Holsworthy Tutors and Holsworthy Tuition

Personal Description:
With nearly 15 years of online and in-person tutoring French Common Entrance/13+, Westminster Challenge, Winchester entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, Pre-U, and SAT, I`m a 50-year old graduate of the excellent University of Sussex languages course with a First Class Honours degree in French and Russian. I lived for four years in Paris where I mastered the language and the accent!

I have also acted in plays in French, taking on the role of Alphonse in a production of The School for Wives, and touring to schools abroad to perform in front of students learning French elsewhere in Europe.

I like to stay abreast of French culture and society, read Le Figaro everyday, and regularly watch French TV news and discussion shows.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students at all levels, from 13+ entrance exams, including the Westminster Challenge, to most UK exam boards at GCSE, IGCSE and A-level, and I have also helped prepare students for their SAT in French and the DELF exam. I've taught adults who are complete beginners, or have some vague memories of what they learned at school, as well as helping several students gain entry to Westminster School via their Challenge exam

Since the switch to mostly online teaching, I have become an expert in making the most of the resources available, particularly the collaborative tools provided by Google, among others, which are particularly good for working on exercises and explaining grammar in a clear, helpful way.

Successes from the last (2019-20) academic year included: an two As at A-level, and two 9s at IGCSE, as well as entrance to Winchester College via their own exam.

For A-level students, I have already taught Camus's L'Etranger, Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, Joseph Joffo's Un Sac de Billes, and Zola's Thérèse Raquin, and am very familiar with all the other set texts. Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Entre Les Murs (The Class) and La Haine are the films I am best acquainted with from a teaching point of view.

Here are some comments from a few previous students - originals available on request.

'We could not have asked for a better result - A*s! He got full marks for the reading paper. Thanks so much for all your help, and patience.' - Margaret (parent of home-schooled GCSE student)

'Henry won a scholarship to Westminster. Exactly what he was aiming for." (Leslie, student's mother)

`Thank you so much for all your patient hard work - you taught her exactly the right stuff and there is no way she could have done it without you! I really didn`t think it was possible to teach the whole year 7 curriculum in a week but somehow you managed it. Tiffin Girls is one of the top state schools in the country and rather competitive. Chatting to the other parents outside the exam, most of the competitors went to good independents or had been tutored over a long period of time. You really knew not only what to teach but how to teach it, which shows you have exceptional skills.` - Anoushka (pupil`s mother)

`Just thought I should let you know I got an A! Thanks for all your help` - Helena (A-level student)

'I ended up with an "A"... thanks for all your help, both my spoken papers improved, over my previous efforts.' - Philip, mature student sitting AS and A2 French

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to tailor lessons specifically to a student's needs, but my general method is to engage him or her at a level just above their 'comfort zone'. Learning is about challenging yourself to do better, and it is crucial for a tutor to be supportive and encouraging, and also to keep the bar high.

Lessons can be conducted entirely in French, or in a mixture of English and French. I can work alongside a student's existing course (that is, from a textbook a student is already following), or we can use course books that I recommend.

Where the level allows, I like to draw upon material from contemporary sources such as French news magazines.

For "conversation classes", I find it is useful to base the discussion on an article or a book to help build vocabulary, and also think that incorporating grammar instruction (where appropriate) can be a good idea.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Sarah trained at Arts Educational, London. As well as being an actor she has been Artistic Director at The London Drama School for 15 years. Her Theatre Company has been running since 1998 and has many stage, screen and open-air productions to it's name. She is a fully qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner and works worldwide. Sarah was born in Brighton and attended Brighton and Hove High School & Brighton College, as well as being a student/teacher working for Carole Best at The Brighton School of Music and Drama since age 14. Sarah teaches from home in Peacehaven or in central Brighton or in central Hove.

