Kirknewton Tutors & Kirknewton 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)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native French tutor with over 20 years experience in training, coaching and lecturing.
I am currently the official tutor for Newstead Wood grammar and I also support a number of students from Bromley High school and Sevenoaks school. I have received consistent high level of positive feedback from parents and teachers alike and am passionate about teaching, ensuring my students get the highest marks and making it into a fun and rewarding experience.

Testimonials

I am currently studying A level French and I am very pleased to be able to say that my French has improved more than I ever thought it would since starting tuition with Michel. In just over one month, I have improved by two whole grades, which has been evident from mock exam results in class at school. I thoroughly enjoy my lessons with Michel because I do not feel embarrassed to ask seemingly simple questions, which I feel I cannot ask in my class at school.
E. H. - Bromley

My daughter who is doing A level French was really struggling before we found Michel. He has really motivated her and has made lessons more interesting . She has 2 hour lessons but she is surprised how quick the time goes. I would highly recommend Michel. I can see he gets pleasure helping his pupils make progress. My daughter`s accent has also greatly improved with Michel`s help.
Mrs G - Croydon

I`ve just received my results and I`m very happy to tell you that I got an A for my French I-GCSE. Thank you for all your help because it really made a difference! - G - Bromley

Hi Michel,
Thank you for your help. I got A* in my French oral! - C. Sevenoaks School

I just wanted to say thank you so much for all the sessions, they really helped me get a high grade for speaking and an overall A. Thank you so much - S - Orpington

I have enjoyed Michel`s teaching immensely. I would very much recommend Michel to other students- he`s really quite adaptable and has used some creative approaches to teaching which was really helpful for me.
Karen C. - London

Teaching Experience:
Over 20 years tutoring, coaching, including seven years classroom based training. Currently teaching all ages from beginners to advanced, city professionals including a number of GCSE and A Level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to use a great variety of methods, videos, conversations, audio recordings in my French lessons to speed the learning process and keep my students as entertained and engaged as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a full-time specialist tutor and experienced teacher with a PhD in English Literature and philosophy. Informed by over a decade's experience in the secondary and undergraduate classroom, my tutoring practice stimulates student independence and confidence when encountering challenging texts. I work with students studying KS3 Literacy, GCSE English Language and Literature, A Level English Literature, and undergraduate English, Literary Theory and Philosophy. I also work with students confronting the challenges of 11+ and 13+ examinations and GCSE and ALevel students engaged in homeschooling.

A recent client review (with many more available on request):

'It has been a revelation for my 12 year old to be tutored by Tom in English Literature. He is an exceptionally gifted teacher. He is qualified to teach at a much higher level than key stage 3 and the depth of his own relationship with the subject matter really shows. It is matched by his talent for allowing the student the time and space to arrive at their own understanding of the texts he teaches. His patience and understanding have been a tremendous benefit to my child and it has been wonderful for me to watch her confidence and her sense of herself grow as Tom has listened to her. I should mention that Tom knows his way around the exam system very well, and can teach tools for exam performance. However my opinion is that his true value is in his willingness also to set those types of goal aside, and model a true love of literature to his pupil.'

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored and homeschooled online and in person since 2012 in KS2 Literacy and Literature, 11+ & 13+ examinations, KS3 literacy, and GCSE/A Level examinations in English Language and English Literature across the full range of exam boards. From September 2017 to June 2024 I worked in London as a secondary teacher of English Literature and Language, RSE and Citizenship from KS3 to GCSE, with an 100% pass-rate at 7 (A) and above.

Between 2011 and 2016 I worked as a teacher of undergraduate English Literature and Literary Theory at the University of Glasgow (2012-2016), teaching over 300 students overall across a wide range of undergraduate modules. This work included course design and delivery, marking, feedback and administration, and the development of bespoke lectures and workshops in poetry. More recently, I worked as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing and Literary Theory at the University of Essex (2017-18). In 2015 I was nominated for a University of Glasgow Student Representative Council Student Teaching Award in the category 'Best Postgraduate who Tutors'.

