Old Down Tutors & Old Down Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Manuela and I am a native teacher of Spanish language and literature by the University of Córdoba(Spain) where I obtained my teaching qualification (BA in Spanish Studies), I hold QTS and also have a valid DBS.

I enjoy teaching Spanish at various levels, which gives me the opportunity to develop my teaching approach as well as getting to know different people, their views and understanding of the Spanish language.

I consider myself to be a confident and experienced teacher, committed, reliable, punctual and patient.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor for the past twenty years. I have also worked as a Spanish lecturer and as a freelance interpreter and translator.

Tutoring Approach:
The classes are tailored to the learner's needs. They cover writing, speaking, listening and reading. I provide all the material needed.

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Personal Description:
I was born in France near Paris and lived in Geneva/Switzerland for a very long time before I moved to the UK. I came here years ago to be closed to some dear friends and since then I have been residing here. .Beside tutoring, I enjoy coloured painting that I practise during my spare time. I love aesthetics in general. I have a positive and encouraging attitude as a tutor, I believe people can learn any subject providing they are taught on a gradient and use the right method. As a result, their confidence can build up and results occur.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring children as young as 2 years old, GCSE and A level students, business people and adults with a second home in France. I tailor make my tutoring to the needs of the students, using different manuals, workbooks, dictionaries according to their levels, I make sure my lessons include a lot of writing, reading, listening and speaking exercises.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a native French speaker with a calm and patient approach in tutoring. My lessons are tailor made to the learning objectives of the students. My key aim is to provide an environment where the student can feel free to learn without any restrictions(embarassment or fear of criticism, judgement....). This is accomplished through my learning methods and personal care

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Yulia. I am a native Russian speaker, fluent in English, graduated in the Russian Federation (Moscow) and worked there later on for over 7 years. For the last 10years I have been living and working in the UK and this has allowed me to develop a better understanding of the English language, its cultural nuances, people and life. I was kindly surprised that there are people out there who are truly interested in learning Russian and therefore I felt that I could help them to learn one of the most difficult languages in an easy and affordable ways.
Every year I spend some time in Russia to maintain connection with the Russian language in the most effective way while enjoying company of my family and friends.

Teaching Experience:
If you are planning to learn Russian, you are certainly in the right place. Whether you are a beginner or can speak some Russian already, I will be delighted to help you to learn, improve or master your Russian.
As a Russian tutor I have an experience in teaching Russian both children and adults using the finest adapted educational materials for teaching and learning Russian language as a foreign at all levels. I use a large variety of textbooks with CD and DVD-supplement, training materials for the development of speech, writing, listening and reading comprehension skills, which helps to make the learning process as effective and productive as possible. I currently run a Russian group course for the beginners.
My degree in law and experience in teaching Russian ensures the quality of the final result- you are able to communicate in Russian. I will give full attention to your needs and wishes and provide you with a very honest and friendly service. Being based in the UK I am always easy to reach and deal with.

Tutoring Approach:
In order to make a learning process as interesting as possible I will prepare an individual language plan for you based on your own learning style and ability, language requirements, time commitment and any personal motivations you might have to learn Russian.
If you are learning Russian from scratch and want to become fluent, my aim is to help you to explore the language in its complexity straight from the beginning. From my experience grammar and vocabulary is a key to the successful learning process and ability to communicate with a great confidence but studying just grammar can be quite difficult or daunting, that is why a combination of audio, visual and interactive activities, which I try to integrate into my lessons, help to bring more fun and promising results.

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Personal Description:
I am an Economics graduate from Hanover University, Germany and teach part-time in a successful private college in the city of Bath. Since 2004 I have been working as a freelance tutor of Economics, as a translator (from English into German and vice versa), as a journalist and book author. Prior to that I worked as a technical support engineer for four years and as an office manager for six years. I live in Bath, am married and have two children. I love teaching, especially Economics, because it deals with some of the most fundamental problems of our society. To solve them we need to understand Economics.