Teaching Experience:
CURRENTLY
Teaching, Brighton
Working with students at ACT, Brighton and private students who are preparing their Trinity Guildhall Exams & Diploma's or auditions.
WORK
2018, Maid, Pelleas et Melisande, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Stefan Herheim
2017, Quince & Cobweb, Midsummer NIght's Dream, BOAT & Lewes Castle, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Brighton Shakespeare Company, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Sadie, He Gave Me Heroin, Lantern Theatre for Brighton Fringe Festival, Sian Webber
2015, Stage, Mistress Ford, Merry Wives of Windsor, Treason Show & BOAT, Mark Brailsford2
2013, Suzanne, Urban Adventure Pilot, Blast Theory & Film 4 Dir. Matt Adams
2012, Voice-over, Popmedia Dir. Jim Stokes
2012, Teacher/ Director, Shakespeare Workshops & performance, Fulking
2012, Teacher, Shakespeare Workshop, Dunedin, New Zealand
2011, Cleo, LYSISTRATA, Actors of Dionysus at the Rose Theatre Kingston, Dir. James Albrecht
2011, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2011, Jane, Connected, Feature film, Connected Productions, Dir. Mike Carter
2010, Nurse, Human Rights Dilemma's Corporate Video, Sunny Arts, Dir. Will Geffin
2010, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2010, Workshop Leader, Shakespeare Made Fun, Dome Education Dept, Prod. Pippa Smith
2010, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2009, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2009, Actor & Producer, The Odd Couple, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2009, TV, Actor, Comedy sketch show pilot, Dir. Mark Cameron
2009, Director, Introduction to Shakespeare, The London Drama School
2008, Mrs Hardcastle, She Stoops to Conquer, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
2008, Tinkerbell , Happy Ever After - Interactive Theatre for kids, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2008, Director, Shakespeare Workshop, The Seychelles
2007, Producer & Angela, ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Jim Madden
2007, Director, UNCLE VANYA, The London Drama School
2007, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2007, Producer, Corporate Role-Play Video's, Monitor Group, Dir. Ben Cole
2007, Director, The Famous Five, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2006, Producer & Actor, BLITHE SPIRIT, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton & New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2006, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2006, TV, Actor, BASIL BRUSH SHOW, Cbeebies, Dir. Michael Kerrigan
2006, Producer & Maria. TWELFTH NIGHT, Brighton Dome, Dir. Stephen Casey
2005, Producer & Lady Bracknell, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2005, VoiceOver, Dorothy Norris, VE DAY IN COLOUR, TWI for The History Channel
2005, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2005, TV, Mrs Hudson, BILLIE THE GIRL FROM THE FUTURE, 2 Hats Prods, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2004, TV, Louise Holmes, The Hutton Enquiry, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2004, Mrs Kepple, A PLACE OF SAFETY, Pier Playwrights, Dir. Guy Picot
2004, Corporate Video, Mrs Davis, ADVAL KEY KNOWLEDGE
2004, Steering Group, Royal Theatrical Fund, London
2004, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2004, Producer & Maria, TWELFTH NIGHT, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Stephen Casey
2004, Radio, Henrietta Hangleton & Vvanda Downway, HOTEL PALMEIRA, Dir. Jim Madden & JP Orr @ Touchwood
2003, Stage Manager, Donald Sinden's, Birthday Gala, Royal Theatrical Fund at the Arts Theatre
2003, Producer & Henrietta Hangleton, BRIGHTON SOAPBOX, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2003, Dutch, QUEEN OF THE BAR, Brighton & Hove Theatre Company, Dir. Peter Mantle
2003, Television, Louise Holmes, THE HUTTON INQUIRY, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2003, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2002, Producer & Comedy Compere, COMIC IRRIGATION, Battersea Barge
2002, Production Assistant & Olivia, TWELFTH NIGHT, Contraband Productions, Dir. Rachel Lasserson
2002, Television, Harry's Mad Mother, HARRY & COSH SERIES IV THE GIFT, 2 Hats Film & TV Productions, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2001-2, Assistant Manager at The Fortune Theatre
2001, Producer & Director, NASTY BOY, Incisor & Komedia
2001, Producer & Penny, I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2000, Jonquil 1999-2000, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Komedia Productions, Dir. Mark Urquahart
1999, Producer & Director, SO BLOODY IMPORTANT, Man In The Moon, Chelsea
1999, Charlotte, ELEGIES, Co-Active Music Factory, Dir. Fenton Gray
1998, Producer & Penny, ARTIST'S MODEL, Bristol Old Vic, Dir. John Sharian
1997, Co-producer & Lauren, ASHES AND SAND, Co-Active Theatre Factory, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
1996, Co-producer and Co-Director - Take 2 at The Canal Caf Theatre, Maid Vale, London
1993 -7, Assistant producer - The CAT Factory, Brighton at Komedia

SKILLS
Qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner for Speech & Drama
Artistic Director at The London Drama School & producer for all end-of-year West-End Showcases
Specialist in Shakespeare, Chekhov, Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, Pinter & Animal Study