I'm also a specialist in editing, proof-reading and academic writing more broadly. I was a regional editor of The International Journal of Badiou Studies for a number of years and I recently co-edited a special issue of the Journal of British and Irish Innovative Poetry. My book of philosophy, 'Badiou, Poem and Subject', is published by Bloomsbury (January, 2020). I continue to review prospective philosophy manuscripts for Bloomsbury. I am also a published poet with five published collections and numerous publications across a range of independent journals and magazines including Granta.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring practise is about building relationships: it's hugely important to me that I offer a non-institutional, supportive and lively space in which I can respond not only to a student's individual challenges and ambitions but also to what they find most stimulating and pleasurable in their work. I deliver bespoke tutorials designed to foster enthusiasm, confidence and pleasure-seeking in reading and writing; but I also prepare those of my students sitting exams to be canny, to 'play the game' with expertise.
In person, I work with a wide range of resources tailored to the needs of individual students, whether they're preparing for their GCSE or A Level English exams, struggling to read poetry for the first time or experiencing problems in their undergraduate coursework. But I'm also a strong advocate for online learning: my online tutorials are lively and collaborative, using Google docs to create vibrant shared documents full of live feedback.

I have a huge amount of experience in exam preparation across the full range of exam boards. I also offer structured tutorial series to help students become acquainted with the nuances of 11+ and 13+ examinations, including elite comprehension and creative writing coaching.

My KS3, GCSE and A-level students benefit from approaches and methodologies used in the study of philosophy, literature and creative writing at undergraduate level.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I 've been teaching English as a Foreign Language (EFL) for the past 6 years, both as a Homestay Host and one-to-one lessons for individuals needing additional help in understanding the English that we speak I incorporate cultural awareness in my lessons and particularly enjoy helping with pronunciation and intonation. I believe how you say something is as important as what you say. You won't just be learning Grammar and the curriculum we follow will be set by your needs. I hold a B.Sc. in Education from Temple University, Phila, Pa USA and have been a UK resident for over 30 years. I also hold a Trinity College London (CertTESOL) diploma from Universal Language Training, Woking. Previously, I have worked for large multi-national companies (American Express, Owners Abroad ) and was an International Training Manager for Continental Airlines (now United Airlines) where I taught airline system management to classes of multi-national adults. I particularly enjoy one-to-one teaching whether in person or online(SKYPE), as the effort and energy involved produces real results in a relatively short time. I'm a 'people person' and enjoy sharing my knowledge of the English language and customs and making it fun to boot!

Teaching Experience:
Babel Languages & Cultural Consultants - language training services to Business clients in their office or home. All levels of both General and Business English.

Acorn English Homestay, Host tutoring in my own home. General and Business English, all levels. Currently self-employed with them.

Living Learning English (LLE), Host Tutoring in my own home. General and Business English, all levels. Currently self-employed with them.

InTuition Languages, Host Tutoring in my own home General and Business English, all levels. Currently self-employed with them.

Language Trainers/Listen & Learn, One-to-One Language training services to Business clients in their office or home All levels both General and Business English. Currently employed by them on a freelance basis.

EFLsoutheast - self-employed tutor teaching both General and Business English.

Embassy CES Language School, Brighton EFL Teacher for summer school programme for 3 seasons (2010-2013 inc) taught Pre-Int and Intermediate levels.

ISIS Education Ltd EFL Teacher - 2 week English/Mexican Olympics, Ardingly College, West Sussex.

Tutoring Approach:
One-to-One tutoring gives a real insight into both the English language that we speak and English culture. It is tailored specifically to the individual needs of the student rather than follow any particular textbook. We are free to concentrate on those areas where you may need the most help. Being able to spend time on pronunciation, stress and intonation are areas where one-to-one teaching really comes into its own as well as learning about the English that is actually spoken. Learning/perfecting a new language does not need to be a painful process. A professional, friendly approach in comfortable surroundings is what one-to-one teaching is all about!

