Sharpenhoe Tutors & Sharpenhoe Tuition

Personal Description:
After leaving school, I studied at Nottingham University for a BA in Music, then for a MA in Theology from the London School of Theology. Having worked for a while at an inner-city secondary school, I went on to complete a research masters and a PhD in Biblical Studies, whilst working as a teaching affiliate at Nottingham University. I have since moved to Stourbridge to work in a local church whilst continuing academic research and writing. My own interests are principally in theology, philosophy and politics, but also the arts and culture. I am married, have five children, and am a keen football fan (Manchester United).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at secondary school (Religious Studies) and at several Universities; I have also worked as a private tutor for over a decade with students of all abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm happy to be flexible in my approach depending on the particular needs of each student. I'm happy to concentrate on what is needed to get good grades, but alse believe that education is about more than being able to pass exams! I have worked hard for my qualifications and belive in disciplined, productive study; however for some students getting the highest possible grade is not necessarily the most important thing. Each person is an individual with different strengths, weaknesses and aims, so I try to structure how I teach around individual needs and goals. When teaching I also believe that giving people self confidence, an ability to think critically and an enjoyment of the subject is an important part of helping them to improve.

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Personal Description:
* Grew up as an eighth generation member of a travelling circus family. Brought up around a high risk lifestyle that
promoted good awareness skills. Son of a world renowned wild animal trainer.
* Began uninterrupted formal martial arts training in 1990.
* Achieved first instructor certification in a martial art aged 16.
* Organised security for the largest privately owned Dangerous Wild Animal collection of its kind in Europe on all their
open days.
*Founded Clubb Chimera Martial Arts
*Taught nationally and internationally in Ireland, France and Denmark
* Featured regular writer for Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine 2004-present.
* Featured writer for Combat Magazine
* Featured regular lead article writer for Jissen! Magazine 2008-present
* Wrote foreword for bestselling author and BAFTA award-winning screenplay writer Geoff Thompson's
"Everything that Happens to me is Fantastic"
* Edited Neil Horton's "Japanese Martial Arts"
* Wrote and presented the bestselling DVDs "Cross Training in the Martial Arts"
* Wrote "Mordred's Victory and Other Martial Mutterings"
* Wrote "When Parents Aren't Around: A Young Person's Guide to Self-Protection"
*Wrote "Wrong Fu"

Teaching Experience:
Relevant Qualifications:

Btec Advanced Certificate Self Defence Instructor

OCR NVQ/QCF A1 Assessor

Member of the Institute for Learning

First Aid Certificate

Child Protection Certificate

Full CRB check

Full public liability insurance

Geoff Thompson Self Defence Instructor

Mo Teague's Hard Target System

Clients:

Solicitor's Regulation Authority Forensic Investigation Unit

John Skillen's Martial Arts and Fitness Centre

Hard Target/Krav Maga Ireland

Various one-to-one private clients - both adult and children

Summersdale Media

Martial Arts, Self Defence and Combatives systems studied:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2004- present)

Various Mixed Martial Arts/Vale Tudo methods (2003-present)

Submission Grappling (2003-present)

Western Boxing, TVP Concept (2006)

Mongrel Close Quarter Combat Fighting System (2006)

C2: Core Combatives (2005-2006)

Dentokan Ju Jutsu (2003-2004)

Toyama Iaido (2003-2004)

Open Circle Fighting Method (2005, Assistant Coach)

Song Shan Shaolin Chinese Martial Arts and Wu Shu (1996-2003)

Taekwondo (1993-1995)

Sakiado (1st Dan Black Belt, 1991-1993)

Plus varying small degrees of formal instruction through seminars, workshops and private instruction in

Judo, Greco Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Kamishin Ryu Ju Jutsu, Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Goju Ryu Karate, Wado Ryu Karate, Tony Somers' Intelligent Self Protection, Noma Ukushaya Induku (Zulu Stick Fighting), small firearms self defence, Dennis Jones's self defence approach, Karl Tanswell's S.T.A.B. programme, Kali, Esckrima, Panantukan, various Thai Boxing styles, Systema, Eddie Quinn's The Approach, Urban Combatives, the Keysi Fighting Method and many more.