TRAINING
1991 - 1992 DIPLOMA IN ACTING - Grade A, Arts Educational Schools London
1988 - 1991 BA DRAMA and ENGLISH - West London University
1985 - 1987 3 A-LEVEL and 1 S-LEVEL - Brighton College
1983 - 1987 NEW ERA GOLD MEDAL - SPEECH & DRAMA
GUILDHALL GRADE 8 - SPEECH & DRAMA - Brighton School of Music & Drama

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging all students to work to the best of their ability and to stimulate their imagination and passion for performance and interpersonal skills. All acting requires physical strength and vocal technique and her approach is very dynamic and energetic. Can teach Stanislavski, Method, Voice, Animal Study, Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Chekhov, Sense Memory amongst others.

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Personal Description:
Art and design has been the love of my life since early childhood. Being able to express oneself creatively and with imagination has always been my primary source of independence and happiness. Apart from that, i am also attentive to creative sparks and fires in the people around me, enjoying when the potential is given the chance to be fulfilled. Plus, i am thoughtful and hard working, with a light-hearted and empathic attitude towards people i work with. I am a bit of a connector, a bit of a maven, a bit of a geek and i always wear a sunscreen. I have studied Art and Design in Latvia and in London, have an Interior Design diploma and a degree in Product Design, strong drawing skills, sane knowledge of a range of arts materials, software skills and a spirit for safe experiments.

Teaching Experience:
Sustainable Opportunities Workshop 2011, in collaboration with British Council - designing the workshop and facilitating it.
Private arts tutor for life drawing and modeling, 2007-currently.
Learning Resources Assistant in University of Arts London, advising on materials and software (Adobe CS; Rhino; Solidworks for beginners) 2009-currently.
Arts tutor and group supervisor in Children Summer Camp, ages 6-16. 2007.

Tutoring Approach:
The best tutors in my life have been the strictest ones, with high demands and set standards. I have learned from them well and would aim for the same level of aspiration they have given me. But in addition, my strongest belief is that the best teacher is the one who understands the way his student works and learns and acts accordingly, being an inspirational teacher. Ages 6-99 can all benefit from expression through the different forms of art. First of all I would discuss the needs and desires of stakeholders and form a brief, which would include:
Desired outcomes
Program to reach them
Sourcing materials - what materials are needed
Timetable
Location

Then, we would be set for starting the learning and revealing the wonders of life and ourselves.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am the mum of two children and step mum to three more. I home educated my two children from when they were 12, and helped them to get 16 IGCSEs and GCSEs between them. One has since gone on to university following A levels at sixth form college, and the other has graduated from an art and design diploma with D*D*D*, the highest grade possible.

I have a degree in geography and topographic science, and I am very flexible when it comes to helping students to understand what they are learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, when my son left secondary school to begin home education. Since then I have taken him, my daughter and three of their friends through eleven different subjects at GCSE level. Most were the harder IGCSEs, while a few were GCSEs.

Once they had moved on to sixth form college I began tutoring other children, both home educated and in the schooling system. I have successfully worked with a wide range of ability levels, from students who came for tutoring because they were afraid that they were going to fail in every subject, to A* students. I have a comprehensive knowledge of the syllabi of most subjects, particularly those in which I offer my tutoring services, and can flexibly work with students at any stage of their education up to GCSE exams.

In the past few years I have been working with students who have dyscalculia (whether officially diagnosed or not), and have had considerable success in helping them to pass their maths GCSEs.

Tutoring Approach:
I help students to find the places where they are stuck or not understanding, and first work with those. It often happens in school that students miss a key explanation, whether through absence or simply through the teacher not ensuring that they have fully understood before they move on, and from then onwards the effects of this will multiply. If they can put good foundations in place then they find that they understand far more than they thought they could, and they can build on this more quickly and easily than they ever thought possible.

My philosophy is that if the student hasn't understood what they are being taught, then it is up to me to find more ways of explaining it until they do. I am happy to work with home educated and school students, for extended periods or for just a few sessions leading up to the exams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! I'm a PhD student at Heriot-Watt University. I am very passionate towards Maths, Physics and other Engineering related subjects! I have done tutoring for middle, and high-school and university students before and I'm looking to carry on doing that to help others get a better understanding and therefore getting the grades that they deserve. I am friendly and I'm always ready for a challenge. Please feel free to contact me anytime.

