Ravenshead Tutors & Ravenshead Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 50 years of age and have a wealth of experience in many aspects of life, including education and commerce. I have taught in colleges and schools and have run my own computer software company. I also have experience of property development. I have a passion for teaching and enjoy the challenge of helping students to achieve their best; I enjoy working one to one with students or in small groups; tutorials are tailor made for each student, based on an assessment and previous exam results. I have a BA and a BSC(hons) degree in maths and computing. I also hold qualified teacher status and a Secondary Mathematics Post Graduate Certificate in Education.

Teaching Experience:
25 years of teaching experience including 20 years teaching Motor Vehicle Technology in colleges in Cornwall, Bristol and Essex and 5 years teaching mathematics and several other subjects in secondary schools. I am also a qualified NVQ assessor for Motor Vehicle Engineering.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that to enable a student to achieve their best a "hands-on" approach is best. Building on strengths and developing weaknesses. I like to work with the students past exam papers so I know exactly where they need help. lessons are are tailor made to the individuals needs.

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Personal Description:
I possess a doctorate degree in stellar astrophysics from University College London.

I have always possessed a tremendous thirst for knowledge, and am passionate in my pursuit of it.

I believe there are always new fields of study to explore and ideas to engage one's imagination - I suppose one could say that I simply love learning.

Teaching Experience:
For several years I have provided private tuition in both mathematics and physics for both GCSE and A level students.

I have also assisted in mathematics and physics problem classes for 1st year undergraduates at University College London.

On top of this I have assisted in astronomy classes for further education diploma students at the University of London Observatory.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it is of the utmost importance that the student tries to understand the mathematical ideas and/or physical concepts behind the topics they are studying - to picture the problem or situation in one's imagination often helps one appreciate what one is trying to accomplish, and gives one a much better understanding of what is involved in solving problems and achieving success.

This approach of getting inside a subject has stood me in good stead throughout my academic career, and still forms the cornerstone of my continued quest for facts to fire my imagination.

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Personal Description:
I am proud to have consistently helped over 90% of my students achieve their desired grades and gain entry to their chosen universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Warwick and Imperial College.
I have a PhD in Physics and BSc Maths/Physics Jt Honours 1st Class. I am a co-author of over 60 peer reviewed papers in science journals and was a research scientist for 27 years in the world renowned Daresbury Laboratory of the Science and Technology Facilities Council which helps keep the UK at the forefront of international science and technology. I ran the operations of a world class X-ray photoelectron spectrometer for a wide range of applications in physics, chemistry, biology and material science.
I am a qualified martial arts instructor and teach the Chinese Wing Chun system. I believe sports can contribute towards an all round education and under proper supervision, martial arts can offer health benefits and is beneficial for mental and physical discipline. I am also interested in the promotion of the Chinese language because I am of Chinese origin and can speak Cantonese and Mandarin fluently. I also enjoy salsa dancing, music, fell walking, yoga and travel.

Teaching Experience:
Although semi-retired, I am still passionate about science and after gaining my PGCE teaching qualification in 2012, I am now embarking on helping GCSE and A level students with private tuition. My vast experience in training postgraduate students and working with scientists in solving real problems both academically and in industry brings in an invaluable real life dimension to the learning experience of the students.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is conducted in a relaxed but studious atmosphere and is tailored to individual needs with realistic targets. I use effective questioning and past examination papers for assessment which allow students to monitor their own progress.
I was a 16 year old migrant from Hong Kong when I first came to England in 1973, so I can certainly relate to problems such as racism, misunderstanding of and by others, loneliness, lack of empathy and learning barriers.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old and I have been a self employed tutor for over five years. I live in Nelson and always travel to the homes of my students. I have taught students from 8 years of age to adults and all ages in between. I love tutoring my students, because it is teaching in its purest sense without all the pressures of teaching in school.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 1989. I have taught in local secondary schools, including more than 10 years in a school in Burnley. I have worked in primary schools on a supply basis. I have a great deal of experience in teaching pupils and students with educational issues, pupils with statements of SEN, both behavioural and educational. I have a proven record of boosting grades at both GCSE and Key Stage 2 SATS. More recently I have tutored and mentored pupils studying for their 11 plus exams particularly for Clitheroe Grammar School.