Teaching Experience:
Since 2004 I have been tutoring AS and A2-level students in small groups and one-to-one, and university preparation courses in classes of up to 15 students. I have taught the AQA, Edexcel, and OCR syllabuses. Most of the individual students were re-sitting exams, most of whom improved their grade, often significantly.

Tutoring Approach:
First of all I ascertain any particular areas the student needs help with most urgently. I then review the basics with the student to make sure that these have been well understood. We then systematically work through the required subject matter, checking progress with the help of exam-style questions and past examination papers.

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Personal Description:
I am a Brazilian Translator, teacher and Interpreter with a background in Law and Enviroment Managment (which can bring something extra to the classroom) with a passion for languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 12 years experience teaching to all levels and interests. To groups, one-to-one or via Skype.
Lecturer at Aberystwyth University - Portuguese studies

Tutoring Approach:
I believe learning languages should be fun. I am very motivated and like to make sure my students "get out of their comfort zone", learn and have a good time. I use videos, books, movies, etc.

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Personal Description:
Reliable and qualified Maths Teacher with 20+ years of experience of tutoring individuals and groups. During the pandemic, I have most of my tuitions have been online.

I care deeply about teaching and learning in general and the teaching of mathematics is a particular passion for me. I am a secondary school mathematics teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). I have completed a BSc in Accounting, an ACCA qualification and a PGCE course. I am currently studying for my MSc Education degree. I have 20+ years experience as a tutor and 10+ years as a teacher. I have also worked for an acounting firm for 5 years and worked as a company director for 7 years.

My first session is provided free of charge and I use this session to understand the needs of prospective pupils. At the end of the session, I have a frank and honest discussion with the pupil and/or their guardians. I use these conversations to listen to the concerns of the pupils and/or their guardians and present an outline of my assessment of the student's areas of strengths and weaknesses. I also suggest a course of action to help the pupil move forward.

Teaching Experience:
I have been providing tuition in mathematics for over 20 years and have been a secondary school Mathematics Teacher for over 12 years. I have experience teaching to individual students, to small groups and to classes of up to 35 students. I have helped four year old pupils take their first steps in arithmetic and forty plus year old students finally understand how algebra works.

I have helped students gain confidence in their own mathematical ability when they have been convinced by the academic system that they are incapable of doing well in the subject. I have also helped higher attaining students to challenge themselves and aspire to become even better. Most recently I helped 2 students achieve a grade 9, one for GCSE Maths and another for IGCSE Maths. One of these students also received an A grade for Additional Maths. Three other students, whom I started tutoring at beginning of Year 11, moved up 2 to 3 GCSE grades. Another student I tutored achieved an A* at A Level Maths. I have also helped students prepare for the Selective Eligibility Tests (SET) for Sutton grammar schools. Most of these students gained offers from the school of their choice.

Tutoring Approach:
During the last two decades I have worked with many hundreds of students and have read research studies from academics around the world on the subject of attainment in mathematics. My own experience is in keeping with all the studies I have read about this topic. The overwhelming majority of students can do well in mathematics provided they have the confidence, the techniques and willingness to work hard. Even after only six to eight weeks of tuition, all the students I have tutored have improved by at least one grade or one level.

I tell all prospective pupils there is no magic bullet or shortcut. To achieve success in mathematics a few things are key: understanding the concept well; understanding when and how to apply it in different situations; lots of practice in applying it in different scenarios and short, regular revision sessions. So my only pre-conditions before I agree to work with any student are: a positive attitude; a commitment to put in the time and effort required to bring about the improvement in their grades; and at least one ninety minute session every week.

It is important to me that students should enjoy mathematics and look forward to their sessions with me. To ensure this I use a variety of different resources to explain concepts to students and am a firm believer in using physical and computer based study tools and aides to complement the standard oral and written tools used to teach mathematics. I also believe in linking the mathematics that we study to the real world to increase students' engagement with the topic and their understanding of its relevance. I am very patient and empathetic to my student's needs and once they develop in confidence I encourage all my students to challenge themselves regularly. Depending on the amount of time available, I usually help students cement their mastery of the foundations of arithmetic and algebra before moving on to establish fluency in statistics, geometry and problem solving.

