North Common Tutors and North Common Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher of English with many years of study, research and training in some of the world's top universities. My qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature and the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in English. My Initial Teacher Training covered all aspects of English and all abilities in the 11-18 age range. My interests, of benefit to many students especially at university level, include Critical Theory, Classical Literature, and African Literature. I have guided many students doing research and proof-read their dissertations. I have also taken the official training for one-to-one tutors rolled out by the government to complement classroom teaching. I have been marking GCSE English Language and Literature exams for a number of years and served as Team Leader for the June 2013 exam series with Edexcel. Additionally, I mark A Level English Literature for OCR. In fact, I recently received certificates from OCR and from the Joint Qualification Council which oversees exams in England to recognise my contribution to examining. I am a specialist in the new (2017) GCSE curriculum with experience of teaching both the AQA and Edexcel exam board versions.

Teaching Experience:
My first teaching appointment came in 1988 in Cameroon where I taught English and African Literature, becoming an A Level examiner for the Cameroon GCE examination board in 1990. I moved to England in 1991 where I later took the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to the PGCE and QTS, finishing my last year as Education Student of the Year in my university and receiving a national commendation for the quality of my work. I have since taught in different schools in Kent and Medway, preparing students for exams such as Functional Skills, IELTS, GCSE, A Level, IB and AEA. I have also given one-to-one tuition to looked-after teenagers under a government scheme as well as taught in a secure unit for which, in addition to enhanced disclosure CRBs, I was vetted over a six month period. My first long-term (over 3 months) supply position involved teaching GCSE English, A Level English Literature, and the IB. Most of my teaching has been in selective (grammar) schools. I have also given English lessons in my local community as part of an outreach programme organised for speakers of other languages by my church where I teach Bible Studies also. For the last few years I have always had KS3 to KS5 students whom I tutor privately. These students have have usually achieved or exceeded their target grades at GCSE and A Level.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to establish the needs of the students and carefully review all available assessment records. If the student is preparing for a special exam such as the GCSE, I would start by ensuring that the student is aware of the full requirements of the exam and establish a clear plan to cover these. Alongside any such programme, I believe in incorporating the fundamentals of English grammar which are sometimes overlooked in formal teaching settings. I like to build a good rapport with the student so that they are comfortable revealing possible areas of weakness that we could turn into strengths. I ensure that the student is given a clear structure for each exam task and then test the student to ensure that they are able to apply the strategies in exam conditions.

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Personal Description:
I have been privately teaching music theory and instrumental based music around the midlands area for the last 4 years. I have experience teaching all age ranges and abilities including children with learning difficulties.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught with in schools "Blakedown C of E Primary School" "Sutton Park Primary School" Music academies "Sounds Electric Music academy" and i also teach privately at home.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a taylor made course to suit the individuals needs so they can control what areas they would like to focus on most. i am friendly and will always try my best to aid the pupils so they get the most from there tuition.

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Personal Description:
I am a college lecturer (Abingdon & Witney College) with extensive experience teaching both Russian and Art.
I am very happy working with little ones as well as adults and believe that learning should be enjoyable and make my classes varied, challenging and stimulating.

Teaching Experience:
Since 2004 in the listed subjects. I have gained experience in teaching adults and younger students both in a formal context (I taught in schools and for university degree courses) and less formal (evening and leisure courses). My philosophy over 25 years in teaching, is to produce lessons that excite and inspire. I have an enthusiastic style and my lessons are delivered using a variety of the latest learning techniques.

Since 2014 I have taught Russian at all levels and exam preparation for GCSE and A-level. I prepare students for the A-Level exam through an intense two-year course, certainly that is necessary for an A or A* grade. However, of course, it depends on the knowledge base the student has.
I constantly train and update my learning and am relentless in seeking new and varied materials for reading, listening, and writing language.

