Pontyclun Tutors & Pontyclun Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and successful assistant examiner for a major exam board for A Level French and have marked German and French GCSE in the past. I am an experienced, enthusiastic and friendly tutor, with a high success rate with GCSE and A level students of French and German. I love what I do, particularly helping to build student confidence and helping them achieve their best, in a fun and supportive way.

More recently I have been teaching English as a Foreign Language to Russian, German and French students. I love teaching my native language and helping students to gain confidence in it.

PGCE - University of Newcastle Upon Tyne 1998 (Secondary Teaching Qualification)
I am a fully qualified teacher of Languages and English as a foreign language, with 18 years' experience of teaching all levels.

My work as an assistant examiner for a major exam board, has given me an excellent insight into what is required by the exam in order to gain a good pass.
I love languages, teaching, music and travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and supported students at all levels and for different purpose: GCSE, A Level, Holiday French and German, Primary French and German.

I have been an assistant examiner for a major exam board for A level French speaking, listening, reading and writing for the past 8 years, so can help to support students for exams and help them to become very familiar with the techniques and knowledge required to gain a good pass.

I have a 100% success rate with students. Last year, all 3 GCSE students gained A* and A (French and German) and my 3 A Level students gained A (French), and 2 C's (from a grade E/U in German).

I have taught online for Learndirect/myself, am computer literate, and have had success with students learning long distance via Skype.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a fun and enthusiastic approach to teaching and I am able to guarantee success at all levels. I have lots of success with all levels, and have been successful due to a variety of techniques, knowledge of exam papers/common difficulties when learning a language and teaching experience.
I am able to get the best out of students, by identifying their learning needs and styles.

Adult learners: I have a very successful and unique approach, which allows adults to understand how a language is constructed and which allows them to grasp the basics of a language and then 'play' with the language by adding new vocabulary and phrases. You will feel confident wiih the pronunciation of the language from the beginning, which is essential to make progress quickly and effectively.

What my previous students have said:

E - July 2012 - Intermediate Adult: I needed a quick few lessons to help me pass a resit at University, I realised this was a pressure on Sarah to help me pass but I had learnt more with Sarah in a total of 6 hours than I had in a whole year. I would highly recommend Sarah to anybody, Thank you Sarah for your help, you helped me pass with flying colours! E.

R - May 2012 - GCSE last minute help online - My daughter says " Sarah is really friendly and helpful and she gave me lots of techniques I can use to revise". Sarah has been brilliant at giving a late boost just before the exams, which was exactly what we wanted. We found her incredibly helpful and responsive and are sure she has been a major part of boosting my daughter's confidence - her grades as reported by school have gone up two levels in the last two months and Sarah has been a definite part of this

S - July 2011-May 2012 - Adult Casual - After having lessons for a few months now I can say that Sarah is a very effective teacher and has the ability to explain things in a simple and easy to understand way. I feel I have made significant progress in my learning and would not hesitate to recommend Sarah to anybody wishing to learn french.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker with a good level of English.
A good nature and level headed character with lots of patience.
I used to Work as an announcer at a local cable television station in China.
Chinese language presenter for Eava FM 102.5, a local radio station in Leicester for minorities.

Teaching Experience:
Mandarin Tutor for the University of Leicester.
Mandarin Tutor for the University of Nottingham.
Mandarin Tutor for the Leicester Chinese Community Centre.
Mandarin Tutor for the Seagrave village primary school in Loughborough.
Private Tutor for students taking the GCSE.
Private Chinese Tutor for Adult student.

Tutoring Approach:
Setting the targets for each Level.
Encourage students to participate in arranging course contents.
Allowing maximum interaction via group activities.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Sarah trained at Arts Educational, London. As well as being an actor she has been Artistic Director at The London Drama School for 15 years. Her Theatre Company has been running since 1998 and has many stage, screen and open-air productions to it's name. She is a fully qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner and works worldwide. Sarah was born in Brighton and attended Brighton and Hove High School & Brighton College, as well as being a student/teacher working for Carole Best at The Brighton School of Music and Drama since age 14. Sarah teaches from home in Peacehaven or in central Brighton or in central Hove.