Tutoring Approach:
When tutoring my students, it is crucial to establish a relationship with not only the student but the rest of the family. This helps establish a relaxed, and workmanlike atmosphere quickly so that progress can be made quickly. I spend the first few lessons establishing specific areas that need attention within the subject/s I am teaching. I am very well resourced with both text books and worksheets specifically designed for each student. I am well prepared for the new GCSE Maths syllabus and provide text books for pupils taking the 11+. I set homework by negotiation, and try to mark it before the next lesson, distance and time constraints allowing. Where possible I try to liaise with my student's teachers in school, but this can prove difficult.

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Personal Description:
Hi, My name is Martins. I am a person who is very proactive and this makes me the hardest working individual in any given room. In addition to my hard work and brilliance, I have other important qualities to offer such as team work and leadership as I have successfully spearheaded and worked in several groups on various projects. My communication and writing skills are excellent as I have written and presented many outstanding speeches over the years. Honestly I am just an energetic vessel waiting to be utilized. I believe that if awarded the opportunity, I will surely seize the opportunity, exhibit my true potential, surpass my limits and exceed expectations.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for six years, Online and In person.

Tutoring Approach:
I can make Maths easy for anyone simply because I can explain it properly. I am the Best

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Personal Description:
I am a second year Economics Student at Lancaster University achieving a 2:1 in my first year.

Currently I have picked modules only involving mathematics ranging from maths for economics, econometrics and game theory and a minor pure mathematics module. So I am presently fully capable of handling up to A-Level Core and Statistical mathematics.

Teaching Experience:
I have no professional experience as a teacher however i have some experience teaching my peers throughout GCSE, A-Level and Degree Level.
For instance I have taught friends and peers parts of Edexcel Mathematics up to A-Level.
As well as this i have also received private tuition myself during A-Level from my college and so have a good perspective from this on teaching maths to students.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a student, i am very flexible and aim to try to cater to your timetables if possible.

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Personal Description:
I'm a senior university lecturer who has been teaching Sociology at degree level since 1995. I have a degree (first class) and Phd in Sociology. In addition to university lecturing, I have 24 years experience marking and moderating A level Sociology papers for the AQA exam board.
I believe my teaching style is motivational, relaxed and most of all fun! I encourage creative approaches to learning, with a focus on what the student can bring to the learning process. I also have a detailed knowledge of Sociology, not only teaching the subject for over 20 years, but as a research active, published sociologist myself.

Teaching Experience:
Senior lecturer in Sociology: Liverpool Hope University: 1995-2007

Senior lecturer in Social Care: Wrexham Glyndwr University: 2007-present (part time) teaching Sociology (programme leader), Social Work, and Politics.

*AQA APPROVED EXAMINER* : Experienced AQA A level Sociology Examiner, including the role of Team Leader, 2004-present.

Tutoring Approach:
Student centred, with a strong emphasis on the skills, knowledge and experiences that the student already has. I am able to break down complex, difficult ideas into something that makes sense to the learner, and pride myself on my ability to create confident, critical thinkers in my students. I am particularly skilled in working with students who lack confidence, and are underachieving, in addition to pushing the most able students beyond the results they are currently achieving.

I am delighted to report that results obtained in summers 2022 and 2023 A level AQQ examinations in Sociology resulted in my tutees moving up from the predicted grades (D to a C, B to an A, A to an A*).

*Update*
Summer 2025 results (A level Sociology, AQA )
Tutee predicted grade C, grade achieved B
Tutee predicted grade B, grade achieved A
Tutee predicted grade D/E, grade achieved C

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and experienced Mandarin and Spanish teacher, and held the positions of Head of Chinese at both Oakham School and Oundle School. I am bilingual in Spanish, and studied Chinese at University for 4 years, including a year in China.

