Ilfracombe Tutors and Ilfracombe Tuition

Personal Description:
I have tutored a variety of GCSE, A-level, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as young adult and adult learners for over 30 years.
I HAVE A LONG-ESTABLISHED PROVEN TRACK-RECORD OF DELIVERING SUCCESS FOR MY TUTEES!
MY KEYNOTE RESULTS ARE:
1. my tutee L.W.(Egham):
~ Sat AQA Hist A2 Unit 3 Opt.B (HIS3B) The Triumph of Elizabeth 1547-1603 in June 2013: RESULT 88%. A*

2. my tutee T.S. (Guildford):
~ Resat AQA Hist AS 1041 Unit 1 Opt.A (HIS1A) Crusading Movement & the Latin East, 1095-1204 Jan 2012: RESULT 86%. A (Original Mark June 2011 = 68% B)
~ Sat AQA Government & Politics GOVP2 Unit 2 "Governing Modern Britain" in Jan 2012: RESULT 88%. A*

3. my tutee M.Y. (Horsell):
~ Resat Edexel AS Unit 2 (6H102A) Brit Depth Stud; Opt.A1 - "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jan 2012: Result 90% A* [original mark 68%]

4. My tutee A.C. (Knaphill):
~ Resat Edexcel AS Unit 2 Opt A (6H102A) "Henry VIII; Authority Nation & Religion 1509-1540" in Jul 2011: Result A* (90%) [original mark June 2010 = 69%].
~ Sat A2 Unit 3 Opt A JUL 2011: Result A* (100%). ~ OVERALL A-LEVEL RESULT: A* [351/400]

~ I am a well-established academic historian and have published many books and articles.
~ I am a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society and have been a member of Council of the Society of Army Historical Research.
~ During 2004-2008 I was chariman of the Prestigious Templer Medal Historical literary prize selection Committee. ~ Over the past 20 years I have had a wide variety of tutoring, teaching and lecturing posts in the field of history and military history.

~ My tutorial style is enthusiastic and engaging, and is tailored to the individual needs of the student.
~ I can use my expertise to enhance a tutee's essay writing and exam technique, their analytical and writing skills, and their coursework, to maximise the impact of their answer's on the examiner.

~ I have a valid CRB and MOD Security Clearance.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching Assistant, History, King's College University of London (1992-94)
Assistant Lecturer, History, King's College University of London (1995-96)
Associate Lecturer, Dept of European and International Studies (1995-96)
Senior Lecturer, Ministry of Defence (1996-present)
Tutor in History/Politics for Home Tutors, London (1990-1997)
Tutor in History for Premier Student Conferences (2004-2005)
Tutor in History/Politics for UK Tutors, First Tutors GCSE, AS/A2, Undergarduate (2008-present)
Tutor in History (Independent) at GCSE, AS/A2, Undergraduate, Graduate & Doctoral Level (1991-present)
Tutor/Lecturer in History, various American University Summer Schools (2001-2009)
Visiting Lecturer in History, The University of Birmingham (School of Continuing Adult Studies)
External Examiner, University of Wolverhampton (2004-2008)
External Examiner, University of Birmingham (2009-)
Examiner for Edexcel (2005)
Student seminars in History:
The University of Wolverhampton; The University of Salford; The Universty of Birmingham
I am a Parent Governor at the local primary school (2009-)

Tutoring Approach:
I will hone your essay writing/question answering skills so that your responses have the maximum impact on the examiner.
I will respond to the student's individual needs.
You will get a carefully structured approach that suits your abilities and individual objectives.
I aim to make learning fun.
You will get considered feedback to help you develop your skills.
I will, if required, develop your essay writing skills so that you obtain better marks with whatever subject-matter knowledge you possess.
I will, if required, develop your analytical skills.
I will, if required, develop your background knowledge and subject-matter understanding.
I wil, if required, assist with revision programmes.
I am flexible with regard to frequency, timing, duration and scope of individual sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Mathematics graduate from Cambridge University. Since 2009, I have been successfully tutoring Mathematics full-time to well over 300 pupils, with about 95% of my students achieving or surpassing their desired grades.
Before that, I worked in the IT industry, initially for a large corporation and then for an independent software house. I later formed my own company, specialising in developing applications for small- to medium-sized companies.
I study extensively to keep up to date with the latest mathematical ideas and educational trends. I ensure that I am familiar with the most recent syllabuses.
Outside work, my main interest is music, particularly singing. I belong to two choirs, one of which I am chairman.

