Kirkcudbright Tutors and Kirkcudbright Tuition

Personal Description:
Skilled, experienced and qualified in English and IT.

Teaching Experience:
English Teaching in Japan, India, Spain, UK.
Different levels, ages and class size experience.
Teaching online since January 2007

Tutoring Approach:
Intensive classes, for quick improvement; slower pace considered if requested

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Pauline, and I specialise in French and biology. It sounds an odd combination, but read on and I'll tell you more.

For French: I'm half French, complete with both British and French passports. I am fluent in the language, having started with "survival French" at the age of five to yell at my cousins, and then studying it at both GCSE (A* grade) and A-level (A grade). I go to France regularly and enjoy reading news articles in French. For lessons, I usually mix in reading, speaking, listening and grammar, as well as some history, geography and French current affairs to bring it to life. I am also available to practice speaking French, to improve your accent. I can teach both students for exam prep and adults if you're going to France and need some help with asking for directions and a coffee/glass of wine!

For biology: I again studied at GCSE and A-level and then did three degrees in the general field of biology! My PhD was in biomechanics so I specialise in anatomy and physiology, exercise science and cardiovascular; but feel free to contact me and we can discuss what you need. I can even teach plant science! A common request is to go through past papers: often, students have a good knowledge of the subject but find it hard to answer exam questions, especially AQA. My specialty is in exam technique, helping you to understand the questions and what they're really asking for. I have a large bank of past papers and questions of all shapes and sizes that we can go through.

I'm patient and friendly and use a flexible approach so you learn at your speed. Having obtained my PhD, I can relate to students and the specific pressures they face. I am DBS checked and can supply references on request.

Lessons are £30 per hour per person and £50 for two hours, including travel in and around Newcastle. There will be a small charge to cover my fuel for a longer drive, but I'm happy to discuss.

I may not be the cheapest but I'm experienced, reliable, friendly and flexible - I'd rather be good than cheap!

At the moment I am quite near full capacity but give me a shout and I'll do my best to help.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, working with a variety of ages and in a range of topics from French tuition to sports coaching. I have taught over 40 students, both school students and adults, and have excellent references.

Tutoring Approach:
I will work closely with you to achieve your goals, if that's to improve in the subject for its own sake, to pass an exam or even to be able to order in French at a restaurant. During the first session we'll agree on a timetable and set specific goals. We'll set aside a few minutes during each subsequent session to assess our progress. I am patient, friendly and reliable and above all I love teaching!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor with Honour Degree in English and Russian Philology, postgraduate Certificate in TESOL and PGCE. I am Russian but now I live in Hastings, East Sussex. I love languages and enjoy teaching. I've always got very well with all my students either children, teenagers or adults. I have an updated DBS check

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary schools, private and language schools in Moscow, at summer language courses here in England. I have tutored on one-to-one basis for more than 15 years through all my teaching career.

Tutoring Approach:
The teaching approach will be tailored to match the learning style and pace of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi,
My name is Andrew, I am in my late 50's and I taught in private schools for 15 years. I then left education for change of lifestyle and other personal reasons. I have been married for over 28 years and have 2 daughters 26 and 24. I am a committed believer and as such the integrity of the teacher student relationship is very important to me; I would always go the extra mile to see that the student achieves their aims.

I have a current DBS. Loads of references available from Senior teachers and Deputy Headmasters past and present. (Present Headmasters are not the Heads for which I worked).

Teaching Experience:
Repton Prep School 1992 - 2006, Maths, ICT to year 8. Head of ICT.

Manor House School 2006-2007, Maths and ICT to GCSE. Head of ICT.

Private tutor, 6 years, A level (not statistics - sorry), GCSE and Entrance Exams.

I have also coached football, hockey and cricket so I have a solid foundation in motivating students.

Tutoring Approach:
Motivational and encouraging. All things are possible with a good attitude. A can do approach. I do NOT subscribe to the "we don't do it like that mentality" , if there is a better way of doing something then I'm positive about alternative methods.
For example, when my daughters were learning their tables I wrote my own simple spreadsheet to enable tables practice on a table by table random basis. This is a completely unashamedly a drill system that produces results. Easily possible to learn all tables to 12 within a couple of months if sufficient time is invested, it is also an enjoyable process that 99% of the children that I taught enjoyed, I used the spreadsheet extensively in the schools at which I taught. Infinitely extendable for the brightest to 13, 14, 15 20x tables; likewise can be simplified to 2x and 3x for those that need more time. Also programmable to practise number bonds with any number of digits.

