Kettleshulme Tutors and Kettleshulme Tuition

Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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Personal Description:
A Maths graduate professional tutor and a qualified maths teacher who is specialised in preparing students for the common entrance exams 11+ and 13+ with high success in securing their places at their first choice schools; preparing and improving grades in GCSE, iGCSE and A-level Maths exams. She is passionate about giving young people the best possible education in life, and relish the challenge of managing a diverse workload. Her goal is to ensure they are supported and encourage them to achieve their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
She has 12 years tutoring experiences. Her students are from both independent schools and maintained state schools. She has particularly taught those who came from the top tier independent schools, such as the Colet Court School, the St Paul`s Boy School, the St Paul's Girls School, the Westminster School, the Godolphin and Latimer School, the Latimer Upper School, the Frances Holland school, the James Allen Girls School etc. She is specialised in preparing children for the common entrance exams 11+, 13+ with high success in securing their places at their first-choice schools. She has extensive experience in preparing and improving grades in iGCSE and A-level Maths exams. She has a valid DBS check and is teaching Maths in the Central London Academy. She has taught Lady Margaret School and etc.

Tutoring Approach:
She believes that every child is different and she adjusts her teaching style to enhance the student`s style of learning. It has been worked very well in the past and she helped many students to reach their goals. It is a priority for her to make sure that tutees have a firm grasp of the core skills needed to satisfy the requirements of the examination boards at different levels of the national curriculum. She provides depth knowledges to those who love Maths, and gives dedicating support to those who find it more challenging. She tailors every session to the student`s demands and builds up the strategies and frameworks to adapt his or her individual skills. She has her own teaching materials. She monitors each pupil's progress and ensures their successes.

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Personal Description:
I have over 15 years of experience helping OCR A A-Level Chemistry students stuck on a B/C grade who understand the content but struggle in exams to write A/A* answers

Hi, I'm Ope the Tutor, a passionate A-Level Chemistry tutor and current examiner dedicated to helping students accomplish their goals.

With a strong academic background in Chemistry and 15+ years of experience supporting hundreds of learners supported, I've built my tutoring ethos around clarity, empathy, and results. I do specialised OCR A groups so I tailor each session to conform to the OCR A specification and examiner marking style. I offer a group-only or a hybrid group programme as well as private 1-to-1s.

My goal is simple: to make Chemistry feel less intimidating and clearer. I believe every student has the potential to succeed, and I work hard to create a space where they feel confident asking questions, making mistakes, and growing. Whether we're tackling tricky organic mechanisms or reviewing exam technique, I focus on building deep understanding, not just memorisation.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of tutoring experience helping A-Level Chemistry students improve their exam performance.
I particularly help A-Level Chemistry students stuck on a B/C grade who understand the content but struggle in exams to write A/A* answers through structured exam technique training. Each session focuses on 3 things:
1. Solidifying concepts: We focus on difficult topics that the student has identified as weak areas.
2. Mark scheme language: Students learn exactly how examiners award marks and how to structure answers for optimal marks.
3. Exam application: We practise past paper questions, applying learned techniques and analyse mistakes.

This approach helps students translate understanding into marks.
My 1:1s are suitable for students with specific topic weaknesses, deadlines for re-sits, need mock/assessment reviews, as it is student-led. I also run hybrid group sessions with 1:1 support.

All sessions are recorded for playback and include:
• High level exam questions
• Mark scheme analysis
• Personal feedback on common mistakes made.

• If your child is studying A-Level Chemistry and wants to improve exam performance, the best place to start is a trial session.

During the trial, I will:
• Assess current strengths and weaknesses
• Recommend a tutoring schedule or recommend the group programme if it would be a better fit.

Tutoring Approach:
My 1:1 sessions are tailored to you in the sense that I will prioritise what you want to cover - gaps in knowledge, refreshers etc. A typical session with me starts with a quick recap on the previous content. From there, we dive into the topic using a mix of visual aids, exam-style questions, and real-world analogies to bring the subject to life. I encourage active participation, asking you to explain concepts back to me, solve problems collaboratively, and reflect on what you've learned. I also weave in exam style questions and homework support so you're not just learning the material, you're learning how to apply it as you would in the exam.
In my hybrid group sesions, you get the best of both worlds - you not only gain structure and support from me but from your peers in your micro-group coupled with regular 1:1 support so you get individualised support too.

