Knebworth Tutors & Knebworth Tuition

Personal Description:
From an early age I have been extremely enthusiastic about mathematics and since leaving education, and before I chose to pursue a career in education, I have been fascinated by learning and problem solving. I am currently a teacher in a new school in Hackney, East London. The college is for 14-18 year olds so I specialise in GCSE and A-Level maths teaching. We cater for a range of different backgrounds and abilities which requires the staff to have a wide ranging skill-set. I have previously taught for 5 full years, including 2 years at a 4-18 international school, and have 3 years teaching experience in the UK. My previous school was an independent international school. In all my years as a teacher I have taught GCSE classes and have come to have a sound knowledge of both AQA and Edexcel curriculums. I am also aware that GCSEs serve 2 purposes - one to gain a specific skill set and acquire subject knowledge, the other to achieve a prestigious and important qualification. I have worked in business for several years since completing a maths masters degree at Leeds University. As a relatively new teacher I have a fresh perspective on current barriers to learning and misconceptions within my chosen subject.

Teaching Experience:
1 year working in East London, 2 years overseas in the Dominican Republic (students are 95% native Spanish speakers), 3 years in England, 1 year PGCE training incorporating placements at 2 schools in Louth (North East Lincolnshire), trained at Lincoln BGUC. I am currently curriculum leader for maths at my college and have been acting head of department at my previous school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe the key to learning is presenting a new topic in a way that the learner can engage with best. I would aim to break a complex problem down into smaller more manageable parts. Maths is a subject where each new concept is just a collection of previously learnt skills or techniques used in a specific way. I would visit the house of the tutee under the supervision of a parent. Also, if acceptable, I would try to involve a parent in the tuition process so that they can work with the tutee at a later date, if they thought it would help. I am happy to set additional work to be finished between tuition sessions, if the parent and tutee consent to this. I aim to not only help the tutee in acquiring the grade they want but also to improve their confidence in maths and help inspire them to enjoy the subject more.

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Personal Description:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

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Personal Description:
Professional music producer & DJ. qualified to degree level (BSc)

Teaching Experience:
Mentoring Students.

Tutoring Approach:
Ready to answer any questions and give good tips/advice on the chosen subject

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Personal Description:
Originally a ceramic designer working in the pottery industry I am based in Stoke on Trent. I worked for The Wedgwood group producing designs for companies, airlines and hotels such as The Waldorf, Langhams, Marks and Spencer and Concorde.
Having retired from designing and teaching I now love to paint, usually in large format and in acrylic. I also enjoy oil, watercolour and pastel chalks. My sketchbook follows me wherever I go.

Teaching Experience:
I started as I Design and Technology teacher in secondary and finished as head of Art and head of Design and Technology in middle school. After twenty three years I have specialised in scale model making, three dimensional artworks and inter-active artwork.

Tutoring Approach:
Design is the essence. I have a strong conviction in all my work and a strong desire to pass on that conviction to others.
From Leonardo to Thomas Heatherwick I believe that Art and Design is alive and forging our futures.

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Personal Description:
I am a BPS Chartered Psychologist (teaching) and have my own tutoring business. I have around 30 years teaching experience and have worked as a private tutor for 15 years. I feel that I go the extra mile for my students! I regularly supports students outside of scheduled sessions by email and texts - I really do not mind.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Chartered Psychologist (BPS teaching) and a Head of Department in a school.
I have nearly 30 years teaching experience of Psychology and Sociology. I have my own private tutoring business and have been a tutor for over 10 years.
I teach AQA, but I also mark for all the main exam boards - AQA, EDEXCEL, OCR, WJEC & EDUQAS.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that success comes from confidence and that is my primary aim in my approach to tutoring - to develop confidence in the subject material and assessment.
I like to work with my students to develop individual learning plans. This involves setting and marking work from past exam paper questions on a regular basis to assess progress. I can provide copies of revision materials as well as past exam question booklets.
I believe that regular assessment and feedback is vital to exam success!

