Retford Tutors and Retford Tuition

Personal Description:
With nearly 15 years of online and in-person tutoring French Common Entrance/13+, Westminster Challenge, Winchester entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, Pre-U, and SAT, I`m a 50-year old graduate of the excellent University of Sussex languages course with a First Class Honours degree in French and Russian. I lived for four years in Paris where I mastered the language and the accent!

I have also acted in plays in French, taking on the role of Alphonse in a production of The School for Wives, and touring to schools abroad to perform in front of students learning French elsewhere in Europe.

I like to stay abreast of French culture and society, read Le Figaro everyday, and regularly watch French TV news and discussion shows.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students at all levels, from 13+ entrance exams, including the Westminster Challenge, to most UK exam boards at GCSE, IGCSE and A-level, and I have also helped prepare students for their SAT in French and the DELF exam. I've taught adults who are complete beginners, or have some vague memories of what they learned at school, as well as helping several students gain entry to Westminster School via their Challenge exam

Since the switch to mostly online teaching, I have become an expert in making the most of the resources available, particularly the collaborative tools provided by Google, among others, which are particularly good for working on exercises and explaining grammar in a clear, helpful way.

Successes from the last (2019-20) academic year included: an two As at A-level, and two 9s at IGCSE, as well as entrance to Winchester College via their own exam.

For A-level students, I have already taught Camus's L'Etranger, Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, Joseph Joffo's Un Sac de Billes, and Zola's Thérèse Raquin, and am very familiar with all the other set texts. Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Entre Les Murs (The Class) and La Haine are the films I am best acquainted with from a teaching point of view.

Here are some comments from a few previous students - originals available on request.

'We could not have asked for a better result - A*s! He got full marks for the reading paper. Thanks so much for all your help, and patience.' - Margaret (parent of home-schooled GCSE student)

'Henry won a scholarship to Westminster. Exactly what he was aiming for." (Leslie, student's mother)

`Thank you so much for all your patient hard work - you taught her exactly the right stuff and there is no way she could have done it without you! I really didn`t think it was possible to teach the whole year 7 curriculum in a week but somehow you managed it. Tiffin Girls is one of the top state schools in the country and rather competitive. Chatting to the other parents outside the exam, most of the competitors went to good independents or had been tutored over a long period of time. You really knew not only what to teach but how to teach it, which shows you have exceptional skills.` - Anoushka (pupil`s mother)

`Just thought I should let you know I got an A! Thanks for all your help` - Helena (A-level student)

'I ended up with an "A"... thanks for all your help, both my spoken papers improved, over my previous efforts.' - Philip, mature student sitting AS and A2 French

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to tailor lessons specifically to a student's needs, but my general method is to engage him or her at a level just above their 'comfort zone'. Learning is about challenging yourself to do better, and it is crucial for a tutor to be supportive and encouraging, and also to keep the bar high.

Lessons can be conducted entirely in French, or in a mixture of English and French. I can work alongside a student's existing course (that is, from a textbook a student is already following), or we can use course books that I recommend.

Where the level allows, I like to draw upon material from contemporary sources such as French news magazines.

For "conversation classes", I find it is useful to base the discussion on an article or a book to help build vocabulary, and also think that incorporating grammar instruction (where appropriate) can be a good idea.

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Personal Description:
I am a very enthusiastic and well experienced tutor of French and Spanish, and English. I also teach GCSE Biology. My tutees tell me that I am fun and friendly and have a unique approach to teaching. I have two children and teach in a local private school so I am up to date with current practice and understand the needs of young learners. Apart from teaching I also play and teach the cello and love to get involved in music making whenever I can.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with 20 years of experience at secondary schools. I teach both French and Spanish up to A level and I am also an examiner for the AQA and Edexcel. I have also taught Biology and English up to GCSE level. I have a lot of experience of private tutoring and try to ensure a relaxed but purposeful approach to my teaching and use a variety of teaching methods. With my knowledge of English grammar and the GCSE syllabus I am also an effective teacher of English language. I can tailor this subject to individual needs and levels.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide a purposeful but friendly approach to tutoring and do most of it from my home as this means I can use the many IT facilities now available. In this way I can create fun and engaging lessons. I teach both adults and children and can teach groups, pairs or individuals. I give homework after every lesson and find that pupils progress quickly using my structured Schemes of Work.