This is one student's comment:

"It is with heartfelt thanks that I turn to you to express my appreciation for all the efforts that you have invested in my preparation. Your knowledge, patience and support have been key in helping me achieve my goal of getting an A* in Russian at the A-level exam. With your help, I got into the desired university, which was one of my main dreams. Your lessons, advice, and faith in me helped me overcome all difficulties and pass the exam with excellent marks."

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is tailored to suit individual needs and pace, to make learning enjoyable and rewarding. I am a friendly, calm and patient tutor who believes that an open and relaxed atmosphere is essential for successful learning. At the same time, clearly defined goals have to be set, worked towards and reached during each lesson.

I always seek to make my classes challenging and stimulating, drawing upon as wide a range of learning skills and strategies as possible. I promote activities, games and practical exercises focused on student's needs.

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Personal Description:
Originally from London, I've lived here my whole life, which means I have a clear and easy-to-understand accent. I have studied Computer Science at Newcastle University for four years, achieving well above a first and received an award for graduating top of the year in my masters. With over 7 years of experience in the finance industry as a software developer, I bring real-world insights to our sessions, helping you bridge the gap between theory and practical application. I have recently quit in order to start my own business, which also allows me to be flexible with tutoring hours.

I very much enjoy teaching, as well as the satisfaction of helping a student reach their goal. I welcome students of all abilities, especially those who are enthusiastic about succeeding.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for over 10 years with students from GCSE all the way up to degree level Computer Science. I have also taken part in several mentor schemes where I supported younger students with their academic problems.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very organised approach to tutoring, with small goals set per session, as well as a long term goal to work towards. However I understand this may be different for those who need help with specific pieces of work.

For younger students, I feel that relaxed but structured sessions are important, with small breaks so that focus is kept. I also ensure that the lessons are as fun as possible. I always work towards building a good relationship with my students, with many keeping in touch long after we finished, and encourage them to ask questions without any hesitation. I adapt my approach depending on my students` learning style as I feel this is the key to successful teaching. I spend a lot of time planning for sessions so that my student gets the very best out of each lesson.

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Personal Description:
I currenrly have weekday availability 9am to 2.45pm.

I am a native English speaker with extensive subject knowledge of language, linguistics and literature and have been teaching English to students aged 3-73 for 20 years, both privately and in international language schools. My lessons are enjoyable and successful learning experiences which are diligently planned and professionally executed.

Teaching Experience:
8+
11+
SATs
SET Test
13+
GCSE Literature and Language (all boards)
IGCSE English as a Second Language
KET
PET
Cambridge First Certificate (FCE)
Michigan First Certificate (ECCE)
Cambridge Advanced (CAE)
Cambridge Proficiency (CPE)
Michigan Proficiency (ECPE)
City and Guilds (Levels 3-5)
Edexcel (Levels 3-5)
IELTS
TOEFL

*8+/11+/13+ ENTRY EXAMS

I provide tailor-made tutorials working on comprehension, writing and both group and individual interview skills.

GCSE LITERATURE AND LANGUAGE (ALL BOARDS)

My students routinely exceed their predicted grades. I can help non-native speakers access the curriculum whilst giving targeted grammatical explanations which develops command of written English.

EFL LESSONS

My EFL lessons cover all aspects of the English language, focusing on grammar, conversation skills and exam techniques. My students achieve a 100% pass rate. My IELTS students consistently attain the levels they require. One of my strengths is intensive coverage of all components of the IELTS examinations (Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing) and familiarising students with what to expect on the day.

Tutoring Approach:
I work hard to give my students an enjoyable and successful learning experience. I am dedicated, creative and thorough.

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Personal Description:
Experienced tutor both face to face and online sessions. I am at present a part time languages teacher. I have been teaching for 15 years in secondary schools and I have 7 years experience of teaching adult education. I specialise in French and have been mainly responsible for GCSE and A level teaching. I am able to help students with set texts and films such as L'étranger, un sac de billes, l'auberge espagnole, No et moi, entre les murs and la Haine they are studying and I can provide extra guidance and help with this aspect of the new A Level course. I have a detailed knowledge of exam criteria for a range of exam boards and I can offer personalised tutoring for all aspects of the course. My teaching style is very engaging and interactive and I adapt my teaching to get the very best out of students. All of my tutees who took their exam in summer 2022 increased their overall grade by at least one grade.
I am able to provide targeted intensive revision sessions in the holidays to boost exam success .