Tutoring Approach:
My training revolves around clarification, scepticism and individuality. All training is time managed to ensure the student gets the most out of their lessons. We begin with a clear set objective and make sure the student has in mind the goal of every exercise undertaken. Rather than teach a list of techniques, I actively engage all students to get the most out of their individual strengths and I encourage them to look critically at what will work best for them. I promote a self-coaching concept for more efficient skill retention.

I have fully tailored programmes for online tuition via Skype or Zoom. I have my own custom-built gym for personal training.

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Personal Description:
I specialise in preparing students for GCSE chemistry exams and A-level chemistry exams. Until January 2011, I was a Science Teacher at Plymstock School in Plymouth where I had been the Head of Chemistry for 10 years. Previously I had worked at Kelly College Independent School as a Chemistry Teacher and the Head of Lower School Science. Since January 2011, I have been self employed as both a Professional Tutor and also a Professional Drummer! I love both aspects of my self-employment and look forward to helping many more students achieve exam success.

Teaching Experience:
Chris has been teaching and tutoring A-level chemistry since 1994 and as an ex-Head of Chemistry who has worked in both state schools and private schools, he has helped countless students achieve the high grades they often need for university entrance. Many of my ex-students have gone on to vet school, medical school and Ox-bridge.

Chris has an up to date fully enhanced CRB check and also public liability insurance.

Tutoring Approach:
CHEMISTRY
I use revision notes and PowerPoints to aid understanding but try to focus the learning around past paper questions and answers as much as possible.
I have handwritten answers to AQA, OCR-A and OCR-Salters past papers which are scanned in to the computer for projection onto a smart board.
I offer individual tuition on a 1:1 basis and also small tutorials of between 2 to 3 students, who are in the same year group and following the same specification… often friends.

Payment is preferably monthly in advance, by bank transfer

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Personal Description:
I am originally from Ayrshire but have spent the last eight years south of the border studying and working. I have worked as an actor, singer and songwriter and continue to do so whilst teaching. I have now moved back to Ayrshire to live and work and continue to be creative.

Teaching Experience:
*Co-founder and Director of a theatre company
*Director of Fringe based theatrical work
*Drama workshop leader
*Drama teaching assistant with final year university students
*Trainee college lecturer

Tutoring Approach:
I am very passionate about what i do and have worked with many different people of a variety of ages and backgrounds. I have studied the works of many theatre practitioners whilst in and out of education, ranging from the naturalism of Stanislavski through to the forum theatre of Augusto Boal, to name but a few. However my goal when teaching is to have a "thinking performer" who knows themselves and the character and connects with what they're doing rather than merely "pretending". I'm an approachable person with a strong work ethic and strive to push someone to reach their potential.

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Personal Description:
I'm a former humanitarian worker with a keen interest in philosophy, politics, feminism, and political economy.

I love teaching 1-on-1 and take a holistic approach to helping students. That means that I can help you with both the technical academic things you are struggling with such as planning a research project, writing an essay or dissertation, or public speaking, as well as mental blocks like self-confidence, procrastination, anxiety, and mental health. Using a holistic approach means that we can discover the root cause of whatever is holding you back from being able to excel, develop strategies to overcome these obstacles, and help you become more a confident and independent student.

I have just completed my PhD thesis as part of a fully-funded doctoral candidate in Political Philosophy, during which time I was supervised in equal parts by FINO (The Northwestern Italian Philosophy Consortium, University of Turin) and the University of Vienna.

Teaching experience:

* In 2024 I was a Visiting Lecturer in Contemporary Political Philosophy, teaching first- and second-year BA philosophy students at the University of Hertfordshire.

* In 2022-23 I taught first- and second year BA students in the Government Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The course I teach is an Introduction to Political Theory (from Plato to Fanon).

* I have also given lectures to Master's students in Philosophy of Technology on algorithmic pricing.


My doctoral research project is a Normative Analysis of the Political Economy of Algorithmic Pricing.

Postgraduate studies:
PhD, Political Philosophy, 2020-2024

MSc, Merit in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science (2015).
Dissertation on the moral dilemmas related to Artificial Intelligence; received a Distinction.