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Personal Description:
I am a Chemistry Teacher in a Secondary School where I teach Chemistry and Physics from year 7 to year 11. I also teach A-level Chemistry (AQA Exam Board).

I can help students to practice exam skills and revision techniques.

I am also an Italian native speaker, so I can teach Italian at any level. I am also able to help with French from Primary to KS4.

I like helping others, so I enjoy helping students to achieve good grades.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Science Teacher in a Secondary School.

I have a PGCE in Secondary Science - Chemistry, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering.

Regarding teaching languages, I am an Italian native speaker and I am also fluent in French.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to be systematic without being too severe. I like to establish a good relationship with the students, based on a reciprocal respect.

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Personal Description:
I am French with a Master's degree in International Business. I teach adults and children, conversation, business, and exams. I am personable and patient and successful in what I do.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 1990. At first for language schools in London. I have been working for myself for many years. I teach one to one or small groups.

Tutoring Approach:
Every person is different so I adapt my style of teaching to the student. To be successful at tutoring I believe you need to listen to the student's needs and understand how they think. I am very good at that and getting on with the student is crucial to be able to impart your knowledge of the subject. Willingness to learn is key and I keep a good gradient to make sure they remain willing.

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Personal Description:
Former Head of Science (research) King's School Canterbury Kent. Now teaching A level, IB and GCSE Chemistry courses at Kent College Canterbury. Author "Around the world in 18 Elements" pub. Royal Society of Chemistry 2014. Author Edexcel A level chemistry student practical guide. pub. Hodder 2017. Co-author A level Chemistry books 1&2 Edexcel and OCR Pearson. Former Principal examiner for OCR.

Teaching Experience:
30 years plus. Home and abroad. Familiar with all A level syllabuses. Able to take Chemistry beyond the A level syllabus to university level.

Tutoring Approach:
Question and answer approach. Able to provide many tried and tested techniques. Have developed Online lessons via Teams using Wacom writing tablet.

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Personal Description:
My name is Maria and I come from Italy. I have always been passionate about foreign languages and I got a Diploma specialising in English, French, German and European Certificates (C1 Advanced level ) in English and French.
I have recently graduated at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama getting my MA in Advanced Theatre Practice, i also got a BA in Drama, Film and Media Studies in Italy.
I am a positive and friendly individual, professional and responsible. I chose becoming a tutor because I really care helping other people and I like sharing my knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Italian, French and English for 4 years assisting students of any nationality and age.

Tutoring Approach:
My classes are friendly and tailored, I try to make my students feel comfortable, enjoying my classes and feeling that they can always have a person to count on.

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Personal Description:
I am Head of Art&Photography at a college and have over a decade of experience teaching students of all ages and abilities-from age 5 through to GCSE, A Level, and university level. I also work with university applicants to help them prepare successful portfolios for higher education. I am a qualified Art and Photography teacher with a PGCE in Art & Design from Goldsmiths, University of London, and an MA in Fashion Photography from London College of Fashion.

My teaching philosophy is student-centred and inclusive. I specialise in tailoring each lesson to the individual learner's needs, goals, and creative voice. Whether you're a beginner building confidence or an advanced student preparing for assessment or exhibition, I create a supportive environment where progress is both structured and inspiring. I use differentiation in all my sessions to ensure every learner is appropriately challenged and supported.

Alongside my teaching, I am a practicing artist and photographer. My work has been featured in The Times Magazine, Dazed & Confused, Vice, and shown at The Photographers' Gallery, V&A Museum, ICA, British Council, and London Short Film Festival. I was also longlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize and selected by BAFTA-qualifying festivals.