Teaching Experience:
I teach exclusively one-to-one, as I believe that provides the best outcome for learning Mathematics. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, I currently tutor exclusively online, using the applications Zoom for communication and bitpaper for whiteboard. I am available for home schooling: please contact me for rates.
My experience covers:
A-Level - Edexcel, AQA, OCR/OCR-MEI and Pre-U

Further Maths - Core Pure, FM1/2, FS1/2, FP1/2, D1/2

University entrance exams:

STEP
Oxford Maths Admissions Test
Advanced Extension Award

International Baccalaureate (IB) - Standard and Higher

Undergraduate topics - please inquire for details.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in tailoring the teaching approach to each student's needs and individual learning style. For school children and university students, I discuss their aims with them - and with their parents, if required - to determine what topics need additional tuition and then to work out the appropriate programme. I advocate continuous assessment to measure the student's progress. Closer to exams, the pupils will work through focused papers. At this stage, strategic choices may be made to concentrate on the pupil's strengths.
My core teaching is for A levels. I have discovered that certain topics in the new syllabus often require extra explanation and practice. These are:
Pure: Logs, integration, and trigonometry
Statistics: Hypothesis testing
Mechanics: Forces and projectiles
For adults, I work with them to develop a personalised programme to enable them to achieve their goals. This may mean working towards a specific qualification they need.
I have great passion for and a deep knowledge of Mathematics. My aim is always to get my students to enjoy the subject. Most importantly, they are encouraged to gain confidence in their own abilities by building on what they feel comfortable with. I believe that the right teacher can undo wrong learning very quickly.
Although online currently, lessons would normally take place at the student's home, or at my home in Kingston, where I have a quiet study. Assignments and homework are an integral part of my teaching: there can be no improvement without practice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Salut - Je m'appelle Solène ( pronounced so-len )

I was born and brought up in Paris, although much of my family roots lie in Brittany. I came to England initially to learn the language - but ended up meeting my future husband and starting a family here in Dorking, Surrey.

Teaching Experience:
Apart from the obvious fact that I am a native French speaker - I have been teaching French since 2009 in schools, including Duke Of Kent in Ewhurst and Petite Ecole in Reigate, but mainly privately to exam students or adults wishing to improve their skills. I have also been called upon to help with some translation and making phone calls to France to assist people with such issues as property.

Tutoring Approach:
Having initially gauged a student's abilities in the language - I will prepare each lesson to their specific needs & requirements - whether it be working on grammar or perhaps general conversational skills. My aim is to give people confidence and make learning enjoyable.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently a lecturer on the BSc Psychology and Language science degree at University College London and a psychology examiner for AQA. Prior to this, I was Head of Psychology at a secondary school where I taught the AQA A-level psychology specification. I also introduced and taught Sociology A-level. I graduated in 2003 with a degree in Psychology from Durham University (First Class Honours) and have since completed a Masters degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology at The University of London, Birkbeck College and a PhD in Psychology at The University of London, Goldsmiths College.

Teaching Experience:
I have coordinated modules in developmental psychology and lectured undergraduate and postgraduate students. I have also taught A level psychology for over 10-years and sociology for 2-years. I have been an examiner and Team Leader for AQA Psychology for the past decade. I have tutored students preparing to sit both OCR and AQA A-level exams. I also have some experience supervising students preparing to take IB Psychology.

I have a PGCert Qualification in the Management of Teaching and Learning in Further and Higher education and am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much student-centred and I adapt my teaching style to the students in front of me. I like to present an idea/argument/concept and then allow my students the time they need to independently process and grasp the concept before asking them to explain it back to me using their own words. Once I am confident that my student has understood the concept we can then work through the application of this knowledge to practical exam-style questions to consolidate the knowledge and sharpen exam technique.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born in the Dominican Republic and my family moved to the USA as a young teen where I finished my High School and university education.
I have lived in many different places like Florida, Jamaica, Curacao, Suriname and now London.
I absolutely love to teach languages. It brings me great satisfaction to help my students learn to communicate in the language of their choice.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught EFL and Spanish for 12 years 1:1 and in groups at a corporate level. I have also taught High School Spanish and French in USA. I have tutored students in Spanish, English and French at all levels, for A levels, GCSE, business or pleasure with great success.

