Harpenden Tutors and Harpenden Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a self employed Piano and Keyboard teacher with over 20 years teaching experience. I am an ex pupil of the late Mr. Desmond Greef MBE and have Grades 1-8 ABRSM Piano and Grade 5 ABRSM Theory.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years teaching experience and currently run a music studio in Kings Lynn teaching both ABRSM Piano and LCM Keyboard on both an individual basis and group tuition. I also have experience working in schools teaching small groups and individually.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach both ABRSM Piano and LCM Keyboard to all ages and abilities both on an individual basis and group lessons. I am able to offer all styles of music from classical to pop and also teach Grade 5 Theory.

Lessons are taught in a relaxed and fun enviroment and each pupil is actively encouraged to realise their full potential in a friendly and productive atmosphere.

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD mathematician, with a special interest in applied mathematics and statistics. I worked for some years in University departments as a tutor and then lecturer. More recently I have worked for almost two decades in industry as a mathematician at a prestigious research centre in Cambridge. I am familiar with many aspects of secondary education through my children who both completed their A levels at Hills Road 6th form college. My son has just begun reading Economics at London School of Economics while my daughter obtained a first class honours degree from Oriel College Oxford.
I have succesfully tutored a large number of A level students in both Mathematics and Physics from a wide variety of Sixth form colleges in the Cambridge area. I also teach International studnets who wish to gain entry to the UK University system.
My approach is interactive and encourages the student not to underestiante thier own ability. My experience is that many students are more talenetd in Mathematics than they realise themselves; the key is to gain the confidence to grow and develop to achive your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics and Physics, to A level students from a wide variety of Sixth form Colleges in the Cambridge area. I have also taught International students from many different countries but especially China. I also have particular experience of teaching Mathematics to people whose primary interests lie in Business studies and in Engineering. I also gained valuable insight into adult education when I taught adult part-time students.
I have also provided tutorials for students with many different requirements including A level and undergraduate Physics & Mathematics courses and, for example, GMAT Mathematics prep for MBA entrance exams.
I am self-employed as a private tutor and employed as a University Foundation tutor in Mathematics and Statistics at Cambridge Regional College and previously at Bell School Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
The details of the correct approach vary from one tutee to another, but the principles remain the same. I seek to establish the student's ability within the context of a given aim and to then set realistic objectives.
I think that most students have more mathematical ability than they themselves believe; this can be brought out in a positive fashion once negative stereotypes are discarded. Also the application of mathematics to the real world can be exciting and profitable.

Parental Comment
Hi Brian,

I hope you're enjoying the Summer break.

I just wanted to let you know that Kalen has a A* for maths and an A for further Maths. He's very pleased with this and on behalf of him I'd like to say thank you so much for all your help.

Overall he got A*A*AAB and is off to Warwick to do a general engineering course.

Thanks again Brian,

Suneela


STUDENT COMMENTS
August 2018

Dear Brian,
I have just received my results and wanted to let you know that I have an A* in A level maths !!!! I am very happy thank you for all your support and help I couldn't have done it without you!

Kind regards,
Alice B :-)
September 2018 (from Durham University student)
Hi Brian,
I just thought I would let you know, that with your help, I went from a 30 to an 85 in my retake. Thank you so much for all your help.
Kind regards,
Jake

Dear Brian. I found our tutorials very helpful and feel much more able to hit the ground running when I return to Oxford. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone else I know in need of tuition.
Peter N, returning undergraduate.

Brian helped me to revise my university maths before starting an MSc course 10 years after completing my undergraduate degree. He was patient, non-judgmental of my rusty abilities, and gave useful examples of mathematical problems to help explain some very difficult concepts. He is very reliable and a pleasure to work with. I would have no problem recommending Brian to others and would certainly see him again for further tuition should the need arise.
David C, returning graduate student

Another parent comment
Brian is helping my daughter who attends Hills Road with both physics and maths and she has just had her fifth session. This is the first time with have engaged with a personal tutor so really wasn't sure what we were doing and started out with some trepidation. We soon were able to ensure that the hour we spent with Brian was really productive and useful. Brian has been really helpful and and this has increased my daughters confidence and knowledge which is exactly what we were hoping for.