I offer discounted trial sessions so I can fully understand your particular requirements before the first session and the student can get a feel for my teaching style before committing. My online booking system is simple and flexible, with clear pricing and recurring slots available for consistent support. You get access to a student portal, from where you can easily manage your bookings, payments, homework submission and best of all, have access to the best-in-class online classroom equipped for online learning (no awkward Zoom sessions here!)

What sets my tutoring apart is the personal connection I build with each student and my strong OCR Chemistry expertise. I bring warmth, patience, and understanding to every session, and I'm genuinely invested in your progress. My tutoring isn't only about grades, it's about helping you discover your strengths, build confidence, and feel proud of your journey.
If you're ready to make Chemistry click, I'd love to work with you. Let's get rid of the confusion and help you reach your goals.

Note: price listed on my profile is the discounted monthly rate for 1:1s. Please contact me to learn more about varying pricing structures offered for 1:1s and labs.

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Personal Description:
I am a 25 year old PhD student in Spanish Literature at the University of Cambridge. I have a first class-degree in Spanish and German language and literature as well as an MPhil in Spanish literature which I completed in 2014. I have a range of experience that would make me ideal for teaching young people and adults from beginner up to A-Level standard.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored Spanish to school pupils with learning difficulties at both beginner and GCSE level and helped them to significantly improve their performances.

I was also a group leader at the Villiers Park Educational Trust in Cambridgeshire, aimed at language applicants from less advantaged backgrounds. Throughout the week-long programme I was responsible for delivering a series of seminars as well as one-to-one tuition on subjects as varied as Spanish vocabulary and grammar, to cinema, literature and history. The programme was such a success that I have been invited back as a tutor this year.

Tutoring Approach:
I am available to give online tutoring to young people and adults in Spanish and German from beginner to A-Level standard. I can work you through the basics of the language or the more complex material for advanced students. I'm happy to teach any aspect of the language or culture you need. I am also available to teach in Cambridge city centre, where possible.

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Personal Description:
I am an A level biology examiner as well as being a fully qualified science teacher with over nineteen years of experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught science to GCSE level and A level biology for over ten years in secondary schools. Since relocating to Stroud, I have tutored students in A level biology for the past nine years. I have taught a number of students via on-line lessons for the last three years. I am also an examiner for OCR A level biology. The experience of marking A level papers has enabled me to help my students effectively prepare for exams.

I am currently fully booked but am happy to talk about the possibility of tutoring from after the summer exams.

Tutoring Approach:
The style of tutoring needed by individual students will vary. It may start with ensuring understanding of the key concepts in biology at an appropriate level. The jump to A level from GCSE is quite considerable and even the brightest students can struggle initially. Another essential skill needed is the ability to pull together biological content taught in different parts of the syllabus. As exam time approaches, a student has to apply their knowledge and understanding to real exam questions. Practice of exam technique is often a large part of a tutorial session in the run up to A level exams. This is an even more important aspect of my tutoring approach since the A level course recently changed to being examined solely at the end of two years. Using the insights I have learnt from being an examiner I am able to give feedback on individual questions to enable a student to improve their answers.

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Personal Description:
An outstanding Grammar High school Maths teacher, I teach Maths up to A-Levels and beyond and have been teaching for 20 years as a head of maths and an Examiner.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified Maths Teacher (QTS) registered with UK National College of Teaching and Leadership. I work in an outstandingly high achieving Grammar school near London.

So far I have tutored over 100 students on a 1-1 basis in the past 7 years alone. This is over 4000 hours of tutoring (40 weeks for each student a year X 100 students = 4000 hours)!

