Ferndown Tutors and Ferndown Tuition

Personal Description:
For over a decade now I have worked with a diverse range of students, engendering a passion for learning as well as producing tangible results. I prefer a flexible and dynamic approach crafted from an understanding that we are each upon a unique learning pathway according to our particular styles, aspirations, aptitudes and needs.

"Thank you very much for the great work you did with my daughter Sophie. She progressed from a 'C' grade to an 'A' grade in the space of 6 months and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends." - Billy, Bangor

Teaching Experience:
"The learning exercises were always set around my interest areas, making tuition both fun and effective. Following my sessions with Andrew, I have developed a more concise way of communicating. My writing now has more flow, which helps me say what I need to say." - Neil , Newtownabbey

I'm passionate about nurturing the potential of each student with whom I have the privilege to work. With over 8 years experience as a Learning Coach with countless individuals and groups, Diploma in Life Coaching as well as a successful university graduate (1st class hons in Philosophy) and additional Masters research degree in Developmental Psychology, I previously taught at Secondary school and most recently trained nursing professionals to pass their IELTS exams.

I am also a regular public speaker and workshop leader in the private health sector, delivering courses in areas from stress-management and communication skills, to self-care and personal development.

Tutoring Approach:
"Andrew was very professional in his approach to tutoring. My daughter gained confidence in her ability to understand her subject and to recall information using association techniques which proved very useful in her examinations."
Grainne, Randalstown

This coaching-based approach I take has proven highly successful. I approach each student and the sessions with an open mind to learn what I need to be of support.

Combining motivational coaching techniques, I offer a uniquely engaging, personally attuned service. The first lesson typically consists of a complimentary educational assessment (usually 30 minutes) to help identify key areas for improvement . All results can be shared with the parent/guardian. Based on this initial assessment, a 100% individual and tailored programme of learning is created. While encouraging the student to adopt high yet realistically achievable targets for their own education, I am also sensitive to the level of each student and what he or she is ready to adopt.

3 EXAMPLES OF HOW I HELP FOR LITERATURE-BASED TASKS:

1. Working from the question to the answer: appreciating and understanding key requirements of a question, and any relevant marking criteria.

2. How best to structure and qualify sentences so that the answer is complete and accurate.

3. Most effective study / revision / exam techniques such as mind-mapping, worked answers, memorising.


AREAS COVERED / WHAT TO EXPECT

My specialist subjects at all most levels are literature-based and the human sciences particularly philosophy, religion and ethics. Alongside these, I also specialise in 'study skills', offering a very personalised, tailored approach that incorporates motivational coaching on exam and essay skills, ensuring maximum value for investment of your time, money and effort.

**Upon request I am also able to provide emotional literacy around life skills such as: motivation, communication, self belief and concentration.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for tutoring Philip this year; he adapted well with you as his new tutor and enjoyed your approach to teaching.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew as a tutor. I found him to be polite, courteous, reliable, and accommodating."
- Doreen, Ballyclare

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Personal Description:
I consider myself to be a friendly and approachable teacher. I get on well with the children I teach gaining their respect through being firm, fair and fun.

Teaching Experience:
I have 19 years teaching experience within a primary school setting. I have taught all primary age groups from 4-11 years. During this time I have planned and assessed children and used current SAT's materials.

Tutoring Approach:
I treat every student as an individual and asses their needs accordingly. I plan my lessons to suit their needs using my up to date knowledge of the curriculum and assessment criteria. My lessons are fun and interactive wherever possible using both written and practical techniques. I have found that children gain confidence in their ability and begin to move forward and keep up with the work in class.

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Personal Description:
Hello and welcome :-)

I'm Craig and I have been teaching languages for almost 15 years now. I am a relaxed and patient teacher and will be well suited to anyone who needs to learn at their own pace or who needs things explained well and carefully to them.

I am also well qualified for the job with a BA Honours degree with triple distinctions in Spanish, Italian & French as well as Teacher Qualified Status and a CELTA. I have also lived, worked and studied in Spain, Italy, France and Greece.

