Pensford Tutors and Pensford Tuition

Personal Description:
Native Spanish speaker. A self-motivated and hard working Spanish Teacher with experience designing lessons according to student's needs/requirements. I am able to identify learning difficulties and quickly adapt lessons to bring out the best for each one of the students. An effective communicator

Teaching Experience:
Company: PLAN INTERNATIONAL .Woking , Surrey
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, beginners and intermediate Students
September 2006 - April 2007./ February 2008 - April 2008.

Chris Polatch Foreign Languages, Courses
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Students - January 2008 up to now.

Private Tuition: July 2006 up to now.

April 2005 - March 2006 Freelance Spanish Teacher for novice, beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Institution: ILISA. Panama City - Panama

Tutoring Approach:
The communicative approach centered in developing students' skills and abilities is my preferred tutoring approach, but it depends on the students needs. In the first lesson there is an assessment of competence and a learning style evaluation so I can easily tailor the Spanish course according to the needs of the student.
In all cases, Spanish classes include grammar, written exercises, talking and listening, and the writing practices are carried out through the homework (optional)
Also important the mutual evaluation at the end of each class so that both student and myself can correct/improve something that is not going well in order to fulfill mutual expectations, and have an interesting, funny and efficient Spanish lesson every class.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a lecturer for the past 20 years at both college and university levels. Educated at the universities of London and Birmingham, I am an experienced tutor, teacher, lecturer and author of articles, reviews and a recent book. An historian by training, I am also interested in literature, politics and cultural studies.

My experience of education was incredible, but it might not have been were it not for the motivation and support that I received from a number of outstanding lecturers. It was their example that led me to start teaching and I have found that helping others to learn and achieve academic success gives enormous job satisfaction.

I believe every student has unrealised potential and that with the right approach, all can succeed. I am flexible and believe in helping my students to find a learning style which suits them and enables them to succeed. I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm and besides teaching and writing, my interests include keeping abreast of current affairs, playing cricket and listening to world music.

Teaching Experience:
I tutor a variety of subjects at a range of levels including GCSE, AS, A Level, and Degree in addition to adult learners requiring support. I have experience of teaching students from a variety of cultural backgrounds. I have mentored post-graduate students and proof-read theses and dissertations.

I have over 20 years experience teaching and have taught in classrooms and universities in the United Kingdom and abroad. My students come from a wide range of different age groups and backgrounds and I pride myself on helping all of them to succeed. I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a faculty member of the Foundation for International Education, London and the New College of the Humanities, London. My previous posts have included Programme Director at Birkbeck, University of London and Director of Academics at the Foundation for International Education, London.

Tutoring Approach:
One of my main aims in tutoring is to stimulate an interest in learning, by making the topic as relevant in contemporary terms as possible. Most of the subjects I tutor, from History to Religious Studies have current and on-going social consequences. I have found that making an otherwise dry topic of relevance to a student awakens an interest and desire to learn more. It is those inspirational moments when students become aware of the linkages between what they have read, and what is going on around them that makes tutoring particularly satisfying. This coupled with a growing ability to think critically, usually translates into enhanced coursework grades.

My approach to teaching is based on two fundamental bases. The first is that it is absolutely essential to find contentment in the learning process. This may not come through the actual material that needs to be learnt and it is up to the tutor to inspire in the student the self-assurance to succeed. As your tutor, I will lay down the learning structure and will cement this through detailed lesson plans. The second basis is that supervised practise testing is very important. This needs to be followed by a thorough assessment of the results, in order to understand where improvements need to be made, in both knowledge and approach.

At the younger end, I create a fun learning environment and aim to enhance originality, conscientiousness and self-assurance in the child's ability. In the longer term, I concentrate on problem areas which may have been skated over in class. For more senior students and adult learners, the same principles apply in terms of tailoring lessons to the individual. I mix core concepts with more general study skills and encourage each student to find their own way of independent learning. I am a patient, hard-working and open individual who strives to get the best out of each student and help them achieve their learning objectives. As your tutor I will be available outside of teaching time to answer questions by email and phone, there will be no extra cost for this service.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My aim is to help aspiring music producers to take their projects through to completion and gain all the necessary knowledge and skills along the way. After tracks have been completed, i provide guidance in promotion and legal issues. I have solid links with the industry on all levels.

