Old Down Tutors & Old Down Tuition

Personal Description:
With nearly 15 years of online and in-person tutoring French Common Entrance/13+, Westminster Challenge, Winchester entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, Pre-U, and SAT, I`m a 50-year old graduate of the excellent University of Sussex languages course with a First Class Honours degree in French and Russian. I lived for four years in Paris where I mastered the language and the accent!

I have also acted in plays in French, taking on the role of Alphonse in a production of The School for Wives, and touring to schools abroad to perform in front of students learning French elsewhere in Europe.

I like to stay abreast of French culture and society, read Le Figaro everyday, and regularly watch French TV news and discussion shows.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students at all levels, from 13+ entrance exams, including the Westminster Challenge, to most UK exam boards at GCSE, IGCSE and A-level, and I have also helped prepare students for their SAT in French and the DELF exam. I've taught adults who are complete beginners, or have some vague memories of what they learned at school, as well as helping several students gain entry to Westminster School via their Challenge exam

Since the switch to mostly online teaching, I have become an expert in making the most of the resources available, particularly the collaborative tools provided by Google, among others, which are particularly good for working on exercises and explaining grammar in a clear, helpful way.

Successes from the last (2019-20) academic year included: an two As at A-level, and two 9s at IGCSE, as well as entrance to Winchester College via their own exam.

For A-level students, I have already taught Camus's L'Etranger, Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, Joseph Joffo's Un Sac de Billes, and Zola's Thérèse Raquin, and am very familiar with all the other set texts. Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Entre Les Murs (The Class) and La Haine are the films I am best acquainted with from a teaching point of view.

Here are some comments from a few previous students - originals available on request.

'We could not have asked for a better result - A*s! He got full marks for the reading paper. Thanks so much for all your help, and patience.' - Margaret (parent of home-schooled GCSE student)

'Henry won a scholarship to Westminster. Exactly what he was aiming for." (Leslie, student's mother)

`Thank you so much for all your patient hard work - you taught her exactly the right stuff and there is no way she could have done it without you! I really didn`t think it was possible to teach the whole year 7 curriculum in a week but somehow you managed it. Tiffin Girls is one of the top state schools in the country and rather competitive. Chatting to the other parents outside the exam, most of the competitors went to good independents or had been tutored over a long period of time. You really knew not only what to teach but how to teach it, which shows you have exceptional skills.` - Anoushka (pupil`s mother)

`Just thought I should let you know I got an A! Thanks for all your help` - Helena (A-level student)

'I ended up with an "A"... thanks for all your help, both my spoken papers improved, over my previous efforts.' - Philip, mature student sitting AS and A2 French

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to tailor lessons specifically to a student's needs, but my general method is to engage him or her at a level just above their 'comfort zone'. Learning is about challenging yourself to do better, and it is crucial for a tutor to be supportive and encouraging, and also to keep the bar high.

Lessons can be conducted entirely in French, or in a mixture of English and French. I can work alongside a student's existing course (that is, from a textbook a student is already following), or we can use course books that I recommend.

Where the level allows, I like to draw upon material from contemporary sources such as French news magazines.

For "conversation classes", I find it is useful to base the discussion on an article or a book to help build vocabulary, and also think that incorporating grammar instruction (where appropriate) can be a good idea.

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Personal Description:
I am a motivated, organised and friendly young woman. I love working with children and I am passionate about sport. I want to become a teacher and I am currently working as a classroom assistant at a high school. I am mainly in maths supporting foundation and higher curriculum at key stage 3 and 4 . I received an A at maths at GCSE and understand the curriculum fully. I studied Sport Science with Coaching at Northumbria University. I have had substantial experience in numerous schools and with a range of departments. I am very capable of working one on one with children and also with groups of children.

Teaching Experience:
I have had work placements at Haydon Bridge High School teaching P.E to ages 13-18 for a period of 6 weeks, then assisting various classes for 75 hours over 4 months. I undertook several roles; teacher, clasroom assistant, organiser of fixtures and one on one tutor. I also returned to Haydon Bridge High school as a volunteer, assisting in P.E lessons.
I am currently emplyed as a classroom assistant at Queen Elizabeth High school. My main role is to work with one or two children with Special Educational Needs within the classroom supporting their learning. I may also have to work with a whole class, supporting all the children. It is vital for my role that I understand and can teach the curriculum, as I may have to work outside the classroom with the child and will need to tutor them in that subject area. The majority of the students I am currently working with have made progress since I have been put with them and other students are asking to be placed with me or for me to put on revision sessions for them.

