Plumtree Tutors and Plumtree Tuition

Personal Description:
- qualified ex-secondary MFL teacher (PGCE, QTS obtained), familiar with and taught Mandarin Chinese GCSE specifications (AQA and Edexcel), A Level Chinese specifications at UK secondary schools. My students have great exam results.
- Native Mandarin and Taiwanese speaker, Excellent communication skills
- Experienced Mandarin Tutor. I worked with pupils at different levels: pre-School/ KS1- 5/ FE/ HE/ adults/ retired/ business Chinese/ tourism Chinese, including those with SEN and from diverse cultural background using English as an additional language)
- Freelance translator (television programmes subtitles, between English and Mandarin Chinese)
- Freelance interpreter (legal/Immigration)
- Experienced in tailor-making and delivering one-to-one tutoring lessons
- Knowledge of traditional Chinese/Taiwanese culture, politics, history, geography, society and current pop culture. Also able to combine the above with Mandarin learning/teaching
- Patient, reliable and honest
- mentored PGCE student teachers, Early Career Teachers.
- conduct and co-lead research projects with IOE (Institute of Education, University College London), on Content and Language Integrated Learning, 2021 to date. Co-presented the research results at 2 international academic conferences in 2023.

Teaching Experience:
- Mandarin Teacher at University of Leeds (Sep 2008- May 2011), a private school in north Wales (Y7 and Y9, complete beginner group/individual and GCSE preparation, 2011), a grammar school on the Wirral (2015- 2020, Y7- Y13, including GCSE/A Level preparation), and a comprehensive state school in Liverpool (2020-2023).
- Author/proof-reader of online Mandarin course contents (targeting KS2, KS3, and GCSE learners); Online Mandarin Tutor (KS2 learners and GCSE candidates. One of my pupils was accepted by a Chinese undergraduate course as her first choice for Sep 2014 entry, because of my lessons); eLearning Specialist advising the management team regarding VLE/ LMS and providing training on online teaching for fellow teachers (all above under this bullet point: between Jun 2012- Jun 2014, employed by a private company in north Wales)
- freelance one-to-one Tutor of Mandarin, face-to-face and online
- University Lecturer in Audience Development in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in Arts Management in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in English in Taiwan
- Tutor of English (adult/primary/secondary level, face-to-face, individual and groups) in Taiwan

Tutoring Approach:
- Use real-Life scenario for examples and conversation practice
- Integrate Culture into language acquisition
- Offer Business/Leisure/Travel/Conversation Mandarin Lessons
- Offer Pin-Yin and Phonics; Simplified and Traditional Mandarin characters
- Lessons are tailor-made to suit different levels from beginners to advanced Mandarin speaker
- You can choose to get trained in Listening, Speaking, Writing or Reading skills, or a combination of these four
- Deliver lessons in English-only, Mandarin-only, or a combination of English and Mandarin
- Devise different learning methods/ activities/ content for each individual learner to suit their own confidence, Mandarin abilities and learning targets/ motives.
- Encourage students to participate in their own learning process actively by creating an interactive and friendly learning environment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Confidence is often the stumbling block for learners, and I always encourage all of my students to feel an early sense of achievement. Enabling students to see real progress quickly is essential to the building of self-esteem. I am very approachable and my style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I love my job and hope that my own enthusiasm inspires my students to excel. Recently I have added French to my repertoire, for absolute beginners. I am sure French will be as popular and exciting as English and Maths have been.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher since 1976. I have taught all age groups, from nursery to A Level. Teaching is a wonderful and totally satisfying vocation. I moved across to tutoring as I felt I could offer all of my experience in this role. Being a teacher is definitely something I was born to do, and I love it.

Tutoring Approach:
Students can learn by either visiting my home or at a distance using Skype. Every student is assessed as an individual and the content of their course tailored to their needs. I test my students periodically to ensure progress is going smoothly; also testing is a good way for students to observe their own progress. We use a variety of materials: books for writing and reading in English, and for revision in Maths; the computer for visual skills and games, listening and speaking is a major part of the programme for EFL students. Children learn in different ways, and I like to offer my students visual, auditory and kinetic tools, we can see which is most comfortable for the individual. The speed of learning is not as important as the confidence of the individual and their inspiration and motivation to progress.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Whilst my main teaching subjects are ICT & Computer Science, I have mostly been tutoring Maths & English up to GCSE level (plus 11+ / Kent & Medway Test)

I am always willing to help out students of ALL ages that need a fresh and unique approach to learning.