I have also developed the spreadsheet to enable learning of vocabulaire francais.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Susie and I deliver personal, professional one-to-one and group tuition for adults face-to-face in Stevenage & online for English, French, Spanish and Italian. I am passionate about languages and I absolutely love sharing my joy for languages with others! Whether you want to brush up on your holiday phrases, pass an exam or move abroad, I can help.

Regardless of your language level, I will coach you to reach your potential and maximise your results, while having a great time learning. As a former student of the Open University, I fully understand the challenges of studying solo and of juggling work, study and personal life. I like to think of myself as a personal trainer for languages; I will be your guide, show you how to achieve great results, but I can't do the work for you. You get out what you put in; setting aside time to study or incorporating your learning into your daily life will be just as important as your lessons.

I offer the first 1-hour lesson completely free of charge and obligation. This time will allow us to get to know each other, discover your current level or start from scratch if we need to, as well as create a learning plan tailored to your skillset and interests.
Lesson plans can be adapted for Specific Learning Differences, neurodivergence or personal preferences; you can have confidence that I am never, ever going to laugh or be disappointed in your level. Everyone is welcome here.

My experience has taught me that confidence is by far the biggest obstacle on the road to learning a language, not aptitude, as you may think or may have been told in the past. I will be there to support you every step of the way on the journey, so you can stop worrying right now about not being good enough. Stop comparing yourself to others; you are unique and the only thing you need to focus on is your own journey.

I have a wealth of experience in exam preparation, in particular for IELTS & Cambridge FCE & CAE exams for English and GCSE & A-level for French & Spanish. Most of my sessions over the years have been delivering tuition to one or two students at a time, however I have run sessions for groups of up to 15 adults. Included within the price, you will receive exclusive access to all of our online teaching materials - accessible during your lessons and 24/7 for self-study to support your learning. I am a full-time tutor, so I offer very flexible hours for my tutoring services and I always endeavour to reply to all enquiries/ correspondence as soon as possible. I work as an independent tutor, as I like to guarantee you consistency, reliability and commitment to you.


Subjects taught:

- French & Spanish: KS3, GCSE, iGCSE, A-level (Spanish only) and adult tuition (beginner & intermediate).
- English as a Second Language (ESL/ ESOL students): All levels, including preparation for the following exams: Cambridge FCE, CAE, PET, IELTS General Training and Academic, PTE academic and ESOL access exams levels 1-3.

Since 2020, I have been teaching beginner Italian. I have a competent level of Italian, including a strong understanding of the grammar, which I use with my Italian friends and when travelling in Italy. If you are looking for beginner Italian for personal interest, conversation, casual use and travel, I can definitely help. I do not have any official qualifications in Italian, however my background in romance languages (Italian is a Latin-based language which, broadly speaking, I find to have a very similar vocabulary to Spanish with the grammar of French!) and my methodical nature means I would ensure that every lesson is thoroughly planned and carefully checked; I would never teach you anything I am unsure of, as this can be greatly detrimental. I am not available to help with exam preparation for Italian or to teach more advanced levels. My lack of qualifications in this subject and the fact that I am not fluent are the reasons that Italian lessons are offered at a lower rate per hour than my other subjects.

Teaching Experience:
My qualifications:
Open University (2013) - 1st Class BA (Hons) Modern Language Studies
Open University (2012) - Diploma in French (Other)
Open University (2012) - Diploma in Spanish (Other)
150-hour TEFL/ ESL master course, accredited by ACTDEC
Understanding IELTS, British Council (6-week course)
Understanding language, University of Southampton (4-week course)
Cultural studies & modern languages, University of Bristol (4-week course)
Dyslexia & foreign language teaching, Lancaster University (4-week course)

Tutoring Approach:
What you can expect:
Your first 1-hour trial lesson completely free (although there is a fee to pay to UK Tutors, which we can discuss in your enquiry)
A flexible approach & lessons tailored to suit you.
A specialist in young adult and adult pedagogy.
Flexible tutoring, Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-3pm.
Responses to all correspondence within 24 hours (working hours, otherwise next working day).
Development of all key language skills - reading, listening, speaking & writing.
Follow my recommended course or cherry-pick the topics you wish to cover for specific purposes.
Gain confidence with conversation for real-life essential situations, not just in a text book
Exam preparation and study tips.
Discover the culture surrounding your chosen language too; music, film, festivals, celebrations & traditions.
Learn modern colloquialisms, idioms and sayings that will impress the natives
Exclusive access to all of my online teaching materials, accessible in class and at home for self-study.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I very much enjoy tailoring sessions specifically to each student I teach. I enjoy the satisfaction tutoring brings when the student gains a new understanding of their subject and when we unlock potential together. Confidence is key and I enjoy seeing this grow throughout our sessions.