Having worked for SAE International as a course co-ordinator, my teaching material is tried and tested. I have had several success stories from past students and continue to get positive feedback.

I am providing the only valid alternative to full-time Music Production courses: One-on-one, tailor-made, project oriented courses that can be taken in your own time, either in the studio or from the comfort of your own home.

For complete beginners, i have a series of fast-track courses that will give you the basic skills and tools you need to start your journey into the music industry.

I also provide a production, mixing and mastering service whereby clients can participate in the process and gain invaluable knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
* Honours Degree in Recording Arts

* Course coordinator and trainer for SAE (School of Audio Engineering)

* Train the Trainer certified

*Assistant Engineer to Wes Maebe (Sting/Cat Stevens/Chaka Khan)

* 4 years experience as a private tutor

* More than 15 years experience in the industry in the UK and overseas

Tutoring Approach:
I have a humanistic approach when it comes to teaching. Having taught large classes in the past, i much prefer the focus of a one-on-one class. I work at my student's pace, only moving on when he/she is ready.
My classes are hands-on and project oriented with the aim of producing a finished product, be it a full track or simple drum loop.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm a professional engineer with a passion for developing the next generation of STEM leaders. I've worked in both the Aerospace and Automotive industries with companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Bentley to name a few and I've given talks at universities nationwide about engineering. Tutoring is something I did for many years as a student with great success and I relish the opportunity to get back into it.

I graduated from The University of Sheffield with a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering. Alongside this I partook in several leadership roles such as Academic Officer for the Aerospace Society and pursued my passion for music as part of the jazz band.

I play a variety of instruments including Drums (Traditional and Western), Piano/Keyboard, Guitar and Saxophone. If this goes well enough, I may even be able to quit the day job and go full time with my band!

Teaching Experience:
11+

Maths A-Level.

Physics GCSE

Experience with dyslexia

!!!100% Pass Rate!!!

DBS Checked

Tutoring Approach:
Nobody wants to be in school outside of school; so in knowing this, I like to have an initial consultation whereby I listen to the student's interests, concerns and preferences to ascertain their preferred learning style. I apply real-world practical examples from my experiences to provide greater appreciation for what is being taught as context helps with not only retention but also understanding.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Mathematician and Computer Scientist with 30 plus years plus experience working across both research institutes and business firms. I have a bachelor degree in "Mathematics and Computing", a Master degree in "Mathematics - Numerical Analysis" and I a Doctorate degree in "Computer Science". I am friendly, enthusiastic and honest. I am also bilingual - English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored Mathematics and Computer Science to "GCSE" students and above. I have given 1-2-1 tutoring/coaching to individuals, and courses/seminars to small and large groups of university students and professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide friendly, relaxed lessons either individually or in groups of up to twelve students, tailored exactly to the requirements of my students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very dedicated, patient and outgoing person. I am fluent in French, English and Hindi. I have good communication and organizational skills as I have been team leader for different projects both at university and at my place of work. What I have to offer is an approach to tutoring which will be fun, engaging and challenging on all individual levels, adjusted to their preferred progression pace. I am currently studying Psychology at Kingston University. I have an A-Level certificate bearing an A grade in French and I must say I have always loved the subject.

Teaching Experience:
I gave private tuitions in French and Mathematics up to GCSEs for more than 3 years now, with a group of 8 students. Throughout my experience, I have developed excellent teaching skills and I am now confident in guiding students to the rightful path and help them achieve excellent grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I can easily put myself in the skin of my students and try to turn complicated things into simple terms. I try to maintain a friendly relationship with my students and at the same time be very professional at work. The most important thing to remember is that I was and still am a student, which helps me understand what is expected from a teacher. I also keep track of the student's progress and use different methods such as exam papers which I find very useful to achieve the desired grades to motivate them. Also, I always try to make the student do the same exercises more than once as practice makes perfect. I want to develop a career in teaching hence any experience will be valuable for me.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A former head of music at a comprehensive school, now teaching privately. DBS checked.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching in schools since 2002 and privately since 2008, I have lots of experience teaching GCSE Music.