Teaching Experience:
15 Years Teaching Experience ICT & Computer Science

10 years Tutoring Experience (Maths/ English/ SATS / 11+) - KS1/KS2/ KS3/ KS4/ GCSE


[Key Areas]
- SEN
- Differentiation
- Cross Curricular Material
- Previous experience across a multitude of schools and colleges
- Material relevant to students' own personal interests
- Behaviour for learning

Tutoring Approach:
I do not believe in such terms as "ability", i firmly believe that any student has the potential to succeed. My main goals to tutoring are to promote active engagement & genuine interest to any material using ICT as a tool to assist in general understanding. With the right tools & mentoring i am confident that any student can then start to build on deep critical thinking & creativity through independent work

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a bilingual (native Russian) educator with extensive experience teaching Science, Maths, and Russian across various levels, from nursery to adult education. Currently, I teach Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and advanced Maths at a small independent school in Bedfordshire.

I specialize in Maths and Science and have a particular interest in working with students with special needs and autism. I offer intensive GCSE exam preparation, with proven results such as helping a student improve their grade from 5 to 7 in just two months through focused sessions.

I hold multiple teaching qualifications, including an MA in Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities), which I obtained in 2022. I have also worked as an examiner for AQA in GCSE Chemistry and have experience supporting students with challenging behaviours and special educational needs.

My approach incorporates sensory stimuli to enhance engagement and reduce transitional times, based on my dissertation research into educational motivation for teenagers with challenging behaviours. I am passionate about leveraging students' natural interests to drive positive changes in behaviour and academic attitudes.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching Maths, Science, and Russian, both face-to-face and online. I employ various student engagement strategies to ensure a productive and enjoyable learning experience.

I began teaching Science in 1989 in Siberia. Since then, I have taught students of various ages and, after moving to the UK, expanded my teaching to include Russian. I also founded and ran a Russian language school for over 11 years, where I developed and tailored curricula to meet individual needs. The teachers I trained in my school are now making an impact in schools across the UK.

Maths: I teach Maths at various levels, from primary to GCSE. My approach focuses on building a solid understanding and confidence in the subject.

Science: I have been teaching Science since 1989 in different countries. In my most recent role at a private behavioural school, 90% of students initially expressed a dislike for Science, but 60% ended up eagerly attending my classes.

Russian: I teach Russian to a wide range of age groups, from 3-year-olds to 76-year-olds. I use diverse techniques tailored to each student's age, learning style, and schooling level to boost their confidence and maximize their potential.

SEND: I have a strong interest in teaching students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), sensory issues, and challenging behaviours. I aim to equip all my students with the skills needed for employability and adaptation to the working environment.

Tutoring Approach:
My goal as a tutor is to cultivate a deep understanding and confidence in each student. I adapt my teaching methods to meet their individual needs, learning styles, and abilities. I aim to inspire independent thinking by incorporating real-world examples whenever possible. I typically start with familiar topics to build confidence and gradually progress to more challenging material. Additionally, I use questions and homework to continually assess and reinforce understanding.

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Personal Description:
"After bachelor and masters in computer applications for 6 years, Since 2006, Servicing and advancing along with IT Industry. Being specialised more than a decade in Enterprise Software Architecture and BigData Technology Space, have been enjoying solving problems in BigData, such as streaming solutions Confluent Kafka, data design in NoSQL databases (HBase, Cassandra,..), search indexing solutions (Splunk, Solr..), data processing techniques using different frameworks Spark, Kafka, data visualisation presentations using Tableau, QlikView/QlikSense, Sisense, Banana, Kibana, BigData Security exposure and expertise in SSL and Data Protection, Cloud hosting and management solutions experience with AWS and Azure, Put solutions around VPC and integrating Cloud and On-premise clusters."