I have been a professional theatre actor and freelance drama teacher for ten years. As an actor, my passion for language helps me to understand and analyse literature, and I enjoy applying my politics degree to the work of playwrights. As a drama practitioner, my work with a huge variety of students of different ages and backgrounds helps me adapt to student's personalities and key into their needs quite quickly.

Teaching Experience:
- Improvisation teacher for adult learners, Hoopla Impro, London. 2020 - Present

Tutor, A-Level English, OCR Board, Jan 2018 - Present

- Mentor and Improvisation Tutor, 12 year old boy, Feb 2018 - 2020

- Tutor, SATS, Feb 2015 - July 2016
Prepared an 11 year old girl for her KS2 English SATS. After 4 weeks we tripled her mark in reading and she is glowing with renewed confidence.

- Tutor, London International Tutors Jun 2014 and Feb 2015 - Present
Intensively prepared a 17 year old student for his International Baccalaureat in Drama. Advised on essay structure and strategies, time management, clarified and deepened his subject knowledge, improved his public speaking and presentation abilities, developed his motivation and confidence. All of his other subjects also improved as a consequence of the strategies I used. He is mow ay university doing his first-choice course.

- LAMDA Exam Coach Sep 2011 - Present
Preparing adults for drama school entry, professional actors for auditions and 6-12 year old students for LAMDA Examinations.

-Sep 2015 - Present.
Freelance workshop facilitator and drama coach. Clients are community groups and charities, which include DreamArts Westminster, High Trees Lambeth and Studio 23.

- Drama Teacher, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sep 2007 - 2015
Planning, designing and facilitating drama and movement workshops for young people aged 7-16, and writing and producing work for performance.

- Venue Director, The Shakespeare Schools Festival, 2011 - 2014
Completed an acclaimed training course in Shakespearean workshop facilitation based on research by the Central School of Speech and Drama and the National Theatre. Ran workshops with students based on Shakespearean text, delivery and movement. Oversaw the production of Shakespeare plays presented by schools in professional theatres throughout the UK. Delivered critical appraisals of the students' work, and wrote reports on the events.

- Drama Teacher, Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 2010 - 2012
Taught an internationally acclaimed curriculum in speaking, vocal technique, movement and performance to students aged 5 to 16.

- Drama Teacher, North London Schools International Network 2010
Commissioned to deliver a drama workshop with the aim of fostering cooperation and respect between Tottenham primary schools.

- Drama Teacher, Improvisation, Arcola Theatre, London Sep 2007
Designed and delivered an improvisation workshop for children aged 10-14 for the Arcola's Outreach Education programme,
to nurture their confidence and creativity.

- Creative Director, Creative Station, Co. Clare, Ireland Mar 2006.
Founded 'Creative Station', writing and delivering a summer course in Drama, Music and Art, based on Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach. We nurtured 'The Three Cs': Confidence, Creativity and Communication.

- Teacher, Extra Language Needs, Holy Family School, Co. Clare, Ireland 2004 - 2005
Devised and taught programmes in spoken language and literacy to children aged 4-8 who were falling behind their mainstream learning targets. Taught English as a Second Language.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is an individual and learns in a different way. I like to work with the student to identify any blocks that are holding them back; we gain enormous satisfaction from us moving past these blocks together.
I help students develop their confidence in their own abilities through achievement, and I find that this confidence helps them do better than they ever thought they would. The relationship between tutee and tutor is important and I find building trust is essential for success.

Subjects

Personal Description:
It is a number of years since I even considered updating my profile. In the last few months I have been asked out by the wife of a very close friend if I would tutor her nephew. I have also been approached by a Russian educational agency to tutor two Russian students.
I must confess I have really enjoyed. So I am updating my profile and offering my services.
I am a retired Deputy Headteacher.Even though I have held senior management roles in schools for 20 years Headteacher's have always wanted me to continue teaching Economics.

Prior to entering the profession I worked as a foreign currency dealer in the City. Whilst it paid very well my second favourite job was the stint I had as milkman. I also spent a summer season employed as a doorman at a disco in a Spanish resort.

My route to becoming a teacher was 'indirect' but I believe the experience I gained outside education proved invaluable in influencing my approach to teaching and the way I relate to students.

I am fanatical Liverpool supporter and since retirement have become a golfer.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Economics at A level and GCSE for 30 years in state comprehensive schools in London and Berkshire.
More recently, and after retirement:
I prepared a 6th form class at Battle Abbey School
for their level A Economics

In all my posts GCSE classes I taught have achieved achieved 70% Level 5 or above.