Subjects

Personal Description:
CIAO A TUTTI!

My name is Stefano, I have been a lecturer in Italian at the University of Reading since 2014. I currently teach Italian Language for Management and Business, Italian Language for students at an advanced level, and I am the module convenor of a literature module covering a period from Middle Ages to Renaissance.

I am the founder of a company, which provides language tutoring (individual and groups, private and companies, online and face-to-face). My students call me "Il Maestro": I am sure they don't mean that! :D

There is no age limit for learning ITALIAN. Contact me!

Teaching Experience:
2013-to date, Lecturer in Italian, University of Reading
2013-2014, Study Skills Adviser, University of Reading
2017 - PhD in Italian, University of Reading
2010 - MA in Italian Philology, University of Salerno, Italy
2008 - BA in Italian, University of Salerno, Italy

Tutoring Approach:
A one-size-fits-all approach is NOT my thing. Every student has different needs and lessons need to be tailored accordingly.

I also run online and face-to-face Italian language courses for small groups (max 8 students). It's cheaper and my students enjoy it a lot:

BEGINNERS, Thursdays 5-6:30 pm
POST-BEGINNERS, Mondays 5:30-7 pm
PRE-INTERMEDIATE, Mondays, 9-10:30 am OR 5:30-7 pm; Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm;
INTERMEDIATE, Saturdays 9:15-10:45

We also have some fun with workshops about Italian & Cooking, Italian & Cinema, Italian & Music, Italian Grammar, & Italian Slang: days and time vary to suit participants' needs.

Thanks to my theatrical experience, my lessons for CHILDREN will include the use of 'puppets' and other activities to be decided time by time, according to the topic and tutees' needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PRICE AND OFFERS, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello and welcome to my profile! It's great to have you here!

OK, so I'll tell you a little about myself… My name is Aman. I am a qualified EFL/ESL teacher and I have been working abroad for the last 16 years in different countries from Thailand to Dubai.

For the last 5 years I was working with the British Council as an academic manager in Qatar. Here I was managing educational programmes and a team of teachers, which I loved! I provided training for teachers and worked on curriculum development.

When I am not working, I love movies, music, socialising and meeting new people and learning about new cultures! I am also a big coffee drinker.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years experience teaching English as a foreign language.

I have taught students of all levels from beginner to advanced and have worked with students from all over the world helping them to improve and develop their general English language skills - reading, writing, listening and speaking by designing lessons to bring out their full potential.

In addition to teaching general English, my ELT specialism for my Cambridge DELTA was Exam Preparation Classes. Therefore, I have solid experience and knowledge of helping learners prepare for the IELTS exam and get the band they want by focusing on the strategies needed in each module. Moreover, I can also help you prepare for the Cambridge First (FCE) exam.

Tutoring Approach:
Although, the heading states 'Approach to Tutoring', I look at it as 'Our Approach to Learning'.

Together, we will look at YOUR English language goals, and the best way to achieve them, as every learner has different needs.

Lessons are learner-centred, that means I do not teach in a 'lecture' style, but provide opportunities for you to produce and practise language and then look at ways to further develop and improve that language. It is important for me that you feel comfortable and relaxed in these sessions. Lessons should be enjoyable and engaging for you (and me!).

There is error correction throughout lessons, but this is where you will self-correct with my guidance making you more aware of which areas need more focus.

Depending on your level, I use a range of materials from coursebooks, internet, newspapers, magazines to podcasts and videos.

I will give you regular homework, which will help to reinforce what you have learnt and give you more independence in using English. My aim is for you to feel more confident in any situation where you have to use English.

Feel free to contact me and let's talk about what you need. You can ask me any questions and I'll be happy to explain.

There is no obligation and don't worry, I don't bite!