New student comments
I'm just emailing to tell you that my physics unit 2 exam went quite well. There were only a few small questions that I couldn't answer. I will tell you my result when I get them on the 14th of August. I must thank you for helping me over the past few months. I really have no clue how badly these exams would have gone if you did not help me. Thank you so much for your help.
Calum M AS Physics student.

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Personal Description:
Background
I am a qualified teacher with over 22 years teaching experience. The work has included the following:
Class teaching - the full curriculum
Small group teaching - taking small groups of pupils in school who require extra assistance with Maths and English.
Private Tuition - Maths and English KS2
Private Tuition - Maths KS3 GCSE Foundation Level (Years 7 and 8).
In addition, I have worked between a variety of schools tutoring pupils on a 121 basis who require extra support and assistance to enable them to catch up with their peers.

Teaching Experience:
Over 15 years private tutoring experience tutoring pupils of a wide range of ability in their own homes after school. This has included assisting children both with their Maths and English KS2.
I also tutor Maths KS3 GCSE Foundation Level for Years 7 and 8.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is to concentrate on building pupils confidence through use of encouragement and praise. During the initial lessons my intention is to quickly discover gaps in the pupils understanding as well as gaining insight into the most appropriate teaching methods that are likely to be effective. With this understanding I build an appropriate programme of work in order to deal with the gaps and the weak areas of understanding.

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Personal Description:
I'm thirty and have lived, worked and studied in the south Hampshire area my whole life. I love the area and intend on staying here for the foreseeable future! I'm a doctor currently working as a GP Registrar, having completed a Graduate Entry Medicine degree at the University of Southampton. I've worked in a wide range of specialities, including Child Health, Acute Medicine and General Surgery - and a stint in A&E during the Coronavirus pandemic!
Before starting my studies in Medicine, I completed my BSc. (Hons) Human Physiology at the University of Portsmouth in 2015. I attended Hamble Community Sports College, achieving 14 GCSEs at grade A and A* - top of my year - and Peter Symonds College, studying Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Critical Thinking and General Studies. My Mathematics and Statistics GCSE (taken a year early) were the highest the school had ever achieved, both gaining an A* (99.5% and 100% respectively).

Teaching Experience:
During my GCSE preparation and exam period, I tutored several students in my year and below for Mathematics and Statistics, alongside their current teaching at school. I have also, however, given tuition to other adults, most of whom were taking their Mathematics GCSE as an extra qualification in order to get a promotion at work. I currently tutor students of a large range of ages, covering Key Stage 2, 3, GCSE and A Level.
I have now taught many students, ranging from ages 5 - adult, and all of those which have sat exams have at least achieved the grades they were after. I have helped students to reach required grades, supplementing class teaching, catching up on missed lessons, improving old Maths skills and more recently as a standalone teacher of the entire GCSE syllabus. I have also helped individuals gain much needed confidence in their own skills and I have a lot of experience in helping students to believe in themselves!

Tutoring Approach:
Mathematics being a specific passion of mine, I encourage students to apply their own knowledge to the question, before adding any new information. By showing proof of how a calculation or question works, I believe that anyone can grasp a method if they are shown the reason behind its usage. I believe I can offer an alternative to the class driven method of teaching, and allow students to gain aptitude in spotting the need for a calculation just by reading the question, and hopefully then on to creating their own calculations and solutions! I also aim to make a heavy question of 5 or 6 marks appear to be just a group of smaller questions, making each mark easier to get. I've been teaching for twelve years now and I've seen many students suffer from a lack of confidence in their own ability, and I always ensure that not only does the person have core, and advanced knowledge, but that they have confidence in the fact that anything can be achieved!

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Personal Description:
Paola
Online lessons nationwide and face to face based in Aberdeen.

