Smithes Tutors & Smithes Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello. I am a fully qualified teacher with experience across the whole of the primary curriculum, including special needs and teaching for SATS tests . I continually update my teaching, mainly through the National Education Union online training sessions. I have had great results tutoring children extensively on a 1-2-1 basis for SATS and the 11+ entrance exam, plus have experience teaching adult literacy and English as a Foreign Language. I aim to motivate both children and adults who find reading and writing challenging, building both confidence and skills. Practical strategies and numeracy games are used to assist children to gain improved competence in mathematics. Assessment is used to inform my teaching in order to make efficient use of the tutoring time.
I enjoy running, Pilates, reading and volunteer for charity, including as a volunteer youth-worker with children and young people.

Teaching Experience:
Currently. I teach English to and host visiting international teenage students. Recently I volunteered as a tutor for the Catch Up Programme, Year 5 and 6 Literacy SATs, online with the charity Action Tutoring.
I am experienced in administering and marking voluntary SATs papers.
I have over twenty years of experience teaching in UK primary schools as a full time classroom teacher and as a supply teacher.
I was a special needs teacher in a public school for one year with individuals and small groups.
I have volunteered as an adult literacy tutor and taught Pilates to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a patient, understanding approach to tutoring. Tasks are broken into small, achievable steps. Praise and encouragement are used to build self esteem and motivate learners. Your child will be encouraged to enjoy learning and to gain independent learning strategies.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher and have worked as a private tutor since having my first child in 2009. I tutor Maths up to GCSE, offering exam preparation and last minute Easter holiday revision sessions. I also tutor English up to year 9 and specialise in 11+ preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have six years of full-time teaching experience, working within independent and state schools. In addition, I have tutored a range of children aged between 5 and 16 years of age, privately, and within schools for the National Tutoring Covid Catch-Up Programme. As a result, I have a wide knowledge of the National Curriculum. In total, I have over 15 years of tutoring experience.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer face-to-face tuition which takes place at your home. I am a patient and caring person who can explain things clearly. In addition, I will take the time to ensure that your child understands a concept but I will also set high expectations to push them to achieve their full potential. I believe in positivity and praise to build confidence and enthusiasm, which ultimately will aid success.

I also tutor online using Zoom with shared PowerPoints and websites to create interactive lessons. I have a wide variety of books from which I provide relevant questions for students to practise. Homework can be set upon request, and I can also assist with homework set from school.

Please contact me to book a lesson. The first session is free. Thereafter, it is £60 per hour.

Which subjects do I teach?
*English from Primary to Year 9
*Maths from Primary to GCSE level
*Year 6 SATs Preparation
*11+ Preparation

When am I available?
My timetable is flexible to suit your requirements either during the day or after school. Thanks.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a hard working, confident and enthusiastic practitioner of my subject. I have comprehensive subject knowledge in both business and accounting and am a practising teacher of 32 years.

Teaching Experience:
I have 32 years teaching experience of both GCSE and A Level Accounting and Business Studies, as well as vast experience in the delivery and support of vocational business related courses at both level 2 and level 3. I have extensive knoweldge of the AQA A level Business Studies specification, as well as AQA and Edexcel GCSE specifications. I have delivered both assessed and examined units on the new BTEC Business BTEC at level 3, including units 2 and 3. I have been heavily involved in resource production and editing for a major educational publisher, further demonstrating my subject knoweldge and awareness of different methods of assessment.

Tutoring Approach:
Relaxed approach focusing on subject knoweldge as well as exam technique. I am happy to be led by the specific needs of the individual tutee in order to provide a personlised plan of learning and assessment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced Mathematics tutor with over 17 years of successful tutoring experience with outstanding results. My students consistently meet or exceed their target grades. I am enthusiastic, responsible and committed to building students' confidence.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE. I taught in a school for a year, and since then I have been tutoring for over 17 years, covering KS3, GCSE, A level and numeracy skills for PGCE applicants. In addition I have supported students including my two sons, with university applications, including Oxbridge, and prepared pupils for entrance exams such as the 11+ Charterhouse School, where my student successfully secured a place.

Tutoring Approach:
I set high expectations for my students while providing tailored support to help each learner their full potential. My approach includes:
- Building strong subject foundations while delivering challenging and engaging lessons
- Using targeted assessment to identify key areas for improvement
- Setting clear performance goals, such as target percentages for practice papers
- Thorough exam preparation through focused revision and the development of effective exam techniques

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professional English Language Trainer/Mentor.

I am an absolute people person, who is very communicative, outgoing and a natural networker.

It has often been said, by my corporate students that my greatest asset is in my people and social skills and in my ability to get my messages, ideas and thoughts persuasively across; which I developed from an early age, from working in our family businesses of retail and wholesale outlets, upon leaving school.

Teaching Experience:
I have wide experience in working with people from the Middle East and Asian Rim countries; as well as South America.

I have also worked and lived in Russia; starting my new career in Rostov-on-Don in 1995, where I was responsible for opening up a branch of a Moscow-based English language school.