Moreover, I work as a Grammar school teacher and I am required to deliver outstanding lessons in accordance with the OFSTED Framework. Hence I have an accurate and in-depth knowledge of the most recent syllabus changes and the exam boards. That combined with my daily touch of solid Maths puts myself in a very strong position to very quickly and thoroughly assess the educational needs of a student and then build upon their strengths. My lessons are Laser sharp and objective oriented wherein I intend to achieve a very concrete goal at the end of each of my tutoring sessions.

With this immense experience, I have developed an approach which is very simple. I make the lessons fun and engaging. I try to promote interest in the subject so learning Maths becomes fun and an ongoing natural process. Students take this into the school environment and start seeing the results immediately. This reduces the burden from Maths and hence my students can focus on other subjects and achieve well holistically. (It's not about getting an A* just in Maths. I know that!!)

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching Pedagogy: The vast majority of One-2-One tutors simply 'turn-up-and-teach' without adequate preparation. Maths is mostly about 'understanding', and less about 'throw up facts'. A tutor gets ONE CHANCE to impart 'understanding' in a clear and coherent way. Not having prepared and risking an incomplete, confused or incoherent explanation instills confusion in the student, rather than confidence.

• Regular feedback and homework: Most tutors either set no homework at all or thoughtlessly set exercises from a textbook containing inappropriate questions. My homework is specifically written to complement the lesson, containing some questions designed for routine practice and some questions designed to challenge the student; encouraging them to 'think' and to develop their logical capacity.

• Exam Practice: I give students plenty of past paper practice - but only at the right time, once they have a deep understanding of all of the individual topics within the syllabus. Far too many tutors use exam papers to 'teach' from, which means they are setting papers when the student isn't ready: The upshot of that is the student's scores fluctuate wildly and their confidence is destroyed.
The lessons are invigorating, inspirational and cutting edge as I keep a very thorough hold on my subject.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced and dedicated teacher with a genuine passion for helping students achieve their full potential. As a Director of Learning for Year 13 and an examiner, I bring a deep understanding of what exam boards are looking for and how to help students succeed.

I currently mark for the following exam boards:

AQA: A Level and GCSE Economics (Paper 1 and Paper 2)

Edexcel / Pearson: A Level and GCSE Economics and Business Studies

My approach focuses on building confidence and clarity in both Business and Economics. I support students by strengthening their exam technique, using past paper practice, model answers, and practical tips to help them understand how to structure their responses and reach top grades.

Every student learns differently, and my aim is to make learning engaging, focused, and rewarding.

Teaching Experience:
With many years of experience teaching in both inner and outer London schools, I have taught Business Studies and Economics across GCSE, A Level, and BTEC courses. I'm passionate about helping students understand key concepts and apply them effectively in exams.

I have also taught International A Level Business as well as International GCSE Business and Economics, giving me a broad understanding of different exam specifications and global approaches to business education.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach combines clear subject knowledge with a strong focus on exam success. As an experienced teacher and examiner, I understand exactly what exam boards look for in high-scoring answers.

I tailor each lesson to meet the individual needs of my students, ensuring they not only understand key concepts in Business and Economics, but can also apply them confidently in exam contexts. Lessons include a mix of explanation, discussion, and practice using past papers, model answers, and examiner feedback.

My goal is to build students' confidence, improve their exam technique, and help them reach or exceed their target grades through structured, supportive, and engaging teaching.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and well-motivated Mathematics Graduate from the University of Nottingham and also studied at Mayfield Grammar School Gravesend. I achieved 8 A*'s and 3 A's for my GCSEs and 1 A* and 2 A's for my A-Levels (with an A* in Maths).

Teaching Experience:
I am passionate about encouraging students to learn and helping them to improve their understanding of Maths. I am an experienced private tutor with over 4 years of experience, tutoring KS2, KS3, GCSE and A-Level Maths. I enjoy working with children and I am dedicated to helping them to excel academically.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach each student with a technique that suits them best as I understand that each student has different needs. My method of teaching involves explaining topics with examples and questions from textbooks. I also use past exam papers as these are fundamental for teaching GCSEs. I am a friendly and approachable tutor who is dedicated to helping students to improve their grades. My aim is to make the sessions enjoyable and to help build the students' confidence.