I am a native Italian speaker with British nationality and fluent in both English and French.

I have a long working knowledge of English, having worked for several years as a librarian in Aberdeen and for the oil & gas industry (GE and NOV) for 8 years. I also worked for RGU prior to start teaching full time.

I offer Italian, French and English tuition at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced.

I studied English language and literature with French and Italian at La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where I obtained my PhD.

After graduation I spent a long time working in France in Disneyland Paris. This gave me the opportunity to hone my French language skills.

I have experience teaching students of various age and nationality, both school children and adults who need to pass exams.
I have a PVG check.

Teaching Experience:
University of Aberdeen
Rosemount Community Centre, small groups - Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen language department
Tutoring agencies

Tutoring Approach:
I offer distance learning tuition via Skype for all beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.

I describe myself as enthusiastic, friendly and patient.

I am committed to delivering high quality tuition by offering tailor-made classes to suit different students' needs.

I think that a good tutor should guide the student towards the learner's goal with confidence and be able to explain clearly and in a friendly manner.

I am committed to bridge the gap between the textbooks and the demands of modern learning making the learning process fun and adaptable to each student.

Learning a new language should be fun. I am passionate about creating activities for the learners and make them feel at ease and comfortable during the class.

I have experience teaching school children and adults one-to-one, one-to-two, and small groups for different organisations across the UK such as private schools and community centres.

I offer flexible hours so my students can arrange the classes according to their needs and availability.

Learning a new language is a great opportunity to discover the culture of another country.

Cultural awareness is part of the language experience. Therefore, I love sharing the culture of my country and my knowledge of other cultures with my students.

For my teaching, I use different techniques and media. I love sharing online resources such as videos, articles and podcasts for listening activities and guided speaking exercises.

I can prepare for school and university exams, including GCSE and National 4 and 4 English, French and Italian and EFL exams.

For learners who take regular classes I can correct short written exercises.

During the first class I can assess the student's level in order to plan a suitable course tailor made to the learner's needs.

I am enthusiastic for using new technologies to add to the learning experience.

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Personal Description:
My name is Mo and I am an experienced teacher of Psychology and Sociology in York.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher of Psychology and Sociology based in York. I have over 20 years experience of teaching, I am a senior examiner for a major exam board, as well as having lead successful departments of both Psychology and Sociology.


I have had much experience of supporting students who are managing mental health issues or who are neuro-diverse. One to one tuition can provide tailored support and a safe working environment to help students flourish.

I also work as a freelance academic author and have worked with the OUP on it`s GCSE Psychology textbook and A level Psychology resources. Prior to this I have produced numerous resources for teachers of GCSE and A level Psychology specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer tailored private tuition for students doing GCSE, A Level, IFP and Access courses. I am passionate about my teaching and offer a student centred approach where each session is planned and tailored to fit the needs of the student. I focus on successful exam technique and marking skills, allowing the student to develop a deeper understanding of what is required of them to achieve excellent results. The students work is regularly marked and discussed giving the student feedback as to their progress and the knowledge of how to correct any errors and gain higher grades. I firmly believe that one to one tuition nurtures students to trust their own abilities and knowledge, leading to a more confident, enjoyable and successful learning experience.

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Personal Description:
You will find in me an extremely calm, caring and committed teacher. Kensington-based, I have over thirty years teaching experience both as a class teacher and one-to-one tutor. Identifying gaps quickly and working with a student's learning style is key. I believe confidence in speaking and writing grows with exposure to high-quality conversation and reading as well as active vocabulary extension. I focus on all three as well as on exam technique and content.

I bring my extensive background as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language and also as an actor to bear on teaching the deeper mechanics of the language in addition to its its more poetic and literary aspects.

As a mother of five, I am family-oriented and often teach entire families. I have an active interest in history, philosophy and politics, enjoy cycling and am a huge Led Zeppelin fan.