Languages have always been a passion of mine, and I am eager to help language learners of all abilities. I am friendly and approachable, and realise how difficult Mandarin in particular can be for learners with no Chinese background. I genuinely enjoy finding new ways to help pupils overcome these difficulties, especially with writing and speaking. Spanish has its own challenges, and I am equally passionate about both languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and am familiar with a range of exam boards and syllabuses. At GCSE Level I have taught AQA and EdExcel, and Cambridge IGCSE. I have also taught IB Diploma Level: Spanish Standard and Higher Levels; Mandarin ab initio. I have taught A Level and Cambridge Pre-U in both languages for a number of years. All my pupils have achieved top results.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everyone learns differently and I will first spend time getting to know exactly what is needed, and how the individual learns best before coming up with a personalised plan. I believe my strongest ability is an adaptability to meet the varying needs of the pupil as, generally, this is why tuition is being sought beyond the school curriculum.

In terms of academic structure, I would aim to follow a curriculum but have the flexibility to pause where needed. I am a firm believer that confidence is an essential part of learning a language, and I hope to give my pupils the confidence that they need.

Lastly, but equally as important, language learning should be engaging and fun. I strive to keep a healthy balance in this. So often I meet pupils who have initially fallen out of love with a subject and bringing them back on board is essential. Whilst the emphasis is always on academic progress, lessons will always be enjoyable.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic Head of Department at an outstanding school in Berkshire. I teach both GCSE and A level Business and Economics. I have experience in a range of different exam boards. I graduated from the University of Bath with a 2.1 in Economics and Politics and have a decade of real world experience having worked as a management consultant and senior marketing roles in the healthcare and lifesciences industry. I am also a proud mum to my son, keen yoga practitioner and love to travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have 8 years of teaching experience. I have supported students with dyslexia and other learning needs improve their written work and improve the accuracy and understanding of technical and diagrammatic analysis in Economics

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to identify the students need whether that's understanding the content fully or being able to apply their knowledge to exam questions. Or indeed whether the student needs to practise structuring their writing to more clearly align with the mark schemes from the examiner. In addition some students need support organising themselves and planning their revision. I believe it should complement and enhance their school work in a positive way. Ideally students should use the sessions to enable them to become more independent in their learning rather than tutoring for perpetuity.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of University of Southampton and Queen Mary University of London. I recieved a BSc in Biomedical Science and an MSc in Forensic Medical Science at both of these universities (respectively). Since graduation, I have been volunteering to work with a few GCSE students, focusing on improving their grades and understanding of Maths and Biology. I am most passionate about biology, particularly human biology, physiology, and anatomy and this is where my strengths lie within biology. In my own experience, letting students inform me of their preferred learning style and adjusting accordingly has been the most effective approach to learning. I am always happy to provide extra resources and practice questions based on the topic we have studied. I am a big advocate for education and I believe that no matter your background, you should have equal access and opportunities for learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored 5 students so far ranging from year 4 to year 11 in Maths and Biology.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy getting to know my tutee and understanding their learning style. That way, I can plan lessons based on how they like to learn for our sessions to be as effective as possible. I have a very patient and adaptable approach - I can go over concepts multiple times with lots of practice questions to ensure a full understanding of the topic. I like to go at the pace of the tutee - so no rushing! I care about the learning of my students. I also enjoy providing extra resources and websites for tutees to access in their own time, to further push them.

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Personal Description:
My name is Alice, I am French from Paris, and have lived in the UK for the past 9 years. I am currently based in Stirling, Riverside. I offer tutoring for all levels, whether online or in-person.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching French to various ages and levels and using different approaches - whether more theoretical or conversational.

Tutoring Approach:
If you decide to start lessons with me, we will first discuss your needs and expectations. I will then propose a plan for lessons going forward. The lessons can be online, in-person or a mix of both. I adapt my method to each pupil's requirements and will ensure that you get a clear understanding of the French grammar, vocabulary and are at ease with your pronunciation of the language.

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Personal Description:
I am a former teacher at a GCSE and Sixth Form college in west London. I currently work in the E-learning industry. I also have my own podcast about education, Education Bookcast. I cover a book a week about education research, for the benefit of teachers, parents, and anybody who takes an interest.