At A level, classes I taught rarely included any fail results and on average my classes achieved 70% A*-B grades. Even in my last year of teaching a class of 21 A level students secured 86% A*-B grades.

I am very familiar with AQA and Edexcel Syllabi and the IB Economics course. I was an examiner for both Edexcel and AQA.

I also have been involved in preparing students for Oxbridge. In all, I helped successfully prepare 19 students for interviews at Oxford(to read PPE) and Cambridge(to read Economics).

Upon retiring I had thought my days in the classroom had ended. The fact experienced and trained A level Economics teachers are a very rare breed has led to offers, two of which I found difficult to turn down. I was contacted through UK tutors by Battle Abbey School. They wanted an A level economics teacher to prepare a class for 2/3 of the A level course in 18 weeks! We achieved it with most students securing grades above those predicted.

In Sept 2019 I provided additional Learning for an A level student. The parents were Governors at Gildredge House School. After a few months they asked if I would consider becoming Head of Economics at Gildredge House and introduce GCSE Economics as well as teaching the A level. I did not want such a commitment but would be prepared to teach the Yr12 and Yr13 A level groups.

The Yr13 group had received very little grounding in Yr12 and had not developed the disciplined attitude towards learning. It took time for most of them to trust I knew what I was doing and act upon guidance and advice. Then Covid came! Nevertheless, most students secured results at least two grades higher than those I had predicted for them in Nov 19.

I was asked if I would extend my one year contract as no appropriately qualified and experienced replacement could be found. I am currently teaching Yr13 and Yr12 groups three mornings a week and enjoying it!!
The extension lasted 4 years!

And now I am tutoring again and lovint it.

Tutoring Approach:
When first meeting students who have never studied Economics I inform them they do have an understanding of the subject because it affects all aspects of their everyday lives. Wherever possible I will relate economic theories and principles to those real life experiences.

Indeed there are two general approches to teaching the subject:

1. Learn the theories and then apply to real life.
2. Introduce the theories through real life situations.

I adopt the latter approach.

Regarding my approach to student learning in general: wherever possibleI encourage and guide students to think and learn for themselves as it builds self confidence.

My overall approach is to encourage students to enjoy their learning. The subject is difficult requiring a lot of hard work. If students enjoy their learning the studying is easier

Tutoring on a one to one basis requires a flexible approach. The attitude, learning style and ability of a student should influence the style of tutoring.

Finally, I value a learning relationship with honesty on both sides. If a students is unable to complete a task by the agreed deadline I would rather they just tell me rather than devise a convincing excuse. On occasions we all face unexpected circumstances which can derail plans.

This overall approach seemed to receive a positive reaction from students as the subject nearly always attracted largish numbers at A level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a native Greek teacher with over 8 years of experience helping students of all levels. I hold a BA in Philosophy and Education and I'm currently studying for a MA in Language Education for Refugees and Migrants. I love traveling, meeting new people, and exploring cultures, and I bring that same curiosity into my teaching. With strong communication skills and a supportive approach, I make sure every lesson is personalized, practical, and enjoyable, so you can feel confident while learning Greek at your own pace.

Teaching Experience:
Greek Language Courses (2018-2021): International House of Bristol

Private Tutor (2015-current): Private lessons for students of primary [Greek, History] , secondary and high school [Modern Greek, Ancient Greek, Latin, Greek, History, Literature] and adults.

Teacher of Ancient Greek Language in 2nd Experimental School of Thessaloniki, Greece (2015)

Teacher of History Classes in 8th High School of Thessaloniki (2014)

Teacher of Modern Greek Language in 11th High School of Thessaloniki (2014)

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are student-centered and flexible, always adapted to each learner's needs. I focus on communication and confidence-building, encouraging students to use Greek in real-life situations. With strong communication skills and a supportive approach, I make learning practical, engaging, and enjoyable.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Graduated in Trinity College LTCL in Violin (Masters). Currently active member of The University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra and Manchester String Orchestra. Joined the Aberystwyth Philomusica and Aberystwyth Wind Band for more than 3 years. Over 10 years of music experiences. Have been learning, practising and expertising in music all my life. More like an exchange in music between music lovers rather than boring lessons. Provide violin, pop vocal, piano, basic saxophone and recorder tuition.

Teaching Experience:
Orchestra & Wind Band, Violin Music Tutor

Organization: The University of Manchester Symphony Orchestra ,Manchester String Orchestra, Aberystwyth Philomusica,
Nature of Work: First Violinist

Organization: Aberystwyth University Wind Band
Nature of work: Saxophonist

Nature of work: Private Music Tutor
Employment type: Self-employed
Dates: Ongoing

Tutoring Approach:
Introducing the easiest way to grasp the basic music skills in just a few lessons, in focus of performance-level, advanced pop and classical violin, pop singing, classical piano, basic saxophone and recorder.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Cambridge and Royal College of Art graduate with five years of freelance tutoring experience. This is primarily at BTEC, A Level, University and for independent adult learners.