Tutoring Approach:
A teacher should be able to make his lessons dynamic and interactive, always engaging the student and learning about their learning style. In a group setting it is important to differentiate and in 1:1 lessons it is vital to tailor the lessons according to the needs of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

---

I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

***

For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

---

Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a 40 year old native French speaker, I was born in Saint Etienne, France where I lived for the first 18 years of my life after which I moved to the UK to work with adults with learning difficulties, moved on to teaching MFL and working with youth groups.
I married a native English speaker and raised my children in a bilingual environment.

I am a language and culture enthusiast and I have been studying Languages for 21 years, with skills from conversational to complete fluency in French, Spanish, English, Italian and Portuguese and Japanese. I am extremely familiar with the process of language learning and all the obstacles that can be encountered and the amazing benefits one gains as their learning journey progresses.

I am enthusiastic and optimistic as well as reliable and organised. My previous teaching experience has had very positive outcomes and many of my previous students have reported having found their lives actively enriched by their French course!

Teaching Experience:
Since 2005, I have been giving home lessons to adults wishing to learn/improve their French for various purposes (moving abroad, professional, personal interest). All gave me positive feedback and confirmed that the tutoring had been very much appropriate to the needs they specified when hiring me.
Also, I teach classes of 7 to 11 years old twice weekly at a local primary school as well as training in a local secondary education school in Alton.

Tutoring Approach:
The sessions will start with a short series of tests to assess your level. Then, if it allows it, most of the tutoring will be in French. If not, we will build up your confidence to be able to switch to all French as soon as possible, although, not until you are comfortable with the idea.
I use French literature (from children's books to classic novels) and grammar books, DVD's to base my work on.
Homework will be given when I find it necessary and my students needs will be often reassessed to ensure maximum efficiency.
I like working in a calm and relaxed atmosphere and feel that it is very important that my students communicate how they feel about the services I am providing, so I can go back or slower if they need.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I`m a professional singer and guitarist graduated in modern singing (BAhonsConservatory of Music) drama (Acting Diploma) and performance technique ( Tech Music School Diploma) With over 10 years experience as a coach, mainly working with children and young people.
I`m currently on stage in the West End and I dedicate my time off to one of my biggest passions, which is teaching. I'm a native Italian though I've spent most of my life abroad, due to my career, mainly living in the Uk in the past 15 years.
I offer individual tuition in a fun and engaging way, helping young and aspiring musicians, as well as adults and professionals, find the best way to express themselves through singing/playing.
I also offer Vocal technique tuition for actors and professionals who regularly use their voice at work ( breathing, diaphragm support, voice placements).
Guitar lessons for children and adults of all level, ABRSM, LCM and other exams prep. Music Theory classes also available via Skype.
I work from my home in central London, near Tottenham Court Road Station, in a relaxed and friendly enviroment.
I also teach Italian and diction/pronunciation at all levels.

Teaching Experience:
Over 10 years teaching experience within school settings as well as being a freelance tutor in a number of disciplines. I`ve been working with students of all abilities and age, beginners to advanced.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are always customised. I don't like following a standard method of teaching as I strongly believe that music is something very much related to the emotional side of each individual, especially if we are talking about singing.
I trained in several techniques and methods myself, from opera to jazz and musical theatre, achieving a deep understanding of the vocal instrument, and therefore I pride myself on having the possibility to fallow every time a different path, tailor making the lesson for every student according to their personal skills and wish, putting all my knowledge at the service of our goal.
My classes are always fun and effective, and my students and I build strong relationships based on trust and mutual interests.
Regarding the guitar lessons, I believe that the classical approach is always a good start. So we usually go through the basics of music and of the instrument together to build a strong and solid technique that will lead the student to a complete autonomy.