Teaching Experience:
CURRENTLY
Teaching, Brighton
Working with students at ACT, Brighton and private students who are preparing their Trinity Guildhall Exams & Diploma's or auditions.
WORK
2018, Maid, Pelleas et Melisande, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Stefan Herheim
2017, Quince & Cobweb, Midsummer NIght's Dream, BOAT & Lewes Castle, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Brighton Shakespeare Company, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Sadie, He Gave Me Heroin, Lantern Theatre for Brighton Fringe Festival, Sian Webber
2015, Stage, Mistress Ford, Merry Wives of Windsor, Treason Show & BOAT, Mark Brailsford2
2013, Suzanne, Urban Adventure Pilot, Blast Theory & Film 4 Dir. Matt Adams
2012, Voice-over, Popmedia Dir. Jim Stokes
2012, Teacher/ Director, Shakespeare Workshops & performance, Fulking
2012, Teacher, Shakespeare Workshop, Dunedin, New Zealand
2011, Cleo, LYSISTRATA, Actors of Dionysus at the Rose Theatre Kingston, Dir. James Albrecht
2011, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2011, Jane, Connected, Feature film, Connected Productions, Dir. Mike Carter
2010, Nurse, Human Rights Dilemma's Corporate Video, Sunny Arts, Dir. Will Geffin
2010, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2010, Workshop Leader, Shakespeare Made Fun, Dome Education Dept, Prod. Pippa Smith
2010, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2009, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2009, Actor & Producer, The Odd Couple, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2009, TV, Actor, Comedy sketch show pilot, Dir. Mark Cameron
2009, Director, Introduction to Shakespeare, The London Drama School
2008, Mrs Hardcastle, She Stoops to Conquer, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
2008, Tinkerbell , Happy Ever After - Interactive Theatre for kids, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2008, Director, Shakespeare Workshop, The Seychelles
2007, Producer & Angela, ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Jim Madden
2007, Director, UNCLE VANYA, The London Drama School
2007, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2007, Producer, Corporate Role-Play Video's, Monitor Group, Dir. Ben Cole
2007, Director, The Famous Five, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2006, Producer & Actor, BLITHE SPIRIT, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton & New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2006, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2006, TV, Actor, BASIL BRUSH SHOW, Cbeebies, Dir. Michael Kerrigan
2006, Producer & Maria. TWELFTH NIGHT, Brighton Dome, Dir. Stephen Casey
2005, Producer & Lady Bracknell, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2005, VoiceOver, Dorothy Norris, VE DAY IN COLOUR, TWI for The History Channel
2005, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2005, TV, Mrs Hudson, BILLIE THE GIRL FROM THE FUTURE, 2 Hats Prods, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2004, TV, Louise Holmes, The Hutton Enquiry, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2004, Mrs Kepple, A PLACE OF SAFETY, Pier Playwrights, Dir. Guy Picot
2004, Corporate Video, Mrs Davis, ADVAL KEY KNOWLEDGE
2004, Steering Group, Royal Theatrical Fund, London
2004, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2004, Producer & Maria, TWELFTH NIGHT, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Stephen Casey
2004, Radio, Henrietta Hangleton & Vvanda Downway, HOTEL PALMEIRA, Dir. Jim Madden & JP Orr @ Touchwood
2003, Stage Manager, Donald Sinden's, Birthday Gala, Royal Theatrical Fund at the Arts Theatre
2003, Producer & Henrietta Hangleton, BRIGHTON SOAPBOX, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2003, Dutch, QUEEN OF THE BAR, Brighton & Hove Theatre Company, Dir. Peter Mantle
2003, Television, Louise Holmes, THE HUTTON INQUIRY, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2003, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2002, Producer & Comedy Compere, COMIC IRRIGATION, Battersea Barge
2002, Production Assistant & Olivia, TWELFTH NIGHT, Contraband Productions, Dir. Rachel Lasserson
2002, Television, Harry's Mad Mother, HARRY & COSH SERIES IV THE GIFT, 2 Hats Film & TV Productions, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2001-2, Assistant Manager at The Fortune Theatre
2001, Producer & Director, NASTY BOY, Incisor & Komedia
2001, Producer & Penny, I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2000, Jonquil 1999-2000, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Komedia Productions, Dir. Mark Urquahart
1999, Producer & Director, SO BLOODY IMPORTANT, Man In The Moon, Chelsea
1999, Charlotte, ELEGIES, Co-Active Music Factory, Dir. Fenton Gray
1998, Producer & Penny, ARTIST'S MODEL, Bristol Old Vic, Dir. John Sharian
1997, Co-producer & Lauren, ASHES AND SAND, Co-Active Theatre Factory, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
1996, Co-producer and Co-Director - Take 2 at The Canal Caf Theatre, Maid Vale, London
1993 -7, Assistant producer - The CAT Factory, Brighton at Komedia

