Pleasley Tutors and Pleasley Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher, teaching GCSE and A level physics at secondary schools in South Wales for the last 11 years.

I did my O levels and A levels at school in Penarth, and went on to gain a Physics degree from Imperial College London, and a Masters degree in engineering from Cornell University in New York State. After many years as an engineer for high technology companies in the UK and the US, I returned to Penarth. I have 3 children, and as they became involved in the education system, I decided to train as a teacher to be able to pass on the passion and enthusiasm I have for science and Physics.

Teaching Experience:
Over the last 11 years I have been successfully preparing pupils to sit their GCSE and A level physics exams. Producing schemes of work and lesson plans for the WJEC (and other exam boards) specifications has given me a thorough knowledge of what needs to be covered. During the last 5 years I have also been contracted to the WJEC as an examiner for Physics exams, which gives me further insight into the techniques and approaches required to do as well as possible in the exams.

Tutoring Approach:
- Assess what has been covered for a particular exam, and the level of the pupil's understanding.
- Focus on any gaps or misunderstandings.
- Use past paper questions to reinforce the application of what they have learned.
- Practice, practice practice!

Sessions are 1 hour, Monday to Thursday: 4:00pm, 5:15pm and 6:30pm.

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Personal Description:
I completed Nuclear Power Engineering degree studies in 1990 after 6 years of training in Havana and Moscow. Between 1990 and 2004, I worked as a Biomedical researcher in the fields of Immunology, Microbiology, Molecular Biology and Vaccine Development. This involves collaboration with many European and American research teams and working visits to leading Biomedical centres in UK, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and Spain including several UK Royal Society Fellowships and a UK Wellcome Trust International Travelling Post-doctoral Fellowship at Glasgow University Division of Immunology/Microbiology, which can be followed up by publication in peer-review scientific journals. Since 2006, I have been teaching Mathematics at GCSE and A-levels in the UK and currently, I am teaching at these levels plus International Baccalaureate Level. I have been an external marker (Mathematics in English and Spanish languages) for the International Baccalaureate Organisation for the last two years. Born in Cuba, Spanish is my mother tongue, thus i am able to tutor at any level in these two subjects: Mathematics and Spanish.

Teaching Experience:
In the last 14 years, I have had the opportunity to teach both in Scotland and England, thus I am familiar with mathematics teaching programmes in both locations. This includes pupils at all stages of secondary education from 11-14 up to Advanced Highers/Advanced A-levels. It includes extensive tutoring practice with pupils preparing for GCSE(Standard Grade) and AS/A(Higher/Advanced Higher) examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe the role of a tutor is to encourage and guide pupils who are already interested to succeed in a particular topic. Thus, I would provide all the encouragement and academic support for them to achieve their top potential. In my experience over the years, I have observed over and over again, that pupils preparing for A/Higher levels exams show most difficulties linking contents taught in previous years(GCSE/Standard Grade) to the newer A/Higher level topics. Thus, I focus a good deal of attention to fill those gaps and develop both pupils' awareness of these connections and relevant knowledge and skills in such a way they are capable to perform independently achieving consistently a minimum of 70%-85% in practice papers prior to the actual exam date.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher of English with many years of study, research and training in some of the world's top universities. My qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature and the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in English. My Initial Teacher Training covered all aspects of English and all abilities in the 11-18 age range. My interests, of benefit to many students especially at university level, include Critical Theory, Classical Literature, and African Literature. I have guided many students doing research and proof-read their dissertations. I have also taken the official training for one-to-one tutors rolled out by the government to complement classroom teaching. I have been marking GCSE English Language and Literature exams for a number of years and served as Team Leader for the June 2013 exam series with Edexcel. Additionally, I mark A Level English Literature for OCR. In fact, I recently received certificates from OCR and from the Joint Qualification Council which oversees exams in England to recognise my contribution to examining. I am a specialist in the new (2017) GCSE curriculum with experience of teaching both the AQA and Edexcel exam board versions.