I have been in co-ordination with art and cultural institutes and regeneration programs both in Kent and London to teach film in public workshops including working with the Royal College of Art institute, Stories and Suppers, Dartford Arts Network and Medway Film Festival. I have worked for NGO`s in India teaching art and media, and I have four years of experience working freelance on film productions both pre and post.

Alongside teaching I work as an actor, improvisor and creative theatre practitioner. My hobbies are medieval history, cinema, art, horror and hiking.

Teaching Experience:
Devised curated film studies programs practical, theoretical and historical. Assigned study, development and critical engagement with the following:

- History of French Cinema
- History of German Cinema
- Hollywood Golden Era
- New Hollywood
- The Avante Garde and Experimental Cinema
- Foundation to Film Studies
- Genre
- Documentary
- Production
- Silent Film
- Cult Cinema Classics
- Contemporary British Cinema


Alongside tutoring I currently offer essay and dissertation guidance, proofreading and editing services.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor the classes to fit the needs of the student, and I work a direct goal oriented approach. Whether this is for an exam, essay or specific aspect of information, I will strive to help you develop and understand what is required to reach the desired learning outcomes.

The classes are built upon a teaching foundation developed through my years of study, research, practise, and mentoring, all of which takes place in a well structured and fun environment. For me lessons are most memorable when they are engaging dealing with relatable content, robust context and a decent dosage of humour! I strive to make the teaching environment a space for nurturing creative and critical thinking around the desired subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I specialise in teaching A-Level Maths and Further Maths. I teach using clear exposition and by giving many examples. I have a massive database of resources including questions from both past exam papers and questions tailored to the common difficulties experienced by students in each topic. I believe the best way to learn A-Level Maths is by practice and experience of as many questions and problem types as possible. Having a tutor who is able to guide you through these problems and select an appropriate follow up task whilst also being able to identify key areas in need of development will give you a great advantage in your final exams.
I am unable to travel, or tutor in my home, so all private tuition will take place on Microsoft Teams. You will need a Microsoft account and can either download the Teams app or use the web app by visiting teams.microsoft.com

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Maths and Further Maths in schools and specialist A-level colleges since 1999.
I moved over to full time private online tuition in 2021. Prior to that I was the head of the Mathematics department in a private sixth form college for many years, taught intensive revision courses every Easter and gave classes to Oxbridge candidates who sat the various Oxbridge Maths entrance exams, I also coached for Maths competitions such as the British Mathematics Olympiad.
Now, as a private Tutor I continue to do all of the above privately and online.
During my time as a Head of Department I was continually exposed to discussion with exam boards about syllabus details and marking trends, this put me in a great position to advise students (and my staff) as to the best ways to go about tackling problems and the most effective way of presenting solutions to ensure maximum marks are gained.

Tutoring Approach:
I use Microsoft Teams for online teaching, which has some great features, such as file sharing, a chat system and automatic - outside classroom - access to any board work that is done during a lesson, which is great for students to review the lesson and to consolidate the parts of the lesson afterwards.
I have been teaching online lessons since 2019, both one to one individual tuition and larger groups, although I like to keep the group size to four or fewer. It is a highly convenient and safe way to teach for student and tutor alike and with the development of technology in recent years it has become my favourite way of giving private tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor and understand how to make maths fun! I have been teaching for over three years across several primary schools in Ashbourne teaching years 3 to 6. I talk to the student and find out which areas they find difficult. In the lesson we go through these areas and tackle them one at a time. I can provide summer tutoring if required. I've also set up a primary maths resources business, I'm that excited about maths!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher having taught across several schools across Ashbourne. I struggled with maths in primary school so I had several years of maths tutoring in order to ensure that I passed GCSE maths. My tutor showed me that maths was not impossible and I decided to take it again at A level along with Further Maths AS. After a further two years of lessons (deforesting half of the planet printing off hundreds of past papers) I obtained an A* in A level maths. I used to find maths difficult. As a result I am able to explain difficult concepts. I completed my BSc in mathematics at the Open University in 2018 and am currently completing my MSc in Business and Finance at Derby University. I understand how a tutor can make a difference.

Tutoring Approach:
Maths isn't boring but the way that it is sometimes taught can make it seem that way. I use my own resources that I design to help engage students. By listening to the interests of each student, I try to engage their interests into the maths which makes learning much more enjoyable!

Subjects