Pensford Tutors and Pensford Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a native speaking qualified tutor with more than 19 years of' language training experience. I have worked for the University and secondary schools as well as taught privately. Furthermore, I have first-hand experience of running businesses, which helps me better understand the needs and requirements of my business clients. I have experience in successfully preparing my students for their GCSE and A-level exams as well as supporting university students.

I have authored a series of Russian language textbooks, available on Amazon, at Foyles, Waterstone's and other major book-stores and used at universities and schools worldwide.

I am also a qualified English language teacher currently working on my English language textbook.

Qualifications: MPhil in Linguistics, St Petersburg State University. MA in Political Economy of Russia, University College London (School of Slavonic and East European Studies), CELTA.

Chartered linguist, member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, the UK Society of Authors, and the International Association of Russian Language Teachers.

I teach in Birmingham and once a week in Wolverhampton as well as on-line (my current students are based in Luxembourg, Paris, and Moscow).

I offer a 10% discount for students, seniors, UCL staff and alumni, members of the Vegan and Vegetarian Society.

Teaching Experience:
More than 18 years' experience of private tuition of foreign languages. I used to work for the University and secondary schools and I have been involved in one-to-one tuition for a number of years.

I have authored a series of Russian language textbooks now used at schools and universities worldwide (you can check some reviews for them on Amazon and Goodreads).

My current students include, among others:
- private bank manager (Luxembourg),
- director of the wealth management company (Moscow, Russia),
- partner of the wealth management company (London, UK),
- account managers from a private Swiss bank (London, UK, and Paris, France),
- barrister (London, UK),
- head of department at a financial advisory company (London, UK),
- trader at a major international bank (London, UK),
- director of an investment company (London, UK),
- TV journalist.

Finally, I have just finished tutoring an A-level student who enjoys learning languages and has got particular passion for Russian. He is now a student at the University of Bristol. Two other students (University of Westminster and University College London) have just finished both their course with me and their University course.

Tutoring Approach:
I can be of use for both children and adults and offer a number of courses, including Business Russian, conversational classes, assistance with grammar. ON-LINE language classes are now available.

My associates can also help you with English/French/Chinese/Italian to Russian translation and interpreting.

My recent students' testimonials say:

I've been learning Russian for over two years now and I've tried out a number of different Russian teachers from different companies. I can say that, without a doubt, Ignaty Dyakov has been by far the most outstanding teacher. His lessons are professional and extremely fun at the same time thanks to his friendly nature and good sense of humour. Most importantly - for me at least - he will immediately hone in on any problems you have and help you solve them (often without you even realising!). Ignaty is knowledgeable and very well informed about Russian culture; the Russian I have learned with Ignaty has always been accompanied by interesting cultural insights. Finally, I am always surprised at how impeccably punctual Ignaty is given the horrors of the London transport system!
- Richard P.

Ignaty is an excellent tutor of Russian language with very professional approach. He makes every lesson very interesting, bringing his sense of humour and outlook on the topics discussed in conversations. On a personal level I have found Ignaty is very diligent, reliable, willing to help and assist with founding out any information related to learning Russian language or exploring the Russian culture, art or ways of living. Ignaty has been an absolute pleasure to deal with right from my initial email to discuss my lessons till current date and I have no hesitation in recommending him to any individual or company who is interested in learning Russian language.
- Martina

I have been having private Russian Tuition from Ignaty for a period of 4 months during which I received outstanding education from a highly qualified, intelligent and pleasant individual. The lessons were result focussed, fun and interesting. Besides learning the language itself, I also learned a lot about the actual Russian culture. I can highly recommend these language courses to anyone who requires to be conversational in the Russian language in a short period of time.
-Peter

Taking this course with Ignaty has provided me with excellent grounding in the language and has been a highlight of the last couple of months. He has the patience of a saint (!) and is exceptionally knowledgeable. It's incredibly helpful that Ignaty has such extensive multi-lingual capabilities. His enthusiasm and knowledge has inspired me to explore the Russian culture further to the extent that my next holiday is being spent in St Petersburg. Thanks Ignaty!
- Mags

Subjects

Personal Description:
Spanish (Castellano) mother tongue from South America. Vast knowledge of the South American region and culture and also a lot of the Iberian Peninsula as I travel there very often to visit friends and family members living there. I have lived in Rome, Italy for more than 15 years and also travel there very often for work or other personal reasons.