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Personal Description:
Hi My name is Tin and m 44 year old Croatian and proud father of 21y old daughter and 16y old son, living in London,UK, training martial arts, working as a doorman in vibrant nightclub and corrently studying 2nd year of psychology on London Metropolitan University, 😀

Teaching Experience:
I started training Karate at age of 10 but in age of 14 discovered art of Thai Boxing (Muay Thai) which I train until today (30yrs)
At age 16 became cadet on Police Academy Zagreb where I first started training self-defence that is used by croatian police forces.At age of 18 started one year boot camp for special police and during that time I'm introduced to advanced self defence tactics and mechanics used by tactical teams in special police. At age 19 started employment in counter terrorism unit "LUCKO" where I worked next 6 yesrs and had chance to gain experience in practical application of self defence and martial arts i have learned until then. At age 20 I started working part/time as a doorman/bouncer, the same job I part-time work today. At age of 20 i also started training Judo and Boxing and taking lessons in Cro Ryu Gym where Israeli style of self defence was taught. During my Law enforcement/ security/bouncing career i have encountered many dangerous situations and self defence system I'm teaching today was improved and "pressure tested " numerous times during these years.
At age of 30, while I was working as a Head of security in Hotel Nova Galeria Zagreb I started training kung-fu Wing Chun style, which is highly implemented in my style of self defence.
Everything about my career can be proved with documentation on clients request. .

Tutoring Approach:
TACTICS AND MECHANICS OF SELF DEFENCE tutorials are offered in form of beginners, intermediate and advanced personal training or small groups training sessions that will be held on open space, in gyms or in my private space for training at home. Sessions are 90 minutes in duration.
Session will focus on mental and physical side of self defence.
Every session will include warm up period, practical part and discussion part. Great importance is placed in educating students about current laws and regulations concerning self defence in UK.
Any training equipment used in advanced trainings such as boxing gloves, pads and similar is provided by me.

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Personal Description:
My name is Tia and I'm an experienced 11+ tutor with over six years of proven success helping KS2 students gain entry into top grammar and independent schools. Having personally navigated the 11+ process as a student at Newstead Wood Grammar School for Girls, I understand both the academic demands and the emotional pressures students face. I specialise in preparing pupils for GL-style exams, focusing on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Over the years, I have helped students secure places at selective grammar schools such as Newstead Wood, Bexley, Dartford, Tonbridge, and St. Olave's, as well as prestigious independent schools including Highgate and City of London. My tutoring style is results-driven but also supportive, ensuring each student feels confident, motivated, and prepared.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a professional tutor for six years, working with both private clients and established organisations such as Kumon. My experience spans a wide range of abilities and ages, primarily focusing on Years 3 to 6. I have a strong track record in preparing students for 11+ entrance exams, and my lessons consistently lead to tangible academic progress. Many of my students have successfully secured places at highly competitive schools. I pride myself on creating engaging, structured sessions that make learning both effective and enjoyable. I also believe in building strong relationships with parents, providing clear, honest feedback and collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are built around active learning and tailored to each student's unique learning style. I start with a quick review to consolidate prior knowledge before introducing new material. For visual learners, I incorporate diagrams and visual aids; for hands-on learners, I use practice problems and interactive activities. I encourage students to ask questions and actively participate, as this deepens understanding and builds confidence. Between lessons, I set targeted tasks to reinforce skills, and I expect students to come prepared with any questions for our next session. I also keep parents updated with regular progress reports, ensuring they are informed and involved in the learning journey. My ultimate goal is to help each student reach their full potential while making the process as engaging and stress-free as possible.

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Personal Description:
I offer professional, flexible Chinese tuition tailored to every learner, from complete beginners to advanced students.

As a native Mandarin and English speaker, I am able to explain concepts clearly and bridge language gaps effectively, making learning smoother and more intuitive. With a patient and supportive teaching style, I focus on building confidence, clear understanding, and steady progress at a pace that suits you.

Lessons are fully personalised to match your goals-whether you want to improve conversational skills, strengthen reading and writing, or prepare for exams.

