Portswood Tutors & Portswood Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a 45 year old lady residing in Ashford, Kent. I originally come from Africa and have been in England for 10 years now. I trained as a primary school teacher but resigned after 16 years mainly because I wanted to travel and broaden my experiences. My hobbies are reading and writing (for leisure), travelling and sightseeing, aerobics and swimming. I could however easily call teaching one of my hobbies because I always find myself teaching people wherever I go!

Teaching Experience:
I was a primary school teacher for 16 years but I also did private tutoring as a sideline. I taught English to the age group 9-10years and outside working hours I taught adult literacy classes. I think I did well because I always found myself with so many private students to teach that sometimes it was hard to cope . All the same I enjoyed every minute of it. I have also recently qualified as an EFL teacher and am hoping to start soon.

Tutoring Approach:
When I meet a student for the first time I always believe in taking time to know them. By this I mean their well being and /or state of mind. For example, if a student has come to class only because someone has insisted, then learning will be a chore. Or if they have personal problems, or they are hungry, tired or ill then we will not get very far. So I will take a few minutes to chat and get to know their state of mind as well as reassure them before we start and if there is anything I can do to settle them then that is what I will do first. I am saying this with a view to teaching adults because that is what I hope to do. I also believe in teaching in a very relaxed environment that is conducive to learning so I always try and get rid of all distractions before we start. I have been known to be a good teacher and I hope I will continue with my good style and reputation.

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Personal Description:
Hello there, my name is Tony, an accounting tutor. Here's the secret...

Most students imagine accounting to be a subject riddled with daunting calculations and demanding a higher form of intelligence. This is not so. In my years of teaching students, I have discovered that most students fail because they study the wrong thing. Look at it this way. To understand the working of a balance sheet [statement of financial position] most students memorise the order in which elements are applied. This is the cardinal sin.

To be a successful student you must understand why we need a balance sheet and what information users of this particular financial statement are looking for. When you look at it from a user perspective [understanding who those users are and what they want] your mind no longer tries to remember what was after what but your mind starts to actually determine what needs to be there to satisfy the users questions regarding a companies affairs.

This way you can forget the specific format but you can always recreate it because you actually understand what is going on and why it is going on. Give me a call, I'll help you see the better side of accounting.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of tutoring students in the UK. I am passionate about what I do and I enjoy helping students.

For online students, I promise you an experience you never thought was possible. You will be able to see my white board/note pad on your computer screen. Every stroke or letter I write will appear on your screen instantly. It will be like we are in the same room. Please give it a try and if you do not like it I will give you a full refund.

Tutoring Approach:
I focus mainly on two aspects; Understanding of the subject and Examination techniques. To achieve this I encourage one to one tutoring although in rare cases I accept groups.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher with extensive experience teaching A-Level Mathematics and Physics in mainstream secondary schools. Over the past 10+ years, I have taught the full A-Level syllabus-including Core Mathematics, Mechanics, Statistics, and Further Pure Mathematics-within formal school settings, giving me deep insight into curriculum requirements, examination standards, and the specific challenges students face in tackling exam questions.

Track Record of Results
My students consistently achieve the best possible grades at GCSE and A-Level. Many have secured places at their preferred universities, while others have moved up two grade levels within a single term-some showing 50% improvement in performance in just one term. I have helped students across the ability range, from those in lower sets exploring their full potential to those achieving the highest marks across entire year groups. Students frequently report that subject material becomes significantly easier to follow once we work through it together, leading to greater confidence and stronger performance in their mainstream school classes.

Additional Expertise
Beyond A-Level and GCSE Mathematics and Physics, I also prepare students for:
11+ and Common Entrance exams (Mathematics, Comprehension, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Writing)
7+ and 13+ entrance assessments
GCSE Mandarin (listening and speaking focus)
I welcome students of all ages who are seeking structured, results-driven private tuition. Parent recommendations are available upon request.
Credentials & Safeguarding
DBS Checked (Disclosure & Barring Service)

Teaching Experience:
A-Level Physics & Maths Teacher | 10+ Years Experience. Currently teaching A-level maths and further maths in main stream secondary school.

First Class Results in A-Level & IB Physics and Mathematics
I am a dedicated Physics and Maths teacher with over 10 years of secondary school experience and a proven track record of helping students achieve top grades in GCSE, A-Level, IB, and AP examinations.