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Personal Description:
I am currently a science teacher at a secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of private tutoring experience and 5 years of teaching experience at secondary school level.

Tutoring Approach:
Teach the way students want to learn - not how teachers prefer to teach.

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Personal Description:
I had been a full time native Japanese teacher/lecturer in the UK between 2006 and 2018 after completing MA in Japanese Applied Linguistics at SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in 2006. I have become a professional private teacher for individuals and companies as I realised my passion is to support those students who are keen on improving Japanese through private tuitions. I have established an academy of Japanese Studies since 2015.

Teaching Experience:
My cooperate training contracts
- SONY (2016-present)
- Tokyo Esque (2017-present)
- Deloitte (2017-2018)
- Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi UFJ (2017-2018)
- Ashurst (2016)
- Polar Capital (2015-2016)
- British Museum (2015)

In the past, I taught the Japanese language to
-> the students of BA in Japanese at SOAS (2011 & 2014-2018),
-> the general public, university students and business people at King`s College London (2009-2017),
-> the UK diplomats at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (2013 - 2016),
-> the president and the top managers at Dentsu Aegis Network (2013 - 2014),
-> the students of BA in Japanese at the University of Sheffield (2006 - 2009).

Tutoring Approach:
My passion for language teaching is to contribute to the society where people need more global minded attitudes and mutual understanding. I will help you understand Japanese culture from the native perspective. By absorbing the Japanese mind set, you will begin to perceive, process, and express yourself in an authentic Japanese way. In the lessons (including online lessons), we will explore the speech and body language of native Japanese speakers - this will increase your awareness of the feelings that lie behind Japanese expressions. By following this approach, you will use a more appropriate grammatical structure and word usage, allowing you to speak Japanese more naturally.

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Personal Description:
Highly experienced,engaging teacher with 26 years experience in teaching. Proven academic success in Sociology, Psychology and Health and Social Care. All reviews are rated 5* via a different website. My success rate this year, 2019, has been a 100%. With students achieving either grade A / A*, or increasing their re-sit / predicted grade by 2 grades. Year on year, success rates have been consistently 100%; with all students securing their grade for their university of choice.

Innovative teacher with 26 years experience in teaching Sociology, Psychology and Health and Social Care. After being a Department Head for 10 years, I went back into main classroom teaching after my son was born and to concentrate on developing educational success for all students, by offering alternative forms of support for students when needed.

I have a track record of success with undergraduate support. Tutees increase either their final degree classification, or are able to progress onto the next level of study, if they were referred. I provide support, direction and academic and academic sign posts of where and how to improve through extending the breadth and depth of essay writing and dissertation work.

I am a qualified Coach, Counsellor and NLP Practitioner. I can therefore provide support for students with anxiety and exam stress; if required. I use Neuro Linguistic Programming techniques (NLP )and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) to help young people cope with everyday challenges and the challenges of study. I am qualified to do so.


M/A Human Relations/ Sociology/ Psychology/Philosophy
P.G.C.E Education Management
P.G.C.E Further Education
2:1 B/A Honours in Organisation Studies/Social Science
Life Coach Level 4 Diploma (Degree Level)
Counselling Level Level 4 Diploma (Degree Level)
Advanced PractitionerQualification in Neuro Linguistic Programming

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Sociology and Health and Social Care since 1993 and introduced GNVQ BTEC programmes in Health and Social Care in different sixth form colleges and have led and managed Sociology departments. I have the expertise required to ensure academic success for all tutees; regardless of the exam board or level.
At have experience in delivering Sociology at GCSE Level and A Level, Psychology at A Level, and Health and Social Care, at BTEC Levels 2 and 3.

I scaled back my departmental roles to focus on more holistic training and approaches to education.

I am a Sociology Examiner with AQA.