Teaching Experience:
5 years in tutoring and mentoring

Tutoring Approach:
Student frequency level to digesting subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm graduated in Poland with a multiyear experience of abroad studies (in Italy). Actually, I live not far from Glasgow, and I'm willing to teach in this area. My everyday life is quite busy and focuses on my 6-year-old daughter matters. I'm married to Italian men (native Italian speaker, but fluent also in Polish and in English as well), so my contact with Italian, Polish and English language is continuously maintained.

Teaching Experience:
I've started to teach for good in 2008 in Warsaw, where I've worked for many years as an Italian language teacher for several schools of foreign languages in Warsaw. Seeking for the better understanding of my students' learning problems I decided to study Pedagogy for Teachers. In 2009 I completed three-term post-graduated studies (including 155 h of teaching internship). Until 2016 I've continued my work as a teacher and translator in Poland for the companies with Italian personnel, after that, I've moved to Scotland. In 2017 I've applied for Polish School in Glasgow offering a place as a Teaching assistant in the preparatory class for 5-years old children. Currently I'm a Primary Teacher leading the P2 class at Polish School in Glasgow.
My latest linguistic project is the Italian language for travellers (The Hitchhiker's Guide to Italy) - A1 adult class, based on Arrivederci 1 handbook and by me written - Course story 'Andy di Glasgow in Italy' (series of conversations) and Recipes - based in Glasgow.

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching is my passion. In my work I'm focused on supporting learners, in individual and group courses as well, assigning various tasks (often practical) and appraising the effects of students' work. I am an outgoing person who loves working with adults and children. Furthermore, I am reliable, honest, punctual, and have great communication skills. The individual score of my students is always basic for my teaching programme. I'm PVG Scheme member.

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Personal Description:
I am 49, married and a proud father of two lovely daughters. I enjoy keeping fit and have recently discovered running and the sense of achievement and pride one can get from it. I am an approachable person who enjoys the company of family and friends. I like to visit new places and try to make the most of what comes my way.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with experience in teaching and preparing students for 11+ / entrance exams in English and Maths. With 20 years teaching experience, I have worked in both state and Independent school settings. I have prepared many children for their examinations in the schools I have taught at and individually through tutoring. All children are successful in attending their chosen school.

I currently enjoy teaching in an independent primary school setting from 4 - 11 year olds and have experience in teaching all subjects to a wide age range.

As well as specialising in preparing children for entrance exams and 11+ I have a masters level qualification in Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am genuinely passionate about helping those children with barriers to learning succeed, and to become happy and confident learners.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe fun, enjoyment and confidence are the key elements of learning. It is imperative to teach in a variety of ways and establish the best learning style for each individual pupil exploring Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic methods of learning. By 'doing' a learner learns and remembers. My initial training as a teacher has helped me to teach any subject effectively. Helping students overcome barriers to learning and making progress are the things I enjoy the most about teaching. I am genuinely passionate about my subjects and in seeing learners reach their potential. I too enjoy the challenge of mastering new things and embracing the notion that you never ever stop learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! Hola! My name is Fernando and I am a Spanish teacher. Born in Valencia (Spain) I have completed my degree in English Studies and specialised in the teaching of foreign languages. I have been working as a teacher of languages (both English and Spanish) for three years now, and I hope to keep doing it for many more.
I am:
- Responsible.
- Empathetic.
- Flexible.
- Punctual.
- Hard-working.
- Curious.
- And all the personality-traits needed to be a good teacher.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a Spanish teacher in the following places:
- Coventry University (from Oct. 2016 to May 2017).
- Fundación CEPAIM (from Oct. 2017 to Aug. 2019).
- Royal Leamington Spa College (from Sept. 2019-December 2020).
- Aberystwyth University (from January 2021)

Apart from that, I have worked as an English teacher in Helen Doron Picanya since March 2018 to July 2019. Experience with children, teeangers and adults.