I have studied a lot of languages myself. I've studied over 30 languages over the years. I have achieved fluency in the languages I teach, but I have also reached a fairly good standard in some other languages or have acquired a basic knowledge of many others. I will use some of the methods I have used to learn these languages to help teach you.

I will help you, step by step, to begin speaking and understanding your chosen language.

I am also DBS (previously CRB) checked for your security.



Here are a few a reviews from my customers:

I thoroughly recommend Craig to everyone as an excellent Spanish tutor. He is kind, patient and commited to his students.
My daughter, who had been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) had an hour`s lesson every week for eighteen months, after her secondary school was unable to offer Spanish lessons. She achieved an A* grade in her GCSE exam (Review by Kerrie, Sittingbourne)

I thoroughly recommend Craig if you are looking to learn a foreign language. I spent my teenage years completely adamant that a second language was beyond me. German was my weakest subject and I sat at the back of the class applying my make up! I am now working towards conversational Spanish, and after just over 3 months I am able to hold a Facebook messenger conversation with my South American friends! Not only has Craig taught me enough grammar to achieve this, he also anticipates difficulties English speakers may have with certain language constructs and works through those too. I always look forward to my lessons each week, and enjoy doing the practice questions I`m given for homework. (Review by Emma, Chatham)

I am giving my Italian lessons with Craig a 5 star rating. I began my lessons as a complete novice and now feel confident enough to be going on holiday to Italy to stay in a non-English speaking village. Craig is a highly-skilled professional. I recommend him to anyone who wants to learn a language (he speaks and teaches many!) whether a beginner or with some existing knowledge, for holidays, for work or to reinforce their language learning. (Review by Amanda, Maidstone)

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching languages since 2004 and have worked as a full time language tutor since 2010.
I have also taught in language schools in the UK and abroad as well as in public schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient and will guide you step by step towards speaking your language of choice. I use a mix of my own course designed by me and materials from other sources such as course books, grammar books and realia.

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Personal Description:
Trained actor/singer. Good communication skills at all levels. A self-motivator with good interpersonal, interviewing and management skills. A 'people person' who believes in bringing the best out of others.

Reliable, responsible, honest and keen to improve subject skills and knowledge all the time. A person who can work to time constraints and adapt to change as required with an engaging character, able to build effective rapport with groups and individuals.

A positive thinker who believes in integrity, respect and fair play who can learn from his own (and other people's) mistakes, turn setbacks to an advantage and avoid stress. An effective listener who can interpret discussion and provide constructive, tactical feedback.

Teaching Experience:
Please note I don't teach Computer Studies or Programming Languages. I specialise in Microsoft Office with some general knowledge on building/setting up home PC's and networks.

An ICT teacher with 15 years experience in an FE college specialising in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook) Internet Explorer and Windows, delivering primarily to adults but all ages welcome.

I delivered ECDL, DiDA and many other courses/units over the years and always to a high standard. Students have included the unemployed, corporate clients, mums returning to the workplace, 16-18s and all manner of the employed.

I have: been a programme area leader for adult learning and a manager of an IT centre, run in-house training for staff, been a tutor to the NUT and the NHS and have built/maintained PCs on the side.

I am also a qualified Internal Verifier and Assessor. A full CV is available on request.

Tutoring Approach:
The personal progression of the student is as important to me as their knowledge and skill in the topic. It is very much the 'teach a person to fish' mentality, and I relish watching a person grow in confidence as they appreciate the underpinning skills that the logic of computer use is built upon.

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Personal Description:
I'm an internationally award-winning composer, creative director and producer, hand in hand with work as lecturer, teacher and researcher. I regularly teach piano, composition, theory, aural, history, orchestration, GCSE, A-level and undergraduate/postgraduate courses/modules. My work crosses the divide from experimental concert music, electronics and installations to fashion, film and new technology, concept and artistic direction, regularly collaborating with fashion designers, filmmakers, architects, artists and dancers; such as the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, BBC Singers, Philharmonia Orchestra, London Sinfonietta, Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Arditti String Quartet, Nash Ensemble, Schubert Ensemble, and the likes of Beardyman, Luke Vibert, Mayumi Miyata, Viktor & Rolf, and Chanel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for the last 24 years, privately as a piano, theory, composition, orchestration, history and musicianship/aural tutor with fellowships/posts at the Royal College of Music, London College of Fashion, London College of Communication, and the University of the Arts London. I have taught children from the age of 4+ up to adults (70+).