Teaching Experience:
My first teaching appointment came in 1988 in Cameroon where I taught English and African Literature, becoming an A Level examiner for the Cameroon GCE examination board in 1990. I moved to England in 1991 where I later took the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to the PGCE and QTS, finishing my last year as Education Student of the Year in my university and receiving a national commendation for the quality of my work. I have since taught in different schools in Kent and Medway, preparing students for exams such as Functional Skills, IELTS, GCSE, A Level, IB and AEA. I have also given one-to-one tuition to looked-after teenagers under a government scheme as well as taught in a secure unit for which, in addition to enhanced disclosure CRBs, I was vetted over a six month period. My first long-term (over 3 months) supply position involved teaching GCSE English, A Level English Literature, and the IB. Most of my teaching has been in selective (grammar) schools. I have also given English lessons in my local community as part of an outreach programme organised for speakers of other languages by my church where I teach Bible Studies also. For the last few years I have always had KS3 to KS5 students whom I tutor privately. These students have have usually achieved or exceeded their target grades at GCSE and A Level.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to establish the needs of the students and carefully review all available assessment records. If the student is preparing for a special exam such as the GCSE, I would start by ensuring that the student is aware of the full requirements of the exam and establish a clear plan to cover these. Alongside any such programme, I believe in incorporating the fundamentals of English grammar which are sometimes overlooked in formal teaching settings. I like to build a good rapport with the student so that they are comfortable revealing possible areas of weakness that we could turn into strengths. I ensure that the student is given a clear structure for each exam task and then test the student to ensure that they are able to apply the strategies in exam conditions.

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Personal Description:
I am a very patient and dedicated French native speaker. I tailor my lessons to the students' needs and expectations. Tutoring is not just guiding students through their learning but also giving them confidence and enabling them to experience lessons in a relaxed, friendly and yet serious way.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher for over 18 years now and have a very diverse experience as I have been working in an Alliance française in Mexico, a language centre, two adult education centres and a few tutoring agencies.
My first teaching experience was as a language assistant in Preston, Lancashire. I have had students ranging from 7 years old to 70+, from absolute beginners to advanced levels. I`ve given private and group classes and intensive courses (up to 7h a day).

I have now been in London for 12 years. At the moment, I give French private tuition for the preparation of GCSE and IGCSE, AS-A Level (Edexcel, AQA), DELF B1, and copy editing/proofreading for university essay writing. I also tutor other students looking to learn or improve their French communication skills for personal reasons.

I teach French and can also help with methodology (including essay writing) and primary school subjects to students following the French curriculum (such as CNED - distance learning) as well as DELF A1-B2 and DALF C1 (I got an accreditation to administer these French proficiency tests in 2009 and was an examiner for the November 2009 and June 2010 sessions in Mexico).

I am available 7 days a week, at whatever time is convenient for the students.

I mainly teach online now, via Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams or WhatsApp.

The areas I generally cover are King's Cross St Pancras, London Bridge, Waterloo, Charing Cross, Bank, Bond Street, Hampstead, Barnet.

Start your day with French (morning before work) or have a French conversation 'lunch break', whether online or face-to-face (30mn, 45mn, or 1h sessions,to fit in your busy schedule).

Tutoring Approach:
I am very flexible and know how to adapt my teaching to the specificities and demands of the students.
Understand and be understood! That's the main thing when you learn a language, be able to communicate.

Whether you are a student taking GCSE or A levels in French and need confidence for your exam or you are a professional willing to have a proper conversation with your French colleagues or clients, or just want to enjoy your next holidays in a French-speaking country, whether on a daily basis or intensive classes, we will first talk about what you are looking for and how I will help you to achieve your language goals.

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Personal Description:
I have spent many years accumulating a wide range of academic qualifications, and my work has often primarily consisted of passing on my knowledge to others in a form they can understand. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people to understand something they thought was beyond them. By virtue of having studied several subjects at a high level, I empathise with the feeling of finding something difficult, and have the patience and technique to get past this. I am not a single-subject specialist who might find it difficult to understand why others struggle in their area of expertise.
For students who are preparing for exams, my knowledge of examination technique, and an empathy with the marker, should be invaluable. I always keep in mind the importance of the student's goals, but never take myself too seriously.

Teaching Experience:
My whole career has been geared towards some form of teaching. I have trained groups of adults and children, as well as individuals, in elements of mathematics, psychology, actuarial science, pensions, and even tennis! I have tutored both of my children through IGCSEs, GCSEs, and A-levels (one was home-schooled, the other attended a local comprehensive and 6th Form College). Both obtained numerous As and A*s, and I was particularly pleased to help my daughter to achieve 3 A*s in her A2 exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I look at what is important for the student. I emphasise clear, logical ways of working, and clear presentation. I make sure that they realise that they not only need to understand why they are doing something, but they must also be able to explain it clearly. Explaining a difficult concept to someone else can often be the best way to make yourself remember it. I am calm and patient, and English is my first language, all of which can help when a student finds something tricky.

I am consistently available for tutoring during weekday daytimes. I will sometimes be available in the evenings and at weekends, but this will be by arrangement and should not be relied upon.