Teaching Experience:
More than 20 years. I have experience teaching in Universities in South America and as a private Language Tutor in UK and in Italy. In England for the last 15 years I have been working teaching Spanish and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
I adapt my lessons to the student needs, skills, abilities and interests. I use a conversational approach than includes the comprehension of the grammatical rules of the language. It is also important for me to communicate aspects of the cultural and social reality and the History of the language studied.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Gemma and I am a 32 year old doctor, chartered accountant, strategy consultant and successful start up founder. I graduated in medicine from Nottingham University in 2016, switched to finance, became a qualified chartered accountant, and now work for one of the 'Big4' in health advisory and strategic consulting. However, my heart will always lie with the sciences, and somehow in amongst all of my wide ranging career, my favourite job has always been teaching.

I have been tutoring maths and science (chemistry, biology, physics) to GCSE level for several years, and more recently maths and biology to A level standard. I have experience with ages 6-18 (and a few adults as well!), as well as with children with autism and ADHD.

I tutor because I love it, and watching people's confidence grow as they start to reach their full potential is so rewarding.

I have A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French, and Geography AS Level, all at grade A*/A. 12A*s at GCSE, including all the sciences. I have a BMedSci (Medical Sciences degree) and a BMBS (full medical qualification) from Nottingham University. Also an ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) because I have a penchant for collecting letters after my name, and then changing careers... My parents are joking I should go into law next, but I think that's enough exams for a while!

I charge £50 an hour.

Full CRB/DBS check.

Do get in contact if you think I can help or if you have any questions!

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring experience for over 10 years with a 100% pass rate. Have taught ages from 6-18 (plus adults for piano and maths). I have had pupils for chemistry, biology, physics, maths, or a combination of them. (Generally we start with one... and then I end up helping with everything!)

Founder and co-ordinator of university peer mentor and support scheme. First aid and life support trained. Full CRB/DBS checks.

Tutoring Approach:
Informal, friendly and flexible approach (usually with tea and cake!). My aim is to improve results and get pupils interested in the subject by adapting the teaching style to a way that works for them. There is always another way to explain something! I tailor each session to the individual student's needs, whilst remaining exam focussed with a big emphasis on understanding, rather than rote learning. No question is a stupid question: I very much remember the feeling of sitting in the back of a classroom not understanding a thing, and I wish I had had someone to field my "stupid" questions! I am big believer that if pupils don't understand something, it's on me to keep trying, until we find a way to make it make sense. The thing I've loved most is seeing pupils transform from "hating" subjects they found difficult to being really chuffed with their results in class (and even going on to choose it as a higher study option) because they now understand it and seeing their joy is the reason I continue to teach!

I have really enjoyed establishing great relationships with pupils in the past, many of whom I am still in contact with now, whether it's to call and ask me questions over the phone or simply to let me know how they're getting on. I've also provided pupils with references, interview practice (especially medical interviews) and personal statement help. I work with the pupil to whatever they need - I have been known to tutor until the small hours the night before a GCSE maths exam, review homework over whatsapp and answer phone calls after bedtime! More than anything, I love helping pupils find their ceiling and reach their potential, whatever that might be. I am here to help - no matter what that looks like.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been working in the Graphic Design industry for the past 18 years as an IPA Practitioner in Advertising and graphic design agencies with many blue chip clients such as Dr. Martens, Barclays Bank, Duetsche Bank, Eidos Interactive game graphics (Tomb Raider) and many more.

I have a thorough knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Adobe Muse website software.

I am also qualified to HND level and Award in Education (PTILLS)

Teaching Experience:
Worked with students in graphic design workshops, helping them navigate in Adobe Creative Suite and other design software including websites and design for print.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a helpful relaxed approach in teaching across all areas of Graphic design from layout, typography through to website and print setup.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Need a top grade for university?
Struggling with the basics?
Help is here.
I'm an Ex-Head of Science and Head of Chemistry from a top Bedfordshire Upper School.
36 years A level chemistry teaching & examining experience.
Testimonials:
"He delivered the content with passion and skill, I'm now at medical school thanks largely to him."
"Dave always taught chemistry in a memorable, relevant way, and it felt like we didn't just do everything for the exam. I had a great time with him as my teacher."
"He teaches in a way which makes us learn and remember. He makes us write down his hip-hop "chemical raps" in the back of our books,"
"I regularly still rap the second law of thermodynamics. Typically on a first date. Hasn't worked yet, but boy do I remember it. Thanks Dave for all your work!"
​"You were an inspirational teacher, and your enthusiasm carried me all the way to my PhD! If you're half as good a tutor you'll do just fine. Good luck!"
"You were my inspiration as a PGCE student!! All the very best in your retirement!"
"He managed to get me a B grade at A level which I doubted was anywhere near possible....
He is highly knowledgeable, patient and most of all able to make science both fun and accessible. Making the concepts come alive made learning more fun but they also stuck around long enough in my grey matter for me to make the grade; far exceeding my expectations! I still remember the physical representation of entropy as he leapt from bench to floor! Immense! HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMEND AND I AM NOT EASILY IMPRESSED!!!"