Tutoring Approach:
I teach and guide each student differently, dependent on their experience, commitment and what they wish to achieve - from relaxed music making, casual lessons, or rigorous work for exams, GCSE, A-level, degrees, entry exams, concerts or competitions. I currently teach in London and tutor online.

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Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France and am keen to pass on my love for the language and culture of this fascinating country. I am fluent in French and have an MA in French studies. I love all things French - music, history, culture - and I love to communicate this in my teaching. I am good-humoured and patient in my approach to tutoring and love to encourage my students to try new things in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all level of learners from little ones to GCSE students through to adult learners. I have been teaching for 10 years and have built up a wealth of experience and can recommend websites and links that will be of use to lots of different levels. I have paid for access to a language learning website and I invite my learners to register through the links I send (this is free for students - I have paid for the access).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much to ensure that you are comfortable with the learning environment. I use the Gianfranco Conti method of teaching which means that I encourage speaking and listening in our classes, however, I do back this up with writing and reading exercises so that all the 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are practised in my lessons.
I work with the student to make sure that we are approaching the learning that you need in a very proactive way.

For example: for beginner adults we can look at:
- shopping / personal opinions/directions
For more advanced adult learners we can look at
- tourist attractions/describing people and places/asking for more information
For GCSE students we can look at:
- key vocab in the exam/pas papers/key grammar structures/speaking exercises/picture card exercises

These topics are very much agreed on with you as the student and are flexible as we continue to work together

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher, examiner, and assessment researcher. I have taught in state and independent schools for thirteen years and have offered tutoring for slightly longer. I have helped students secure entrance to many leading independent schools in the UK and abroad, and I also specialise in Oxbridge entrance processes as a former Oxbridge graduate myself.

My tutoring centres around science and business as I am qualified to teach these subjects, but I also develop students' wider study habits and introduce them to the most effective and evidence-based methods of studying. This can benefit all their studies in all of their subjects. I enjoy being able to identify the challenges students have with their studies and then working with them to help solve these problems. Many students lack confidence due to gaps in their teaching or lack of support. Every student is a unique individual with different needs, so I usually like to meet initially to review an exam paper and discuss strengths and areas for improvement.
From there, we build an individual learning plan with short achievable targets to gradually build a measurable path of success and improve confidence through the study sessions.

Teaching Experience:
Enhanced DBS certified
15 years teaching Science and Business Studies in state and independent schools
15 years delivering one-to-one private tuition across all ability levels
12 years as a senior examiner for AQA and Edexcel (current insider knowledge of marking schemes)
Qualified teacher status with continuous professional development
Former Oxbridge graduate with specialist knowledge of entrance processes

Tutoring Approach:
Personalised learning for all students. I like to find out what the student feels is a barrier to their progress and use previous assessment data to develop their ability and confidence. I always find that pupils who begin to improve their knowledge with me inevitably increase their enjoyment of the subject substantially. Furthermore, individual feedback can help address and improve weaker areas in other subjects by improving literacy and numeracy skills.

Please note, that there are unqualified or retired teachers who are not updated with the various changes in demands and marking criteria for the GCSE exams. As an in-practice teacher, I attend various CPD and examiner training events for the most up-to-date examinations and skills required.

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Personal Description:
After studying a Masters degree in Mathematics at Durham University, I worked in London in High Net Worth Tax for a big four firm and my current role is within University admissions. I received A* and A grades for all modules in my high school and maintained these grades at A-level.

My own personal experience of learning means that I can relate easily to the challenges and work load that 11+/GCSE/A-level/Degree students face. This enables me to teach students at a level which they understand encompassing set goals and targets to ensure success. I thoroughly enjoy teaching and I am passionate about helping my students realize their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored a number of students, in both long-term and concentrated exam revision situations. I have experience of tutoring a wide range of curriculum levels, namely from 11+ to A level Mathematics/Further Mathematics.

