). I have an excellent proven track record of students achieving way above what they may have been predicted.

I have considerable experience in helping students who are on the SEND register and most recently I have worked as an Acting SENCO. This involved devising, delivering and monitoring the curriculum for students with moderate and severe learning difficulties as well as those with highly complex needs. I have recently attained the SENCO award qualification from Edge Hill University.

Tutoring Approach:
I am extremely positive, calm, and nurturing. I believe that every child can reach their goals in learning and I will help them to realise their true potential, improving academic performance and developing self-esteem to build a successful future.

After an initial assessment, I will create a personalised learning journey plan and I will ensure that I use motivational interests and strengths to work on areas of new learning and any misconceptions.

I aim to do much more than just increase grades, however I am to inspire, increase confidence and show that learning is something that everyone can do.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am someone who likes interacting with people, with strong skills in building rapport easily with people of different backgrounds. Having Lived in Portugal for a part of my life I have gained an insight to the language and the culture and so currently mainly teach Portuguese, whether its reading or speaking I have got you covered. I can also teach urdu but only speaking and listening.

Teaching Experience:
I have got some experience with private tutoring as I have taught a number of different age groups which helped me build my skillset and now can comfortably teach any age group as long as they have the passion for the language. Message me to get started and we will go on this journey together.

Tutoring Approach:
The style depends on the client needs but I generally teach face to face, using different techniques of teaching including, video translations, text interpretations and story telling.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have done masters in accounting & finance, further completed ACCA

Teaching Experience:
I have over 17 years of teaching experience

Tutoring Approach:
As per student requirements

Subjects