Teaching Experience:
Maths and Physics tutoring for middle, and high-school students (age 8-18)
Math and Engineering subjects for university students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very patient when it comes to overcoming difficulties in studying. My experience comes from teaching my cousins when I was student myself. I always like to learn/teach the basics before applying that to solve the more difficult problems. So I'm pretty sure I'll be a good help...

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Leanne! I am a highly qualified English Lecturer and professional tutor with over 23 years of experience helping students unlock their full potential. Whether you are a parent looking to secure top grades for your child's GCSE English Language exams, or an international university student navigating the rigorous academic demands of UK higher education, I provide the targeted, expert support you need to succeed.

My teaching background spans across both native speakers and international learners from all over the globe. I specialise in bridging the gap between a student's current ability and their academic goals, combining a supportive mindset with proven exam and academic strategies.

As a native British speaker, I pride myself on providing a clear, engaging, and professional online learning environment where students feel confident to ask questions, make mistakes, and make rapid progress.

Teaching Experience:
For over two decades, I have worked as a permanent English Lecturer at a prominent Further Education college, consistently achieving Grade 1 (Outstanding) in teaching observations. This extensive classroom experience gives me a deep understanding of curriculum design, exam board criteria, and the specific hurdles students face.

My core expertise includes:

GCSE English Language Success: Deconstructing exam papers, mastering creative/persuasive writing, and teaching the precise analytical skills required by top exam boards to boost grade performance.

Academic English for Higher Education: Preparing international students for university-level study, including intensive IELTS preparation and mastering academic register.

Adult ESOL & EFL Tuition: Decades of experience guiding learners from Pre-Entry up to Level 2, ensuring clear pronunciation, strong grammatical foundations, and fluent communication.

Tutoring Approach:
Online learning should never be one-size-fits-all. Every student receives a bespoke, targeted learning plan during our first session together, allowing us to track clear, weekly progress against specific academic goals.

For GCSE Students: I focus heavily on exam technique, time management, and building the confidence needed to tackle unseen texts. I make the curriculum approachable and reduce the stress often associated with final exams.

For University Students: I offer a highly practical approach to academic fluency. In addition to language coaching, I provide specialized proofreading and structural guidance for university essays, reports, and assignments to ensure your written work meets strict UK university standards.

I hold a Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), a Level 4 Subject Specialism in teaching ESOL, and a current clean DBS check, giving parents absolute peace of mind. Sessions are delivered seamlessly online via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an engaging secondary school teacher of English and English Literature in the Cambridgeshire area. I achieve outstanding results by making the learning relevant and easy to understand for the student. I clearly have a passion for my subject and have secure differentiation skills. I go above and beyond for my students, building a successful rapport which aids the learning experience.

Teaching Experience:
I taught at Impington Village College for 8 years, at Ely College for two years and four years at Neale-Wade Academy, March. I was nomintaed for a local hero award for contributions to teaching in 2017. I have been nominated for the Cambridge University Teaching Awards 2024.

I have a degree from Kingston University, Surrey.

I completed my Graduate Teacher Placement with Cambridge University.

I have various other teaching-related qualifications through Cambridge University.

Tutoring Approach:
Simple and memorable approaches and techniques to understanding the exam papers/tasks. Building a good rapport with the student and giving them a personalised experience in order to make good progress.

Recapping and building on the progress made in the previous lesson. Giving the students confidence with spelling, grammar and punctuation. Using effective resources and setting further learning tasks when needed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Doctor of chemistry. Teachers certificate in higher education in China. Certificate of ILTHE in the UK. I can speak English and Chinese. More than 15 years of one to one, and small group teaching of chemistry (GCSE, AS, A-Level), physics (GCSE, AS, A-Level), and mathematics (GCSE, AS, A-Level).

Teaching Experience:
More than 15 years One-to-one teaching experience in the UK.
More than 15 years of one to one, and small group teaching of chemistry (GCSE, AS, A-Level), physics (GCSE, AS, A-Level), mathematics (GCSE, AS, A-Level).

Tutoring Approach:
I have been working as a teacher at university in the U.K. and in China altogether for more than 30 years. Hold teachers certificate in higher education in China.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualified English tutor with a BA in English Literature and Philosophy, and an MA in Russian and East European Literature and Culture.

My interests include music (I play guitar and write songs), cooking, science, running, football, squash, psychology, and in general learning new things.

I'm fluent in Russian.

Teaching Experience:
I spent 9 years teaching English in Moscow, Russia to children and adults of all levels.

I've also taught at various companies including banks, tech companies and start-ups.