I have a variety of experience in supporting undergraduates in raising their degree classification. ( See Section above)

In addition to my role in education, I have 14 years experience of pastoral work with students; coaching clients/students and 5 years experience of practicing NLP and CBT. The strategies I use can help overcome stress and anxiety, which I incorporate during the sessions.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is flexible; all learners have different needs and learn in different ways. I contact my tutee beforehand, to find out as much as I can about the ways they like to learn, this enables me to plan and prepare sessions so the tutee gets the most out of the time we have together. Homework is set and thorough assessment and feedback form an integral part of the tutoring sessions.

As a highly skilled and experienced teacher in Sociology and Health and Social Care, I am able to help the tutee master those tricky areas that may take more time to get to grips with. These areas are usually on specific topic areas or skills that relate to how to answer exam questions. These skills are vital for exam success. Also a qualified and experienced life coach, I often combine coaching and NLP strategies within the context of academic support; to ensure that motivation never wavers and exam stress, panic and anxiety is dramatically reduced.

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Personal Description:
I have always been fascinated with numbers and mathematics was one of my favourite subjects at school. I had the privilege of having a private mathematics tutor and I am eager to give others the support that I received.

Teaching Experience:
During the last five years I have become highly experienced in tutoring at the primary, KS3 and GCSE levels. I also have a strong overall knowledge of the current A level syllabus and I am now looking to gain experience in tutoring at this level also if given the opportunity.

Tutoring Approach:
I would first ask the students if they want to look at any particular topics. If the answer is yes, then I would prepare the necessary material (unless they already have their own material). If the answer is no, then we would follow a more general pattern of study. When I show them a question, I would first allow them to choose if they wish to attempt to answer it, or if they wish for me to help them. If it is the latter, then I would show them a method and then give them a similar question to attempt in order to ensure they understand it.

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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 am a scholar with experience in scientific writing, critical thinking, research and communication. As a researcher, my personal motto is that all of your academic writing ought to be the layman version of your work. This because a scholar - in my case, a philosopher - who cannot ground his reasoning in ordinary intuitions (or at least some intuitions the reader/hearer can grasp) is doomed to produce meaningless contributions to the debate. In addition, putting yourself into the perspective of a non-expert is a good technique for analyzing your own thoughts and spot the potential flaws. Thus, being able to communicate concepts to non-expert is a skill which for me is instrumental towards my own research goals, and one which I took great care in developing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students since the time I was going to high-school. I have also some teaching-assistant experience as a doctoral student. Furthermore, I am currently working on a teaching and orienteering project alongside some teacher of my former high-school.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost, I run some quick tests in order to assess the general skills of the pupil within the relevant field, taking notes on his/her flaws. Once I have identified the area where the pupil has difficulty, I employ a goal-structured teaching strategy: first of all I verify whether the pupil has understood which is the application goal (or one of the goals) of the skill he is trying to (and currently has difficulty to) develop. In case he/she has not understood, I try to explain to him/her, i.e., I frame the relevant skill (for instance, derivative calculus) with reference to a general or specific application goal (for instance, the framing of the relationship between speed and acceleration). I find that often pupils lack cognitive incentive because they have not been presented with the practical application of the knowledge they are trying to acquire.
Regarding language learning, I first try to understand which communicative faculty the individual is more inclined towards to (speaking, listening, reading, vocabulary memorizing, etc.). Then I try to create a bedrock by developing his proficiency in that area, while at the same time encouraging him/her to go out of the comfort zone towards communicative areas where he/she is not confident. On that regard I apply a learning process based on increasing levels of contextual stress (for example, in the case of learning to listening a foreign language, I suggest to start from a situation where the hearer is speaking slowly and then I encourage the pupil to build up his confidence step by step by adding elements like a noisy environment, increased talking speed, lack of background context for the conversation, etc.) This because I believe emotional factors like self-confidence and stress-control are key in catalyzing the cognitive process of acquiring proficiency in a new language.

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