Old Roan Tutors and Old Roan Tuition

Personal Description:
A flexible, organised and fully qualified educational practitioner with more than twelve years of teaching and leading expertise with an unparalleled ability to explain complicated mathematical concepts in an easily understandable manner.I have done MEd with specialisation in teaching and learning.I have more than twelve years of teaching experience across U.K and overseas.I

Teaching Experience:
I have worked at Furze Platt Senior School in Maidenhead ,Windsor Girls school and Churchmead school in Datchet. I am highly enthusiastic, very passionate and committed teacher. I teach Maths across KS3, KS4 and especially A Levels.My subject specialisms are Mathematics and Statistics.
Currently I am working as KS5 Maths Lead at a school and is actively involved teaching lessons to A levels and GCSE students with proven success record. Encouraging and patient provide individualised and extracurricular support for students that are struggling learning concepts and mathematical topics .

Tutoring Approach:
Before tutoring, I always have a word with the student to help me prepare for the lesson according to his/her needs and working national curriculum level. When I explain concepts, I always simplify them by relating to daily life examples. I turn abstract concepts to real-life phenomena which become easy for my students to understand. My problem -solving skills are robust as I combine my ICT, Physics and Mathematics knowledge. As a fully qualified teacher, I use several internet sites to access teaching and learning resources which are extremely useful extensions for my students. I believe in thriving for excellence and I have proven successful track record at my work places.
Blended/online teaching experience has been exceptional during COVID times.

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Personal Description:
A recent University of Leeds graduate with a 2:1 class BSc (Hons) in Economics and Mathematics (Industrial) who is currently teaching in a secondary school in Birmingham. I am a passionate individual who strives to inspire younger generations to accomplish their full mathematical potential and to actually enjoy the subject. Throughout university, I undertook a wide range of mathematics modules to enhance my understanding of the subject I have an enormous passion for. I have held many positions of responsibility, including being a STEMnet ambassador, an Aston University mentor, a Punjabi school assistant teacher, a voluntary English teacher in South Africa, a course representative, the Bhangra society treasurer, the Sikh society interfaith representative and others.

Teaching Experience:
I have a years experience as a Maths teacher within a secondary school in Birmingham. This involved teaching a variety of Maths classes, of different sizes, abilities and age ranges from 11-16 as well as being a form tutor. I have had experience of tutoring an A-Level student, a year 9 student and a GCSE student. In eight short weeks I was able to help this student achieve the desired A-grade she had hoped for, improving by a massive two grades. The huge feeling of pride and satisfaction from this sparked a passion for teaching mathematics. I have also completed the Teach First Insight Programme. The final week of this scheme involved teaching in Nene Park Academy in Peterborough and I was able to give a year 9 class a mathematics lesson.

Tutoring Approach:
Clear explanations, listening to the students, plenty of practice with live marking and most importantly, patience.

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Personal Description:
I am 28, currently working as a personal tutor.
My degrees in engineering have given me good problem solving skills and a good mathematical background. I enjoy tutoring, I have been teaching on one to one and group basis for a long time.

Teaching Experience:
Experienced in assisting students in improvement in maths, Physics, and also in civil and structure engineering.
I have had 21 student so far.
I have been teaching students from A-levels to university and with different backgrounds. I enjoy teaching and I am extremely patient.

Tutoring Approach:
A comprehensive approach to study ensures students are motivated and organised to benefit from all learning opportunities.

A range of materials is employed to stimulate interest and facilitate input.

