Shirland Tutors & Shirland Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified Secondary Chemistry and Science Teacher. I was Head of Science and KS5 Chemistry coordinator in my previous school and now I run my own education support centre in Birmingham City Centre. Prior to my teaching career. I was a Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham conducting research in the field of nanotechnology.
I have acquired the following qualification: PGCS (Chemistry), QTS, MRSC (Member of the Royal Society of Chemistry), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Chemistry, a Master of Research degree (Msc) in material science and Bachelor of Science degree (Bsc) in Chemistry.

I believe the best way to be successful academically is by hard work, patience and the appropriate guidance. When students do not achieved the top grade for a subject, it is not because they don't work hard enough or they are not bright. It is purely because they do not have the right exam technique and guidance. Hence I believe with my support, students can achieve their desired grade because I understand where the difficulties lie.

Testimonials from students
"Dr. has helped and guided me a lot in the last two years and has been a massive contribution towards helping me achieve my grades at GCSEs and A-level. He always knew how to target areas which I struggled in and which approach I should take to tackle a problem. Dr. has always motivated me and pushed me to be a better student.I am very thankful for all the support you have given me and I wish you all the best in the future!"

"Dr is an excellent tutor who has really supported me and helped me to get set on the right path. I am extremely lucky to have had him as my tutor and I will forever be grateful"

Testimonials from parents
"Thank you Paul for guiding my daughter through her A Level chemistry course and giving her all the help she needed with difficult concepts and scientific analysis over the past four years - it has really flown by! She's now set to study at Kings College with good A Level results! Thanks so much."

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of tutoring and school teaching experience in A-level Chemistry, in both AQA and OCR board. I have taught over 100's of A level and GCSE students over the years. Majority of my students (Both GCSE and A level) end up with level 7-9 in GCSE and A's in A level Chemistry. Most recent results: out of the 7 A level Chemistry student I have, 6 students achieved an A and 1 got a B (3 marks of an A)

Tutoring Approach:
The way I see tutoring is not about teaching students all the knowledge that school has already done, it is about helping students through their difficulties in the subjects. I believe a successful tutor needs to have patience and to understand their student's needs and teach accordingly. The saying I believe the most is "Tell me, I will forget, Show me, I might remember, Involve me, I will understand". With a good understanding and appropriate guidance, any student should be able to achieve any grade they desire.

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Personal Description:
I have a maths degree from Bristol University and over ten years experience tutoring. I have had amazing feedback from my pupils in the past, who always say they feel so much more confident now.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience teaching all abilities and ages (and a lot of different personalities!) and a good track record of results.

I find that a better understanding of concepts can make maths education smoother and more enjoyable, so in most cases I make this a priority. If you can teach a pupil to feel excited about maths you hardly have to teach them any more maths, as they will just soak it up by themselves!

Tutoring Approach:
A major advantage of one-to-one tuition is the ability to tailor sessions to a pupils needs, so my teaching methods vary with each pupil. Wherever possible I encourage my pupils to lead the sessions and ask for what they need, so that learning becomes a team effort and a discussion, rather than a one-way information transfer.

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Personal Description:
I'm an easy going, empathetic, supportive and patient tutor who is dedicated to my students. I'm very thorough in my teaching and ensure no stone is left unturned in preparing my students for their maths exams/tests. I enjoy helping my students reach their full potential and achieve their goals. I encourage all my students to take a general interest in Mathematics as it helps them to do well. I do 1 to 1 tuition and also tutor small groups of no more than 4 students. I teach all levels up to and including A-Level and for all exam boards (AQA, EDEXCEL and OCR). I have thus far been very successful as a Maths tutor and hope to continue this trend especially in light of the tremendous performance of my students in the 2024 academic year. Every GCSE (Higher) and A-Level Student I have ever tutored has achieved the grades, Levels 5 to 9/A* to C.

Teaching Experience:
I'm currently working as a professionally qualified Mathematics Teacher at one of Luton's best performing secondary schools. I have been a Maths teacher for 8 years. I have also been a private tutor since 2010, teaching at all levels up to and including A-Level. I teach all abilities and age ranges.

