Hognaston Tutors and Hognaston Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a Marine Biologist (PhD) and lecturer in Education. I am currently based in North Berwick, Scotland and have a wide-range of interests such as paddle-boarding, kayaking, hiking, cooking and spending time with my family and friends. I am available for online tutoring in the evenings and the weekends (anytime) and face-to-face for North Berwick.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a Foreign Language for 22 years in the UK and in Japan. I have also worked with students with learning difficulties, which I enjoy very much. I tutor Biology to students across the world including University level and Science up to G.C.S.E /Nat 5.

Tutoring Approach:
Exam technique, technical language, repetition-based learning (English as a foreign language). Kinaesthetic learning.
Patient approach, with the aim of student's gaining confidence in the subject area.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese and I come from northeast of China - Chang Chun, where the first movie and car were made in China, and it also has the most numbers of the universities in China.

I came to the UK in 2007, and I feel grateful and joyful to experience this dynamic culture and to meet many interesting and decent people.

I love food, music, movies, and spending time in nature. I am interested in healthy living and different cultures, I like to visit and explore new places, meet people, and most importantly, to serve others with the skills and talents I have.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching Mandarin in 2002 where I volunteered to teach 7 western teachers at Jilin University, where I studied in China, and I gained my first teaching experience.

A year later after my graduation I went on working for Dao Hang Language Institution in China as an English teacher. I taught both children and adults, and from then I realised that each student had their own unique way of learning, and teaching should be tailored according to each individual's need.

I also provided Mandarin lessons to corporate staff whist working as a PA in GE and Philips in China.

After settling in the UK, I started providing private lessons from October 2009 and I taught in schools, companies, and individuals in London and Cambridge. I helped students achieved their GCSE/AS/A2 levels, and currently I am preparing a student for his HSK exam, and another student for his GCSE exam in 2022.

I have been receiving positive feedback from my students, and as a result, some of them increased their weekly lessons with me.

In 2021 I was recruited by Cambridge Assessment as an examiner for the Mandarin subject.

Tutoring Approach:
When it comes to learning a language, if we watch the way how a young child is learning, he/she spends most of the time listening first and then imitating, and with the language environment, he/she flourishes. This is the most natural approach.

When it comes to learning a new language as an adult, I know (because I have done it and I have seen others done it too) that within each one of us we still have the potential to activate that part of the brain which allows us to acquire and absorb the new language subconsciously, or simply put, to have a feel for it!

In my lessons I usually combine listening, speaking, reading, and writing activities. My students submerge in a lot of listening and speaking at the early stage of the lessons, and then we move onto reading and sometimes storytelling, depending on the age group. I do my best to understand each of my students' learning needs, goals and interest and tailor the lessons by increasing certain activities, along with Chinese culture and customs explained.

We do have a touch on grammar too, but not in a sense trying to memorise them, it is rather as a guidance.

I believe Mandarin or any language can be easily acquired through this natural approach with time and effort, and I will be here with you taking every step on this amazing journey!

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Personal Description:
My name is Nadia, I am a Spanish, Portuguese and English teacher from Argentina. I have been teaching languages for more than 24 years now. I love my profession, I really enjoy teaching and sharing my experiences with the students. I moved to London in December 2011 (I hold a spouse VISA, this means I am eligible to work in the UK) I am hard working, responsible and I believe in fun, communicative and interactive lessons. I love new challenges. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you, so we can start having fun and learning together!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching languages for more than 24 years. I studied English Language Teaching Training at Mar del Plata University, Buenos Aires, Argentina. I also hold the CELTA. I taught English and Portuguese in Argentina in schools and language institutes to all age groups and levels (for more than 10 years). I also taught English and Spanish in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to all levels and age groups, from children to adolescents and adults (for 5 years). I really love and enjoy teaching and sharing my experiences with the students.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in fun, communicative and interactive lessons. I assess students needs and motivation for learning the target language. Always recycling the language learnt and putting into practice what is learnt in each lesson. I use a wide variety of materials (course books, grammar reference books, newspaper articles, songs, internet articles,short stories and whatever the students are interested in learning). The four skills are practiced from the very first class. You will feel that you are actually learning while having fun!

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Personal Description:
About me:
Hi! I am Zara. I am kind and caring, considerate and patient. I have profound experience teaching languages (Russian and English) to various ages and learning backgrounds. Russian is my native language. I graduated from Russian University and have BA degree in languages.
I enjoy working with children, young people and adults helping them build confidence in their ability to achieve, both academically and socially. My students always get only GOOD RESULTS! Some of them are now students of English Universities studying Russian.
With my experience working at various educational institutions for 12 years (my previous position was senior Lecturer of the Russian University) I have a diverse background with much to offer. I teach the beginners and those who just want to improve their language skills, as well as Business and Legal Russian.
One to one or Skype lessons!