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Personal Description:
I want everyone to enjoy the ability to communicate with each other in English to make friends, do business together and to feel confident wherever English is spoken.
I have been made welcome by so many people from many nationalities all round the world and love the excitement of communicating with people from all walks of life.
I enjoy teaching face to face and online and to tailoring conversation and lessons to the ability and objectives of the student or students.
I am married with a family and am comfortable teaching all ages although I prefer teaching adults and young adults (16 upwards). I teach general English and specialize in IELTS preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in Europe and Asia. For six years I lived in France teaching one to one and small groups. I returned to the United Kingdom in 2012 and live and teach in the Brighton area. The last two years have been spent teaching at Varndean College, Brighton preparing Chinese students for A levels and University entrance as well as normal individual teaching work,

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be both fun and serious. If my students are preparing for examinations then a concentration on course work with homework will be important.
If students prefer to develop their social conversational ability then there may be less emphasis on grammar and more on the use of English in everyday social or business situations. Each potential student is asked to complete a simple questionaire to give me a picture of their ability level and what they want to achieve.
I teach one to one or small groups (normally no more than 8 students). Price reductions for two students or more
Most online teaching is on a one to one basis using Skype.

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Personal Description:
In October 2014 I graduated from Imperial College London, where I spent 4 years studying for my Masters Degree in MSci Mathematics. I have a big passion for learning and this is a trait I want to be able to pass on to other children. Currently, I am working as an Analytic Consultant in Birmingham, which helps to demonstrate the strong analytical and communication skills that I possess.

Teaching Experience:
During Secondary School I ran a Maths Club once a week where I set problems and puzzles for all students. Furthermore, I was a Chess Coach teaching chess to primary school children and in Imperial College I held sessions with 1st Year students aiding their transition between school and university.

Thus, I have had experience teaching a wide range of ages and abilities, which will help me to adapt my approach based on the student.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor I aim to pass on my passion for Mathematics onto my students, developing their understanding and appreciation for the subject. In my opinion this is the best way to learn as ideas become easier to remember and concepts become quicker to grasp, which will transpose into better grades and examination performances.

Overall, I bring an enthusiastic and approachable atmosphere to my sessions, where students are not afraid to ask questions. This will enhance their learning experience and again improve exam results.

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Personal Description:
My name is Ahmed. I have a strong foundation in several academic subjects, with my expertise being in Science. I have achieved excellent grades in triple science GCSE and A Level and I am now a teacher in training for Science. For my A levels and university degree I did Economics so I am well equipped to provide tutoring in this subject area.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching science for six months at a challenging school. I love teaching as it provides high job satisfaction due to feeling accomplished when you pass on knowledge to the next generation! I love to see the youth make the correct decisions which will ultimately lead to them living a better life. As I come from a underprivileged background, I feel extremely passionate about the importance of education.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student has different capabilities, but with patience and the correct teaching approach every student can fulfil there potential and no concept no matter the difficulty is beyond them.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kat, and I am a qualified nurse currently pursuing PhD study following working as a Practice Development Nurse at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

I live in the beautiful village of Brill, Buckinghamshire, with my 2 year old son, and my husband who splits his time between Brill and Germany. We enjoy being outside, music and eating good food.

I have a passion for people, seeing them realise their potential and exceed their goals. I was a tutor with UK Tutors during my nursing training in 2010-2012, and can't wait to meet new some new tutees.

Teaching Experience:
I have had a range of education / developmental / teaching roles throughout my career, and through delivering education in a variety of settings and through different media I have gained skills which allow me to really focus on the needs of my individual tutees, their current levels of understanding and their end goals.

Curriculum Support Assistant at King Edward VI High School, Morpeth, Northumberland
- 1-2-1 support for students with special educational needs working towards SATs / GCSEs / ALevels in mainstream education
- Through this role I also lead classes for Year 10 PHSE

Peer Support Educator with Sexpression charity
- Delivering sex and relationships education to a range of student groups, from puberty and basic reproduction to young pupils in schools, to contraception advice and sexual health to university students

Online mentor with Brightside charity
- Mentor to school-age students (1-2-1 and teams) with an interest in starting a career within the health and social care sector

Mentor / Practice Supervisor / Practice Assessor (Nursing)
- NMC qualified mentor (now known as Practice Assessor) for nursing/nursing associate students, supporting clinical skill development and achieving professional qualifications

Clinical Practice Educator at John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford
- Provision of practical skills sessions for registered and non-registered practitioners

Practice Development Nurse
- Overseeing staff training needs across Gynaecology, delivery of a range of teaching sessions, including clinical skills, anatomy and physiology, coaching/mentoring-type supervision, professional practice

Tutoring Approach:
I believe tutoring is a partnership, and not lead solely by the tutor. Encouraging tutees to take the lead ensures a truly personal education and ensures holistic learning. The tutee is the only person who knows what they really want to achieve and I work with people to firstly understand their goals, and then make realistic and attainable targets in order to reach those goals.