Teaching Experience:
9 years of teaching and 10 of tutoring

Tutoring Approach:
I use differentiation- only plan individual lessons tailored on specific needs from primary to university level.
Positive student-teacher relationship
Tailored lessons on the specific needs of the student
Interactive lesson
Gentle, calm approach

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Personal Description:
This year, 14 of my 17 Higher students received an A Grade, two received a B and one received a C grade, which was a personal achievement for that individual. All five of my Nat 5 students achieved an A.Therefore, if you're looking for top grades for your child, you are in the right place. With twenty years of experience, I have a consistent record of helping tutees achieve A passes at Higher. I am a fully-qualified, GTC registered, English teacher with over fifteen years of classroom experience. Moreover, I was an SQA marker for more than a decade, with several years experience marking the new Higher's RUAE. I am a mum of two adult children who no longer live at home. My adorable Ragdoll cats, Oliver and Louis, still keep me on my toes though!

Tuition is very rewarding for me because I like working with young people and supporting them to consistently achieve excellent results. With their whole future before them, they are often refreshingly full of new perspectives. Working hard to build a warm, but professional, rapport with my tutees is the key to bringing out the best in them.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully-qualified, GTC registered English teacher with over fifteen years of classroom experience. Moreover, I was an SQA marker for more than a decade. This included marking both critical essay for the exam board and Higher Paper 1:Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation or RUAE (previously Close Reading)

I have taught in several schools in East Renfrewshire, including Williamwood and Mearns Castle.

Tutoring Approach:
In Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (previously Close Reading), my experience as an SQA marker provides tutees with an invaluable insight into exam strategies needed for success. Certainly, this experience leads me to use a specific question type / specific formula answer approach. Tutees are encouraged to identify a particular question type, e.g. 'the context question', and then use the appropriate formula to gain maximum marks. Thereafter, the tutee is asked to practise this particular type of question whilst also undertaking whole close reading passages containing said question type.

In the critical examination of literature, particular attention is given to structure and developing a mature, yet fresh, personal response. I tend to adopt a modelling approach. Effectively, the tutee and I draft a first core essay on a given text, say, for example, 'Romeo and Juliet' Using this exemplar, the tutee is then assigned further essay questions, drawing upon this core essay as a guideline. Support is given throughout the writing process and constructive feedback is offered in the form of stage-appropriate targets to ensure progress.

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Personal Description:
I am a maths tutor living and working in the Brixham area of Devon.

Teaching Experience:
I completed the GTP training in Mathematics through Exeter University in 2005 and taught in schools until 2012. Whilst teaching in schools I started private tuition from my home.

I now focus entirely on private maths tuition either online or from my home in Brixham, Devon.

My professional background is Engineering, (Bsc from Manchester University)

Tutoring Approach:
I focus on private tuition for GCSE and key stage 3 students. The majority of my tutees are taught from my home in Brixham when this is possible (we have a large conservatory which makes an ideal classroom!). Many most of my tutees are taught online via online platforms such as Google Meet, Skype and other electronic online white boards.

My students enjoy my style of teaching which is relaxed and non pressurising. They really get a boost in confidence from my lessons, particularly if they are preparing for examinations. Examination technique and practice is a key area of focus especially for those who find exams stressful. Breaking harder questions down into simple steps is an important element for them to help their understanding and improve their confidence.

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Personal Description:
I am a Classics Graduate from St. John's College, University of Oxford. I have been teaching for six years now, both online and in person, one-on-one and for classes across a vast range of subjects. I focus primarily on History, English, Latin and Classical Greek, but I have experience teaching Maths, Sciences, and Psychology. I have extensive experience preparing students for the 11+/13+, GCSEs and A-Levels: my students consistently achieve the highest grades in public examinations, and admission to prestigious schools, including Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse and Winchester. Whether applying for school admission or public examination, I provide comprehensive courses that leave no space for the unexpected in a student's exams. I have experience across OCR, Edexcel, AQA and Eduqas exam boards at both GCSE and A-Level.

Many of my students have gone on to receive successful Oxbridge admission during their time with me, with three successful applicants in the last cycle alone. I've taught ages three to sixty-five, and am always excited to meet new students and work with various needs. I believe the student-tutor dynamic should be at the heart of a good tutoring set-up, and I have seen this proven in the excellent improvement and results of my past tutees. My students learn to love their subjects and develop a high quality of written communication and critical analysis.