References available under request.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I try to be flexible in my approach to adapt to my students' needs. Most of the time I try to be as clear as possible in the explanation of the grammar so it serves a purpose communicatively. Therefore, I put an emphasis on grammar and communicative practice, both related to one another.
My main objective is to make my lessons engaging and interesting, always specially tailored for the needs of the students.
I can also bring my own teaching material or use that of the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I am an English Language and Literature graduate with a native language of Turkish. I also hold a occupational safety diploma. I am living in Bournemouth and provide road safety and occupational safety services. Besides I am also offering UK wide quality control and container loading inspection services.

Teaching Experience:
I have been dealing with quality control inspections, road safety consultancy and occupational safety since 2005

Tutoring Approach:
My approach varies depending on the student's needs and learning style. I provide real world examples.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Shannon and I am currently studding at the University of Derby and getting a degree in Law. I have received tutoring myself and understand how beneficial it can be to help advance education. I am dedicated to helping you to achieve your highest potential and that you are pushed to achieve your best.

Please note: If you are looking for tutoring in Maths or Combined Science I work with students working on the foundation papers. I am also able to working on individual sciences if one subject requires more attention than another, also at foundation level.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience in tutoring, this started off with family and then younger pupils. Most of the experience I have gained has been tutoring at Primary level in Maths and English However, I do have experience in teaching at ages 11-14 years.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring would be based online on an agreed platform, such as zoom. I would start off the first session by getting to know the student, their strengths, their weaknesses, finding out where they struggle most, discussing the best techniques that would be most beneficial to them as an individual as well as answering any questions. Then I would adapt each lesson to the student's preferred learning methods. The lessons may be in form of quizzes, helping to better understand a topic, exam prep, homework help, mini tests, and engaging lessons.

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Personal Description:
I teach Polish & Art.

Online tuitions available.

I have two passions in life. The first is creating and nurturing art. The second is working with students to help them create as well. My love of art started at a very young age, I was constantly drawing, painting, sewing.
I studied Arts in college followed by a Masters' university degree in Psychology Education.

Teaching Experience:
- Carried out online courses for age 10 - adults
- Private language and art lessons in person
- Teaching Assistant

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor I will work on developing your own personal art style, understanding colours, values and perspective. I will help you discover your imagination and at the same time teach you how to work with references.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I grew up in Northern Italy (Piedmont), and did my University Degree in Italian Humanities, and my MA in Film Studies in Turin (Torino). In 2005 I moved to the UK, because of my fascination with the culture, music and landscape. I was an indie music nerd as a teenager and young man, with a huge passion for obscure bands. I also loved to write and sing, and got a lot of inspiration for my writing from movies and literature. I am still enthusiastic about going to the cinema, or discovering a new novel or a new (or old) band. On top of these interests, I'm passionate about language, poetry, psychology, personal development, nutrition and beautiful coastal landscapes.

Teaching Experience:
Since my arrival in Bristol in 2005, I first worked as an Italian Linguist for an international corporation. After three years, I dedicated some time to focus on my music and writing, but soon I also pursued a career in Adult and Community Education, developing my teaching practice and experience and creating courses, programmes and tailored lessons for groups and individuals. I gained a certificate to teach adults (PTLLS), and have worked both with a great number of private clients, with a college (Redmaids School for Girls, where I have been Italian Teaching Assistant), with adult education organisations (City of Bristol College, Bristol City Council, The Bristol Folk House) and with Language Schools (International House, The Language Experience, Bristol Language School).

Tutoring Approach:
I am happy to teach at all levels, from complete beginner to advanced conversation. I have gained a solid experience due to the diversity of my clients and of the environments where I have taught and I currently teach. I will tailor my lessons exactly to your current needs, and will use and recommend varied strategies for learning according to your preferred learning style, covering Speaking, Reading, Listening and Writing. I also value a focus on Pronunciation: when you study a new language you literally enter a new cultural world of sounds, and it's better to familiarise with it as soon as possible. My lessons are playful and interactive, and my aim is for you to feel at ease, so that you can make mistakes without fear, and therefore enjoy the process of learning.

At intermediate and advanced levels, when students have a basis for an exploration of cultural topics, I'm very passionate about using original cultural texts, from literature to newspapers, from video interviews to films or documentaries. I find it very rewarding to share with my students the excitement of exploration, discovery, beauty and reflection that comes from engaging with culture.

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