Tutoring Approach:
Every child is unique. They each have their own way of learning and have different abilities in a variety of areas. This can not always be addressed within a school environment, as it can be difficult to differentiate the topic which is being taught to a large number of pupils. I understand that each child will work at a different rate therefore my rate and style of teaching will alter to suit the student. I believe that tutoring is about guiding a child to find their own way towards an answer and not making them follow your way as they may not understand the process which you have followed. I can also comprehend the amount of work which students are having to complete weekly, thus I would not supply them with a large workload alongside their normal studies.

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Personal Description:
My name is Clementine. I am living on the Isle of Man. I am looking to pass on my knowledge to the next generation. I went to Newcastle university where I studied Applied Sport and Exercise Science (BSc). Following this I became a personal trainer receiving level 3 and finally went onto doing a PGCE course where I received my QTS and an outstanding grade. My school recently had Ofsted, where I was observed by two members who both gave me outstanding lesson observations. I am a friendly character just wanting to help children.

Teaching Experience:
My school recently had Ofsted, where I was observed by two members of Ofsted who both gave me outstanding lesson observations. I have been in three different schools with many different children. I have had a CRB check. I have taught in year 4 for three years and two years in year 3.

Tutoring Approach:
Never say never ! There is no such thing as 'can't' ! With a little nurturing and guidance anything can be achieved !

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Personal Description:
A 32-year-old French native from Normandy, I've been living in Manchester for seven years. Prior to that, I worked as a qualified English teacher in France until I decided to move back to Manchester, where I now work as an English-to-French literary and specialised translator.

I've been passionate about languages from a very early age, taking relish in studying and comparing the idiosyncrasies of French and English - from idioms to slang to past participle agreement! Training in translation and working as a translator has made me an expert linguist with a thorough knowledge of the intricacies of the French language and a perfect command of French grammar and spelling.

Teaching Experience:
My language teaching experience includes:
- 2 years working as a qualified English teacher in French secondary schools
- 2 years working as a French Language Assistant near Manchester (including Stockport Grammar School, where I tutored AS- and A-Level students)
- 9 years working as an English teacher (with French students) during two-week language summer courses in England (University of Essex, University of Cambridge, Devon)

I have also taught and run workshops in various other contexts (drama workshops, translation workshops and conferences, reading competitions in primary schools, etc.). My diverse experience not only means I'm comfortable teaching learners of any age but it has also made me an adaptable teacher who's aware that everyone has a different way of learning.

My qualifications:
- Master of Arts in translation (English-to-French/French-to-English), with distinction (University of Salford, 2012)
- CAPES (equivalent to PGCE) in English
- Bachelor of Arts in English (University of Rouen, France)

My translation portfolio includes work for Parisian publishers (novels and essays) as well as for English and French translation agencies alike. Most recently I have translated a number of psychological thrillers such as Michelle Frances' The Girlfriend and The Temp. Recent clients include Air France, Deliveroo, Estée Lauder, Ipsos, Porsche, Kedge Business School, Pernod Ricard, Sony, Swarovski, Uniqlo, Universal, etc.

Tutoring Approach:
I happily offer private or 2-to-1 French conversation sessions to learners with prior knowledge of French (B2/near-B2 level or higher). These can be:
- Casual learners (adults) with a penchant for French and French culture who are willing to broaden their vocabulary range, hone their grammar skills and further improve their fluency
- University students willing to achieve greater fluency, further hone their language skills and/or prepare for their oral exams
- A-Level students willing to prepare for their oral exams (based on a list of themes studied and/or on the topic chosen by the student for his/her individual research project)

Conversation sessions can be mostly informal and primarily aimed at helping you achieve greater fluency. However, should you require it, I'm also happy to tackle grammar points and help you regularly expand your vocabulary range through exercises and systematic revision of the new words/phrases taught.

The first session (45 min) is free so that we can make sure we get along and everything runs smoothly. It will also serve to define precisely what your expectations are so as to ensure every session is tailored to your needs.

Depending on your preference, sessions can be:
- run entirely in French: any grammar points/unknown vocabulary will be explained/paraphrased in French
or
- run predominantly in French, with grammar points being explained in English/unknown vocabulary being translated into English when necessary.

Sessions can take place in a cosy café in Manchester city centre, at Manchester Central Library or at your place if you live in Manchester city centre.

I'm available mostly in the evenings and at weekends; however don't hesitate to let me know about your preferred times as I'm pretty flexible.

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Personal Description:
Background:
• BA (hons) Fine Art,
• Master of Fine Art Photography
• Photography teacher with 20 + years experience.

Enhanced DBS (on update service)


Please contact me if you are struggling to access tutoring financially as I may be able to offer discounts.

