Kirkoswald Tutors & Kirkoswald Tuition

Personal Description:
I'm a 33 year old Rolls-Royce aerospace engineer with a real passion for teaching. All my life I have loved helping others to learn (my little sister can vouch for that!), and maths was always my favourite class at school. I have a ridiculous amount of enthusiasm for the subject and love passing it on and infecting other with the love of maths (my friends, however, think I'm mad!). I think the thing I love most about teaching is the realisation; the point when the 'penny drops' and the student gets a thrill out of learning. This is why I love tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I've had quite a broad range of teaching experience - whilst I'm an engineer by day, at night I'm a salsa dance instructor. A little different from classroom mathematics, yes, but the teaching principles of patience and encouragement are the same in all fields.

I started tutoring when I was at university and a friend asked if I would help one of her year-11 friends with her maths, and I was happy to oblige. This experience made me realise that I not only did I really enjoy it, I was actually quite good at it. She took her maths GCSE and came out with an A grade - her expected grade 6 months earlier was a C.
This experience lead on to me tutoring a year 9 boy for a year. His mediocre grades were pulled up to level 7 - entry level for higher exam papers.

Since then I have tutored many students; I usually have about 3 per year for various periods. My level of expertise ranges from year 9 up to year 13 in maths, and up to year 11 in physics. Although I LOVE physics, I wouldn't be comfortable teaching A-level (with one exception - Nuclear & Particle physics. This was always my speciality - so if you have a niche need, I would love to help!)

Tutoring Approach:
I adore the subject matter. My students have told me that my enthusiasm not only comes across when I teach, it actually rubs off on them. I aim to make my students LOVE their subject!

I feel that the best way to encourage a maths or physics student is for them to feel that they are really achieving something. Firstly allow them to explore the problem and see if they can work it out for themselves, then encourage and direct them towards a method so they don't feel like they are being spoon-fed. Extrinsic goals (doing it for someone else) are nowhere near as powerful as intrinsic goals (doing it because you want to) - my aim is to make the student find maths/physics - dare I say - fun(!). Once the student realises implications of what they are doing, and how important this esoteric language is to the world it really opens their eyes and makes them realise this is part of a thing much bigger than the problem in front of them.

Another quality that is absolutely paramount in a tutor is patience. Sometimes students just don't "get it". It's times like these that a tutor's mettle is really tested. I have learnt that a good technique is initially to repeat what you have explained, as if it's the first time, then explain it from another angle. Moving on to another problem and coming back to the tricky one later helps some students. The important factor is to remain patient and relaxed at all times. Be on their side. If you get frustrated then the student gets frustrated, and then you've failed as a tutor.

Subjects

Personal Description:
From my experience in the classroom I realise that many students benefit from much more individual help than school can provide. I enjoy being able to help students on a one-to-one basis as it is very rewarding being able to improve their achievement and confidence.I am very grateful to my students and their parents for the relationships we have struck up, many of which have continued through the years.

Teaching Experience:
I am an English teacher with over 20 years experience teaching to GCSE, A-level and Oxbridge entrance.I have taught in both the independent and state sectors, in a large comprehensive and a small independent school. I have also tutored in Oxford and London for students from 10 to 19.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one or small groups of 2 or 3.

I aim to develop confidence by supporting the students and understanding their needs as a priority. I then encourage them to explore and develop ideas, giving them support while they grow in this. The key is building an excellent relationship in which high expectations enable them to make progress while always supported.

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Personal Description:
My aim is to help each student reach their potential through individually tailored lessons designed to make learning enjoyable. I have a strong belief that for people of all ages, learning can be fun, and if you relish the process, you are much more likely to learn something!

Every lesson includes the use of several workbooks, learning diagrams, reading books, learning games and rewards (for younger students) ranging from stickers to special prizes for the hardest workers!

I also believe that a hugely understated part of any teachers role is to give a student confidence, as when belief is established, the student's results tend to rapidly improve as well. Therefore my extremely enthusiastic approach to tutoring is vital in building a students confidence and skyrocketing upwards in levels.

There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a student achieve what they set out to do, be it a particular grade they need to obtain or a skill they need to develop.

Teaching Experience:
For over thirteen years I have been teaching English, Literacy and Reading from my own home. I have an Honours Degree in English Language BA (Hons).