Undergraduate studies:
BA(Hons), 2:1 in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Cambridge University (2010). Included modules in history, politics, anthropology, literature, and religious studies, as well as Arabic language.
I speak the Levantine dialect (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian) as well as the Iraqi dialect, and have lived and worked in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored undergraduate and Master's-level students who need help writing essays or dissertations in the following humanities subjects:

Anthropology
Political theory, Feminist theory
Political science
Political economy, History
International Relations, Conflict studies, Humanitarian studies
Sociology, Gender studies

Tutoring Approach:
I provide detailed editing to help you improve both your written style and content. I cover everything from grammar and citations to structure, methodology, and line of argument. I give you resources to continue improving your academic writing even after we finish working together. These will equip you to continue working on things we will cover, such as stylistic conventions both in academic English generally as well as those specific to different social science disciplines. I also coach you in how to plan your research, how to structure a paper, building a line of argument, effective use of primary and secondary sources, and how to write an engaging and compelling paper.

I start by writing detailed comments in Track Changes, then talk you through the issues so that you can not only improve your paper or dissertation, but also learn how to write in a clear, confident, and persuasive style. Ideally, if there's enough time before the deadline, I go over another draft once you've addressed the comments. This back-and-forth ensures the very best final product in your authentic voice, and that the process has been a valuable learning experience for you.

I will also give you the opportunity to discuss personal hang-ups that might be impeding your ability to work well. I am not a therapist, but I can discuss personal issues affecting your studies, and direct you to helpful resources to address underlying issues like anxiety, procrastination.

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Personal Description:
Native Spanish Teacher | DELE Examiner | Spanish Conversation & DELE/SIELE Preparation | 20+ Years Experience

Hi! My name is Bea, and I am a native Spanish teacher from Toledo, a historic city in central Spain near Madrid with more than 20 years of experience teaching Spanish conversation and DELE/SIELE exam preparation to international students. I speak with a clear and neutral Spanish accent.

I am a certified DELE examiner accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, and I have extensive experience preparing students for official Spanish exams such as DELE and SIELE (levels A1-C2).

I specialize in helping students improve their confidence and fluency through practical and personalized lessons adapted to their goals-whether for exams, travel, work, or personal interest.

Specializations:

1. Spanish Conversation

- Improve fluency and confidence

- Real-life conversation topics

- Pronunciation and natural expressions

- Vocabulary for travel, daily life and professional situations

2. DELE & SIELE Exam Preparation

- Official exam structure training

- Speaking and writing strategies

- Mock exams with feedback

- Personalized study plan based on your level

As an examiner accredited by the Instituto Cervantes, I help students understand how the exam works and how to improve their performance effectively.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 20 years of experience giving private Spanish lessons to both children and adults.

I lived in the UK for seven years, where I taught:

- Spanish as a first language to Spanish students living abroad who needed to maintain and improve their mother tongue.
- Spanish as a second language to international students from diverse cultural backgrounds.

This experience helped me understand different learning styles and adapt my teaching methods to each student.

Currently, I teach Spanish online to:

- School-age students

- Adults learning Spanish for travel or professional purposes

- Students preparing for official exams (DELE, SIELE, GCSE, and A-Level)

In my lessons, we not only learn the language but also explore Spanish culture through real-life situations such as traveling, food, daily communication, and practical conversation.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are fully personalized according to your goals, level, interests, and objectives.

I use a communicative and dynamic approach that combines:

- Conversation practice

- Practical grammar

- Listening activities (videos, podcasts, songs)

- Role-plays for real-life situations

- Exam preparation strategies

I do not follow a single textbook. Instead, I use a wide range of materials (if needed) that I have developed throughout my teaching career.

I prepare structured lessons to help students:

- Reach a specific CEFR level

- Improve fluency and confidence

- Prepare for official exams

- Learn Spanish for travel or everyday communication


I offer both:

- Long-term courses (steady progress at your own pace)

- Intensive courses (fast preparation for exams or specific goals)

- All students receive personalized materials and feedback after each lesson.


I work with shared online documents where students can:

- Access lesson materials

- Complete activities

- Write notes

- Ask questions between lessons

This allows continuous learning and progress tracking.


Book a trial lesson and start speaking Spanish from day one!