SKILLS
Qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner for Speech & Drama
Artistic Director at The London Drama School & producer for all end-of-year West-End Showcases
Specialist in Shakespeare, Chekhov, Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, Pinter & Animal Study

TRAINING
1991 - 1992 DIPLOMA IN ACTING - Grade A, Arts Educational Schools London
1988 - 1991 BA DRAMA and ENGLISH - West London University
1985 - 1987 3 A-LEVEL and 1 S-LEVEL - Brighton College
1983 - 1987 NEW ERA GOLD MEDAL - SPEECH & DRAMA
GUILDHALL GRADE 8 - SPEECH & DRAMA - Brighton School of Music & Drama

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging all students to work to the best of their ability and to stimulate their imagination and passion for performance and interpersonal skills. All acting requires physical strength and vocal technique and her approach is very dynamic and energetic. Can teach Stanislavski, Method, Voice, Animal Study, Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Chekhov, Sense Memory amongst others.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I`m Kevin, a friendly and patient full-time maths tutor.

After gaining 11 A's at GCSE (before the days of A* grades) and 4 A's at A level (Maths, Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry), and winning both of my school's mathematics prizes, I went on to study mathematics at uni. Since then I worked as both an Accountant and an Actuary before becoming a full-time maths tutor in 2012.

I am an intelligent guy, with the ability to break things down to their simplest forms. I'm also patient and a good listener, with the ability to understand the way someone else thinks about a problem. I think it's the combination of these qualities that makes me a natural tutor. Even before becoming a tutor, I experienced time after time, that when people had a problem understanding something, it was me they`d come to.


One of many 5* reviews:

"My son was struggling with his AS level maths course having failed to keep up with the pace of new topics. We were fortunate enough to get Kevin to help him and there was a complete transformation of his confidence and approach to maths. Before Kevin's intervention my son had achieved U, D and E grades in various mock exams but in test papers before the actual exams he was getting results right at the top of the grade spectrum. I cannot
recommend Kevin too highly for his technical expertise in the subject or for his organised and sympathetic
teaching approach which was essential in my son's case. Kevin brought my son order and confidence out of confusion and despair"

Teaching Experience:
Since becoming a full-time maths tutor I've given after school help to over a hundred students with their GCSE and A level maths courses. I have also taught home schooled children, adult learners, International Baccalaureate and QTS.

Tutoring this many pupils on a 1-1 basis has meant I've become extremely familiar with the individual syllabus requirements of the main exam boards (Edexcel, AQA, OCR and OCR MEI).

Tutoring Approach:
Let me know what your aim is - whether it be to understand that topic/module you 'just cant get!', or to go through past papers, or to learn a whole course from start to finish, and between us we can agree the best approach for you, and prepare a plan of action to ensure you achieve your goals.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching for 11 years and enjoy the experience immensely. I am supportive and approachable and I like to think that my students have enjoyed having me as their teacher. I work hard and am thoroughly committed to ensuring my students can succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching History at Ossett Academy for 11 years as well as Citizenship and RE. I have taught all 3 key stages and have a good track record of results as evidenced through the results achieved.

I have been a personal tutor to KS5 students for the last four years.

Tutoring Approach:
I plan lessons and expect some involvement from my student. I will tailor the lesson to suit the needs of my student as this is the best approach. I will set work that should be completed outside of tutor time but I am fully aware of the commitments that Abu of my tutees already have.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a professional actor and workshop facilitator.

Teaching Experience:
I work full time at Globe Education, Shakespeare's Globe, where I teach regularly in house and on outreach projects, from KS2 to A Level students, including international and SEN. I am also one of the leaders of the Southwark Youth Theatre at the Globe.