What I Teach
A-Level / IB / AP: Physics and Mathematics (specialist focus)
GCSE / IGCSE / KS3: Maths and Physics
KS2 Maths and 11+ Entrance Exam preparation (Maths, Comprehension, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Writing)
Mandarin: Native speaker tuition for all ages, including GCSE Mandarin preparation

Qualifications
MSc Finance and Accounting
BSc Assets Evaluation and Management
MCSE certified

Why Choose My Tuition?
✓ Specialist expertise in A-Level and IB Physics/Maths syllabi
✓ Consistent record of students achieving their best possible grades
✓ Personalised one-to-one sessions or small group classes (max 5 students)
✓ Flexible learning: in-person (Sipson/Heathrow area, within 5-mile radius) or online via Skype

Pricing & Availability
Weekdays and weekends available
5% group discount (max 5 students)
5% block booking discount (10 lessons)

My Approach
Positive attitude is key in learning. Remember: learning can be really fun. LOVE TO LEARN.

Tutoring Approach:
I always listen to my tutees first and assess their level of knowledge. I often use relaxed, patient and friendly approach with the younger students, as well as punctuality and dedication. I believe that having fun is the best way of learning any subject for all ages.

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Personal Description:
I am a masters degree holder with experience in tutoring up to graduate level in mathematics .

I have real flair for teaching mathematics and I get a great satisfaction from making my students learn the logic and develop an approach to solving problems.

I am also very interested in students from physics looking to learn modern mathematical techniques and actuarial students as well.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7 years of experience in teaching. Have taught several hundred graduate students to prepare for high-school and university level Maths and Statistics


Great detailed knowledge in all branches of mathematics up to graduate level.

Tutoring Approach:
Individual approach

Understand my students approach to analysis and problem solving. Challenge and channel their thought process to reach the result so that they always be successful in getting the problems solved.

Also upon request can intensely focus on achieving great exam results in short span of time.

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Personal Description:
I studied Economics at Cambridge University and then went on to play rugby to an International level and also coach at the same level. I am now married with 2 children and love helping people achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught A-Level Economics for the last 2 years at a non-selective private school. Last year, 1/4 of my students achieved 100 UMS at A2 and 1/3 achieved an A*. One student had achieved a D at AS and finished with an A* with a UMS average of 95. Prior to this, I played and coached sport at an International Level so have a real understanding of learning and how to help people improve, often starting with behavioural change and combining this with activities to maximise the students' learning. I also tutored several students last year including a mature student, all achieved the grades they required.

Tutoring Approach:
I use nudges to change behaviours in my students on an individual basis. We need to get to the stage where the student is comfortable teaching the subject matter to me and the whole course is connected rather than studied in isolation. I am incredibly supportive and adaptable to the individual but I the sessions will always be a challenge.

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Personal Description:
I have been an EFL and Italian Teacher for 20 years. I have always had a big passion for teaching languages. I have a University Degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies and I work as a private Italian Teacher and tutor online.
I am a Professional Italian/English/French Teacher and Tutor (GCSE and A Level), Medical Translator/Transcriber and Interpreter

Teaching Experience:
I have a University Degree in Modern Languages, Interpreting and Translation. I have been teaching Italian and English for 20 years. I tutor online using Skype/Zoom. My students obtain best results thanks to a communicative and flexible approach.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring is mostly based on building the basics of the language for beginner-level students, conversation, developing conversation skills, vocabulary learning and grammar rules. My conversational approach is followed by written tasks normally to be done outside the lesson.
I base my lessons mainly on real-life Italian and conversation. I focus on vocabulary learning and grammar rules using a wide variety of catchy teaching tools according to the type of students and the language target they need to reach. I like offering customized Italian lessons preparing materials that are based on my students' interests.

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Personal Description:
Friendly, reliable and experienced tutor, with a British English accent.

Qualified to PhD in 2014 (English & Languages Department, Surrey University), with the motivation to continue working with foreign learners of English at any stage of their development (beginner through to post graduate or business English improvers).

Based in the Borders of Scotland, with access to transport links across the city.

Other Information:
• Students' Union employee, community volunteer and 'Student Representative of the Year' during BA and MA Degrees.
• Mentor and student support worker to students with disabilities during PhD.