Teaching Experience:
Ex-Head of Science and Head of Chemistry from a top Bedfordshire Upper School. A highly experienced school chemistry teacher with over 36 years of experience in schools in UK, Australia and in one-to one private tuition. I offer online or face to face lessons at home.

Tutoring Approach:
Online skype lessons:

Tutorials usually last an hour and are on a one-to-one basis to cater for your individual situation. In this way we can make the best, most productive use of our time on line together. If it helps I can also set and mark homework that will also help you along.

Small print: Our relationship is non-contractual you can discontinue at any time.
Cancellations > 48 hours prior incur no charges ( I can often find others to fill your slot)
You have no obligations to commit to any number of lessons. However cancellations < 48 hours prior and "no shows" incur full fees.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a well-qualified teacher with working experience as an Accountant in the private sector. I have completed PhD in Accounting and Finance at the University of Glasgow in 2017. In addition, I have completed BSc in Accounting (Special) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and MSc in Accounting & Finance from the University of Dundee (obtained Distinction). I have also completed the Associations of Accounting Technicians, Sri Lanka and the Intermediate Level of Institute of Chartered Accountants (Sri Lanka). I can teach you financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, corporate finance and finance subjects for AAT, ACCA, undergraduate and MSc levels. I am specialising to guide research and research-related subjects. Therefore, I can help you to guide you for PhD, MSc and BSC research proposals and dissertations/ thesis.

Teaching Experience:
A committed Accounting Teacher with over 20 years of experience at leading UK and overseas academic institutions teaching students from various social and cultural backgrounds. I have experience in teaching following subjects;

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Auditing
Finance and corporate finance
Research method ( proposal development)
Dissertation supervision
I have also experienced in supervising dissertation supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I used relevant teaching materials such as textbooks, presentations, videos and journal articles to prepare the presentations and conduct the tutorials. I utilise technology in delivering tutorials to the students. In addition, I actively leading class discussions and encouraging debate among the students. I take real-life examples in delivering the lectures to provide an in-depth understanding of the subject related matters. I have focused on conducting innovative research which provides a significant contribution to the field as well as the theory. I utilised videos, case studies, online discussions (through Moodle).

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi my name is Sonia, I born in France and lived in Tunisia, the french is my first language as the Arabic too, I speak fluent Polish too, I'm located in Carlisle and I'm happy to give lessons at home, helping students for their homework, or making conversation with adults who are interested to learn the French language.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught couple of people in Poland, and a polish family that used to live in France ( mother and two kids 4 and 7 years old).

Tutoring Approach:
It's according to the needs of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a CIty and Guilds 7307 Qualification in educating adults. I am, these days, a comic book colourist, working primarily for 2000AD comic. I am strong on drawing (techniques), painting in acrylics, and could teahc Photoshop skills.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Graphic Design for several years at Leicester College, and also taught comic book art and life drawing at Staffordshire University for around four years. I still sometimes guest lecture on the Cartoon and Comic Arts BA (Hons) course. I can provide my full C.V.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one tuition would be good for me - weither at the student's residence, or remotely via Zoom. I cannot hav estudents in my home.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I work mostly as a software developer and have been doing this, self employed, for over 20 years. Maths tuition makes up a significant part of my work, but it is no more than half. Previous work has included engineering, as a draughtsman and CAD operator. I retrained as a teacher in the 1990s during a period of unemployment, but apart from some part time work in further education I have not worked as a teacher until recently starting with tuition.

Teaching Experience:
I have degree in Mathematical Education with Qualified Teacher Status and this included teaching in secondary school. I have also taught a Materials Science module in further education at the same time that I was training as a teacher. This was between 1993 and 1995.
I worked for an online tuition provider from November 2021 to December 2022, teaching maths to students between years 7 and 11, including GCSE revision. I taught around 400 lessons in that time.
At the time of writing this I am still providing online tuition but have a much reduced timetable while I try to acquire some more students.

Tutoring Approach:
For online tuition I use Zoom for the connection and a virtual whiteboard that allows me to share images and documents, and write and draw on them. My approach varies depending on the age and ability of the student. For older students looking to improve their exam grades it is usually a mixture of working through past papers, looking at specific questions, or demonstrating a particular topic. At the younger end We may be going over a topic that has been done in school recently and there will be more emphasis on the student answering some questions as we work through exercises.
I do have some practical experiences of using maths throughout my employment and will try to find real examples of maths in action where this is possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching the Humanities subjects since 2005 and specialise in History and Geography. I have taught in secondary schools, colleges and online (small groups and 1-1). I love helping students to get to grips with all the different aspects of the Humanities subjects and consider it a real bonus for my students to, not only succeed in exams, but also to learn to love the subject. I take a collaborative approach to teaching and think it is vital that the student and I work together to get the best out of the sessions. I live by the coast and spend my free time hiking and reading.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified 18 years ago.
Worked in secondary and FE as a History and Geography teacher.
Experience as a Head of department.
15 years experience as an examiner and moderator, 13 at a senior level.
Registered examiner with Edexcel, AQA, OCR and CIE