Tutoring Approach:
I draw material from a range of sources including news articles, podcasts, short videos etc for discussion. I create vocabulary exercises for the topic material to allow the student to prepare for the discussion of the topic so that the new language is used actively and immediately.

I usually keep the lessons as focussed on speaking/listening as possible, with reading and writing usually given as homework.

The lessons are, however, tailored to suit the individual needs of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Michelle.

With 25 years of teaching experience, at local FE and Independent Colleges, I have a passion for film, media and photography and a wealth of experience to share my knowledge with my students and to achieve the best results possible.
I am educated to Masters level, in Design & Media Arts from the University of Westminster and hold a PGCE in teaching certificate, from the University of Greenwich.

Teaching Experience:
I first taught Art and Photography to adult SEN students, as well as teaching City & Guilds Photography evening classes for adults. I progressed to BTEC course co-ordinator and lecturer for two years at Richmond-upon-Thames College, also teaching A level film studies and media.

I became BTEC Media Team Leader at Harrow College teaching Level 2 and 3 in 2004, focusing on vocational aspects such as creating music videos, documentaries, adverts, final major projects, from practical to theoretical. I also co-ordinated and taught the A Level Film Studies course using WJEC specification, teaching a range of film theoretical and practical, from French New Wave, British Film, US film comparisons and World Cinema, with an emphasis on exam practice.

I have taught A level Film and Media at private institutions such as Chelsea Independent college, Duff Miller, and more recently at Harrow College on vocational courses such as the UAL Creative Media course, as well as adult photography courses . I have also worked as a media and literary specialist with SEN learners part time whilst still teaching film/media, improving their literacy, comprehension and grammar.

I have also taught English to adult learners from abroad, correcting their pronunciation and grammar, with general conversations about daily life, culture and news.

Student comments:
"I am a past pupil of Michelle, and consider myself to be extremely fortunate to have had someone of her calibre as a tutor. Her expertise and teaching methods bring out the very best in every individual. Her understanding, patience and personable approach to teaching equates for a student to achieve their very best.'
Cuisle - ex UAL Media student

Tutoring Approach:
I believe all students need the additional support from an individual perspective, tailoring the lessons according to each students' needs throughout each stage of their course and help prepare them for exams and coursework requirements.

This enables my students to reach the highest grades and to progress successfully.

I will prepare you and guide you through your course, to help you understand the units you are being taught, check through any coursework before submitting, advise you on using subject terminology to enhance your grades and to check for any mistakes through proof reading. Any assignments set by your school/college/university can be discussed and worked on to develop your skills.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a 42 year old, dad of 2, who lives on the Wirral.
I am a keen sportsman in my spare time and enjoy spending time with family.
I am originally from Stockport but have lived in the Merseyside area for the last 30 years.
I also have a 2.1 BSc in Biology and Geography (hons) from Liverpool John Moores University.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching in 2007 and during this time have taken on a number of roles related to teaching of humanities and science across KS3, KS4 and KS5 in a number of schools across Liverpool and the Wirral. I have been a department lead for 8 years and have a wealth of experience in delivering the geography curriculum across AQA, Edexcel, OCR and WJEC.
I have also been an examiner for Pearson (Edexcel) and AQA for 16 years. I have worked marked and moderated on a range of KS4 and KS5 specifications and papers and have excellent knowledge of exam technique and requirements.
During my career I have tutored numerous students who have a range of different needs, expectations and learning styles.

Tutoring Approach:
I am available online or face to face. Each session is tailored to meet the needs of the individual so that time and learning can be maximised.
Resources are prepared in advance and feedback given in between sessions if appropriate.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm passionate about photography and the opportunities it affords for creative storytelling. I have a particular affinity for photographing 'the inbetween', unloved spaces sometimes referred to as liminal space.
Based in the northwest of England.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching A Level Photography (at an Ofsted OUTSTANDING college) for the past 12 years and have most recently undertaken a Head of Department role with responsibility for all creative subjects, including Fine Art, Graphics and Textiles, in addition to BTEC Art & Design.
I have a track record of helping my students to achieve excellent grades whilst allowing them to create highly personal projects.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that there is a form of photography to suit everybody, regardless of experience or access to equipment and software. I believe that successful outcomes and therefore high grades result from a willingness to 'get out and take photographs' and a enthusiasm to be experimental in how those images are edited/presented.
Students must be willing to engage in independent study/research and to act upon constructive feedback.

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