Subjects

Personal Description:
PhD Biochemist, female with long term interest in the Neurosciences who enjoys teaching, the outdoors and arts and culture including scientific culture. Happy outgoing personality. Interactive lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have 3+ years experience as a tutor of Biology and other STEM subjects and classroom experience based on teaching EFL mostly to juniors. I also have completed a Master's in teaching Biology at the University of Athens, in Greece and 2/3rds of PGCE science with Chemistry at Oxford University.I currently teach Chemistry and Biology A level at a Further Education College in Hampshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to give my tutees a comprehensive understanding of their subject including the relationship between exam papers and their specification, study skills and exam technique and build their confidence so they would eventually be able to study without a need for a tutor and become independent learners. I also use ICT to make the lessons more engaging-lively and try to accommodate their individual learning styles.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and experienced Maths and ICT teacher, and have taught all secondary year groups and abilities. I am also an examiner for GCSE maths for two exam boards.

I now work part-time as an online tutor, and part-time as a web developer. Both roles are flexible which means I can tutor at any time of the day and am free to adjust my schedule at short notice.

Prior to becoming a teacher, I studied aerospace engineering at university.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 10 years classroom experience at schools in the UK and abroad. As well as teaching Maths, I have taught ICT in the majority of those schools.

As a teacher, I estimate that I must have taught well over 1000 students. Those students have come from a wealth of backgrounds and abilities. All those who have had external key exams (GCSE, A level, IB) have passed, including at least two students who were expected to fail by a significant margin.
I have had students with Special Educational Needs as well as students who are Gifted or Talented. Whilst I like to teach the whole spectrum of abilities, I find it most rewarding to teach those who are struggling because it is satisfying to see them flourish and start to enjoy the subject.

As an examiner, I am well aware of the common mistakes that students make, and why they happen. I highlight these common errors to students so that they are aware of them and can avoid making the same mistakes themselves. The better a student can understand what an examiner is looking for, the more prepared that student is for the exam.

Tutoring Approach:
When teaching online, I make use a range of resources including the online whiteboard, web apps, a physical whiteboard, pen/pencil and paper. I have access to a tablet for use with the online whiteboard and an HD document camera for demonstrations using my physical whiteboard or pen and paper.

Some student like to tell me what to do each lesson, in which case I encourage them to let me know prior to the lesson so that I can prepare myself a little. Others prefer me to choose what to do. In both situations, if students have work they would like me to check between lessons, I am happy to do so.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Chelsea,

I live in a small rural village with my family - i enjoy gardening, walking, playing games and hanging out with my cat.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over 10 years as a private tutor and giving language taster sessions at events.

I usually teach online but in-person is also an option!

Tutoring Approach:
I am super flexible when it comes to tutoring. We will discuss what your learning style is and adapt each lesson to that with the aim to make week on week progress.

I try to include fun topics and things that are relevant to your hobbies and interests so things are easier to remember!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified primary school teacher with over eight years of experience helping children reach their potential. I specialise in English and Maths for Key Stage 2 and provide tailored tutoring for a wide range of learners. I'm passionate about education and giving every child the personalised support and encouragement they need to feel confident and enjoy their learning. Outside of teaching, I enjoy running, live music, and exploring the outdoors. I'm also a keen traveller and a lifelong dog-lover, and I love bringing curiosity and care into both learning and life.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a variety of schools across the UK and internationally, supporting children of all abilities, including those with SEND and neurodiverse learning profiles. I've worked with every age group from Nursery through to Year 6, and I always design my lessons to be personalised, engaging, and confidence-building. Alongside my classroom roles, I have provided extensive tutoring, including 1:1 lessons both online and in homes, as well as small-group tuition in schools through the National Tutoring Programme.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that with the right approach, every child is capable of success. I am passionate about making learning enjoyable, building confidence, and showing children that progress can be both fun and rewarding. While traditional classrooms work well for many, I recognise that some children thrive with a more personalised approach that reflects their needs and interests. My lessons are carefully structured and interactive, with clear explanations, encouragement, and resources tailored to each child. I work with children who need support to close learning gaps, those with additional needs who benefit from a quieter, more personalised space, and high-achieving pupils who are ready for extra stretch and challenge. My goal is always the same: to make learning a positive experience.

Subjects