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Personal Description:
My adventure with Martial Arts began in 1991 joining in Karate Kyokushin club in Lublin Poland. After 3 years of training, I become an instructor leading numerous groups for children and adults teaching Karate and Self-Defence. Over the years my interest was directed as well onto other Martial Arts, Aikido, Judo, Ju-Jutsu, Shaolin Chi-Na, Jeet Kune Do, moreover I was practicing with Nunchaku, Bo, Tonfa, and Japanese Fencing Kendo. In 2003 I Have erected Bushido School in Lublin teaching Karate KyokushinKan, Free Running, and as a first person in this region Kendo. In 2006 I moved to Edinburg Scotland where In 2010 reached for 3rd Dan in Karate KyokushinKan and become Branch Representative in Scotland. During that time I took part in numerous Tournaments both regional and international competing in Kata (forms) and Kumite (free fight) Achieving 2nd Place In International Tournament Oyama Cup Gdansk 2003.
I was involved in organizing Self Defence seminars with international recognized specialist Rory Miller in Edinburgh and Coordinating his tour in the UK.
Additionally, I have Master Degree in Sociology of Culture Maria-Curie Sklodowska University in Lublin Poland, and I am qualified Hypnotherapist, currently studying Counseling.
Now I am providing individual and group sessions to motivated and open minded students.

Teaching Experience:
1993-2003 Instructor of Karate Kyokushin ans Self-Defence working for Lubelski Klub Karate Kyokushin. (Adult and children groups)
2003-2006 President of Bushido School in Lublin, teaching Karate KyokushinKan, Self-Defence, Kendo, Free Running. (Adult and children groups)
2006-until now. Teaching one to one and groups (seminar system)
2016- until now Archery instructor in Leith Archery Edinburgh (Adult and children groups)

1997-2008 Instructor on various Karate Kyokushin Training Camps

2009 I was involved in final preparation for 2 Dan graduation of my Student / Close Friend

2003-2006 Founder and Head Instructor of Ken-Do Association in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)
2003-2006 Founder and Head Instructor of Free Running group in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)
2003-2006 Head Instructor of Kumite (tournament system), Kata and Self-Deference Seminars in Poland Lublin (Szkola Bushido)

2010- Branch Chief Nomination for Scotland in Karate KyokushinKan

Author of:
"Moje Karate" available ksiegarnia.publikatornia.pl
and
"Modern Martial Arts" Amazon

Tutoring Approach:
I accept students who are motivated to develop skills on One to One basis or groups.

Student needs to commit for full one grade study (Karate Kyokushinkan). The length of study is dictated by the level Kyu, Dan.
Students who would like to take Karate Study will be registered with the international Karate KyokushinKan Organisation.

Self Defense Students depends on the program (theory of violence, practical application, power generation, tactics) Booking for full blocks.

Japanese Fencing, practical application (no grading available) one session booking or package available.

Archery, one session booking or package available.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher of Photography and Urdu language. I can help you, as I have helped all of my previous and current students, to learn more effectively and score higher on your exams.

Teaching Experience:
Experience: I have been a -qualified teacher for more than a decade and I have a background in interdisciplinary teaching and education and I have focused on developing strategies to help students achieve far higher than they have been predicted or than they expected in their evaluations and exams. I can also give online sessions . thanks

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a 1.5 hour introductory photography lesson to individual adult learners at the special rate for students.
This may be enough to help you get to grips with your camera and/or establish whether the teaching methods and aims fit. Normal session is 2 hours minimum.




I also like to teach photography in a creative way, allowing the pupil to develop their own style through a process of fieldwork, set projects and the study of other artists and photographers. They will start to see the world in a different way. It is a great confidence builder as well as a skills provider.

I am also able to teach groups at special rates and team-building days with corporates and organisations. Mentoring of individuals in the process of career change and personal development. Please enquire about any of the above.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a serious Photographer who wants to expand on their techniques in Photography for professional use or a casual amateur who wants to become competent at handling a compact camera to create compelling lasting photographic memories, whatever your requirements I can deliver the learning that will enable you to achieve.