Recent Student Feedback (2022)

'I'm so happy with my grades!! Psychology A, Sociology A! Couldn't have done it without you!' [online student from London]

'He got into his first choice - Manchester! He is absolutely delighted, and thinks you have made a huge difference for him. Thank you! We will be forever grateful for your help, expertise and support. He will drop you a line.. once he comes down to earth.' [Father of online Psychology student]

'I wanted to let you know that I got an A grade for my sociology A level exam results. I'm so happy I can't believe it. I thought maybe a C grade at the most. Thank you for helping me to achieve it, I really appreciate all you did for me.' [Student who I was employed to give support to from a school in the North West]

'I got an A* in Sociology!!! I am over the moon!! Thank you so much for all of your help!' [online student from Birmingham]

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who has a degree and NVQ level 5 in Youth and Community Worker with 11 years post qualifying experience educating hundreds young people informally and outside of the classroom in groups and 1-2-1 in all sorts of different locations. I have a Level 3 teaching and assessment qualification. I have very good Maths and English having used them to study to degree level and in Youth Work Management. I have an active interest and knowledge in History, Geography and Religious Education having studied them to A-Level meaning that I am very knowledgeable in each of those subjects. I am a highly competent musician and sports person with Grade 5 in piano and music theory and having coached Football, Badminton, Tennis, Chess, Table Tennis.

My greatest skills are in building professional relationships, communication, building self-confidence and social skills, developing motivation and this is what I have been doing for over 15 years for hundreds of young people that I have met as a Youth Worker.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years informally educating young people through qualifications and certifications.
I have over 9 years experience of teaching youth work and assessing it.
I am a Functional Skills tutor at Level 1 and 2 in English and Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student centred - focused on the students strengths and development points and work alongside the student to build confidence and trust so that the student can excel. My style is quite relaxed yet challenging for the student so that the student engages and to increase the students enjoyment and understanding of the material and why they are learning it. My approach is very thought through and meticulous, carefully considering: personality and learning styles as well as the preferences of the student. I provide a lot of explanation and am able to explain things in many different ways.

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Personal Description:
I have a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design, and have 8 years experience of working in education. I also have a degree in Theatre Design. I worked as a Visual Merchandiser for a couple of years after graduating, and then made the move into teaching.
I now work in pastoral roles within secondary schools - but actively keep up to date with the Art GCSE and A Level specs.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a Secondary Art teacher up to head of department level in London. Since moving up to Yorkshire 3 years ago I have worked in pastoral roles within 2 different schools, looking after years 7 and 8 and now 6th form.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is not just filling in the gaps. I believe a Tutor should be a person of support through the difficult exam times, as well as a teacher. I work with young people to find out what their artistic style is and then help them use that to achieve their best possible result.
Creating artwork that ticks the right exam board boxes can be tricky - there is a lot of wok to do and it can seem unattainable to get everything done in time. I can help you streamline your work into the best pieces, and help you to show the links throughout your project in the most efficient ways.

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Personal Description:
I'm a professional guitar tutor. I have BA degree of Saint-Petersburg University of Culture and Arts - jazz guitar. I'm awardee of International Blues festival Noc Bluesowa, 2 International Festival in Crimea 2007

Teaching Experience:
16 years of tutoring
7 years of seniority in kid music school

Tutoring Approach:
Individual methods for every person according to abilities

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Personal Description:
My name is Jamie. I'm a maths graduate from the University of Bath (MMath). I was a Maths Teacher and Key Stage 5 Coordinator at a well-known and very successful secondary school and sixth form in Bath.

I have been a Maths tutor on and off since I was in sixth form and have over 10 years' experience across a variety of ages and abilities (as well as 5 years' experience as a teacher). I'm fortunate that I discovered my passion for teaching and tutoring at a relatively young age, and I have already been able to guide many students at primary, secondary and sixth form level towards their goals.

I have now chosen to become a tutor full-time. It is incredibly rewarding to continue sharing my knowledge and insights with any students who wish to learn. If I can pass on just a little bit of my infectious enthusiasm for the subject at the same time, then all the better!

I would like to keep my tutoring experience as varied and fulfilling as I possibly can, and so I welcome tutees of all levels from any background. Whether you are preparing for secondary school, GCSEs or A-levels, or simply aiming to improve your general numeracy skills, it would be a privilege to give you the support that you need to make progress.

Teaching Experience:
In total, I have over 10 years of experience tutoring. This would have started when I was in sixth form studying for my A-levels, then continuing on and off through my time at University and during my career as a teacher. During this time, I have tutored students at primary, secondary, sixth form, and university level, some being short term in the lead up to exams and others being long term.

I also have 5 years' experience as a teacher, and in my last year I was appointed Key Stage 5 Maths Coordinator for my school, giving me responsibility for all of our A-level students. During my teaching career, I was lucky enough to teach groups of all levels - from lower Year 7 right the way up to Year 13 Further Maths A-level.

My experience, both tutoring and teaching, has been invaluable in helping shape the tutor I strive to be going forwards.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe a simple approach to tutoring is the best one. I aim to work closely with my tutees to identify their goals, and create a plan of action to follow to give them the very best chance of success. My experience will enable me to deliver high-quality lessons with unique insights, and these can be supplemented with homework and independent tasks to consolidate knowledge and cement understanding.

