Sanquhar Tutors & Sanquhar Tuition

Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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Personal Description:
I'm a qualified working teacher as well as an examiner for both Chemistry and Biology. Furthermore, I'm Head of Maths and Science at Hackney Community College in Shoreditch. I live in Stockwell Park about 5 minutes walk from the tube. With regard to be a tutor/teacher, I describe myself as approachable, patient and outgoing person. Furthermore, I'm highly reliable and a well resourced. I have extensive experience in both private and state teaching. I am able to engage well with people and have a genuine interest in science as well as really enjoy teaching. I charge £55 per hour. I am a professionally trained and therefore fully qualified teacher with 20 years teaching and examining experience. I know the the A2, AS and GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Sciences and GCSE Math's syllabi's thoroughly. I also have experience of preparing students for Medicine UCAS applications as well as the BMAT and UKCAT aptitude assessments. I also know how to maximize students' potential in exams and coursework as well being able to communicate knowledge and understanding well on all levels.

Teaching Experience:
I have 21 years experience of teaching (and am still teaching) Chemistry and Biology at all levels to A level and GCSE Maths, 7 of which as Head of Department as well as 6 years as an examiner (OCR, Edexcel and AQA) in both chemistry and biology disciplines at A level and GCSE science. I am familiar with all boards in Chemistry,Biology and Environmental Science. I have also been a personal tutor for the past 17 years. In all areas, I have had excellent success and can supply references if asked. Furthermore I have a CRB. I am considered to be patient and understanding, but can be a motivator when required to obtain maximum potential from students.

I am very experienced in online tutoring if travel is an issue. Over the past few years, I have found the online experience to be nearly just as good as the face-to-face experience as I am proficient in the use of different software platforms (two way online whiteboard, PowerPoint , Word, Acrobat PDF and flexicam) when it comes to online tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student has different needs. and therefore I tailor my tutoring towards the student particular needs. Initially I encourage students to highlight their strengths and weaknesses. I have a non-judgemental approach and attempt to build confidence through encouragement, motivation and rigorous practise. I am well resourced and am familiar with specification of all the main exam boards in both chemistry's and biology. I am able to communicate simple to difficult scientific concepts well to student through a range of teaching strategies. I encourage feedback and engage well with students. I will also consider teaching groups of students.

I am very experienced in online tutoring if travel is an issue. Over the past few years, I have found the online experience to be nearly just as good as the face-to-face experience as I am proficient in the use of different software platforms (two way online whiteboard, PowerPoint , Word, Acrobat PDF and flexicam) when it comes to online tuition. To date I have logged up over 150 hours of online teaching with students all over the world.

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Virginie, I am French and i would like to share my language with anyone that wish to learn. I also teach English as a foreign language. I have a master in law (from the University Paris II) so i am able to teach from basic to more technical vocabulary.
I can teach tutee from primary school, mid-school, high-school, University or adult.

Teaching Experience:
I have being a tutor for the French agency Acadomia for nearly a year before moving in the UK. I have teached French and English as a foreign language to students from mid-school to high-school.
I have done one to one tuition in England since i arrived in 2009.
I helped my students to reach their personal goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everybody has his own way to learn so I always adapt the lessons to the tutee. As i am teaching languages i try to find subjects the tutee would show an interest to.

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Personal Description:
I am a current A-level Chemistry and Biology examiner and author of A level Biology exam papers as well as textbooks and workbooks. I have worked in bioscience research and more recently in life science marketing and academic conference management in chemistry and biochemistry. I am a Chartered Chemist, Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and committee member of the Protein & Peptide Science Group of the Royal Society of Chemistry.

I now offer tuition exclusively online, using the Zoom platform.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years' experience in one-to-one teaching, starting with giving undergraduate tutorials at the University of Oxford. I have been offering private tuition in A-level Chemistry and Biology for over 10 years.

I am able to tailor my teaching style to the individual needs of the student and to make best use of online and other electronic resources to help students to an understanding of the subject.

Tutoring Approach:
I start by identifying the particular needs of the student: do they have problems with understanding some or all of the subject; are there any areas of weakness that need to be strengthened; are there issues with exam technique that need to be addressed?

Even well taught students who have a good grasp of the subject can fail to achieve their full potential through poor exam technique. My earlier experience as a Chief Examiner, responsible for setting and marking A level exams, means that I have a detailed knowledge of the exam system and how students need to approach exam papers. My current examining experience has given me an insight into how to help students avoid unnecessary loss of marks by developing clear and rigorous approaches to their answers and to develop strategies to approach individual questions so as to maximise their performance.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic and hard working individual with 100% pass rate. I am passionate about what I do and I have always ensured the best possible outcome from all my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have 16 years of teaching experience and in this time I have successfully delivered the following subjects:

Higher Business Management
National 5 Business Management
Higher Administration and IT
National 5 Administration and IT

I am familiar with all of the above courses, and my students are known to achieve excellent pass rates.

I am also a Marker at National 5 and Higher level - Business Management - for the SQA.

Tutoring Approach:
I am online based. During the tutoring sessions, I will go over the key points of any/all topics which have been covered by your classroom teacher. I will be able to provide you with additional notes and tasks as well as working through exam past papers to improve your general exam technique. At National 5 level/Higher level I will be able to provide you with guidance on how to successfully answer exam questions using the command words which have been set out by the SQA.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified full time science teacher who enjoys teaching and working with young people!

Teaching Experience:
I have eighteen years experience of teaching in private schools. I have been a Head of Department/Faculty and have run many revision courses. I have also written a number of revision guides/workbooks for a leading publisher.