Teaching Experience:
Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, ISEB, CAT, Common Entrance, 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, Personal Statements, Interview Practice, Academic English

General, Business , Conversational and Legal English; Interview Practice; Presentation skills; Email English; Proof Reading; Citizenship Preparation

Tutoring Approach:
My goal is to adapt to your learning style and help you reach the targets you set yourself. Good rapport and a relaxed environment are essential for learning. I work hard to establish both. I am comfortable with all ages and stages and try to make both my teaching and your learning a pleasurable experience.

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Personal Description:
I'm a freelance professional photographer and a Full-time A Level Fine Art/Photography Teacher. I have a degree in Animation and a Masters in Photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have 9 years teaching experience and a PGCE (in Post-Compulsory Education); having started teaching in Lifelong Learning (adult community courses) in 2011, teaching photography, before moving onto secondary and further education (please see below). I now I teach A Level Fine and and A Level Photography, alongside a 19+ (Adult) course in Art and Design, where I teach across a range of specialisms, from Dark Room and Studio Photography, Textiles, Printmaking, 3D Design, Digital Arts, Visual Language and Contextual Studies (Art History), Study Skills and Exhibition Preparation.

2011-2015 - Learning for Leisure (photography) - Oxford County Council and Abingdon and Witney College.
2014-2015 - GCSE/A Level Fine Art - Cooper School, Bicester (PGCE Placement), with after school Animation Workshops.
2015-2017 - UAL Art and Design Level 3, UAL Graphic Design Level 3, UAL Photography Level 3 and UAL Media Level 2 - Banbury College.
2017-present - A Level Fine Art, A Level Photography, Access to HE Art and Design (Level 3) - City of Oxford College.

Tutoring Approach:
Having diverse experience across a range of ages and subjects, I have developed a broad understanding of the different learning styles students and therefore develop individual learning plans, based on the needs and interests of the students and the requirements of the awarding bodies.

My aim is to build on confidence and deepening knowledge and skills to ensure the student can work independently and to a high standard. I understand that every students skill will be different and aim to build on their current level, to reach their potential.

I am a patient and compassionate teacher, but I also set high expectations and motivate the students to meet the demands of whichever course they may be on. I form excellent working relationships with my students, which is built on mutual resect and trust.

Art has so many amazing benefits; it exposes students to different cultures and challenges their views and understanding of society (including race, gender, politics, economics); by engaging with art, it enables the students to voice opinions and open dialects in a safe environment. I strongly believe that art has the ability to enhance the well-being of anyone practicing it and enjoy engaging students with new and creative techniques to promote this.

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Personal Description:
I am Viren, a graduate in Science with Distinction from BITS Pilani. I have Level 3 Award in Education and Training. I love teaching and have tutored my classmates at school and university. I tutored my children and both went to top UK universities. I am good at understanding where the student needs help and ensure they understand the concepts well. I believe that strong fundamentals are essential to learning, not just a focus on doing well in exams

Teaching Experience:
For the last 20 years, I have conducted a number of corporate trainings for my team and mentored them on various areas. I love teaching and have tutored my classmates at school and university. I would help them in Maths and all 3 sciences. At uni, a good part of my studies would be done just by tutoring my friends in Maths (topics like Probability, Algebra, trigonometry) Chemistry (organic and inorganic) and human biology. I tutored my children and both went to top UK universities. Now I wish to take time out to formally start tutoring, a thing I really enjoy doing. I have Level 3 Award in Education and Training.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that each student is different and needs a very specific approach. I will first try to ensure that the concept and the base of the subject is strong before we go on to a number of past paper questions and exercises. I believe that the best way to learn is to see how any problem can be tackled, go through the thought process and then apply what you know to the specific problem and solve it.

I will first see what the student finds most difficult and what their weaknesses are and then strive to overcome them. Each student will have their own learning methods, some may learn by understanding the whole concept then going into the exam questions, some want to go through exam questions while they are learning the concept to see how the theory can be applied to the problems. Some may learn visually with experiments or examples whereas others will learn through trial and improvement of their own. I will spend the first session finding out how they like to learn and design a program just right for that individual student.
Hopefully once we start tutoring, the students will feel much more confident with the subject and the key to success for any exam is self confidence. I will always be there as a guide, a mentor, a friend to help them through what they find difficult.