Photography skills covered, for Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced learners:
- Camera craft (Digital or Film)
- Understanding exposure
- The appropriate use of depth-of-field
- The art of composition
- Editing and managing your digital photographs with your computer
- Colour balancing
- Photo-retouching with Photoshop (or another photo enhancement software on demand)
- Photo-manipulation

I work at my students pace. Learning-to-Task approach (The lessons are tailored to what you want to achieve, with the most effective route delivered to your learning styles). From the ground up, you/the student will understand all the principles and application of the skills you want to gain.

I use re-enforced learning methods so you are left confident that you can achieve the desired results on your own.
I follow these lessons with the option of remote telephone/Skype support, if ever you get stuck.
N.B. Lessons can be taken within one year of purchase. Additional rates quoted for travel beyond central London.

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Personal Description:
I have a strong foundation in Film and Media, which is clearly exemplified by my degree and my experience in the media prior to becoming a teacher. A key focus within my degree was the making of new and innovative content for emerging new media technologies, digital broadcasting underlined by learning traditional narrative structures and learning the production process from pre-production to post-production for Film and TV. My degree gave me a strong foundation in the skills required for creating creative media and film productions across a range of media platforms, as well as providing me with the fundamental theoretical concepts underlying film, digital media and communication technologies.

Throughout my teaching career, I have regularly achieved grades of 'outstanding', which has been consistent throughout by PGCE and NQT, leading me to deliver whole school insets on teaching and learning on creative and innovative strategies using new media technologies to raise standards. My teaching is constantly recognised for my creative approach to resources and the use of visual media technology. I am a strong believer that there must be a consistent delivery of high quality lessons by theoretical and practical approaches to learning. I have produced the Media and Film curriculum two-year programmes for the past 10 years and designed several schemes of work for GCSE and A Level. All students in the last 10 years I have taught have achieved excellent results, achieving in the top 5% nationally. Under the new grading system all my GCSE students achieved 8-9 and my A Level achieved A*-B. I am a moderator and examiner for WJEC GCSE and A Level Courses. I teach individual and group sessions.

The ability to teach acting and filmmaking has allowed me to explore in-depth the different focuses of screen acting. Exploring the inner truth of character development using Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Larry Moss and Stanford Meisner has consistently developed my directing skillsets in understanding the director actor relationship, sharing my skillset has developed pupils directing tools bringing out stronger emotional driven performances. I enjoy anthropology, studying human societies, cultures and their behaviours allowing me to explore a vivid pallet of interests, which informs my teaching.

The ability to teach acting and filmmaking has allowed me to explore in-depth the different focuses of filmmaking. Exploring the inner truth of character development using Stella Adler and Uta Hagen. Teaching Stanford Meisner with a focus on screen training has allowed me to continually develop my directing skillsets in understanding the director actor relationship. The feeling of exploring characterisation and developing characters is an opportunity to explore in-depth ideas about the world, aiming to find the truth and aspiring to entice the audience to explore their own inner thoughts, excites me greatly. I value the importance of exploring psychological decisions characters make, what leads to their actions or not in an incurring way showing the human condition at its best and worst. I think emotionally and focus with students on making strong psychological choices, raising the dramatic values and a sense of urgency in scenes has influenced my teaching through Larry Moss and Stanford Meisner's teachings.

I've been teaching and lecturing for 15 years on different film movements and periods through early cinema to present day. I regularly analyse key film texts exploring all areas of film form and the aesthetical quality. I have a strong knowledge on the histrionics of film through intellectual engagement. My ability to teach practical filmmaking from production and post-production has driven my love for cinema. I use the study of film scenes to support actors in analysing actor's choices, tactics and objectives, voice, movement and how actors work in different screen compositions and frames.

Teaching Experience:
I was employed at Arts Educational Schools in the role of Head of Media and Film Department and was previously employed as a Teacher of Media Studies and BTEC Film and TV production at Twyford Church of England High School in Acton. I joined Twyford in 2010 as an NQT. My PGCE placement schools were Charles Edward Brooke Girls School (Media and Performing Arts specialism) and St Francis Xavier College. Twyford was graded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted during my time under the last inspection. During my time at ArtsEd the school won the ISA Award for best Independent School 2015, Stage Award 2015 and gained Arts Mark Gold, thus I have learnt a lot from excellent practitioners and leaders throughout schools.