Tutoring Approach:
Exam Results

GCSE English

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE English (2023)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 9 (A**)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2022)

2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2021)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE English (2019)

2 students from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 8 (A+)

GCSE English (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2017)

1 student from a 3 (D) -----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2016)

1 student from a U ----> B
1 student from an E -----> B
1 student from a D ----> C
1 student from a C -----> A*

GCSE English (2015)

1 student from a U ----> C
2 students from an E -----> B
1 student from an E ----> C
1 student from a D ----> A*
1 student from a D -----> B
2 students from a D ----> C
1 student from a C ----> A*
1 student from a C ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

GCSE English (2014)

4 Students from a D ----> C
3 Students from a D ----> B
2 Students from a D ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2020 & 2021)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

Year 6 SATS (2019)

2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard
2 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> below expectations

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2016)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
3 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

10 students passed
3 students failed
76.9% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

8 students passed on their first attempt
1 students passed on their second attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Recent Testimonials:

Ellen (10)
Year 6 SATS

Ellen was described as just below the expected level for English. We also felt her spelling was often poor and she struggled with extended writing. The main thing we have noticed is Ellen's confidence, attitude to learning and overall happiness: the improvement is immense. Ellen has now adapted a 'can do' attitude and revels in articulating what she has learnt with David. David is incredibly enthusiastic and positive, an approach that has really worked with Ellen. Speaking as a teacher, it is also clear that he understands the amendment procedures for Key Stage 2 and therefore every minute of every lesson is preparing Ellen for success. Ultimately my daughter loves to attend David's lesson and loves learning now!

Score: 10/10

Jack (16)
GCSE's

Jack's mock results were an E in English Language as well as a D in literature and he wanted to do Economics A level which required a B grade in his final GCSE. Jack had two hours of tuition per week from January to May. He enjoyed going (this surprised me as he hated English before the sessions) and had a new found likeness for literacy. He received a B in both language and literature and can now do A level economics. Jack related very well to David- this made learning easier for Jack and he obtained the grades he needed. His teachers at school noticed a marked improvement in his work when he was having tuition.

Score: 10/10

Oliver (6)
Year 2

Oliver was falling behind in Math's and English. I am very happy to say that his confidence and his ability to retain what David teaches him has improved greatly. His teachers at school have also commented on his marked improvement and he now feels a sense of achievement in everything he does- he also speaks of making David proud. David was/is exactly what I was looking for. Oliver doesn't seem to think about his lesson as lesson, he genuinely enjoys spending Saturday mornings at David's as he now really wants to improve himself! Wow!!!

Score: 10/10

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Personal Description:
I have been involved in computers and IT for 27 years. I was first of all a professional computer games programmer / designer before moving into my current role as an IT Solutions Architect. Over the last 21 years in IT consultancy, I have developed a breadth and depth of knowledge in IT and computing which is hard to find almost anywhere in the UK having dealt with almost all types of systems and aspects of IT.

I'm not able to teach you all the intricacies of the Microsoft Office products like Excel or Word, but I can train you in system design, system support, software development and pretty much anything in between. I have detailed experience in virtually all Microsoft operating systems and applications. I am also very experienced on VMware products. I am also able to assist your training in application and web development in C, C#, VB, scripting and assembler (68000 & 6502).

Teaching Experience:
21 years of mentoring and training junior staff on systems including Microsoft operating systems and applications.
Delivered a classroom based Lotus Notes course for Computacentre.
Developing syllabi and exam question papers for the British Computer Society (BCS).

Tutoring Approach:
I would first of all need to know what your learning requirements are. What is it you want to know about and to what level? From that point, I would create a training plan for you to reach that goal.

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Personal Description:
MANY APOLOGIES, I AM CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE HENCE I DO NOT ACCEPT STUDENTS


Please, feel free to contact me to see my works - I will send you the link via e-mail.

Who am I? I am a creative female human being, who is about to graduate in BSc (Hons) Architecture. I have been:
• breathing for 23 years;
• creating art for more than 12 years.

I am a darling of fortune. I do what I love and love what I do. Moreover, in my case, it is the most precise definition of my future career. I am in a deep, incurable love with Rain, Poetry, Black Coffee, Philosophy, Books, Music and any manifestations of elegant, thoughtful and inspiring Design & Art in all areas of life: from the greatest "Bilbao-effect-Architecture" from Powers-that-be at all times (starting with Ancient innovations to Modern Deconstructionism) to the 50's rockabilly dresses in my wardrobe.