I OFFER A FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION TO DISCUSS YOU OR YOUR CHILD'S GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS BEFORE WE BEGIN OUR COURSE.

A little bit about my qualifications:
- Oxford Classics undergraduate degree.
- Four A*s at A-Level in History, Ancient History, Greek, Latin.
- 13 A*s at GCSE.
- Prizes in international essay competitions, including the National College of the Humanities, Fitzwilliam College Cambridge.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Teaching Experience:
Professional Experience
- Over five thousand hours of private tutoring experience, online and in-person, across Latin, Greek, Ancient History, History, and English at KS1-3, GCSE, AS and A-Level, undergraduate and for 11+/13+ preparation.
- Supported students aged 4 to 63, helping them to achieve their goals, including top grades at GCSE and A-Level, successful university applications (Oxbridge and Russell Group), and high performance in competitive exams such as Eton's King's Scholarship. Successful admission to Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse among others.
- Worked with tutoring agencies, who specialise in preparing high-ability students for Common Entrance, with a particular international focus, and an agency preparing students for IELTS exams as part of their applications to British universities.
- Taught English grammar and speaking skills to classes of international students at Oxford-based holiday camps.
-Specialised in tailored tutoring for disadvantaged students, including those with autism, dyslexia, and dementia.

Voluntary Work
- Latin Mentoring with Local Primary School
- led a partnership programme, creating videos and resources to introduce children 9-11 to Classics.
- Science Mentoring with Local Primary School
- tutored underprivileged children at Fen Ditton Primary School, running weekly science lessons.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Tutoring Approach:
As a student myself, I'm acutely aware of what works and what doesn't - my lessons involve getting to know the student, and building a rapport to bring the subject to life! I love working with the students I teach to figure out their best approach to each topic; I believe this is the route to achieving the best results. My lessons are highly interactive, involving active learning and recall, and making use of a variety of resources to best fit any individual's learning style. I tailor my courses specifically to my students' goals, whether entrance exams or public assessments, with a focus on weaker areas. Continual recap and revision play an important role in my lessons, as evidence-supported routes to long-term understanding. My students tend to enjoy my lessons, and develop a real love for their subjects! Having studied the languages for 10 years now, I have a full understanding of all the difficulties of Latin and Greek - whether prepping for common entrance or studying towards Classical GCSEs, I take my students step-by-step through everything they need to know. As a successful Oxford applicant, I'm also on hand to help with any application troubles - I'll be happy to read personal statements, give pre-interview test coaching and interview practice: just reach out! I am on call 24/7 to provide support, as well as marking homework outside of lesson time. With six years of experience teaching across all ages, I'm highly flexible and keen to work to each individual situation - please get in touch with all and any questions!

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Personal Description:
¡Hola!
My name is Susana and I am originally from Madrid. I am such a passionate Spanish tutor with over 7 years of teaching experience, providing Spanish lessons to complete beginners to advanced students.

Before moving to the UK, I completed a four-year Bachelor's degree in Early Years Education in Alcalá de Henares University (Spain).

Teaching Experience:
My work experience goes from working as a nursery nurse to work as a Spanish Assistant in secondary schools assisting GCSE and A-Level Spanish students.
I have been working with completely beginners, GCSE and A/Level students and advanced students.

While in the UK I also studied for and obtained my C1 Cambridge Advanced certificate for fluency in English.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to adapt to any student requirement. Anything you want to improve; I will be happy to help you with. Don't worry if your Spanish is not great, I'm here to help you, anyone can learn a language.

As a speaker and student of various languages myself (ex Welsh student), I know that learning a new language isn't always easy and presents many challenges. For this reason, I like to share my own experience and learning tools with students to get over those hurdles!

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Personal Description:
I currently work as a Senior Global Project Manager for a clinical research company. Since graduating in 2015, I have worked in clinical research, progressing my career in Project Management.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2021 years from ages 6-16

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is flexible depending on the students needs. I would initially want to understand what areas the focus would be, where I would then plan lessons and ensure there is mutual understanding. I believe it is important to encourage the student with the belief that they can overcome what they feel like they dont understand and be successful

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