Teaching Experience:
12 years secondary school experience teaching KS 3 French and Geman , KS4 French , KS 5 French and beginners Italian.

5 years experience with a local city council teaching adult French and Italian.

5 years tutoring experience teaching a range of levels.

I currently mark for one of the major exam boards at GCSE level.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor sessions to the needs of students and their learning styles. I aim to create a safe environment for learners where it is ok to make mistakes and try to be creative. I use a range of teaching resources to make lessons varied and engaging.

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Personal Description:
I am a philosophy student at Roehampton University. I am from the South Downs in Hampshire, where I lived until I was 18. I have been studying here in London since September 2017. Back home I am the oldest of four, and this had enabled me to be able to understand how to make learning fun for a wide range of ages, as our ages vary from 8 to 20 years. My hobbies include playing football, listening to music, and reading. I was previously employed as an after school nanny so have a DBS check that is valid.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching assistant every Wednesday for an academic year at the infant school in my home town.
Shadowed History department at my secondary school the year after I left.
Working as a nanny I had to help the boys I looked after with their homework. They were 6 and 8 so was helping them learn very basic skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always been naturally able to write especially well, and am enthusiastic about the subjects I study. I have found it easy to pass on this enthusiasm for learning to younger people, and I especially am able to connect with younger kids on tasks they would usually struggle to find fun. I am basically happy to tutor any subject at GCSE level apart from maths, science (natural, computer, etc). Social sciences are my particular strength.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from university in China with a major in Journalism. I worked for more than five years at provincial and municipal television stations in China as a presenter, and I obtained certification in the National Putonghua Proficiency Test. In order to further enhance my skills, I pursued a Master's degree in International Business at a university in the UK, which I successfully completed. From the above, it can be seen that my proficiency in Chinese comes from my background in Journalism, while my international perspective is derived from studying International Business at the Master's level.

I am a loving, patient teacher with a strong sense of responsibility and I truly love Chinese language teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Chinese for nearly 10 years, and during this time I also founded my own Chinese school, offering courses from beginner to intermediate and advanced levels. The main exams I prepare students for include YCT1-4, HSK1-6, GCSE Chinese, A-LEVEL Chinese, Business Chinese (from beginner to advanced), and more. My students have achieved outstanding results: a 100% pass rate for YCT1-4 with average scores above 90, GCSE Chinese students scoring 8 A+ or above, National 5 Mandarin students receiving A grades, A-LEVEL Chinese students achieving 8 A+ or above, and a recent student scored 260 out of 300 on the HSK4 Exam.

I can help students of any Chinese proficiency level reach their desired goals. I am a very kind and patient teacher with a high sense of responsibility. With the rapid development of internet technology and to save time and convenience, many students prefer to learn online. Would you like to learn Chinese online? Would you like me to teach you Chinese?

Tutoring Approach:
My Chinese teaching method primarily involves using both English and Chinese simultaneously. For beginner students, English is used more frequently than Chinese. However, as teaching progresses and students' proficiency in Chinese improves, Chinese gradually becomes the dominant language. Of course, the use of both languages varies randomly and is never fixed.

In classroom, I practice different teaching methods e.g. entertaining and interactive lectures and follow through induction, these effectively stimulate students' interest and enthusiasm in learning Chinese.

Furthermore, individualized instruction is the primary teaching method I employ in Chinese language teaching. Different students have different comprehension abilities, which requires teachers to continuously adapt to their students. I am a caring and patient teacher, but I also maintain a certain level of strictness. In my teaching, I promptly provide assistance and corrections tailored to students' specific challenges, allowing them to progress more effectively.

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Personal Description:
Passionate about the 11plus. Experienced 11plus tutor, after teaching English in London for over 15 years. I hold a BA/LLB from an Australian University.