Teaching Experience:
Mostly, I privately tutored children every summer between 2005-2009, helped primary school teacher to prepare art classes. I am currently looking forward to expand age category of my tutees.
I am now starting tutoring again after a break (since 2009), therefore, references will be available soon.

Tutoring Approach:
Before I start tutoring I always prefer to arrange a meeting to have a chat about what your requirements/preferences/needs are first. Once this is discussed, I take couple of days to arrange a brief plan for our lessons, which will be sent to you by e-mail. That way we adjust it together and I have time to prepare helpful information/books/software etc. for you. Once it is confirmed we arrange the date for the first lesson.

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Personal Description:
I am a 31-year old freelance journalist, born and raised in Germany. I have two Master's degrees, one in politics and one in digital journalism. Because of working in media & communications I am used to reviewing written text and highly aware of people's way of expressing themselves. I have a huge passion for languages and have learned Spanish for over 10 years now, including extensive stays in Spain, and I am perfectly fluent in English.

Teaching Experience:
Mostly 1 on 1 teaching and reviewing written texts over the last few years. Also, I taught a GCSE class in German at Royal Greenwich UTC for half a year. In addition, I have been teaching German at The Green Monkey School in Madrid for two years. My students have significantly improved in their skills and I prepared several people for their move to Germany.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer a natural approach to learning languages which means engaging in everyday conversations that help the speaker get used to the way they usually talk in a new environment. I also look precisely for mistakes in any kind of written work and take much care about correct grammar and spelling as I do in my own publications.

For politics in journalism I can also edit written work and talk through complex political and social processes which I have extensively analysed during my studies.

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Personal Description:
Worked as an Assistant professor in Civil Engineering department for 2 years in INDIA.

Graduated in Civil Engineering (INDIA).

Presently working as Teaching Assistant in London for secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I have 4 years of experience in Teaching .
Having experience in teaching Maths for A-level,GCSE, primary eleven plus students and Adults .
Having experience in teaching science to Primary,secondary and GCSE .

Professional with 3 years of experience in teaching CVIL ENGINEERING subjects
Structural Analysis.
Steel Structures.
Reinforced Concrete Structures.
Hydraulics.

Tutoring Approach:
I concentrate on providing a solid grounding in the subject while paying close attention to the needs of the individual.I set regular homework and writing assignments - the quantity varying with how much time the student has - and give feedback for the following session.


I am happy to meet with the parents or guardians of my students prior to the commencement of tuition in order to ascertain what they wish their child to gain from tuition.

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Personal Description:
Native Mandarin speaker born and raised in China, systematically educated to a high standard (graduated from primary, middle and high schools). Highly educated, successfully graduated with a couple of academic degrees from top British universities including Imperial College London. Currently working in banking in the city of London.

Teaching Experience:
Many years of one to one experiences with private school students from Tonbridge and Sevenoaks as well as younger kids and mature students.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience teaching children from a young age as well as mature students, therefore I am more than happy to customize teaching pace and technique according to the requirement of my students.

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Personal Description:
Ciao a tutti!
I am Vanessa and I come from Italy and I am here to help you learn Italian. I live in London but I was born in Rome. I am a qualified Italian Teacher to Adults. I can speak Italian, English, Spanish and Czech. I also have a degree in Languages and Linguistic-Cultural Mediation in English and Spanish and a Masters Degree in Italian teaching.
I have been teaching Italian and English to foreign people both offline and online.
I also prepare students to take the CILS B1 Cittadinanza italiana and I'm an examinator too.
I am very kind and patient and I always listen to all students` needs.
I truly enjoy learning about new cultures and countries, therefore I will have you speaking a lot :D
At the same time I will be teaching lots of things about Italian culture and our way of living.
I love teaching and share my language knowledge with my students. I also enjoy helping others experience the enjoyment and satisfaction of language learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have Italian and English teaching experience with both beginner and intermediate classes and I am happy to teach groups or individual. I always try to make lessons as fun and entertaining as possible by including games and fun exercises as well as educational activities of any kind. I believe that when you have fun and you look forward to your next lesson, that`s when you are learning the most.