I then moved back to Moscow, after six months, and spent the latter half of my career providing mentoring and Business English language training programmes to some of Russia's largest companies and top personnel + providing English language tutoring/mentoring services to Russia's HNW & VHNW families.

I am totally fluent in the Russian language and culture/mentality; with an ability to to "drill down" to the core thinking and mentality of Russian people.

Experience with preparing and delivering EMBA and MBA preparatory Business English courses.

Competent website content writer.

Creative course designer and project work manager, designer and motivational leader.

Trainer in how to give effective presentations and email writing.

Trainer in cross cultural awareness issues and body language - non-verbal communication.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is totally eclectic and all my lessons are bespoke and designed to meet the needs of the client.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Do you want to learn a new language?
Do you want to be able to communicate in Greek in real life settings or to conduct business?
Do you need help preparing for school?
Do you need help with homework or revision for upcoming exams?
Do you need help preparing for a language exam?

If the answer is `YES` to any of the above questions then drop me an email or pick-up the phone for a friendly chat.

Greek as a Foreign Language (Beginner to Advanced)
Primary School Greek (All levels)
Preparation for GCSE Greek and CERF exams
Geography & Maths Tutoring

A dynamic and results-orientated teacher with long tutoring experience and a strong background in sciences and languages.
Trustworthy and approachable with strong rapport skills.
Experienced in working with children, young people, and adults across various educational settings.

My schedule is flexible. Please contact me to arrange for a lesson at a convenient time. The location of lessons will be agreed upon at the session booking. Discounts are available for bulk and group bookings.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native Greek speaker with 15 years of tutoring experience.
I have taught languages to both adults and children in summer schools, language schools and private homes on a one to one basis as well as in small groups and classes. I have successfully prepared students for language exams. My pupils have been all levels, from beginners to advanced across various educational settings.

I have also taught Maths & Geography on a one to one basis and prepared students for exams.

I am familiar with the curriculum and syllabi of Greek and Cypriot schools as well as the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEF or CERF exams) both for Greek and English.

Tutoring Approach:
A strong talent to develop and implement creative, hands-on learning that reaches every student`s learning style and ability, whilst empowering students to succeed and reach their individual goals. Every lesson is tailored to the needs of the student. The use of specific handbooks is determined by each student's desires and needs. The extra material when needed will be provided by the teacher.

I focus on the elements of the language within contexts that are drawn from real-life situations and my aim is a stress-free, creative and engaging learning process. I also use listening and reading material from diverse sources - such as articles, books, songs' lyrics, interviews, social media, online apps and more.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a language lover who has travelled and taught in many different countries. I live in London but I travel a lot too. Exercise and healthy eating, tv and books, theatre and movies, good food and animals.

Teaching Experience:
Starting in 2005, I have over 13 years experience teaching English. I have taught every nationality and language speaker. I have taught all ages and all levels, students to professionals. I have been a personal Cambridge exam teacher for university students, and I have taught business English to traders in the stock exchange.
I have also been a teacher trainer for many years and have spoken at international teacher conferences many times.

Tutoring Approach:
I have studied methodology and materials for years, the result is that I teach using techniques and methods which come from studying how the brain works. I use this to help learners really understand the language. I believe that speaking is the only way to measure language and so I focus on improving speaking in my learners

Subjects

Personal Description:
I understand the importance of the relationship between student and teacher in determining a student's enjoyment of the subject and developing confidence in their ability to succeed. I see it as a privilege to be entrusted with that role of tutor.

I have had an extensive career as a Biologist before becoming a teacher, working in the field of cancer research, and in the pharmaceutical industry, which gives me an insight into the possible careers associated with the subject.

I teach online using Zoom which has been very successful throughout the pandemic

Teaching Experience:
I am an accredited AQA A-Level Biology examiner.

I have 25 years experience teaching GCSE and A-Level Biology, mostly at selective state schools, where I have an excellent record of raising the attainment of my students, enabling them to achieve top grades.

I have a strong track-record in tutoring and have successfully worked with students to develop their exam strategies, build confidence and secure their desired grades.

I have worked with students resitting Biology A-Level and helped them improve their grades.

I prepare students for Biology in the Common Entrance 11+ and 13+

Tutoring Approach:
I work hard with my students to build trust quickly, so that they overcome their fear of `getting it wrong` and `sounding stupid`. This helps the students feel relaxed and more willing to verbalise their thinking. This in turn gives me the opportunity to understand their reasoning, identify gaps in their knowledge and correct any misunderstandings.

I support students to develop revision resources and exam strategies as they go through the specification. The sooner they start, the easier the revision before the exams and the more time for question practice they have.

It is important that the students I tutor enjoy their sessions and grow in confidence throughout their time with me, and I employ my coaching skills to achieve this.