Tutoring Approach:
1-1 tuition in a friendly and relaxed environment. Resources will be provided to enhance your learning. Lessons are from our purpose built private studio on the the rear of our home.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi guys, to start off with my academic background: I studied at Winchester College and Cambridge University.

I was generally a straight A* student at Winchester, and in my final exams I received some of the highest Cambridge Pre-U grades in the UK for my subjects of Philosophy & Theology, Russian and French (these were D1, D1, D2 - which translates in A-Level terms to A**, A**, A*). At Cambridge I studied a mix of Theology and Philosophy, with a focus on philosophy (ethics and metaphysics), history and literature papers.

In terms of my personal background: I was born in London and have lived in Islington most of my life. I've travelled a great deal, and in my gap year I spent stretches of time living in and travelling around America, Italy, Malta, Russia, Jordan and Pakistan.

In my free time I like classic cinema (Hitchcock especially) and novels (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Dickens are my favourites) but I'm curious about everything really, and I read books of any kind whenever I have the time - especially those relating to History (classical and modern), Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and Literary Analysis.

For most of my professional life so far I've worked as a salesman, lawyer and corporate strategist. I like theatre and stand-up and sketch comedy - Dylan Moran and John Cleese are my favourite comedians - and at Cambridge I performed in a couple of sketch comedy shows alongside members of the Footlights.

I'm friendly, good-humoured, energetic and I love teaching more than anything else!

Teaching Experience:
I've received excellent feedback on my tutoring so far. Here are some quotes I've received from former students who've been kind enough to supply written references for me (I can provide these and their contact details to you on request) :

- "the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from"

- [different student] "I can say without any doubt that he is the best tutor I have ever had."

- "thanks to Jasper, my school results became much better."

- "I can talk endlessly about how much I loved having meetings with Jasper"

- "His ability to convey complex historical concepts with clarity and engagement is a superpower."

- "Jasper's professionalism is also worth highlighting. He is highly organised, punctual, and dependable. He never came to a session unprepared, his teaching materials were always well-structured and insightful."

- "I must give a massive word of praise"

- " I truly hope he will have more students to teach, as he is very talented and truly deserves to be recognised. I wish everyone had a chance to have such a wonderful and supportive tutor."

Please note: The website format unfortunately limits the numbers of subjects I can list; I shall therefore add three more here. In addition to Philosophy, Theology, English, History, Russian and French I am also capable of tutoring up to and including GCSE Latin, basic (ab initio) German, and Debating.

More generally, I am also happy to advise on academic interview performance for elite boarding school or Oxbridge admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
1. So first of all we'll have an introductory session to determine what your interests, strengths/weaknesses and ultimate aims are. If you like me then we can have another session!

At the end of this I'll set an assignment for you to work on before our next session. The assignment may be easy, it may be tricky, it may be normal, it may be quite unusual! It will depend on what your aims and interests are and what I can come up with etcetera.

I'll also try to recommend some valuable learning resources and techniques for you to work with as you prepare that assignment.


2. In our second session we'll go through and discuss the assignment and your answers to it, focusing on different ways of looking at the issue and thinking around it, or effective ways to internalise that knowledge. This will take the form of a dialogue and a conversation that I hope you'll find stimulating and rewarding.

Note: You are welcome to stop sessions with me at anytime; it's entirely up to you and I won't be offended at all. But if you let me, I truly hope to teach you as much as I can.


- In summary the fundamental idea is to make the ideas as fun as possible, to assist you in learning them effortlessly and wanting to learn more. Education is always self-motored; the trick is helping you to fall in love with it. It is also to expose you to a wide array of alternative perspectives to broaden your bank of wisdom. Finally, I can recommend books and podcasts and resources to you that can have enduring value for you far beyond our own sessions, perhaps even for your entire lifetime.