I am currently working as a Screen Acting and filmmaking practitioner. I am currently Programme leader for BA Screen Acting at Met Film School. Previously I use to be the Head of Filmmaking at City Academy Film School and led on the BFi Filmmaking programme. I was the curriculum lead design and taught Screen Acting at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year (BA Hons) Acting programmes. I am a private acting coach preparing professional actors for casting in TV and Film. I taught at Identity School of Acting focus on screen and text for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am driven by a great desire to educate, motivate and to inspire young people through exciting and innovative teaching and learning practices. I have the skillset and capabilities to lead by example and ensure that those that students - are supported and encouraged at all levels. The development of each pupil's work ethic and hunger for learning, aspirations, celebrating excellence, teamwork, inspiration, commitment, professionalism and positivity. All students get detailed feedback on written assessments and performances on how to improve their techniques. I provide reading material and additional resources to support their development.

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Personal Description:
I am a Black Belt, Enhanced DBS checked and first aid trained instructor who has been taught by world-renowned instructors, including Al Peasland (Personal Safety expert and founder of Complete Self Protection); Geoff Thompson (Polled as the Number 1 self-defence instructor in the world and the most influential martial artist since Bruce Lee); Peter Consterdine (International Security Consultant and Professional Bodyguard with over 40 years of experience in martial arts); along with many more world-class martial arts and self defence.instructors.

Classes are suitable for children under the age of 14 of all genders. If you are also interested in classes suitable for anyone aged over 14, please click the link below.

Teaching Experience:
I have trained in martial arts and self-defence for over 28 years and have been an instructor for over 20 years. I am a fully qualified black belt instructor experienced in teaching children, teenagers, adults and families

Tutoring Approach:
I teach fun, friendly and safe classes and specialise in the practical and realistic application of martial arts, self defence, personal safety and self protection techniques with a strong emphasis on personal improvement and development, especially when dealing with fear in both physically threatening and non-threatening situations.

My junior classes consist of safe, fun, martial arts techniques covering martial arts such as Karate, Kickboxing, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), and Self Defence. Martial Arts is proven to help improve many aspects of children's lives, including health, discipline, concentration, confidence, behaviour and listening skills. Our classes include fun drills such as dodgeball to help enhance technical skills.

My Teen and Adult martial arts and self-defence classes cover realistic applications of martial arts, such as Traditional Karate, Muay Thai Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), weapons and knife defence, Kali Escrima, and other Japanese, Chinese and Filipino Martial Arts as well as practical self-defence skills.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced, qualified Maths teacher with a track record of good results. I have a First Class Honors BSc in Mathematics from Durham University and a PGCE from Kings College London. I am a well-rounded, high-achieving and compassionate person. I achieved 5 As at A level and have a diploma in piano performance.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a qualified classroom teacher for 8 years and, in addition, have tutored students ranging from age 7 up to adult. I have taught at a Grammar School in the UK as well as private schools in Malaysia and the UK. My classroom teaching has been for students aged between 11 and 18 and includes GCSE, IGCSE, IB and A level Mathematics and Further Mathematics. My students have always achieved well due to the fact that I inspire them to enjoy the subject and know how best to prepare them for their exams. This is because I have an in-depth knowledge of the curriculum as well as the common misconceptions students have for each topic.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every student is capable of succeeding in Maths as long as they are taught in a way suited to them. I also believe that it is important in Maths to truly understand the content and how it all fits together. Making links between topics is vital as there is then less to remember and it becomes much easier to recall information in future. Maths is a subject which requires a lot of resilience and many students suffer from Maths anxiety because of the fear of getting it wrong. In the classroom, students can often struggle if they are not receiving the individual support they need and, as a tutor, I have a unique opportunity to give this.