Tutoring Approach:
I am currently tutoring on Zoom and teaching both Italian and English students.
I use a fully communicative and up to date approach to teach Italian. While teaching I always present the language in the context and features as grammar, phonology and lexis are analyzed in everyday situations. I use a wide variety of up-to-date authentic material which give the students valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society at the same time as developing the students` authentic linguistic and communicative skills. I use techniques and procedures made ad hoc to meet the students` needs. I will always provide detailed material and in case you want to learn something specifically, just let me know and we will cover it on our following class.

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Personal Description:
Hi!

I am a second year Cambridge Medical Student with a history of achieving strong academic results, having secured a First Class in my most recent examinations.

Over the years I have been able to hone the skills necessary to perform well in exams, targeting my responses to what examiners are looking for and I am looking forward to being able to share these essential tools to my tutees.

I enjoy playing the piano and clarinet and I am an avid runner. I also enjoy a bit of rugby from time to time!

I look forward to working with you :)

Teaching Experience:
I have over 7 years of tutoring experience with excellent results. I have seen significant improvement in the confidence and ability of my tutees to perform well under exam pressures. Many of my students have gone on to achieve A's and A*s in their public examinations - a testament to the effectiveness of my tutoring approach.

Tutoring Approach:
I am strong believer that education should be personalised to each individual. As a result I start all my tutoring sessions with understanding what you want to gain from this. Do you want to go over difficult concepts? Or would you rather have an outline of the techniques used to get those 7/8/9/A/A*. Through this I am able to tailor our sessions to ensure that you are getting the most out of our time. I often set short tasks to be completed outside of the sessions so that we are able to identify weak points and document the progress that is being made. All resources from tutoring sessions are kept in a shared notebook so you have access to them whenever you need them.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified Business Studies and Computing teacher. I am currently teaching in a high achieving High School in North West England (near Manchester). I am willing to commute to local tutees, otherwise I can tutor online to tutees around the world.

I am currently teaching in my 2021/22 timetable:
GCSE AQA Business
Pearson Tech Award in Enterprise
and
Pearson National Award in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (both the single and double award)

My qualifications are listed below.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at x2 high achieving High Schools (one being my current one) and x1 disadvantaged school. This diverse environmental range of teaching has allowed me to develop a successful style of teaching and tutoring which has student progression and success at the core.

- GCSE AQA Business
- GCSE Edexcel Business
- OCR Cambridge National Enterprise and Marketing
- Pearson BTEC Tech Award in Enterprise
- A Level AQA Business
- Pearson BTEC National Award in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship (both the single and double award)
- Pearson National Award in Business
- KS3 Computing

I also have a Bachelors Degree in Business and tutored students in the years below me in my 3rd and 4th year. I completed a PALS Tutoring course in conjunction with the University of Manchester to be able to successfully tutor university students.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very organised and structured teacher which fits perfectly with my subject. My aim when tutoring is constant progression with an end goal for my tutees. I will provide all resources tailored to my tutee which will ensure success. I will also ensure that exam techniques and answering structures for the exam board are mastered before all major exams (e.g GCSE/A Levels). I have a very kind and holistic method of teaching, however, I do set high standards for all of my students and tutees which again are tailored to their current situation and end goal.

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Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified science teacher and the current Head of Biology at a large secondary school. With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialise in helping GCSE students succeed in Biology by building both subject knowledge and exam confidence. I also work as an examiner for AQA GCSE Biology, so I know exactly what examiners are looking for and how to help students maximise their marks.

Teaching Experience:
I've taught Biology across Key Stage 3 and 4, with a particular focus on the AQA GCSE specification. As Head of Biology, I lead curriculum planning, exam preparation, and targeted intervention strategies to support student progress. I also mentor early career teachers and trainee teachers, supporting them to deliver effective and engaging lessons. My work as an AQA examiner gives me valuable insight into how exam questions are marked and how students can approach them with confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring sessions are calm, focused, and tailored to each student's needs. I focus on building a secure understanding of key topics, strengthening exam technique, and improving confidence. I use a combination of clear explanations, structured practice, and real exam-style questions. As an experienced teacher and examiner, I can help students refine their answers to meet the mark scheme and feel well prepared for their exams.

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