Please Note: Any tutoring must be booked within 3 months of request

Teaching Experience:
Experience in Levels:
• GCSE, AS, A2, City & Guilds
• Outreach, youth work, Access (to degree)
• BA photography.
• MA / MFA photography

Subjects Offered:
• Digital photography
• Analogue film photography and alternative processes.
• Art and design
• Reading and writing

Key Skills:
• Adult Mental Health Aware (MHFA England)
• Safeguarding Essentials (CYLiX)
• Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (St. Johns' Ambulance)
• Adobe Suite
• Microsoft Office Suite


Work Place Experience:
• Tutor / technical instructor BA/MFA - University for creative arts (UCA Farnham)
• Photography teacher - The Royal School, Haslemere, Surrey.
• Photography teacher / outreach placements - Alton College, Alton, Hampshire
• Facilitator art-based workshops - community hubs in Surrey and Hampshire
• Outreach Youth Hubs - Hampshire Youth Service

Tutoring Approach:
With a strong foundation in teaching, creative practice, and hands-on support roles, I offer a compassionate, adaptable, and proactive approach to education.
I've worked across a wide range of settings, from secondary and further education to 1:1 tution, SEND, hub-based art and craft sessions developing excellent communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage complex responsibilities with empathy and professionalism.
Learning should be fun and relaxed, and as such my approach is very practice based.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a PhD in Mathematics from the University of Cambridge. While studying in my Bachelor's program in Russia and the Master's program at Cambridge I have developed a deep appreciation of the beauty of Mathematics and decided to specialize in the area. This eventually led to creating a new mathematical theory and defending my thesis.

As much as I like pondering on math problems on my own, it is especially important in maths to be able to explain the area to others, be they your colleagues, undergraduate and high school students or interested adults. Moreover, I found teaching really exciting and always feel extremely happy to see my students succeed.

Teaching Experience:
I have a lot of tutoring experience at various levels from 10-year-old kids to high-schoolers, university students and adults. Having started by helping my classmates in high school, I never stopped developing as a teacher. I worked for various tutoring companies as well as found students on my own gaining invaluable experience. I have prepared numerous students to A-levels and GSCE and overall know a lot about the UK education system. I have also prepared many students for the SAT Math Subject Test and various mathematical tournaments.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a few basic principles when working with students although my approach varies considerably from one student to another. As a first priority, I teach students the skills they need to solve problems effectively and efficiently, which helps them both in short-term goals (exam or competition) and overall increases their mathematical ability. Although A-level and GSCE scores can increase considerably by direct memorization of methods, I mostly focus on the underlying concepts which proves to be more beneficial to my students. That is, I teach all my students to think and understand and not just to memorize!

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Personal Description:
I am very hard working and diligent. Apart from being good at studies, I have excellent communication and presentation skills. I have the ability to present my knowledge base in words such that the students can grasp faster and retain longer.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced maths teacher having taught at the UK's best value-added selective girl's
grammar school in Reading.I have been guided and trained by the school's best and most experienced maths teachers. I have received very good feedback from my students, and they have shown tremendous improvement in their aptitude and performance. Maths have always been my favorite subject. I have been tutoring maths for over 5 years now.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy tutoring students of different levels and abilities. I have a very adaptive way of teaching. I cater to the needs of the student. I have the ability to explain complex topics in a way that my students can understand. I can assure my lessons are enjoyable and productive such that the students actually enjoy learning the subject rather than feel obligated.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from London School of Economics (LSE) having studied Accounting & Finance. I have always been very passionate and enthusiastic about Mathematics, it has always my favourite subject at school. I was lucky to have some amazing inspirational teachers who took their time to explain topics thoroughly and pushed students who showed interest and capability. I'd love to be able to help other students in a similar way.

I am able to tutor in Northwood, Ruislip, Pinner, Harrow and the surrounding areas.

I can tutor in the following subjects:
-Mathematics (Edexcel) at GCSE, IGCSE and
-Mathematics (Edexcel) AS/A2 Levels (C1, C2, C3, C4, S1, M1)
-Further Mathematics (Edexcel) at AS Level (FP1, M2, D1)

I studied the above subjects myself and am therefore, quite familiar with them.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2012. I use a variety of resources including worked examples, past papers questions, mini tests and worksheets as well as online resources.

During my second year at LSE, I volunteered as a classroom assistant within the Mathematics department at Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School in Islington. During secondary school, I also helped many fellow students in lunch breaks and after school as well as tutoring my siblings often covering a topic from scratch. All of this has helped me develop patience and understanding of how students think and the common mistakes and misconceptions that they have.

Tutoring Approach:
If the student already knows which topics they struggle with, then I am able to focus on those specific areas using a variety of resources. If necessary, I may "test" their current knowledge and capabilities by asking them to work through 1-2 questions so I can see their thought process and therefore, tailor any advice and teaching accordingly.