I have worked freelance for Iris Theatre, Hoopla, Pzazz and for The Company Sussex and Sasbah. I also teach LAMDA exam preparation at a school in Sussex.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost I take care to adapt what I'm doing for the needs of the student.

I am very passionate about how we use words, about storytelling and about performance. I think it's important to find a route in that interests the student, making the work so much enjoyable and easier as a result.

I am always happy to work with dyslexics as I too have dyslexia and think it's very important to understand that this is a gift in creativity and not a hindrance.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor with 32 years of experience.I am a friendly relaxed person who likes to get the best out of my students by keeping them interested with a creative approach and to maintain a good pace,to keep them interested.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor with over 32 years in education, specialising in Maths and Science at KS3 and GCSE. I have taught across a wide range of settings, including mainstream, ALN/SEN provision and PRUs, where I successfully ran a Maths and Science department for six years and delivered KS3, KS4 and full GCSE pathways.

I have extensive training and hands‑on experience supporting learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia, ADHD, ASD and other specific learning difficulties. My approach is always individualised - no two students learn the same way, so every lesson is tailored to their needs, pace and confidence level.

My tutoring focuses on building confidence first, then developing strong problem‑solving skills through clear explanations, multiple approaches and engaging practice. I aim to make learning relaxed, enjoyable and achievable, helping students believe in themselves and recognise their progress.

I currently teach KS3 and KS4 Science in a high school in Wales and tutor Maths and Science privately. I am passionate about inspiring learners, helping them overcome barriers, and enabling them to reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I have relaxed approach to tutoring and like to keep a good pace to my lessons to keep the students interested and engaged.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native Mandarin speaker born and raised in China, systematically educated to a high standard (graduated from primary, middle and high schools). Highly educated, successfully graduated with a couple of academic degrees from top British universities including Imperial College London. Currently working in banking in the city of London.

Teaching Experience:
Many years of one to one experiences with private school students from Tonbridge and Sevenoaks as well as younger kids and mature students.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience teaching children from a young age as well as mature students, therefore I am more than happy to customize teaching pace and technique according to the requirement of my students.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native German speaker and I am passionate about teaching and I love people. I have a PhD in protein chemistry.

Teaching Experience:
I am teaching since 2012 and I have taught 31 private students so far. I have taught 17 Science GCSE and A-level classes in schools and Colleges. I also have taught 23 German, French and Italian evening classes.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student and needs centred.
My language lessons can focus on speaking and listening, essential grammar and writing sentences and essays.
In science lessons all weaknesses can be discussed, school homework and exam paper questions.
A typical lesson with me is one hour per week with one additional hour of homework for the following lesson, however this is entirely up to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Spanish native speaker from Mexico. I have 9 years of experience teaching English and Spanish in Mexico and the UK. I am a qualified Spanish Teacher currently working in the Greater Manchester area.

Teaching Experience:
My most significant educational experience comes from teaching in an English School in Mexico, which was a rewarding experience. I was always extremely supportive with my students during the lessons and I consistently showed excellent communication and understanding skills. I helped pupils to improve their language skills through the implementation of varied activities and materials considering their individual needs. During this period of time, I worked with various groups of learners from ages 4-5 up to adults and occasionally worked with low-ability learners and some mild learning difficulties, which helped me to develop excellent classroom management and classroom organisation.

Further to this experience, I also periodically work as a private language tutor where I design and deliver bespoke courses or individual material to young or adult learners.

While studying at university I joined a nursery and primary level school where I worked with children from ages 5-11 teaching them English according to the national curriculum.

In 2018, I started volunteering at All Hallows R.C. High School supporting one of the Spanish teachers during their lessons. During this time I have had the opportunity to work with pupils from Year 7 up to Year 11, and learnt about the UK national curriculum.
A key part of my role is supporting the teacher with the management of pupil behaviour, helping them to reduce wasted time and enabling them to concentrate on delivering their class. Another part of my role is to ensure students work during class and understand the tasks assigned by the teacher. I normally sit next to pupils who struggle with Spanish so they do not feel left behind by the others. I patiently help them to complete their activities, motivate them and encourage them to study harder. Furthermore, I was assigned to support Year 11 students to help them reinforce their speaking, vocabulary and grammar skills in order to succeed in their GCSE Spanish exams.