Tutoring Approach:
The aim of my tuition lessons is 2 fold. Firstly, it is to give my students a thorough understanding of the topics they are studying so that they are able to gain an excellent foundation. Secondly, I give my students intensive exam preparation so that they do well in their assessments. This is usually done by by doing many past papers under exam conditions. I also set my students really challenging questions that would normally not appear in their actual tests. The purpose of which is to enable my students to be able to answer ANY questions that may appear in their exams.

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Personal Description:
Pearson LTL Examiner
14 years experience of Chinese teaching in
Academic:
(my this year's(2025) students are in GCSE, IGCSE;, A-level and Pre-u all got their expected results as A*, A and D3 and successfully got the offers from the first choice universities.

Experienced teaching in GCSE, IGCSE( in three different levels),
A level(Edexcel, AQA, Cambridge International esp. Literature in paper4), Pre-u,
IB (A&B), and
HSK1-6.

For university students:
2 years teaching experience in university in the UK
10 years teaching experience in university in Shanghai, China
Experienced Teaching in
HSK1-6;
Chinese Literature;
Translation Studies

For Adults learners:

Business Chinese,
&
Casual Chinese and culture.

25 years of TCFL and TEFL teaching experience in university;
Holding the national certificate of Standard Mandarin Speaking (A*)(issued by China Education Bureau), Native speaker of Mandarin. Over 8 years' supervising experience in MA & PhD Translation Studies, Education Studies.

Teaching Experience:
When you are looking for a language teacher, you may see the following key points:
1. Native speaker of Mandarin ( I am holding Chinese National Certificate of Standard Mandarin speaking (A*);
2. Majored in Linguistics (Translation Studies);
3. Highest Degree in Linguistics and Social Media Studies;
4. Practical experience as a teacher, an examiner and a marker;
5. Professional teacher (I am holding the Higher Education Teaching Certificate (only 14% university teachers who have the certificate and the PhD degree at the same time in China) .
With solid foundation of literature knowledge, applied writing skills, and cultural awareness, I can not only teach you "what" knowledge but also explain you "why"and "how" knowledge.
current teaching:
Chinese/Mandarin GCSE, IGCSE(0509;0547), ALEVEL, IB, PRE-U, and HSK1-5, Chinese Literature;
Teacher Training Course

CV:
I have experience of being GCSE (Chinese , Mandarin) and IB (Chinese, Mandarin) oral exam Examiner.
I have over 23 years' teaching experience in universities (both in China and the UK). The main jobs I am doing are teaching TEFL courses, TCFL courses (students are adults students and mainly start from 0 level), Translation Studies, and supervising students in MA Education, Translation Studies, and Journalism as their MA supervisor. Since 2017, I also supervise PhD students in Translation Studies as well. I left my beloved working university because I need to move to London with my family. From 2013-2015, during my PhD research study period, I taught in the University of Salford, the main courses I taught were Chinese Language and Culture as well as the MA course of Business Conference Interpretation. Since the university closed the school of Languages, I could not go on teaching there. Luckily, I can teach via Spires now, can go on helping the young people to make their learning target and pursuit their dreams.


About Me
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I have a PhD Degree in Translation Studies and MA Degree in TEFL.
I have 22Years' teaching experience as a University language tutor in English and Chinese.
I have 14 years' experience of teaching Mandarin in the UK in all levels.


My Areas of Expertise
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Teaching Chinese/Mandarin GCSE, IGCSE,ALEVEL, IB, PRE-U, and HSK1-5
Teaching Chinese Literature (Classical articles in Ming Dynasty, Modern Literature works, famous poems in Ancient times)
Teaching Chinese students in preparing of IELTS, IB, AP Literature and Composition　
Supervising MA dissertation in Education ,Translation Studies.
Teacher Training Course (Theoretical and Practical Teaching skills and strategies) (Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language); (making teaching plan, prepare the teaching materials, get to know the external examinations in the UK (GCSE, A-Level, Pre-U) as well as in other countries (IB, IGCSE), designing after school clubs, etc. )

Tutoring Approach:
textbooks teaching, useful online materials and self designed teaching materials.
According to individual client's learning target, exam target and other study plan, I would like to offer individual teaching materials varied from online resources to self designed ones.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Professional Photographer and College Photography Lecturer. I have run my own photography business, Portraiture, since 2006 and specialise in Commercial / Industrial, Portraits and Weddings.
I teach Photography and Photoshop for North East Scotland College. I am very knowledgeable in all areas of Photography, Photoshop and Lightroom.