I also provide structured support for formal qualifications, including GCSE & A-Level Chinese, YCT and HSK exams, helping students develop the language skills, exam technique, and confidence needed to succeed.

Classes are available both online and in person, offering maximum flexibility to fit around your schedule and learning preferences.

Teaching Experience:
I hold a degree in English from Huabei Teachers College (China) where I also gained my Secondary Education Teaching Qualification.

I spent 8 years teaching in my native China before rellocating to the UK. I currently teach in a local Primary School in the South of England alongside working as a private Mandarin tutor. In total, I have over 18 years of teaching experience.

In 2023, I was named the outstanding Chinese Teacher of the Year by the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is patient, supportive, and highly personalised. I believe that every learner has their own pace, strengths, and goals, so I tailor each lesson to match your individual needs-whether you're a complete beginner, a heritage speaker, or preparing for formal exams.

As a native Mandarin and English speaker, I focus on making Chinese accessible and intuitive. I explain concepts clearly, bridge language gaps effectively, and use practical examples to help you understand not just what to say, but why it works. Building confidence is at the heart of my approach: I create a friendly, encouraging environment where you feel comfortable practising, asking questions, and making progress step by step.

For exam-focused students, I provide structured guidance on vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, listening, and speaking, along with targeted exam techniques and practice papers. My goal is to help you feel fully prepared and capable on exam day.

With over 18 years of teaching experience-and recognition as the Outstanding Chinese Teacher of the Year 2023 by the UK Association for the Promotion of Chinese Education-I bring both expertise and passion to every lesson. Whether online or in person, I aim to make learning Chinese enjoyable, effective, and tailored to you.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Owen and I'm Cambridge graduate and professional education consultant. In addition to my work tutoring top-mark GCSE, IB, and A-level students for English, French, and German, I've also delivered in-house Oxbridge support at dozens of the UK's top independent schools, as well as directly guiding hundreds of students through the entire Oxbridge application process.

I've been supporting students with university applications for over eight years, starting off providing pro bono support for languages applicants while studying for MA Modern & Medieval Languages and MPhil Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic at Girton College at the University of Cambridge. Following graduation I started my full-time career in education consultancy, where I've taken up various professional roles at leading consultancies, leading in-house support for personal statements, admissions tests, and interviews at hundreds of top schools such as Wellington, Rugby, Tonbridge, Benenden, and JAGS. I've delivered presentations on Oxbridge applications, preparation, and strategy to thousands of students and have even designed and delivered training to help teachers at some of the UK's top independent schools better support their own students with university applications. I've also supported dozens of students to achieve top marks for GCSE, IB, and A-level English, French, and German.

Teaching Experience:
I've personally consulted with hundreds of students for (almost) every subject at Oxford and Cambridge, using a data-driven approach to application strategy. I've supported applicants across languages, literature, and history through the entire application process, from course, university, and college selection, to supercurricular engagement, admissions tests, personal statements, written work, and mock interviews. I also tutor GCSE, IB, and A-level French, German, and English Literature, as well as advising on postgraduate humanities applications to Russell Group universities and providing proofreading and editing for PhD theses and academic articles. I'm a British Council certified counsellor and have completed Russell Group certified training on supporting students to progress to competitive universities.

I welcome interest from Oxbridge applicants across all courses seeking strategic guidance, as well as providing holistic application support and GCSE, IB, and A-level preparation for English, French, and German. I particularly enjoy the challenge of working with students applying for more competitive courses, as well as sharing my love of languages, linguistics, and literature with students. Outside of university preparation, I teach Old Norse and Old English to interested students and adult learners, am a member of the Philological Society and the Viking Society for Northern Research, and remain an avid reader and language learner- I'm currently working towards HSK5 in Chinese!

Tutoring Approach:
There's no one-size-fits-all but, in a sentence, I try to bring the personalised, discursive style of teaching and learning exemplified in Oxbridge supervisions/tutorials to all my lessons, encouraging students to engage with new material in an oral-first format, getting them to ask their own questions and test their own knowledge, and always ensuring that lessons are engaging for a student's level and interests.

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