I currently work as a Spanish teacher in a Secondary school in the Greater Manchester area.

Tutoring Approach:
My capacity to help pupils to face challenges and make them believe they can be successful no matter how difficult the situation is, as well as the ability to create positive and welcoming environments in a classroom and my constant need to share knowledge are the skills that have guided me into education. Seeing students thirsty to learn and looking at their faces when they understand new/complex topics is an amazing feeling. I am also motivated by the knowledge that I can be a good influence, a role model, and a source of inspiration for others at such a fundamental age which drives me to be at my best every day.

I am a person who has an active and dynamic approach to work and getting things done, skills which have served me well to ensure variety while working with students from different ages in order to design creative and innovative lessons. I am a supportive and an effective listener who adapts to all situations, which enables me to create positive and comfortable learning atmospheres. As my teaching abilities have developed, I have demonstrated that I have the capacity to identify students' needs easily. This helps me to find different teaching strategies in order to provide students better ways of learning and thinking which would suit their specific needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly and easy going person from St. Petersburg. I live in a small town in England with my family and two cats. We enjoy going on long walks In the countryside, cooking pies and watching movies. I am a highly enthusiastic and committed teacher and get the best out of my students. I am a creative and inspiring person. I have a positive attitude and this motivates students and builds their confidence.

Teaching Experience:
I have lived and worked in UK since 2000. I have substantial teaching experience working with children of all ages and their families. My working experience ranges from working in the children centres and pre-schools to working in a primary school. I enjoy teaching Russian and English to bilingual/ multilingual children at a weekend school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that communicative method is the best way forward. I use a variety of activities and tasks to make lessons engaging but challenging and productive. The lessons are tailored to you and your needs. Developing all language skills is important, however I am happy to be flexible and focus on what you need most- whether it is speaking or listening, reading or writing, improving vocabulary or pronunciation.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a professional guitarist and experienced guitar & music tutor with over 20 years' teaching experience, offering one-to-one guitar lessons and full-spectrum music tuition for all ages and abilities. I've taught hundreds of students over the years, from complete beginners and adult returners, to GCSE/A-Level students, Grade learners, gig artists and advanced learners preparing for performances or music grades.

As a session-trained musician and long-time performer, I've played to audiences of over 40,000, but my real passion lies in one-to-one teaching: helping people fall in love with music, build their confidence, and develop solid skills they can carry for life.

I teach from my dedicated home studio in Kings Langley (Hertfordshire), or online via Zoom / other platforms. I also offer in-person visits depending on location and availability - please note this is quoted on a bespoke basis, depending on travel.

Teaching Experience:
I've run my own private guitar tuition practice for over two decades, having taught 300+ pupils across all ages (4+), styles and learning needs. I've also taught many pupils remotely, for example one being in The Bahamas! Many of my students stay with me for years, and I've supported people through all stages of their musical development - including school performances, first gigs, grade exams, worship songs for their church attendance, and even songwriting and composition.

Alongside children and teens, I regularly work with adult learners, professionals, and those looking for a creative outlet or confidence boost. I also have extensive experience working with SEN children, neurodivergent adults, stroke survivors, and elderly learners, with an emotionally intelligent, calm and encouraging approach.

I'm DBS-checked, insured, and trained in both practical and theoretical music education.

Tutoring Approach:
I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all method. Every student is different, so I tailor each lesson to the individual, blending technical skill-building with musicality, theory, rhythm, and creative expression.

Whether you want to learn acoustic or electric guitar, improve your rhythm, read sheet music, play your favourite songs, or work on improvisation and confidence, we can shape a path that fits your goals and learning style.

I'm friendly, supportive, and committed to helping you enjoy the process as much as the progress. My job is to make learning music feel exciting, achievable, and something you look forward to each week.

For online lessons, the rate listed applies. If you'd like me to travel to your home for lessons, I'm happy to do so depending on your location - in this case, a bespoke rate will apply. You're also very welcome to come to my home studio in Kings Langley, where I teach most of my in-person sessions.

Subjects