I am a Chemical Engineering graduate from Trinity College, Cambridge.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a tutor for 7 years in total. My students vary from 11+ to Key stage 3 to GCSE to A-level as well as university level students. I have taught over 70 students one-on-one so far, as well as many more in school and in private courses for examinations such as STEP, usually for several months at a time.

Here are some of the things that my students have said about me:

"Stas is an excellent tutor, I am studying Mechanical Engineering and his knowledge of Maths, Mechanics and Thermo Dynamics is extensive. He explained things in a clear and precise way and was always well prepared for the sessions. He was also punctual and reliable; it was a pleasure to learn from him."
Jack, Liverpool University

"I am currently studying Chemical Engineering, and Stas tutored me for Process Engineering, his teaching was nothing but the best, i understood the course in no time. He explains everything from the basics, something i wanted. Honestly, I will recommend him any day! He is a brilliant tutor."
Zahra, Manchester University

"Stas is an enthusiastic and patient Maths tutor. He has provided me with some very good examples, and has been a great help."
Jim, Manchester Metropolitan University, MA Bioinformatics

"Stas is a great tutor. I feel much more confident with Maths now then I did when we first started. It is evident in my grades that Stas has helped me improve in Maths. He is very good at explaining the material that I don't understand; he uses different scenarios to help explain them which enables me to apply Maths to real life situations. I enjoyed our tuition sessions, as Stas made Maths fun!"
Sehr, Manchester, AS Maths

"My son, Alex was having problem with Biology, so far he had only few lessons with Stas but there's been a huge improvement in his grade already. We have been so impressed with Stas's teaching techniques, that we are taking on extra lessons in Maths and Physics with Stas. Stas is the most genuine teacher I've come across, there is no nonsense with him. I can see that Stas truly enjoys teaching and more importantly my son finds learning from Stas is so enjoyable."
Mel, Cheshire

"Stas has tutored me in Maths, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE level. He is very clear and explains things well. He is also very patient, will listen and when I don't understand will try to explain things in a different way. He has been very supportive throughout my exams and has helped me to feel more confident about them. We went through all of the difficult things I struggled with, so that I had a better understanding of them.
I got A*'s in all the subjects he tutored me. He is helping me with A levels now."
Kaija, London

"This has been our first experience of using a tutor and it has been very good, thanks to Stas. Not only is he very reliable, but my son has enjoyed the sessions and learnt a great deal in terms of problem solving with his maths, Further Maths and Physics. Stas has also been able to help with some more complex Chemistry work. So far, they have worked through the more challenging sections of the Further Maths syllabus and past papers. Most importantly, my son finds their sessions extremely useful and Stas inspirational to work with."
Tamlyn, London

"Stas is extremely easy to get on with, always polite and extremely patient with me.
He maintains a constant positive approach and encourages me dutifully regardless of how badly I perform.
He helps me keep track of how I am improving so that I can watch my progress based on timely reviews of what we have achieved.
Stas is a fantastic guy and a terrific teacher. Based on my experiences I would certainly be able to recommend him to anyone.
Overall Rating (10/10)"
Joe, London

Tutoring Approach:
It is easy to overcomplicate things.

- Anyone can learn anything. It's a matter of method, support, application, and belief.
- Students learn new material at first by seeing a need to learn the new thing (e.g. because they don't know how to solve a new problem), and connecting new information to things they already know.
- They then need to strengthen this understanding by engaging in problems themselves and trying to remember what they have learned.
- Many students need to gain confidence. This partly comes from encouragement, but true confidence comes from progress and success, which comes from following the above.
- Students need guidance. It's challenging enough to try to focus on the material. Teachers need to make sure that all of students' focus is placed on thinking about the content, rather than on sideline issues like trying to figure out what comes next.
- Efficiency is important. Most people have specific targets (e.g. passing an exam). Things need to happen quickly.
- At the same time, early stages sometimes need to take longer in order to build a foundation for what follows. Taking a step back can be important in order to be clear on what's really going on, and avoiding rote memorisation or "going through the motions".

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