Teaching Experience:
Taught English in London for over 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an excellent teacher with the ability to explain things very clearly to my students so they can approach exams with confidence. & pass easily.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
Robert is a Film/TV Composer, Music Producer and Songwriter from Hertfordshire England.

Robert is a graduate of the prestigious (SMPTV) Screen Scoring Masters program at USC (Thornton school of music). He was mentored by renowned film composers including; Bruce Broughton, Christopher Young & Patrick Kirst. At USC he was awarded the 'Nordstrom Family Scholarship'. At this time Robert was also welcomed into the British Academy of Film and Television Arts family after becoming the recipient of the 'BAFTA LA Access for all Scholarship'.
In 2019 his ongoing relationship with BAFTA continued as he was invited onto the BAFTA LA Newcomers program.

In 2015 Robert Graduated from Leeds Conservatoire of Music with a 2:1 in Music Production and Music Composition. During his time there he studied under the tutorship of Brian Morrell, Alex Halliday and Jiannis Pavlidis.

Over the years, Robert has worked as a private tutor for GCSE, BTEC and A-level students and as a guitar instructor.
He has worked with a U.K. based classical choir as their music producer and arranger, and also as an artist in residence in various schools in England, where he offered advice to young musicians. Robert is also currently working in the music industry as a Songwriter and Producer alongside several British artists and has previously worked in studios across London and Los Angeles such as Abbey Road and Capitol Records.


As a film composer, Robert has worked with composers such as Kevin Kiner (Lucasfilm 'Star Wars: the Clone Wars' | Warner Brothers/DC 'Doom Patrol') & Layla Minoui (ABC 'Castle' | Disney 'Vampirina'). As well as continuing to work on a wide variety of film & visual media projects as a freelance composer.
He has scored the music to a number of short and independent films which have been nominated & screened at various European & U.S film festivals. Robert has also written music for a variety of other visual media projects. Including commercials, video games and more recently for programs airing on National Geographic.

Teaching Experience:
7+ Years of Private tuition.
(Guitar, Music performance skills, composition, GCSE BTEC & A-Level)

Tutoring Approach:
I am very personable and have an easy going personality. I often like to let my students direct the flow of sessions, in line with their academic needs.
Every student learns in a different way and at a different pace. I always make sure I cater for my students preferred way of learning by employing a wide range of teaching methods.
I'm able to relate to the younger generation when teaching and I can often use modern examples to explain older musical techniques and rules. This helps my students engage with the curriculum on a personal level and deepen their understanding of music. I also have experience working with people who have learning difficulties such as dyslexia and dyspraxia.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Ollie and I have recently qualified as a Dentist from the University of Bristol (BDS) where I am a student ambassador.
I'm a hard working academic student who also has a past competing at a high level in sport which means I am able to offer time efficient, effective learning slots between schooling and extra-curricular activities.
I have 5 years of university examination experience meaning I have an understanding of pre-exam worries and I know this would enable me to support students in this position and offer guidance on an underappreciated aspect of exams.

Teaching Experience:
I tutored during my GCSEs for years 7-10 in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. This taught me how to teach in a personal style, offering a safe space for group discussions on challenging topics whilst also identifying where individual students struggled. I then went on to offer private study sessions for these individuals. This highlighted to me the importance of adapting my teaching to meeting different learning styles of different students.
I also acted as an academic mentor to help students identify areas of weakness and proactively worked together to establish the best way to tackle the challenging areas.
Most recently, I have been an Interview Examiner for the BDS and Gateway programmes at Bristol. This has provided me with a valuable insight into the interview process and what makes a good candidate. I feel this has also developed my understanding of how questions are formatted and what makes up a top scoring answer, which is something I will transfer into my tutoring style.

Tutoring Approach:
I will offer tailored quizzes with fun and memorable feedback. The sessions would consist of a mix of past papers, interactive whiteboard with live demonstrations on the calls, with each step of the workings, marking criteria and a methodical approach to future questions.

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