Tutoring Approach:
I am calm, patient and have a number of proven techniques and strategies to enable students to 'get chemistry and science' and to optimise performance in exams. I enjoy teaching and will work hard to ensure you are able to do your best. I strongly believe that if you enjoy lessons then you are less likely to find it difficult so enjoyment is important to me.

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Personal Description:
Professional music producer & DJ. qualified to degree level (BSc)

Teaching Experience:
Mentoring Students.

Tutoring Approach:
Ready to answer any questions and give good tips/advice on the chosen subject

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Personal Description:
Learning how to learn is important for everyone and I can help students build their own study skills , developing both abilities and confidence. My own love for learning is evidenced by my hobbies which extend from sailing through to singing, piano, camping and walking and even the piano accordion. I enjoy science, and am keen to spark a similar interest in all my pupils in a way which is relevant to their personal ability and interest.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching all my adult life; in schools, colleges, field study centres, adult education and in the home. Having started my career in 11-18 Educatio, teaching science , in outer London I straight away starting teaching 'A'level Biology at home to a poorly student. Other experience includes : centre manager, deputy principal and ESD manager for the county council as well as taking on regional/national roles in learning for sustainability. 9 years ago I returned to secondary school teaching and I have since taught GCSE Science (main focus on Chemistry and Biology) in five good and outstanding schools in Dorset, working with all the main exam boards. I'm proficient in both the 2011 and 2016 GCSE syllabus and I particularly enjoy the challenges of AQA Science as well asEdExcel adapting them for all ability levels. My A level tutoring is focussed on question answering across the OCR syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether teaching at home or in school I support my students in gaining mastery of the content relevant to their particular exam board. Recalling and applying that knowledge and understanding to different contexts and to different questions is so important. In my classes I will not be the only one who is working hard! Believing in success and enjoying learning are part of the process, as well as helping students to get unstuck and improve their answers.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm John, a Cambridge University educated professional engineer. I can help you learn or improve your English for specific reasons. For instance you may need to pass IELTS exams for university entrance or you might just want to improve your English for work or social reasons. Perhaps you need a better command of business or technical English - having worked in business in the energy industry for many years, I can help you there. Not only can I help you with your English, but I can also assist with the preparation of winning business proposals and presentations.
I have a TEFL qualification, passed at distinction, and taught in a secondary school in Scotland, so am used to the teaching environment. I have a relaxed and easy style but will ensure that you achieve your objectives. I'm happy working with people of all ages and backgrounds and to tutor individuals or groups.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in Scotland as a secondary teacher of Technological Education. Recently I have taught English as a Foreign Language (EFL) to young people and trainee monks in Thailand.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a relaxed style but will ensure that you achieve your objectives. Each pupil is an an individual and a program to suit your individual needs will be worked out with you.

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Personal Description:
I hold a BA on Classics and Modern Greek from the University of Athens and a Masters Degree in Modern Greek Studies (Language, History, Culture) from the University of Birmingham. I have a long-standing experience (12 years) in tutoring within a learning framework and teaching is my passion. I worked as a teacher of Modern Greek in Birmingham and as an examiner for Greek GCSE and Ellinomatheia. Currently I am working as an Educator for a Greek NGO, contributing to refugees' integration.
I am responsible for creating curricula, producing written guidance, and creating internal
processes. I have developed new training and technical assistance materials on teaching English
and Greek, on differentiated teaching and lesson plans (Bloom's taxonomy of measurable verbs). Following the descriptors of the CERF,
I have designed a detailed ESL curriculum for adult and youth migrants (A1-B2) and one for children
(A1-B2); I developed supporting lesson plans to establish clear learning outcomes, communicative functions, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and assessment criteria.

Teaching Experience:
Education officer at an NGO

GCSE examiner for Modern Greek

Teacher in Birmingham (2017-present)

Teacher at Social School of the Municipality of Athens (2013-2015)

Private tutor (2011-present): Give private lessons to students of primary [Greek as SL, History, English SL] and secondary school and to undergraduate students of the faculty of Philology. [Literature, History, Ancient Greek and Latin].

Tutoring Approach:
The learning objectives, which my lesson plans aim to, will be based on teaching methods, which accommodate different styles of learning. Differentiation according to the level of each students's abilities (high, medium, low) is the touchstone of the teaching process and one of my principals as a teacher. Energizing activities which engage pupils in the lesson, such as use of flashcards for learning new vocabulary, classroom quizzes, classroom display works and powerpoint presentations are just but a few of my teaching methods.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am an RCA MA Painting graduate, and I have a BA(Hons) degree in Fine Art from Westminster University, and a Foundation diploma in Art & Design from the University for the Creative Arts. I am a practicing artist based in London, specializing in painting, and I have been showing my work nationally and internationally. My recent solo show was at Class Reiss London, and I also had a solo presentation at Art Athina. My fascination with tutoring derives from my sensitivity around learning disabilities, something which is a recurring theme in my practice as I grew up as a dyslexic learner, as well as my educational experience of being part of leading academic UK institutions.

Teaching Experience:
Through my work as an art tutor I strive to inspire and support my students, offering insight to my experience as a RCA alumnus and to the professional life of an artist. I teach students of all ages, as I strongly believe that involvement with the arts is always eye opening and revealing, especially when this leads to a career in the arts through higher education.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer art lessons for younger children, involving introduction to creative techniques and idea development, mentoring and support with portfolio preparation to apply for art schools internationally  as well as tutoring on contextualizing your work through constructive and generative feedback. 

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