I believe in sparking creativity and helping students make the ideas their own. My aim is to ignite imagination and enthusiasm as I put your intellect to the test, because only then will you really enjoy learning, and only then will you truly do well. Therefore I'll do my very best to generate an enthusiastic but rigorous atmosphere.

My enthusiasm can be pretty infectious... I promise you our conversations will be the opposite of boring!

At the same time, many of you will have real goals : to get better grades on your essays, to pass a crucial academic interview, or to smash your final exams. I believe utterly in studying carefully how to do that, and devising a strategy, so you can work "smart", not just "hard", and achieve your goals. I did this with great success for my own exams, and for many former students. I'm a former corporate strategist at an industry-dominating company! This is a real passion of mine.

Finally I also promise you that I'll also prepare carefully in advance of every session you have with me, to ensure you get the most out of me that you can. I have immense respect for my responsibility to you and your development.

Feel free to try a preliminary session with me!

I so look forward to talking with you,

All the very best,

Jasp

Subjects

Personal Description:
After 37 years full time teaching maths, being an examiner with published materials, and for the last 25 years serving as head of department at a top, selective state school in the north, along with over 30 years of one-to one tuition experience, I have huge knowledge and understanding of how to help a student achieve their maximum potential

Hopefully my profile gives an insight to what I have gained from my professional career and how I can provide the support and help which you seek.

I am highly professional, totally non-judgmental and offer a relaxed, professional working environment in which students will feel relaxed, reassured and able to ask any question in full knowledge that any problems will be fully addressed at a pace and level of understanding which suits them and individually tailored to their needs.

All of this experience allows great attunement with the student, a deep understanding of their needs and difficulties and an excellent ability to address the problems with empathy and a great degree of patience.

Teaching Experience:
With 37 years as a full-time teacher of Mathematics and the last 25 years as Head of Department in one of the top selective state schools in the north, it would be a pleasure to be able to offer my experience to support, guide and help you in this subject.

During this time I have acquired a vast range of experience, navigating through numerous changes to GCSE, A-level as well as having to deal with the impact of Covid.

I have taught the full spectrum across GCSE and A-level, where my abilities to understand a pupil's difficulties and quest to achieve their potential in the subject is at the forefront of my work.

I have had many years as an A-level examiner, author of specimen examination papers for a major education publisher as well as having participated in projects on mathematical education from a European Research Institute.

Along with all of my classroom experience and expertise, I also have over thirty years experience of one-to-one private tuition with a wide variety of students whether they be local, resident in the UK or students from the USA or the Far East

Tutoring Approach:
Behind every target and expected grade, it must be remembered that each student is a unique individual. This has been at the heart of my teaching and tutoring over all these years. After an initial discussion, in which I get to know about your difficulties and goals, there would be a plan designed to address these and tailored made just for yourself.

In our tutor sessions I would offer you a highly professional, yet friendly, working bridge where you feel comfortable and relaxed. You know that you would be free to ask any question, confident that your understanding and ability is progressing forward and that I will always be non-judgmental.

Whilst every session would have a clear target and goal, combined with a sense of achievement, they have to be highly flexible. It may be that we need to take a sidestep to strengthen previous knowledge or alternatively, using my experience, prepare for something which lies ahead. You will feel reassured that my insight and knowledge is ensuring progress is as smooth as possible.

We will always work at a rate comfortable for you and build up and strengthen your knowledge and ability to apply it, as we progress. A solid understanding of especially 'why am I doing this', is very important.

Essential to your progress is the need to use your knowledge and understanding in not only 'standard textbook/worksheet questions' but those set in unfamiliar context as your final exam (or test/end of year) paper will be a mixture. Hence undertaking extra 'homework', will be an essential component to your progress in the subject. I will always ensure you feel prepared to undertake this work which will serve to practice basic understanding as well as pushing you into thinking carefully about how to apply your working knowledge. We would always agree a manageable amount to be completed by an agreed deadline. However, I may also need to be flexible with this as, of course, workloads and pressures can vary during a school year. The fact that you are comfortable raising this issue, means that we can easily work around the matter and reach a solution which eases the situation for you.