Apart from teaching I do prompt and professional translations from English into Russian and vise verse in such subjects as Business, Economy, Law, Mass Media, etc.

Teaching Experience:
With my experience working at various educational institutions for 12 years (my previous position was senior teacher of the University) I have a diverse background with much to offer. To me, the role of a Tutor is an important and interesting role to hold. It brings a lot of interesting challenges and the idea of working with individuals to develop their natural skills is really what I look forward to when at work. I graduated from Russian Pedagogical University and have BA Degree in languages.

Tutoring Approach:
The methods I teach foreign languages are unique and tailored to an individual' s needs. All students are different and it is very important to find their strengths, focus on them and use them right to develop their learning abilities.
I always seriously and thoroughly prepare myself for each lesson, think over every minute of it, provide my students with useful and interesting material which covers the aspects of the language that my students want to focus on and at the same time, I ensure that the lessons are fun - which means they look forward to them! I use a lot of playing techniques, every aspect of learning the language is involved; Reading, Speaking, Listening and Writing. I teach spoken Russian, Business Russian, do prepare for the Exams and so on....
I puts my clients at ease straight away making it the ideal learning environment to progress quickly and easily.

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Personal Description:
I studied Economics at Cambridge University and then went on to play rugby to an International level and also coach at the same level. I am now married with 2 children and love helping people achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught A-Level Economics for the last 2 years at a non-selective private school. Last year, 1/4 of my students achieved 100 UMS at A2 and 1/3 achieved an A*. One student had achieved a D at AS and finished with an A* with a UMS average of 95. Prior to this, I played and coached sport at an International Level so have a real understanding of learning and how to help people improve, often starting with behavioural change and combining this with activities to maximise the students' learning. I also tutored several students last year including a mature student, all achieved the grades they required.

Tutoring Approach:
I use nudges to change behaviours in my students on an individual basis. We need to get to the stage where the student is comfortable teaching the subject matter to me and the whole course is connected rather than studied in isolation. I am incredibly supportive and adaptable to the individual but I the sessions will always be a challenge.

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Personal Description:
In the years 1998-2005 I worked in the IT industry. My responsibilities mainly covered administrating Operating Systems and troubleshooting computer networks in small to medium businesses. I spent most of my time working with customers troubleshooting problems. I found I had a natural talent in communicating with people in a respectful and considerate manner. It also led me to improve my customer service skills which I continue to find useful as a teacher at City College Plymouth.
I have been studying a Computer Networks degree (graduated 2014) and MSc Network Systems Engineering (finishing in March 2018) at Plymouth University.
I am enthusiastic and well-organized with sterling interpersonal and communication skills.

Teaching Experience:
For the last four years I have been teaching IT, Maths and Engineering at the college, delivering lessons for levels 3-5. Alongside teaching I have achieved my certificate in Award in Education and Teaching and currently I am undertaking level 5 Diploma in Education and Training.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very happy and proud delivering my knowledge and demonstrating my skills to others. However, I plan my lessons taking care to follow best practice and deliver using active learning strategies and differentiate effectively through a variety of means. I encourage and support students with walking through problems using probing Socratic questioning to give them the opportunity to find the solution(s) themselves.

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Personal Description:
I taught French for 10 years in a school in Cardiff and left to concentrate on my educational website. The site, which is used by teachers in schools, provides interactive activities for language learners. After I gave up my job as a school teacher, I started tutoring in my free time as well because helping pupils was a side of my work that I really missed.

Teaching Experience:
1991 - 2002: I worked as a French teacher in Llanishen High School in Cardiff, Wales. I taught pupils from Year 7 all the way to Year 13

2003-2004: I worked as a consultant for a couple of training agencies, running IT courses for MFL teachers.

2001-2018: I created my own company "Language Skills", dedicated to the creation of activities for language teachers and students to use online


2001-2018: I've been a French tutor for GCSE and A 'Level pupils as well as adult learners from complete beginners to advanced level.