Regular communication between tutee and tutor is key, and maintaining this with my tutees throughout their journey with me is one of my highest priorities. This way, we can celebrate successes and milestones towards our goal, but also intervene in good time if any part of our action plan needs adjusting. In the same way, I would always encourage tutees to approach me to share their thoughts on how things are going, so that I can continue with what's working and revise things which can be improved.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Jamie

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Personal Description:
I am a Greek native speaker. I worked as a teacher of Greek Language and Literature at The English School, Nicosia - a historic, prestigious secondary school in Cyprus - from 2006 - August 2022.

During my 16 years at the English School, I have taught Greek as a second/foreign language at different levels, as well as Greek as a first language from KS3 to IGCSE and A-Level. I am well familiar with the Pearson Edexcel Qualifications, since I have been teaching and marking these qualifications for many years.

I hold a Master's degree in 'Greek Language and Literature' and a Bachelor's degree in 'Classical Studies and Philosophy'.
I love teaching because I believe in progress and change.

Teaching Experience:
Advanced GCE in Greek (listening, reading and writing) (9GK0) (2019-2022)
Advanced Subsidiary GCE in Greek, Unit 1: Understanding and Written Response (2006-2018)
Advanced GCE in Greek, Unit 2: Understanding, Written Response and Research (2006-2018)

IGCSE Greek (First Language) (4GK1) (2018- 2022)
O Level Modern Greek/IGCSE in Modern Greek (2006-2018)

Greek as a second/foreign language (pre-A1- B2) for adults (2004-2006) and teenagers (2006-2022)

Modern Greek Language and Literature for native speakers (KS3 - KS5) (2006 - 2022)

Classical Greek Civilization (KS3) (2006 - 2022)

Classical Greek Language (KS3) (2006 - 2022)

'Certification of Very Good Knowledge of Greek Language', Ministry of Education of Cyprus (2006-2019)

Tutoring Approach:
Well-prepared and structured lessons.

Differentiated teaching according to students' needs and targets.

Interactive work on all skills (Listening, speaking, reading, writing)

Use of active learning strategies.

Targeted support and guidance for exams: past paper practice, use of success criteria, effective feedback.

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Personal Description:
I'm a current second year student at the University of Bath, studying mathematics. I have a passion for my subject and that comes through in my lessons, this helps to enhance my teaching. My aspiration one day is to become a lecture in my chosen subject, and this is a great way for me to learn and become experienced early on in my potential career.

Teaching Experience:
I currently tutor one student in maths, However my experience stems further than this as I have always tutored and taught friends through GCSE and A-levels. A key highlight of my background is that I self taught A-level further maths as it wasn't a subject they offered at my school. This choice further shows my passion and drive for learning, but gave me a deeper understanding of studying and learning.

Tutoring Approach:
my tutoring style is highly adaptable, as I tailor make/ plan my lessons based on the student. No two lessons on the same topic are alike, ensuring a fresh and engaging approach each time! I have good ability at explaining complex concepts clearly and effectively, making my lessons more accessible and enjoyable as nothing is better than understanding a hard concept! my focus on getting students to challenge themselves with the harder problems builds confidence and results in excellent progress.
I always begin my tutoring with an introductory lesson ( a quick chat ) just to get to know the needs of the student, and so you can check to see if you match with my styles.

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Personal Description:
A qualified and working Geography Director working across several schools in the north of England. I have been a teacher, head of department, examiner and tutor for almost 20 years.

I am able to work with you to diagnose quickly the support that you need based on your knowledge gaps, specification, exam skills or simply how to structure your geography revision to maximise success.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in several schools over the course of my career all in Geography related roles, moving on for promotion each time.

I am currently a Geography Director which involves working with Year 11 and Year 13 across multiple schools within the Academy Trust that I work for to ensure that students are fully prepared for their examinations. I use all of my teaching excellence in my tuition sessions as well as a wide range of resources.

I have also been an examiner and a senior examiner for the last 15 years for AQA and OCR so I am very familiar with the specification, NEA and exam requirements.

Tutoring Approach:
Sessions typically are one hour in length using a device to meet on as well as another device to work on. Expect the sessions to be interactive and complete work throughout the session and then have further work to complete as part of your revision schedule, you are accountable for your own learning so you can get as much out of the sessions as you want.

I always ensure that an initial phone call takes place as a meet and greet so that you can ask any questions that you may want clarification on.

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