Teaching Experience:
Relevant teaching experience:

• TEFL training during BA (Hons) Degree at Bath University, including one-to-one tutoring of English to young adult learners.
• Two years in Paris and three months in Italy working with young children to improve their understanding of English (references available).
• Completion of the following teaching programmes at Surrey University: Introduction to Teaching; Student Learning; Assessment & Feedback; Technology Enhanced Learning; and the Graduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching (module 1 classes only).
• Provided language support (both grammatical and oral) to BA, MA and PhD students across multiple disciplines at Bath University and Surrey University.
• Marking of MA assignments, including spelling and grammar correction and feedback at Surrey University.
• Mentoring and emotional support to students via the Learning Support Team at Surrey University.
• Residential work placement in 2012 at New College Worcester, a specialist school for blind and visually-impaired students between 11 and 18 years of age.
• Involved in training and coaching new colleagues and contractors on a business level for over 25 years.
• Trained in listening, communication and empathy skills with the Samaritans, Winchester in 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be fun!

The aim is for you to enjoy speaking and writing English, whilst moving at your own pace through a programme of learning that is designed around your own requirements and interests.

We could meet: online, in a coffee shop, at a local library, at your home or office.
We could talk about: books, business, films, music, travel, culture or life in general. It's up to you!

Activities offered:
• General English conversation
• Targeted English conversation (in your area of interest, e.g. business sector)
• Help with grammar and written English, including forms and letters
• Improved listening skills using audio-visual aids
• One-to-one feedback on dissertation grammar and flow (full proofreading priced separately)
• Voice recordings of your own material offered (e.g. course notes or presentations)

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Personal Description:
I am a native Arabic language tutor with over 25 years' experience teaching Arabic from absolute beginners to university level in UK . I teach adults and children online only

I teach Arabic (Modern / Classical) from complete beginners level, all the way to an advanced level, for both adults and children. Students learn all aspects of the language: reading, writing and speaking (general communication). I apply modern teaching techniques, which make the learning process appealing and enjoyable at each lesson. Recently I did different training with British council and Edexcel training online for New GCSE Arabic language.
First lesson is free.

Teaching Experience:
I have a huge wealth of experience in teaching Arabic to Adults and Children in the UK over a period of nearly 25 years. I started teaching Arabic to children privately (individually and in small groups) in the UK since 1992. I then extended my offering, by teaching adults in one of the Adult Community Colleges in the North of England. I then moved to London, and taught two courses of Arabic at Brent Adult Education Services from 1999 to 2001. During that period, I also completed my basic teaching training at Stanmore College in1999.
I then moved to Sussex and restarted in 2008 my Arabic teaching at Sussex Adult Education Services. I continue to teach there until March 2017 as I was the only Arabic Language Tutor at college. Besides that, I kept my private teaching to adults and children, either in person or through Skype, Zoom and Team.
My wealth of experience in teaching Arabic is manifested by the following:
1) I use a wide range and varied teaching materials: books; dialogues; MP3 sound files; card games; CDs; computer games; videos; and worksheets. All of these are at different levels - from absolute beginners to advanced learners. I have created and developed some of these materials, while I have carefully selected the others to suit my teaching at different levels.
2) I plan and develop suitable materials to teach individual students, according to their abilities and understanding. I don't just follow one or two text books, or a computer program to teach the language. I create a session plan for each individual lesson, and when I teach a small group of students, I use suitable differentiation methods to cover the different needs of the students. For example, I currently teach two young children (brothers) at different ages and one of them has a disability, so my teaching materials are different to suit each of them, in order to keep both of them enjoy and benefit from the lessons.
3) Teaching students with different abilities and backgrounds, as well as disabled students. For example, I taught a partially blind adult student, as part of a large group, and then individually. She enjoyed the lessons and continued learning Arabic. My students are at different ages; different professions; different backgrounds; and with different objectives to learn Arabic. I currently teach teenagers at GCSE level; several male and female adults (different professions); and a retired people.
4) I also teach at different levels. For beginners, I teach them the Arabic letters (pronunciation and writing) and communication skills in different day-to-day topics such as buying food and asking for directions. For the more advanced adult learners, I prepare them to be able to read, listen and understand the news in Arabic as well as reading stories, and debating topics. This gives them a good foundation if they want to work in Arabic speaking countries; work with NGOs where Arabic is required; and conducting business in the Arab world.
5) As a College Tutor, I have gone through several inspections / observations of my teaching. I used the feedback from these inspections to improve my teaching methods, style and materials. The feedback from my last observation session (in October 2016) was excellent, and I got the highest grade for a teaching session. The inspection report was full of positive feedback statements, such as:

"The tutor has a very high level of subject knowledge and communicated this in a calm and reassuring manner throughout. There was good rapport between the tutor and students which created a very supportive environment";

"Delivery methods were varied and included tutor presentation, use of sound files, handouts, speaking practice with the tutor, pair-work and some students using ICT resources. Tutor spoke clearly and utilised facial expression to good effect to demonstrate subtle differences in long and short vowel sounds. The pace appeared to be appropriate to all and differentiated learning activities enabled students to progress at their own pace. There were frequent opportunities for repetition. Handouts were either dual language (English / Arabic) .

"A range of assessment methods were in evidence including Q&A, quiz sheets and individual conversation between student and tutor in target language. Positive verbal feedback was given by the tutor throughout the session.
The tutor was well aware of the differing starting points of the students and the tutor had devised an excellent range of individual activities concerning Arabic to meet the needs of each learner. (One had matching cards, 2 played snakes and ladders, one had activity on iPad and one an activity on the computer.)";

"All learners were confident to speak in target language during Q and A sessions";

"Very clear differentiation was evident as the range of students was quite wide including absolute beginners alongside at least one student who had some previous knowledge to the extent that he could read/recognise written Arabic".

Tutoring Approach:
I teach online only, and have a good experience with this method (I taught last year an IGCSE student in the Middle East, and currently teach GCSE to 5 young persons, all online). I usually offer a free trial lesson for assessment purposes and to make sure the student is happy with teaching online.

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Personal Description:
Tutor for the last five years specialising in maths and physics from primary to A-level. My typical student is in year 9-11.

I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

Extensive experience with special educational needs students, I also work as a teaching assistant in local schools .

A keen outdoor person, I enjoy the countryside, walking, cycling and cricket. Have been secretary to my local primary school's board of governors, secretary of my local cricket team and volunteer for local environmental organisations.

A couple of my most recent endorsements:-

"James proved himself to be a reliable, punctual, and a very supportive tutor. My daughter is in her final year of A levels and studies Further Mathematics which is a very detailed subject and requires a high level of skill. James is a brilliant mathematician with a high skills set and knowledge of Further Maths he quickly helped her gain confidence and she overcome difficulties within the subject. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with James and we are hopeful for a high grade in the subject when the A level results are out in August. I would not hesitate to recommend James as a tutor to other parents. Thank you, James,". 30th January 2020.

"A lot of the time was spent on English/ English literature covering the GCSE course work. My son initially struggled with the English literature, but James always took time to make it interesting. This certainly helped him develop his skills. The English language part required a lot of essay writing which he was not keen on. However, by the end, he was writing answers to questions James set for homework as he got the hang of what was required." 3rd June 2020.

Teaching Experience:
I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

While I'm a tutor, I'm also a supply teacher in my local area high schools principally for maths, physics and other subjects as required.

Experience as a tutor in the last five years with students varying from primary age through GCSE (KS-4) to further maths and A-level. Have also worked with mature students at college studying for HND and university maths.

Special educational needs (SEN) students worked with including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD), Asperger's, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dyslexia as well as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

Within schools have worked with ILP (Individual Learning Plans) for students with special educational needs.

Other topics I have tutored to GCSE level include English, geography, science, chemistry and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
All students are different, so I strive to find what interests the student and work from there. An engaged student is a keen student.

It is important that the principles are understand because all else flows from this. I use examples from the students' course work and life situations to focus on what is important to the student, to put things in a language that they can understand. This can be through explanations, sketches, diagrams etc. When this happens and the light goes on, there is great satisfaction that the student is taking an interest in the subject.

Online tutoring provided via MicroSoft Teams and other means as required.

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Personal Description:
I have 14 years' experience as a tutor of both Maths and Business Studies at GCSE and A Level, and have a record of helping students of all abilities to achieve and exceed their target grades.

I believe in a personable approach and work with the student to explore topics and prepare for exams. My style has been appreciated by my clients, many of whom have asked me back to help the younger siblings or recommended me to others.

Outside work, my main interest is travel!