I have experience in teaching a variety of syllabuses including 11+ National Curriculum, AQA GCSE, Edexcel GCSE and Edexcel International GCSE and various entry level examinations. Recent GCSE results saw students progress from grading Level 4's to Level 7's and 8's - on average up to 4 grades improvement and an average of 220% increase in marks within the year.

Tutoring Approach:
I have found that each individual requires a tailored approach to their learning. I consequently adapt my teaching style to reflect their learning style and introduce techniques that enable them to understand the subject at both basic and higher levels in order to create successful results.

I take a fun and enthusiastic to my lessons and I like to vary the learning techniques encompassed in the lesson, including the use of visual and memory aids. I have found that this engages the students and aids them in their learning.

I am patience, passionate and motivational and I am eager for all of my students to achieve the best results they can, taking a key focus on a student's weaknesses and areas for improvement. I strive to inspire and enthuse students, encourage them to learn and gain confidence in the subject.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced and well-qualified tutor helping students prepare for the 11 plus, private school exams and Mathematics Key Stage 2 SATs. Exam techniques is one of my specialist skills.

My 11+ tuition courses have been designed to prepare children for all aspects of the 11+ in Buckinghamshire Grammar Schools, South West Herts Schools, and QE Boys entrance exams. They are relevant for children preparing for independent school entrance.

Understanding my pupils and devising a personalised programme of study lies at the core of my teaching practice. I have very small class sizes, typically 3 to 5 children in each. This means your child will have valuable one to one attention when they need it.

I can offer `1 to 1` and `2 to 1` tuition, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

Your child will benefit from a modern and well-equipped classroom for optimal learning.

The working environment is friendly and stress-free. Pupils will have opportunities to build confidence as they interact with each other and socialise the learning of harder topics.

Teaching Experience:
I have helped students gain offers from one or more of these schools:

- Watford Grammar School for Girls
- Watford Grammar School for Boys
- St. Clement Danes
- Parmiters
- Merchant Taylors` Boys School
- Queen Elizabeth`s School
- St. Helens (Northwood)
- Northwood College for Girls
- Dr Challoner's Grammar School
- Dr Challoner's High School
- Rickmansworth
- St. Paul's (Boys)

I would be happy to put you in touch with parents for references.

- up-to-date Enhanced DBS Certificate
- academic background in science. I hold a B.Sc (Hons) degree in Physics

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is problem-based and diagnostic. This means that the student is actively engaged in solving problems for almost the entire lesson whilst I am responding to their answers by asking questions which reveal any underlying misconceptions.

I work on the basis that student difficulties usually arise from an insufficiently rich understanding of 'easy' topics. By investing time to revisit some of these easier areas and studying them in a more thorough and enriching way, students can subsequently make rapid progress whilst gaining an appreciation and enjoyment of their studies.

My teaching style is calm and informal. Although class discipline is always maintained I strive to make learning a fun process.

As parents have come to realise, it's essential for children to be able to successfully apply what they have learnt under the potentially stressful conditions of an exam or test. Additional support via exam techniques helps children take advantage of the knowledge they possess and have recently acquired.


Assessment and progress reports

Based on your child's initial assessment, we create a plan that sets their individual targets for verbal, non-verbal and numeric reasoning. All lessons throughout the course are designed to develop these areas. Tuition plans can be revised to ensure they meet the current needs and challenges of the student.

You will always have the same point of contact for progress updates thereby ensuring continuity of your child's preparation for the 11+ exams. Coupled with high levels of contact time with the tutor feedback will be regularly provided.I would be happy to put you in touch with parents for references.

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Personal Description:
I am a 21 year-old Italian student of English literature and Sociology in Scotland. I am easy-going and look to create a friendly learning environment. I love languages, both learning and teaching them, as I believe they help us thinking from different points of views.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored children back in Italy, teaching some basic English.
I have spent six months in a international language school in Canada, where I have been in contact with inspiring teachers and modern methods of teaching. I have attended IELTS courses as well, and I'd be willing to help students to prepare for this certificate.
I myself have received a score of 7 when I attended it 2 years ago, before starting college.