As a tutor, my first task is to ensure that each student believes they can succeed. I pride myself on my ability to connect with my students, work out what they need in order to understand the content and create a safe environment where they are not afraid to make mistakes. I show them that mistakes are learning points in Maths and the path to success is to persevere through these and adapt your knowledge as you progress through each topic. As a teacher and a tutor, I am able to guide students through this process.

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Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

*

During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

Personal Description:
¡Hola!
My name is Susana and I am originally from Madrid. I am such a passionate Spanish tutor with over 7 years of teaching experience, providing Spanish lessons to complete beginners to advanced students.

Before moving to the UK, I completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in Early Years Education in Alcalá de Henares University (Spain).

Teaching Experience:
My work experience goes from working as a nursery nurse to work as a Spanish Assistant in secondary schools assisting GCSE and A-Level Spanish students.
I have been working with completely beginners, GCSE and A/Level students and advanced students.

While in the UK I also studied for and obtained my C1 Cambridge Advanced certificate for fluency in English.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to adapt to any student requirement. Anything you want to improve; I will be happy to help you with. Don't worry if your Spanish is not great, I'm here to help you, anyone can learn a language.

As a speaker and student of various languages myself (ex Welsh student), I know that learning a new language isn't always easy and presents many challenges. For this reason, I like to share my own experience and learning tools with students to get over those hurdles!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a creative, passionate, patient and empathetic teacher and careworker with years of experience supporting children across their primary school journeys to find their confidence and love of learning. Over the years I have worked both in schools as an SEND TA and a mainstream class teacher, and outside of schools supporting families and young people with SEND to access support.

Outside of teaching, I love reading, creating artwork, keeping active, pottering in the garden and discovering new films and podcasts!

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education for nearly 9 years, starting out as a teaching assistant supporting children with a range of special educational needs which I continued to do whilst studying for a Master's in Psychology of Education and then for my PGCE.

In my time as a TA and then class teacher, I have worked with every year group from Reception to Year 6, gaining a strong awareness of the full primary curriculum and quality teaching strategies to make progress with children across all levels of confidence and experience. I have significant experience supporting children with a range of SEND, including autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia, Down's syndrome, speech and language disorders, brain injury and difficulties with mental health and trauma.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that all learning relies on creating an environment where children feel safe and inspired to take risks, make mistakes and try new challenges. For confident learners, this allows them to take themselves to newer and even more exciting problem solving; for those who are anxious or struggling to access a subject or learning in general, this means they can discover the strategies which work for them and show themselves that they are able to move forwards.

I will always take a child-centred approach, talking to families and children about what is already working for them and figuring out together what barriers they may be facing, so that I can scaffold their learning in the most effective way for them. Sessions will aim for a balance of fun, determination and curiosity, and plenty of opportunities to look back and appreciate what they've achieved.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Experienced maths teacher with over a decade of teaching across KS3 to KS5, including AL and Furthermaths. IGCSE , GCSE, AQA LEVEL2.
I have a 5 years of teaching online experience and each of my lessons will be tailored to your need. Not a one size fits all approach.
Each lesson will follow learning that will link. Exam focus and getting to know how to maximise your performance under examination condition.
Typical lesson will include PowerPoint, IWB and resources or relevant material shared with you via teaching platform .

Teaching Experience:
Teaching since 2013. Specialist Alevel and FM

Tutoring Approach:
Every lesson will focus on strengthening your learning and mathematical mastery - engaging you to analyse maths rather then do the maths. Linking key concepts and connection finding whilst practicing. This will enable you to become confident and fluent. Retain knowledge by revisiting and leading to complex multistage problem solving skills. At the same time I will offer preparation through the repetition of the same process. We will visit each and every topic until you are confident and ready for the next stage.
However keeping in mind that one hour will not magically change your results. You will need dedication and hard work outside the lesson to achieve the goal you wish to.

Subjects