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored both maths and Business Studies since 2006 and have six years' teaching experience, five of which were as a Head of Department. Whilst now working in industry, I have continued to tutor students up to and including A Level. I have worked with students of all abilities to help them exceed their target grade in examinations, including getting top grades.

Tutoring Approach:
Everyone is different and, by its very nature, tutoring is focused on an individual. This makes it very different to learning in a classroom environment. I believe in having an adaptable approach which best reflect the learning style of the individual to bring out the best in them. I also like to bring in real-world examples as a way of contextualising topics.

I will spend time on topics and explain and demonstrate concepts methodically to ensure a full understanding and increase confidence when tackling questions. Rather than just show the 'how', I will show the 'why'. By having this deeper understanding, it helps provide context to a topic and will allow students to approach questions with confidence. I also believe in stretching students to achieve their full potential - I will always encourage you to go the extra mile.

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Personal Description:
I am Marcin Bernard, an artist and art educator who mainly specialises in painting and sculpting on wood and stone. I have been painting and sculpting since twelve years of age. I completed MFA in Fine Arts at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdansk in Poland. I have currently moved back to the United Kingdom with my family and am loving in York.
I am passionate about creating art, and I would like to inspire and teach students to be creative and effective in art and use art skills in life.

I believe it is essential to impart the story of Art, its developments and its power over centuries till the present times. Art is still very much alive and able to revolutionise our culture that impacts our societies at a global level going beyond its aesthetic ability to communicate to the masses. I believe Art is taught better as a praxis where the practice and theory are equally essential to engage our students and better equip them to become artists with altruistic nature, identifying and developing their potential by providing them with guidance. I have also sought opportunities to employ innovative approaches to enhance the delivery of my art lessons capitalising on traditional and digital art techniques, technology and online platforms with significance.

Teaching Experience:
I genuinely enjoy working together with the students. When I conducted a stone carving workshop at NIE( National Institute of Education) in Singapore, where I taught students how to transfer 2D ideas to 3D but carving directly onto limestone, it can be an upheaval task for students but to scaffold them to visualise their plan, see through the process from beginning to the end, problem-solving, tweaking, translating the 2D idea into 3D effectively, seeing them succeed and execute, gave me the feeling of satisfaction and joy. I realise then this is what I want to do, to teach. It was very different from an artist satisfaction.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to find out the strength as interest of my students and to guide them to develop them and also to work ideas and think through their narratives and purpose of their work of art or art project. It can also be skill based if the child wants to develop skills, or to facilitate help towards their academic but as well discover the artistic talent in them while working towards their academic projects.

Every student is different and I would contribute by imparting skills such as observation, analytical cognitive processes, technical ability such as drawing, painting, sculpting. Also, to help students consider the story and the art-making that would best express and communicate the intended narrative. To gain knowledge about the medium through experimentation, execution considering composition, and art elements as simple as lines that are essential and part of the creative process in learning aesthetics by exposing the students to look at various art forms and observe our daily grind from everyday life. Enabling students to communicate, to articulate the value art can give and impact our society. I want to facilitate learning and journey with my students to become independent, comfortable and satisfied with the creative process of creating their artworks innovatively. Recently, I have been researching and exploring digital means and understanding what this means in today's world and culture.

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Personal Description:
I have been actively working within the church for 5+ years as a Youth Pastor. I qualified in my field whilst working and during this time created all online Religious sessions to educate and support students in their quest to learn more about Religion, it's history and how it became what we know it to be today.

Proficient in all aspects of Theology & Religious Studies. Able to support Theology Degree undergraduates as well as youth based education in Religious Studies by using interactive targeted research coupled with online tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
5+ years total teaching experience in Religious Studies. Started online youth based Religious Studies via Zoom, Skype, Teams in 2020

Initial teaching was on a group level within schools and youth based church groups. This grew to include adult education on an in person basis. When the pandemic began I created and ran the online youth based education and training in various programs to suit student levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Sharing my passion and love of Theology & Religious Studies through online tutoring to students is my calling. I am a qualified degreed youth pastor working actively with students of all ages both in person and online, sharing my knowledge.

Through interactive sessions and utilizing targeted research and discussions produce the best results. Religious Studies is a vast and complex topic which, if approached using a traditional learning approach, does not allow the student to absorb information and facts needed to succeed in Religious Studies & Theology subjects.

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