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Personal Description:
I have worked as a teacher in the UK for 22 years with a range of age groups. Before teaching I was a Registered General Nurse and worked in hospitals both in Birmingham and Worcester.

Teaching Experience:
I have 22yrs experience in English primary schools teaching from Reception to Year Four. I have worked with children with a variety of special needs and have acted as Senco for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my lessons fun and interesting. I am able to use a child's interests to engage them in their learning and provided regular encouragement and feedback to motivate each child to progress and achieve their potential.

When working with adult learners I seek to build a mutual respect and friendship whilst structuring the lesson to meet their individual needs and interest.

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Personal Description:
Hi there,

I'm a tutor with 10 years' experience helping students reach top grades in A-level Economics and develop a ton of other skills along the way. Over that time I've worked with a whole spectrum of people with different personalities and needs, which has really allowed me to fine tune my approach. Everyone has the potential to succeed in their studies and I've seen first-hand how people can grow to achieve grades they never thought were possible in the beginning. It's a repeatable approach that can be tailored where needed.

The difference between a good tutor and a top one is two-fold - firstly it's the ability to instil confidence in a student that they can realistically achieve an A* grade, regardless of where they were when we started or the expectations set by their teachers. This confidence comes from seeing their academic competence grow each week as well as realising that nothing in the syllabus is beyond them. This confidence carries over into their other studies, stays with them as they progress to higher education and positively affects other areas of their life. A great tutor isn't just a teacher, they should act as a mentor and motivator as well. A top tutor should also understand how human memory works - both what works better for everyone on a primal level, as well as how people differ individually. Put that all together and you truly have someone who knows what they're doing.

The difference between an A and A* can be a few lines in each answer. My job is to help the student to understand the paper to the point that they know exactly what they need to do in the exam hall - where one would usually experience 'Exam nerves,' I want my students to experience combat-readiness, like an elite athlete would feel stepping onto the field. This comes from removing all uncertainty from the equation - the student knows exactly what they need to do, it's now just a case of executing it.

Concepts can seem a lot simpler than their teachers made them out to be if they're explained correctly. I'm doing my job right if the student leaves the lesson thinking "wow, that was way better than school."

Get in touch and we'll hit the ground running.

All the best,

Leo

Teaching Experience:
10 yrs+ private tutoring, specialising only in Economics A-Level & Adult Learners

Also taught at a school in North London

Tutoring Approach:
Enjoyable high tempo lessons, using methods that are tailored to how human memory naturally works. We don't just train for the exam (rest assured you'll be well trained for that) but also the art of learning and memorisation itself. At first I lead by example, then lay the crumbs for the student to work it out themselves and have their own "Eureka!" moments along the way. This along with use of analogy, visual examples and emotion help the theory come alive.

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Personal Description:
Hello potential students!

My name is David. I was an actor for 20 years, both as a hobbyist and a professional until becoming a writer. I still am both of those things (as well as a voice-over artist), but now would like to pass on my knowledge to other people and see if it helps them.

Until very recently, I worked in customer service for a myriad of companies--all to allow me the space and time to enjoy a career that was never fully stable. I enjoyed them, but only for the opportunity to meet new people and learn from them. True, I may be a tutor, but I will never stop being a student.

I also class as neurodivergent. For decades I lived with undiagnosed ADHD. Learning this was a surprise to many others around me, but not to me directly. The signs were not as well known back then, and somehow I had adapted to learn. These days, we adapt the teaching; so know that whatever background you have, we will find a way to learn together!

Teaching Experience:
Over one year as a private Tutor. Most of my students have been GCSE level (all exam boards) and a few have been adult learners wanting to know more, or Primary School pupils working to better their grammar. I hold a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and a Bachelor's in Drama--both of which give me a unique but well rounded approach to English Literature and Language, as well as essay writing.

Tutoring Approach:
Easy; good conversation, plenty of debates and a whole heap of laughs! For most texts involved in the English Language and Literature courses, it's hard to really analyse what lies beneath the words on the page; especially in a school-style setting. I like to find out what how the student works, and what works for the student. Then, I tailor our sessions around them, their pace, and see if there's more excitement underneath those words!

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