If a student completely doesn't understand a topic/area, then I would start from the basics and use plenty of worked examples and textbook/past paper questions to cement their knowledge and understanding as the key to doing well is achieved through practicing as many questions as possible!

I am incredibly patient, polite and well mannered. I have experienced the struggles of GCSEs and A Levels and can relate to the students concerns and worries. I have mentored several students and younger siblings/family relatives through their secondary school years and beyond, which I think makes me an ideal choice as a tutor.

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Personal Description:
My Name is Haemin. Recently, I have recently moved from London to Cramlington and I would like to continue private tuitions in the areas I have experiences. I have passions on Maths and related subjects such as Physics and Computer sciences, During the last few years I have been working with a number of Private Tutorial Institutions and still I am registered with them. Usually, they provide me students in these areas of my expertise. I have published a number of Youtube lectures in some interesting areas that A-Level and graduate students may benefit from them, I can still find big potential in my self to deliver to mainly A level students and some areas at graduate levels.

Teaching Experience:
I have more that 25 years experience in teaching in the subjects of Maths, Computer Science and Physics at A level and some degree levels. I assume myself as highly experienced teacher. During these years I have worked (full time or part time) in State schools and private colleges and also private tuitions. I enjoy teaching and delivering whatever my brain has to new generation, My Energy is endless in this work and especially privately and with small group of students

Tutoring Approach:
My approaches in teaching and tutoring are very flexible depending on the needs and ways the students would like. This enables me to deliver. Always I attempt to make the topics as enjoyable as possible, as practical as possible, as realistic as possible, etc. Especially, nowadays and through the lockdown time and using online. Through, online: presentation on the topics can be animated and decorated to enable deep penetration to the brain of the students. I also assume that learning is always possible and achievable even if the student is Dyslectic or disable. My theme always shows that there is NO Impossible. And many more...

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Personal Description:
Electrical Engineer with 15+ years of experience in Electrical Design, Engineering, Project Management

Teaching Experience:
Have tutored professional Engineers for more than 5 years

Tutoring Approach:
Interactive
Feedback

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Personal Description:
I'm local to Much Wenlock and live a stonesthrow from the local bus stop and William Brookes School here in Much Wenlock.

I have a genuine desire to help those who may be struggling with their English and History and would benefit form additional 1-2-1 support.

On completing my Degree at UCS Shrewsbury in English Literature and Creative Language, I later passed a Level 3 Award in Education and Training (TQUK/RQF)

Teaching Experience:
Although I have little teaching experience I have began supporting and tutoring Key Stage 4 Students in Much Wenlock who are currently studying for GCSE English Language & Literacy.

Tutoring Approach:
• are you studying for sats or gcse/a-level english or history?
• do you require additional support outside of the classroom or because you have chosen to be homeschooled.
• are you seeking support or coaching on exam technique?
• are you perhaps neurodivergent and think it would be of help if your tutor was neurodivergent too?
• would you benefit by gaining support from a younger tutor who passed both gcse & a-level english and history, going on to achieve a ba (hons) degree in english and creative writing?

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Personal Description:
Spanish Tuition
With over 22 years of teaching experience at Dulwich College, I have a proven track record of guiding students to achieve top A-Level results, including A* grades. Now retired from full-time teaching, I offer private tuition tailored to the needs of each learner.
Whether your goal is to refine conversational fluency, master advanced grammar, or explore Spanish literature and culture, I provide expert support to help you succeed.
Limited spaces available.
Tuition is also available for adults at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced speakers.

Teaching Experience:
1981-82: I.L.E.A.: -Dunraven School, London
"O"Level Spanish
Group of 8 students

Richard Atkins School, London
"Spanish for beginners"
Group of 10 students

Stockwell Manor Branch, London
"Spanish for beginners" Level 2
Group of 10 students

2001- City Lit Covent Garden London
Spanish Art in Spanish Level 5
33-week course introducing the History of Spanish Art as a means of
practicing conversation skills.

2002-2022 -Dulwich College London
Spanish Lectora

2002-2004 -James Allen's Girls' School - Dulwich
Spanish Lectora

Tutoring Approach:
About Language Teaching
I believe that teaching is an art. Everyone has the potential to learn, regardless of mental hindrances. In my view, the role of a teacher is to understand both the limitations and strengths of each pupil and tailor a unique course accordingly.
The most essential requirement for a pupil is passion and the willingness to learn; the rest is the teacher's responsibility.
I started teaching Spanish as a means of earning a living when I first came to the UK in 1973. Ever since then, it has always been a source of income. I am a professional painter, but selling paintings is not a reliable form of income. I have excellent references from former students that I can provide on request.

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