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Personal Description:
I am 18 years old I just finished doing my A-levels where I studied applied science, sport and mathematics.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught my sister and other kids that are local to me. I taught mainly mathematics and some science topics.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring by making sure that by the end of the lesson they have gotten better at the topic and subject the session was for. My main goal is for the student to feel like they have benefited from the session.

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Personal Description:
My name is Nikki and I am an experienced primary teacher and Assistant Headteacher at an Outstanding school in London. I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in 2010 with a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation. I taught in Taiwan for a couple of years before moving to London to begin my teaching career.

Teaching Experience:
Over the last ten years I have taught across KS1 and KS2. I have been the Maths lead at my school for the past 6 years and the Assistant Headteacher for the past 3 years. I have run two 11+ group tuition lessons for three years for children in Year 4 and 5.

Tutoring Approach:
During the first session, I conduct an assessment with the pupil to determine where the gaps are. I then create a tailored curriculum for them that will meet their individual needs. My goal is to develop the pupil's confidence and growth mindset in their learning and the results will follow.

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Personal Description:
I have a strong academic and professional background in Human Resource Management and Business. Currently pursuing an MSc in HRM at York St John University, I also hold an MBA with Merit from Cardiff Metropolitan University. I graduated with a 1st Class degree in HRM from Kaatsu International University (KIU), where I earned the KIU Gold Medal for the highest GPA in my batch. Additionally, I have earned prestigious HR qualifications, including CIPD Associate Membership and a Chartered Qualification in HRM.

With hands-on HR experience in roles such as HR Officer at Ishq Luxury Villas and HR Executive at Visiro Global Solutions, I bring practical insights into HR management and business operations. I also served as a Demonstrator & Research Supervisor in HRM at KIU (Sri Lanka), where I supported students in understanding complex concepts. My tutoring approach blends theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, aiming to create an engaging, supportive learning environment that prepares students for both academic success and professional growth.

Teaching Experience:
With extensive experience in human resources and business management, I bring a practical, real-world perspective to tutoring. My roles as HR Officer at Ishq Luxury Villas and HR Executive at Visiro Global Solutions have provided me with deep insights into strategic decision-making, leadership development, and business operations. This experience enables me to help students understand business concepts, from organizational behavior to employee relations, and apply them in real-world contexts.

I focus on delivering a holistic approach to tutoring that combines theoretical knowledge with practical applications, ensuring students are prepared for both academic success and future careers in business. My teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and business acumen, fostering an environment where students feel empowered to engage with the material, ask questions, and develop the skills necessary to thrive in the competitive business world.

In addition to my professional experience in human resources and business management, I have also had the privilege of contributing to academic learning as a Demonstrator (Lecturer) in Human Resource Management at Kaatsu International University (KIU). In this role, I helped students navigate complex HR concepts, providing explanations, facilitating discussions, and offering practical insights into the application of HR theories. My work as a Demonstrator allowed me to bridge the gap between theory and practice, helping students connect classroom learning with real-world business challenges.

This teaching experience further strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and adapt my approach to meet diverse student needs. It also deepened my understanding of the academic side of HR, enriching my overall ability to tutor students in HRM, business management, and related subjects. My experience at KIU has equipped me with valuable skills in mentorship, presentation, and fostering an engaging learning environment.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach is centered on creating an interactive, supportive, and student-focused learning environment. I personalize my methods to accommodate each student's learning style, emphasizing strong foundational knowledge, active engagement, and real-world applications. With my professional experience in HR and business management, I integrate practical examples to make theoretical concepts more relatable. I provide continuous feedback to help students improve, fostering a positive atmosphere where they feel comfortable asking questions and challenging themselves. Above all, my goal is to inspire confidence, critical thinking, and a love of learning, preparing students for both academic success and future career growth.

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