Subjects

Personal Description:
After 37 years full time teaching maths, being an examiner with published materials, and for the last 25 years serving as head of department at a top, selective state school in the north, along with over 30 years of one-to one tuition experience, I have huge knowledge and understanding of how to help a student achieve their maximum potential

Hopefully my profile gives an insight to what I have gained from my professional career and how I can provide the support and help which you seek.

I am highly professional, totally non-judgmental and offer a relaxed, professional working environment in which students will feel relaxed, reassured and able to ask any question in full knowledge that any problems will be fully addressed at a pace and level of understanding which suits them and individually tailored to their needs.

All of this experience allows great attunement with the student, a deep understanding of their needs and difficulties and an excellent ability to address the problems with empathy and a great degree of patience.

Teaching Experience:
With 37 years as a full-time teacher of Mathematics and the last 25 years as Head of Department in one of the top selective state schools in the north, it would be a pleasure to be able to offer my experience to support, guide and help you in this subject.

During this time I have acquired a vast range of experience, navigating through numerous changes to GCSE, A-level as well as having to deal with the impact of Covid.

I have taught the full spectrum across GCSE and A-level, where my abilities to understand a pupil's difficulties and quest to achieve their potential in the subject is at the forefront of my work.

I have had many years as an A-level examiner, author of specimen examination papers for a major education publisher as well as having participated in projects on mathematical education from a European Research Institute.

Along with all of my classroom experience and expertise, I also have over thirty years experience of one-to-one private tuition with a wide variety of students whether they be local, resident in the UK or students from the USA or the Far East

Tutoring Approach:
Behind every target and expected grade, it must be remembered that each student is a unique individual. This has been at the heart of my teaching and tutoring over all these years. After an initial discussion, in which I get to know about your difficulties and goals, there would be a plan designed to address these and tailored made just for yourself.

In our tutor sessions I would offer you a highly professional, yet friendly, working bridge where you feel comfortable and relaxed. You know that you would be free to ask any question, confident that your understanding and ability is progressing forward and that I will always be non-judgmental.

Whilst every session would have a clear target and goal, combined with a sense of achievement, they have to be highly flexible. It may be that we need to take a sidestep to strengthen previous knowledge or alternatively, using my experience, prepare for something which lies ahead. You will feel reassured that my insight and knowledge is ensuring progress is as smooth as possible.

We will always work at a rate comfortable for you and build up and strengthen your knowledge and ability to apply it, as we progress. A solid understanding of especially 'why am I doing this', is very important.

Essential to your progress is the need to use your knowledge and understanding in not only 'standard textbook/worksheet questions' but those set in unfamiliar context as your final exam (or test/end of year) paper will be a mixture. Hence undertaking extra 'homework', will be an essential component to your progress in the subject. I will always ensure you feel prepared to undertake this work which will serve to practice basic understanding as well as pushing you into thinking carefully about how to apply your working knowledge. We would always agree a manageable amount to be completed by an agreed deadline. However, I may also need to be flexible with this as, of course, workloads and pressures can vary during a school year. The fact that you are comfortable raising this issue, means that we can easily work around the matter and reach a solution which eases the situation for you.

I would also offer all my support and experience in helping you prepare for any tests or final exams. There is a lot which can be done to help you mathematically, mentally and psychologically prepare for these stressful events.

Also provided as the result of every lesson, will be a pdf of the notes and work we undertook in a session. This maximises the learning potential in a session as the student is focused on the work being done and undertaking worked questions, and removing the need to 'take notes' and 'keep up'.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Better GCSE maths grades open doors to sixth form, apprenticeships and university. I target weak spots that stand in the way of exam success, using analytical skills from my MSc in Computer Science and years as a software engineer.

Teaching Experience:
I work one-to-one to build understanding that lasts, using past papers and modern approaches so students can rely on their knowledge under exam conditions. I've supported several students through GCSE maths, and parents describe me as professional, patient and adaptable.

I draw on Craig Barton's research-based principles (including cognitive load theory) to reduce overload and make learning stick. I hold an Enhanced DBS certificate (renewed Sep 2025, verifiable on request).

Tutoring Approach:
Online lessons are structured but flexible, designed to fill gaps and build confidence step by step. A typical session includes a short recap, introduction of a new concept, worked examples, guided practice and independent work. Most exercises come from past exam papers, so students become comfortable with the style they'll face. The aim is to reduce stress and strengthen exam technique to make progress feel achievable.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualifications:
MPhys Masters in Physics Hons, University of Manchester
PGCE Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Secondary Physics, Manchester Metropolitan University
Qualified Teacher Status (UK)

Highly experienced teacher of physics, having taught in leading prestigious schools around the world. Offering in-person tuition throughout the island of Guernsey.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and led science departments at various highly ranked schools including:
Wellington College
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Soong Ching Ling International School

Tutoring Approach:
I assess each student's strengths and challenges, adjusting my explanations, examples, and exercises to ensure they truly understand physics rather than just memorizing formulas. By fostering an interactive and adaptable learning environment, I help students build confidence, think critically, and develop a genuine interest in the subject. My goal is to make physics approachable and engaging for all learners.

Subjects