Trial Lesson

During the trial lesson, I will:

- Evaluate your current Spanish level

- Practice conversation adapted to your level

- Identify your strengths and areas to improve

- Recommend a personalized study plan based on your goals

This will help you clearly understand how we can improve your Spanish step by step.

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Personal Description:
I am a current student of University of Exeter, pursing a degree in Law. I have recently moved here from Singapore so as to pursue further education. I have been learning Mandarin (amongst other subject, English being one of them) since the age of 7 I have also gotten an A for Chinese in my GCSE 'O' Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a primary school student on Mandarin and Math.

Tutoring Approach:
Be patient and calm.

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Personal Description:
It is a number of years since I even considered updating my profile. In the last few months I have been asked out by the wife of a very close friend if I would tutor her nephew. I have also been approached by a Russian educational agency to tutor two Russian students.
I must confess I have really enjoyed. So I am updating my profile and offering my services.
I am a retired Deputy Headteacher.Even though I have held senior management roles in schools for 20 years Headteacher's have always wanted me to continue teaching Economics.

Prior to entering the profession I worked as a foreign currency dealer in the City. Whilst it paid very well my second favourite job was the stint I had as milkman. I also spent a summer season employed as a doorman at a disco in a Spanish resort.

My route to becoming a teacher was 'indirect' but I believe the experience I gained outside education proved invaluable in influencing my approach to teaching and the way I relate to students.

I am fanatical Liverpool supporter and since retirement have become a golfer.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Economics at A level and GCSE for 30 years in state comprehensive schools in London and Berkshire.
More recently, and after retirement:
I prepared a 6th form class at Battle Abbey School
for their level A Economics

In all my posts GCSE classes I taught have achieved achieved 70% Level 5 or above.

At A level, classes I taught rarely included any fail results and on average my classes achieved 70% A*-B grades. Even in my last year of teaching a class of 21 A level students secured 86% A*-B grades.

I am very familiar with AQA and Edexcel Syllabi and the IB Economics course. I was an examiner for both Edexcel and AQA.

I also have been involved in preparing students for Oxbridge. In all, I helped successfully prepare 19 students for interviews at Oxford(to read PPE) and Cambridge(to read Economics).

Upon retiring I had thought my days in the classroom had ended. The fact experienced and trained A level Economics teachers are a very rare breed has led to offers, two of which I found difficult to turn down. I was contacted through UK tutors by Battle Abbey School. They wanted an A level economics teacher to prepare a class for 2/3 of the A level course in 18 weeks! We achieved it with most students securing grades above those predicted.

In Sept 2019 I provided additional Learning for an A level student. The parents were Governors at Gildredge House School. After a few months they asked if I would consider becoming Head of Economics at Gildredge House and introduce GCSE Economics as well as teaching the A level. I did not want such a commitment but would be prepared to teach the Yr12 and Yr13 A level groups.

The Yr13 group had received very little grounding in Yr12 and had not developed the disciplined attitude towards learning. It took time for most of them to trust I knew what I was doing and act upon guidance and advice. Then Covid came! Nevertheless, most students secured results at least two grades higher than those I had predicted for them in Nov 19.

I was asked if I would extend my one year contract as no appropriately qualified and experienced replacement could be found. I am currently teaching Yr13 and Yr12 groups three mornings a week and enjoying it!!
The extension lasted 4 years!

And now I am tutoring again and lovint it.

Tutoring Approach:
When first meeting students who have never studied Economics I inform them they do have an understanding of the subject because it affects all aspects of their everyday lives. Wherever possible I will relate economic theories and principles to those real life experiences.

Indeed there are two general approches to teaching the subject:

1. Learn the theories and then apply to real life.
2. Introduce the theories through real life situations.

I adopt the latter approach.

Regarding my approach to student learning in general: wherever possibleI encourage and guide students to think and learn for themselves as it builds self confidence.

My overall approach is to encourage students to enjoy their learning. The subject is difficult requiring a lot of hard work. If students enjoy their learning the studying is easier

Tutoring on a one to one basis requires a flexible approach. The attitude, learning style and ability of a student should influence the style of tutoring.