At the moment, I am tutoring an engineering lecturer who love speaking French and who has general conversation sessions to increase his vocab and his confidence. I have worked with him for 5 years.
I also tutor an 11-year-old pupil who I have helped for the past 4 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I know how hard and frustrating it can be to learn a new language. As a native French speaker, I had to learn English as a second language myself.
My approach is centred around the leaner and I will adapt my teaching methods to suit your needs, whether it be by preparing you for an exam, helping if you are struggling in class or just giving you the confidence to speak French.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced multi-instrumentalist, composer, and arranger. I have performed in a number of ensembles, playing a wide variety of music, including classical, pop, jazz, folk, and Southern African music. I have composed and arranged over 2000 pieces, mostly for educational ensembles. I have a BA honours degree in Performing Arts (majoring in music) and a PGCE Music teaching qualification.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a classroom music teacher for over 25 years - 23 of them as a highly successful head of department at Bradfield Secondary School in Sheffield. I have taught GCSE and A Level music, and my students have consistently achieved well above the national average. I have also organised a large number of concerts, shows, and festivals. I was Classic FM's inaugural Music Teacher of the Year in 1999.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an inclusive approach to music education, encouraging all students, regardless of ability, to fulfil their potential. I consider it vital that students enjoy making music and I always make sure that their learning is tailored to their musical interests and educational needs. In terms of instrumental lessons I am happy for students to progress through graded exams but I am equally happy to design a progressive route that avoids the potential stress of formal assessment.
With regards to GCSE & A Level tutoring, I am offering personal tutoring in the following areas:
- Listening & Appraising: I have developed a huge volume of resources to help students with listening and appraising exam questions
- Composing: I can offer advice in how to approach specific composition briefs and I have a variety of resources designed to enable students to compose effectively using specific structures, styles, and methods. I can offer advice regarding compositions that students have already started, pointing out areas of concern and offering possible solutions, although the nature of my assistance is strictly governed by the teacher guidelines provided by the various exam boards.
- Set Works: I can offer tutoring in analysis and provide help with practice analysis exam questions.
- Performing: I can advise on choices of pieces and help with preparation, especially if the student does not receive private instrumental/singing tuition.
My GCSE & A Level music tuition covers all the recognised exam boards.

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Personal Description:
A qualified maths teacher and Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years' experience in the civil engineering industry. I am able to quickly identify areas of maths knowledge that requires improving in order to pass exams and also help learners to relate maths to the real world.

Teaching Experience:
My maths teaching experience has covered senior school, 6th Form, Further Education and Higher Education.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer online tutoring over Zoom (or similar) as well as face to face - I am passionate about supporting people with their educational development goals. Being able to relate to learners struggles and difficulties in understanding maths, I have proven methods and skillsets that allow my learners to flourish in any area of mathematics they require assistance with.

Whether you require some intensive sessions in the run up to exams, have yet to be successful in maths or require the whole syllabus covered, I am here to help. Many of my learners have had poor prior experience with maths education or educational challenges/special educational needs that have, with my help, been able to realise their full potential.





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Personal Description:
Hello everyone!

I am Nicolas, a full-time professional and successful native French tutor/Cambridge Celta teacher delivering online French tuition. I have lived in different countries such as Ireland,Scotland,Jersey Channel Islands,Greece,Italy and in different parts of England.

Are you a French learner searching for ways to build your knowledge in French by speaking? I have proven experience working one to one with students to help them grow their confidence, increase their fluency and vocabulary , and implement powerful strategies that result in significant progress and long-term success.

Focused, flexible and effective.

Would like to achieve great results and be more confident in speaking French?

Contact me today!

I cannot wait to work with you and achieve your goals!

Merci!

A bientôt!!

Teaching Experience:
I have years of professional French tutoring experience behind me with exceptional success rates alongside fantastic references.

That being said, I have been tutoring for a long time in London and also abroad.

With me, you will make the progress needed to achieve your potential.

I send resources to prepare before the meeting then feedback, areas to work on alongside homework after the online tuition.

You will be speaking with an experienced native French tutor used to international clients.

Here what some students/parents have recently said about me:

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I passed! B2!
Thanks for your help!
"I recently passed the TEF at a B2 level. With the help of Nicolas I was able to get some extra practice just before the test that gave me a ton of confidence going into the test!"

Van,Sales executive
Primrose Hill,London
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To whom it may concern,

I am currently studying my French degree and needed some help for my 2nd year core language and oral exams in which I struggled very much. I did very badly (20%) in my core language and similarly in the oral exam. I had around 1-2 weeks of sessions with Nicolas and I could not have asked for more. We did a few past papers. And even though we did not know what was likely to come up in the exam, he was very good at helping me pinpoint the important information in a passage and how to respond to the questions. Similarly with the oral part, he kept me on my toes by always speaking to me in French at the beginning of the sessions and throughout which was very helpful and providing me with core info of which I needed to speak about in the oral. As a result I received 30-40% more in my retakes. He is a very friendly man with lots of energy and wants to make sure you can be the best you can be. Thank you Nicolas.

Sasha,University student,Kensington

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French (GCSE)

Nicolas,

Just to let you know that we will not need you now until September.

Zany got an A star for his speaking controlled assessment.

We are very pleased with your excellent teaching and Zany is looking forward to seeing you in September.

Have a great summer.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

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Nicolas is an excellent tutor. He helped my son with preparation to the Westminster challenge exam for 5 months. My son really enjoyed the lessons. Nicolas is a very responsible tutor who does his best to organize interesting lessons. My son got A at Westminster challenge exam.