I look forward to hearing from you.

Aman

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Ruben and I've just started my career as a science tutor. Having recently graduated from the university of Bristol (BSc in Biology with first class honours) I'm now tutoring KS4 and A-level Biology for both young and adult learners.

I have experience as a research intern for labs at the University of Bristol and the University of Newcastle, and I'm currently volunteering as a part-time researcher for the London-Based Social enterprise 'Mapping for change'. In September I will be starting a research masters in evolutionary biology at UCL & the Natural History Museum, London.

Teaching Experience:
I have no official science tutoring experience to date. I was however leading regular revision sessions and presentations for my peers during my undergraduate degree, and have been regularly child-minding for a number of families in the last year.

Tutoring Approach:
Above all I aim for a co-operative learning environment, and to create sessions which suit the learning style of the tutee. A session starts by devising learning aims which are both worthwhile and manageable. My lesson plans then combine two approaches. For new material, I introduce concepts though existing knowledge, examples and written exercises. I prepare high quality notes for each syllabus to be used for independent study. To consolidate previously taught material, I reiterate concepts using case studies, note taking and Q&A sessions. In preparation for exams, sessions will involve working through past paper questions & developing exam technique. My experiences as a researcher give me particular strengths in tutoring the practical elements of GCSE & A level biology syllabuses.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I have been a secondary teacher at a school in Hillingdon for 4 years where we teach Edexcel Spec A Geography (and have previously taught B.) I am also able to help with AQA Specification Sociology :)

Teaching Experience:
I have over 4 years experience and taught all abilities and needs. I will tailor to your needs and make sure you make progress at your own pace. Our Geography results for August were the best we've had with 33% achieving 7-9 grades!

Tutoring Approach:
I am kind and patient and will endeavour to make your tutoring as fun and relaxed as possible! You won't even realise you're learning!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I love sharing what I have learned, not only from University, but also from my life experiences. I believe that learning another language is not about grammar, but about understanding the culture that conveys its ideas throught that language.

Teaching Experience:
I engaged in a number of student tutoring positions when I was doing my Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism. There, I helped my peers to improve their writing skills. You can be sure that I am way better than Duolingo.

Tutoring Approach:
You won't forget something that you love. By exploring your personal interests, we can find a way in which you start loving Spanish language.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hard working and patient, with a desire to teach. I've had a love of English and Literature since childhood and am keen to help others with their studying. Currently studying for a B.A in English Language and Literature.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught my own children, and worked on writing skills with autistic people. I have taught English as a Second Language informally for over a year now.

Tutoring Approach:
A calm, relaxed pace, going at the students speed. I can tailor each lesson around the students own abilities. But progress will always be made.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I would consider myself a patient tutor with experience. My preference is to hold in person lessons with my students and teach them to understand the topics, rather than to just pass the exam.

Teaching Experience:
I am a female maths tutor with 5 years experience teaching the subject to all abilities for GCSE and KS3. I am also familiar with Edexcel, OCR and AQA exam boards. If you have an alternative exam board, I would be happy to look into this as well. My preference is to hold in person lessons.

My own qualifications include studying maths within my Economics degree as well as at A-Level. I also have a DBS check which is available on request, as well as references.

Tutoring Approach:
I help students prepare for exams, work on class work with them where they need guidance with and help them improve in a particular subject that they're struggling in. I am also familiar with Edexcel, OCR and AQA exam boards. If you have an alternative exam board, I would be happy to look into this as well. My preference is to hold in person lessons with my students and teach them to understand the topics, rather than to just pass the exam.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a master's level qualified practitioner with many years of teaching experience. I currently teach at the Royal College of Art, Loughborough University and UAL.

Teaching Experience:
Exams
Portfolios preparation
Portfolio Review
Assessments
Briefs
Crits preparation
Presentations review

Tutoring Approach:
Individual and tailored approach for every individual to achieve really strong and critically engaged outcomes.

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