Tutoring Approach:
A personalised approach, working together to find the best path forward to success

Subjects

Personal Description:
Are you ready to discover the beauty and elegance of mathematics? Whether you're struggling with algebra, puzzled by geometry, or curious about calculus, you've come to the right place! As a passionate math tutor, I'm here to make the seemingly complex concepts not only understandable but also enjoyable. With 7 years of experience as a math tutor, I've helped countless students of all levels, from primary school to university, excel in their math journey.

Teaching Experience:
With 7 years of experience as a math tutor, I've helped countless students of all levels, from primary school to university, excel in their math journey. I'm currently working in a College having GCSE classes .

Tutoring Approach:
I always try to find the best way possible to explain topics based on the learners needs .

Subjects

Personal Description:
** Recent exam results:

A-LEVELS

• My A-Level tutee was predicted a B, and got an A*

GCSEs

• One tutee (who was retaking her English Language) went from a Grade 6 to a Grade 9
• One tutee went from a 6 in their English Literature mocks, to a 9 in their GCSE; and from a 7 in their English Language mocks, to an 8 in their GCSE.
• One tutee went from a 6-7 in their English mocks, to an 8 for English Language and a 9 for English Literature in their GCSEs

As one parent wrote to me (and gave me permission to post publicly):

"Josh!! Just want to say a HUGE thank you again oh my goodness Declan is over the moon! You brought him up from a 6 to a 9 - there are no words!"

Of course, these grades are mostly due to the hard work of the tutees, and tuition can never guarantee any grade. But I thought I'd post these grades here to give you an indication of the effect that good tuition can have. **

I am a friendly and highly qualified tutor with a degree in English Literature & Creative Writing, and a Masters in Writing, both from the University of Warwick. I have 11 years' experience tutoring, and have been highly recommended due to my skill at breaking down complex texts in an accessible, enjoyable, and easily digestible manner.

I am also a published novelist (search 'The 8th Emotion' on Amazon for my sci-fi debut) and have received a substantial grant from Arts Council England in recognition of my literary work.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored numerous students, from six-year-olds to people studying for their MA, and every grade in between.

This has included helping children in primary school improve their reading and writing skills; preparing pupils for their 7+, 11+, 13+, SATS, GCSEs, and A-levels; and assisting undergrad-, Masters-, and PhD-level students with their university courses (this latter point covers both English university students, and those studying subjects such as Biology, but who nonetheless want help with their essay-writing skills).

I have experience and success teaching SEND students (ADHD, autism, or those who are close to these diagnoses on the spectrum).

I've also taught two students intensively in the days running up to their exams, and one went from a predicted E to a C; the other went from a predicted C to an A.

Tutoring Approach:
My philosophy is always to adapt my approach to the needs of each individual. I give my students the confidence, understanding and exam technique they need to succeed.

I've delivered plenty of online lessons, and know how to make them work well. I've also found that, in the majority of cases, online tutoring is as or more effective than face to face. This is because

a) I can use the bespoke set of resource documents that I've built up on my computer, over years, as part of the lessons,

b) I can see what the tutee is writing in real time, and so the process of offering feedback becomes quicker (in person, either I would watch them as they wrote on their computer, which might feel a bit pressured, or I would have to wait for them to finish handwriting their work before they passed it across the table for me to have a look at), and

c) it's easier for me to give neat, clear feedback (which becomes a useful revision resource) on the computer rather than by hand, which tends to, by its nature, be a little messier.

Essentially, the above mean that you are very likely to get better value for money when you hire me to be your online tutor, as opposed to if I were doing face-to-face tuition.

BONUS - HIGH-LEVEL CREATIVE WRITING TUITION: Along with proofreading and feedback on specific pieces of writing (which services are available for my standard lesson fee) I also offer special lessons on how to write fiction. These cost £150 per hour, and can cover pretty much any aspect of fiction writing, from a practical step-by-step process on how to plan a novel; to tips on characterisation and setting; to how to develop an initial idea into a story; etc. I charge this high fee because the insights I offer have been gleaned from years of practical experience in writing, and as such, I believe they can drastically accelerate a student's development; and because the one-to-one nature of the lesson means that the tutee, through their questions, can have this guidance completely tailored to their specific interests and needs.

Subjects