Finally, I value a learning relationship with honesty on both sides. If a students is unable to complete a task by the agreed deadline I would rather they just tell me rather than devise a convincing excuse. On occasions we all face unexpected circumstances which can derail plans.

This overall approach seemed to receive a positive reaction from students as the subject nearly always attracted largish numbers at A level.

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Personal Description:
I studied Fine Art at Canterbury College of Art in the 1980's. As an artist I work figuratively. Through drawing in either pencil, charcoal, ink or pen I take my work forward into 3D materials and use photography as a major influence to inform my structures. I love to work with natural forms and use printing processes including lino cut, drypoint and stencil.
I have lived and worked in Lewes for the past 25 years. We have a family home on the outskirts of the town where I also teach Privately - both individually and group classes.

Teaching Experience:
I have lived and worked in Lewes as an Art and Design teacher at the local Sixth Form College, teaching both Level 2 (GCSE and BTEC) and A Level students. I also teach Creative Printmaking Evening classes to adults at college. I have co-ordinated a variety of courses including 2nd year Fine Art A Level students.
I have a BA Hons in Fine Art and a PGCE in Teacher Training plus over 25 years of teaching experience. I consider myself to be a reliable member of any teaching team and enjoy the challenge of new course specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy teaching in both groups and individually and aim to inspire my students. My intention in teaching is to share my skills and knowledge and to empower students to continue to develop their creative skills.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching Russian Language for more than 18 years with 9 years experience working in London, and in addition, have also taught Russian Literature.
From January 2009 until present I have been teaching children from the age 3 -18-year-old and adults. I am using the communicative methods to teach my students. I started to work as a private Tutor of Russian as soon as I came to London. Since that time I have developed an extensive database of students, especially young children due to the fact that their parents employed me when their children were 3-4 year old. I have been tutoring the same students until they reach the age of 14 -16 year old.

Teaching Experience:
I have completed a Thesis in Pedagogy studies, and I have achieved a PhD in this subject.
Expertise in all levels of student education primarily with children age groups from 3 to 18 years of age and adult learners. Able to assist in supervision, organisation of all areas of student curriculum, including preparation of GCSE and A-level.

Tutoring Approach:
My professional focus is on teaching Russian as a Foreign Language and I recommend the communicative method to improve conversation skills, developing grammar and vocabulary, the key phrases and expressions that can be used in real life situations.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! I am Alba. I was born in the south of Spain and have lived there for the majority of my life. I did Spanish Studies as a degree in Huelva (near Seville), and later enrolled in an MA for Spanish Teaching as a Foreign Language in my home town, Granada. I then moved to the UK to work as an Assistant Teacher of Spanish in London, which led me to taking the PGCE course and acquiring Qualified Teacher Status. I am currently a teacher of Spanish at Secondary level in inner Birmingham.

Back in Spain I used to teach in an independent school in Ronda (Málaga), where we offered from one-to-one lessons to small classes of beginners to advanced level, and I absolutely loved it. In my experience, my students thrive in a more personalised environment of their choosing.

I am able to offer tuition from 9am - 5pm on Saturdays or Sundays in Moseley or nearby. We can meet at your house or in a local pub. Feel free to contact me for any queries or doubts!

¡Gracias!
Alba

Teaching Experience:
- Escuela Entrelenguas (Ronda, Málaga, Spain)
- Greenford High School (London) - Teacher Assistant for Spanish
- PGCE with two placements in Secondary Schools in Lancashire.
- Currently teaching in a state school in Birmingham.

Tutoring Approach:
The lessons are dictated by the students and will depend on one´s needs, whether it is revision lessons for GCSE students, grammar support or improving speaking skills.

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Personal Description:
I am an ex 6'th form college lecturer and Engineering lecturer who has been involved with private tuition in the past. I understand the problems youngsters have with the transition from GCSE to the more advanced areas. I have helped many a youngster to achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
Winstanley 6'th form College.
Wigan College - Mechanical Engineering.
Open University - Course tutor in Maths.
Principal Examiner for Cambridge University.
Senior Examiner for both Edexcel and AQA.
Setting maths exam papers for Cambridge to be used in Singapore.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to concentrate on the fundamentals of the subject area and to give confidence to students and alleviate their fears of exams.

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