Anna, London Hampstead

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Nicolas has been our son`s French tutor for the last 9 months.We were looking for a tutor who could focus on Common Entrance 13+ exam preparation, working on speaking, grammar and writing .
I strongly recommend him as a teacher.
He prepares his lessons, and teaches with great enthusiam.
My son, who attended Wetherby School in London,did not like and was not good at French at school and from the moment Nicolas started to teach him his view and understanding of French changed.
He is now on top of his class and loves french and this is all thanks to Nicolas.

Regards

Marta

London Mayfair
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"I highly recommend Nicolas as a tutor.He has tutored me now for around a year and I am very pleased with my progress.He is very organised and is always willing to provide extra help if needed.Furthermore,Nicolas has a variety of different resources which can be very helpful.I addition,he is very punctual and reliable.Throughout the year,Nicolas has helped me improve my speaking skills and grammar.One of his best qualities is that he is always willing to adapt to the needs of his students and that he is very flexible in his teaching style."


Vladimir (A level Student) ,London Victoria
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I would like to recommend Nicolas as a French tutor for your organisation or family.
Nicolas worked with us in London three days per week, as a French tutor. (We moved to the U.S. when the employment ended.) Nicolas took full responsibility for our two boys for three days per week.
His main focus was on tutoring and educating the boys in French. He spoke only French to them, allowing the boys to be fully immersed in the language. The activities allowed them to develop their French (both boys fully comprehend French conversation now and can speak), . Nicolas's energizing and interactive techniques were fun for the boys, and they engaged in the language quickly.
The boys loved their time with Nicolas . His tutoring techniques are excellent for young children..
Nicolas is dependable, caring, and trustworthy. I would fully recommend him as a French tutor for your children.
Marsha
London Kensington
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I have been fortunate enough to have Nicolas as my French tutor. Having only 2 months to learn French before moving to Paris, Nicolas planned the course really well and I came out of it feeling ready to face the real French people. Nicolas is organized and very pleasant to be around. He is so helpful even if it is something, which is not related to the lesson. Nicolas adapted the lesson to my needs and plans the lessons every time beforehand. The material he uses to teach is quality and his approach in teaching is very easy to understand. I would highly recommend Nicolas to tutor French at any level.

Kind regards,

Thom , University student, London Gloucester Road

Tutoring Approach:
I use the Direct Method or Communicative Method. It depends obviously on your level. I still provide explanations in English.

Very often ,many people's only previous experience of learning a language has been at school ,where a great deal of emphasis was placed with the purpose of passing an examination .However, teaching approaches to modern language training have changed enormously in recent years ,and as a result ,learning a language is now a lot more fun and a far more rewarding experience!

Languages are now widely taught using a method known as the Communicative Approach or Direct Method, whereby the teacher conducts the session almost entirely in the target language regardless of the student's level. I reckon it is the best way to immerse yourself into a new culture.

Of course, depending on your level, I will still give explanations and instructions in English for those wishing to do so.

While it may take getting used to initially, the method has proven to be highly effective and is adopted by language training organisation around the world.

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Personal Description:
I currently work as a Senior Global Project Manager for a clinical research company. Since graduating in 2015, I have worked in clinical research, progressing my career in Project Management.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2021 years from ages 6-16

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is flexible depending on the students needs. I would initially want to understand what areas the focus would be, where I would then plan lessons and ensure there is mutual understanding. I believe it is important to encourage the student with the belief that they can overcome what they feel like they dont understand and be successful

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced teacher of English who specialises in GCSE English. With 12 years teaching experience in all levels and ages. Experience has been gained teaching GCSE English language and literature in school and college settings.
A committed teacher who is passionate about inclusive learning using various methodologies and resources to achieve effective teaching and learning. I have attained management experience at International School level progressing through Head of Secondary to Deputy Headteacher and was successful in these roles.

Teaching Experience:
An excellent subject knowledge of teaching English with good experience within the British curriculum
at bilingual schools and within further education college. Experience has been gained in key stage three preparing students for key stage four. Knowledge of curriculum frameworks in IGCSE for English as a first and second language and IELTS has also been gained. My key qualities are my strong and effective communication skills as well as the ability to perform to the highest standards of professionalism.
have experience teaching iGCSE in international schools including being academic coordinator and deputy head teacher in some of the best schools internationally.

Tutoring Approach:
I utilise a student focused teaching style that uses contextualised and relevant resources and videos that engages and retains students in the learning process. A blended learning style is used to promote effective and accessible lessons. With a vast knowledge of the curriculum and assessment that meet the standards required by exam boards, my lessons will ensure success in achieving the desired grades of my students

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