Tutoring Approach:
First I will have to assess the student's level, then I can proceed accordingly. Depending on what is being requested from the student, like improving grammar, comprehension or writing, I will provide enjoyable exercises or even games when possible, as there is no fastest, easiest way of learning than having fun.

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Personal Description:
Dedicated and academically accomplished tutor with over a decade of experience teaching Mathematics, Physics, and Mechanical Engineering across secondary school, undergraduate, and postgraduate levels, as well as delivering software workshops. Renowned for simplifying complex concepts, designing tailored curricula, and fostering student engagement through interactive, student-centred teaching methods. Brings practical industry insight from over five years as a Manufacturing Engineer in the automotive sector-most recently at Jaguar Land Rover-enhancing the relevance and application of engineering principles in the classroom. Passionate about inspiring learners and advancing STEM education through innovative pedagogy and real-world context.

Teaching Experience:
KEY SKILLS
• Mathematics & Physics Instruction
• Mechanical Engineering Principles
• Curriculum Design & Lesson Planning
• Concept Simplification & Visualization
• Student Engagement & Motivation
• Assessment Design & Constructive Feedback
• Software Proficiency: MS Office, Minitab, COMFAR, CATIA, Abaqus, DEFORM
Teaching Experience
• Lecturer for Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering courses, KNTU, 2016-2020
• Lecturer for Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing Engineering courses, NIT, 2014-2016
• High school lecturer in Mathematics and Physics at Secondary School, ADIB, 2013-2015

Tutoring Approach:
1- Learner-Centered Philosophy
I prioritize understanding each learner's unique needs, strengths, and goals. My approach is adaptive, aiming to build confidence and independence in the learner.

2- Diagnostic and Goal-Oriented
I begin by assessing the learner's current level and identifying gaps or areas for improvement. Together, we set clear, achievable goals to guide our sessions.

3- Interactive and Engaging Methods
I use a mix of questioning, real-world examples, and active problem-solving to keep sessions engaging. I encourage learners to think critically and ask questions.

4- Feedback and Reflection
Regular feedback is key. I provide constructive input and encourage learners to reflect on their progress, helping them take ownership of their learning journey.

5- Supportive Environment
I foster a safe and respectful space where learners feel comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. Patience and encouragement are central to my style.

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Personal Description:
⭐ Hi! I'm James. I'm a coding tutor with over a decade of experience working on all sorts of coding projects. I've worked at the European Bioinformatics Institute, the University of Manchester, the Ministry of Justice, and even the UK Health Security Agency during the pandemic.

Throughout my career I've built enterprise level data services, AI programs, published academic computational genetic analyses, and lead dev and data science teams solving meaningful national-scale problems.

In all that, my favourite work has always been teaching young people about technology.

Teaching Experience:
In summary, I have taught learners from primary school to university level 📚.

🧑‍💻 I've volunteered as a Code Club mentor for the Raspberry Pi Foundation, delivered workshops in schools, and even won funding from the Wellcome Trust to run hands-on sessions where children learn science through video games. I love helping learners discover that programming is creative, playful, and something anyone can enjoy. I was also featured in the Sanger blog post on "Inspiring prisoners and their families with genomics".

Tutoring Approach:
👦👧 What will your child will learn?

My lessons are designed specifically for KS2 learners (ages 7-11), and this may be useful for some older children catching up on coding and computing. The lessons will cover concepts in the DfE National curriculum for England, and usually we will go beyond the curriculum very swiftly.

I will start by loosely adhering to the Raspberry Pi's scratch modules which cover algorithms, and building with code. However, I believe in child led learning. If your child is less interested in making games or programming animations, and is more interested in technology and robots, we will follow the BBC's micro:bit projects. 🎓 These can be followed by a gentle introduction to Python when they are ready (a widely used text based programming language).

Beyond the meat of the coding, there are also other skills we will cover like digital safety, and how to use search tools effectively.

I'm patient, friendly, and great at explaining complex ideas in simple steps using multiple methods to get the concepts across.

Whether your child is a total beginner or already curious about coding, I adapt sessions to their pace, interests, and confidence level.

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