Subjects offered:
Photography
Photoshop
Lightroom
Lighting / Flash / Studio Lighting

Teaching Experience:
I teach Photography and Photoshop for North East Scotland College and I also teach private clients.

I offer 1:1 tuition and small group classes.

Subjects offered:
Photography
Photoshop
Lightroom
Lighting / Flash / Studio Lighting

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is fun, informative and relaxed. All tuition is based round your exact requirements and all courses are bespoked to your needs whether this be for academic studies or a personal interest.

I take a flexible approach to learning and teaching, which first establishes the needs and goals of the student, and then sets out clearly structured strategies for achieving these goals. These may be results-focused when preparing for exams or just to improve a hobby.

Tutoring may take place at the student's home, or at my home / studio in Aberdeen.

Hourly rate depends on number of hours requred.

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Personal Description:
I am a very calm and patient person. I am very passionate about languages and teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I worked at Kent University as a French lector which I enjoye very much. And before that I did tutoring in France with children aged from 8 to 12.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons are greared towards every level, from beginner to more advanced students.
The lesson really depends on the need and the level of the student. The first lesson would focus more on what you have done before, the knowledge you already have and what you want/need to focus on more deeply. I also try to link my lesson with topics that passionate the student so It makes it easier to understand and to remember.

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Personal Description:
I am a current A-Level student, studying Chemistry, Biology, Maths, and Business at sixth form. I want to help students achieve their academic goals, and I believe I can work well with students at a variety of levels. I believe I am friendly and approachable and I want to motivate and empower students to help them become the best that they can be.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work as a teaching assistant at a primary school, and I have taught and worked with children up to the age of 15, having experience in teaching at GCSE level and below. I have mentored younger students at my school for several years, and have also worked with family friends and relatives. This has mainly been in English, Maths and Sciences.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is tailored to each individual student depending on their particular strengths and weaknesses. I set clear and simple tasks with steady progression and try to always make it fun and interesting, as I believe learning can be a process of enjoyment and a source of satisfaction. I find out what they struggle with, and help them iron out any issues they have in the subject. I ensure I cater and adapt towards their needs specifically, as I believe it is important that they are gaining a full personalised experience from tutoring.

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Personal Description:
Hello there. My name is Kana. I am a person who found my passion to teaching the young kids not only their subject to score in their exam but also to have some attitude to score in their life as well.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Chemical Engineering graduate who is currently teaching for the past 6 years in an international school. I have the patience and ability to teach in a way that you will learn by understanding the subject and loving it.

Tutoring Approach:
I use daily life examples to most concepts that it is logical for you to apply the knowledge elsewhere or to understand the concepts better.

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Personal Description:
My name is Nikki and I am an experienced primary teacher and Assistant Headteacher at an Outstanding school in London. I graduated from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver in 2010 with a BSc in Natural Resources Conservation. I taught in Taiwan for a couple of years before moving to London to begin my teaching career.

Teaching Experience:
Over the last ten years I have taught across KS1 and KS2. I have been the Maths lead at my school for the past 6 years and the Assistant Headteacher for the past 3 years. I have run two 11+ group tuition lessons for three years for children in Year 4 and 5.

Tutoring Approach:
During the first session, I conduct an assessment with the pupil to determine where the gaps are. I then create a tailored curriculum for them that will meet their individual needs. My goal is to develop the pupil's confidence and growth mindset in their learning and the results will follow.