I would also offer all my support and experience in helping you prepare for any tests or final exams. There is a lot which can be done to help you mathematically, mentally and psychologically prepare for these stressful events.

Also provided as the result of every lesson, will be a pdf of the notes and work we undertook in a session. This maximises the learning potential in a session as the student is focused on the work being done and undertaking worked questions, and removing the need to 'take notes' and 'keep up'.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Athavan, a passionate and dedicated tutor specialising in Maths and Physics. With a strong academic background, I am committed to helping students achieve their academic goals and build confidence in their abilities.

Background:
I passed my 11+ exams and had the privilege of attending Wilson's Grammar School. This experience instilled in me a love for learning and a strong foundation in Maths and Physics.

Academic Achievements:
In my GCSE exams, I achieved outstanding results, securing a grade 9 in Maths and an A* in Physics. These achievements are a testament to my dedication, hard work, and passion for these subjects.

Master's Degree in Civil Engineering: I hold a Master's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton. This rigorous program equipped me with advanced mathematical and scientific knowledge, which I apply in my career as a Civil Engineer.

Teaching Experience:
With no formal teaching experience, this is why you should choose me:

Personalised Attention: I offer a fresh perspective and a willingness to tailor my approach to suit the individual needs of each student.

Academic Excellence: My own academic achievements serve as proof of my ability to excel in Maths and Physics. I am committed to helping my students achieve similar success.

Commitment to Growth: I am eager to learn and grow alongside my students. Together, we can navigate the challenges of education and celebrate our achievements along the way.

Tutoring Approach:
Passion for Learning: My passion for Maths and Physics runs deep. I believe that enthusiasm is contagious and that my genuine love for these subjects will inspire and motivate my students.

Empathy and Understanding: Having recently been in the shoes of a student, I understand the challenges and pressures they face. I approach tutoring with empathy, patience, and a willingness to adapt to each student's unique learning style.

I will follow a systematic method of teaching which will include finding out what they are struggling with and helping them through the curriculum alongside what they are learning at school. This will be accompanied by worked examples, practice questions, and past paper questions to help them grow in confidence when it comes to exams and assessments

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Tia and I'm an experienced 11+ tutor with over six years of proven success helping KS2 students gain entry into top grammar and independent schools. Having personally navigated the 11+ process as a student at Newstead Wood Grammar School for Girls, I understand both the academic demands and the emotional pressures students face. I specialise in preparing pupils for GL-style exams, focusing on Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, and Non-Verbal Reasoning. Over the years, I have helped students secure places at selective grammar schools such as Newstead Wood, Bexley, Dartford, Tonbridge, and St. Olave's, as well as prestigious independent schools including Highgate and City of London. My tutoring style is results-driven but also supportive, ensuring each student feels confident, motivated, and prepared.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a professional tutor for six years, working with both private clients and established organisations such as Kumon. My experience spans a wide range of abilities and ages, primarily focusing on Years 3 to 6. I have a strong track record in preparing students for 11+ entrance exams, and my lessons consistently lead to tangible academic progress. Many of my students have successfully secured places at highly competitive schools. I pride myself on creating engaging, structured sessions that make learning both effective and enjoyable. I also believe in building strong relationships with parents, providing clear, honest feedback and collaborating to ensure the best outcomes for each child.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are built around active learning and tailored to each student's unique learning style. I start with a quick review to consolidate prior knowledge before introducing new material. For visual learners, I incorporate diagrams and visual aids; for hands-on learners, I use practice problems and interactive activities. I encourage students to ask questions and actively participate, as this deepens understanding and builds confidence. Between lessons, I set targeted tasks to reinforce skills, and I expect students to come prepared with any questions for our next session. I also keep parents updated with regular progress reports, ensuring they are informed and involved in the learning journey. My ultimate goal is to help each student reach their full potential while making the process as engaging and stress-free as possible.

Subjects