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Personal Description:
I am a Final Year Postgraduate Medical Student at Newcastle University. Graduated from Clinical Sciences in 2020. Alongside medicine I work with Multinational companies in marketing and help in the running of major events such as Fashion Week. Being able to balance these responsibilities is something I take great pride in and the skills to do so are something I look to instil into my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been guiding people through the medical school application process for years. I cover everything from Interview preparation, to Personal Statements, to my own UCAT masterclass. I have been doing one-to-one sessions online for 4 years now. As part of medicine you are expected to educate those less experienced than you. I have run sessions for medical student in clinical skills, specific modules such as Emergency medicine and cardiology and OSCE preparation

Tutoring Approach:
I need to understand the person I am talking to, we'll start off with a short initial encounter so we can both understand what you're trying to get out of the session.

My experience as a sports coach has also enlightened me to the psychological side of education. We can often get in our own way when trying to maximise our achievements. Don't let that be you.

The little things matter. The nature of the medical field means the highest achieving students from all over the world compete against one another for a finite amount of places. Get in contact and I'll show you how to set yourself apart instantly.

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Personal Description:
Hola/Bonjour/Hello!

My name is Ella and I am Head of Spanish in a leading Independent School in Cardiff.

I have taught both French and Spanish to A Level for 10 years, and have experience teaching WJEC, AQA and Edexcel specifications. I hold a BA (Hons) in French and Hispanic Studies from King's College London, for which I received a 2:1, an MA in Art History with a particular focus on Spanish Art History and socio-political artistic exchange, for which I received a Distinction, and I completed my NPQML qualification in 2021.

In my spare time, my passions are art, history, European cinema and keeping fit. I have also begun learning Arabic, Catalan and Mandarin myself!

Teaching Experience:
I received my PGCE in Spanish with Subsidiary French from King's College London, and have worked in both the independent and state sector in England and Wales. I assumed the role of Head of Department in my current school in 2024 after being the Spanish Subject Coordinator for 2 years prior, and have been Second in Department and Head of French in previous schools. Recently, I became an examiner for WJEC/Eduqas, and have marked for these exam boards. For the past two examination series, my results at both GCSE and A Level were 100% A-A*, proving my dedication to my pupils and an exceptional track record.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always student-centred, and I like to establish a rapport with pupils which enables me to help them in a way which best matches their personality and needs. I like to flip the learning, enabling pupils to 'have a go' at particular activities or concepts first, before addressing any difficulties or misconceptions. This ensures that my support is always specifically targeted to the needs of the student.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced language teacher with a PGCE and a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University. I have also completed an MA in Linguistics, specialising in second/third language acquisition. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy travelling, reading, cooking and going to the cinema.

Teaching Experience:
I have twelve years of experience in teaching French and Spanish at secondary school level, both from KS3 to A Level. I have worked in both state and private schools, and in mixed school as well as boys/girls schools. I have taught both in class and online, and currently also work for an online school offering British-system education to students from around the world.

Classes/subjects that I can offer:
- K3 French and Spanish, to equip students with the grammar, vocabulary and exam skills in preparation for GCSE
- GCSE French and Spanish - I have in-depth knowledge of the courses (AQA, Edexcel, Edexcel IGCSE, Cambridge IGCSE) and the exam skills required. I can offer classes tailored to a particular skills (e.g. speaking or writing) or more general classes
- A Level French and Spanish - I have experience in teaching the specifications for AQA, Edexcel, Edexcel International, Eduqas and WJEC. I am able to provide tuition on the film element of the course (La Haine, Intouchables, Les 400 coups, Volver, El laberinto del fauno) and the literature element (Un sac de billes, Bonjour tristesse, No et moi, L'Etranger, Como agua para chocolate, Cronica de una muerte anunciada, La casa de Bernarda Alba).
- functional French and Spanish classes for casual learners who want to communicate effectively in the language

Tutoring Approach:
My approach depends on the objective of my students. I try to include a variety of activities to cover the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing, to ensure that progress is made across all skills areas. For students wishing to learn a language for academic purposes, I obviously also include grammar and vocabulary. For students who are more interested in functional language skills, my main focus is on communication via speaking, and using authentic resources to prepare them for life/holidays in a foreign country.

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