Spike Island Tutors & Spike Island Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a 45 year old lady residing in Ashford, Kent. I originally come from Africa and have been in England for 10 years now. I trained as a primary school teacher but resigned after 16 years mainly because I wanted to travel and broaden my experiences. My hobbies are reading and writing (for leisure), travelling and sightseeing, aerobics and swimming. I could however easily call teaching one of my hobbies because I always find myself teaching people wherever I go!

Teaching Experience:
I was a primary school teacher for 16 years but I also did private tutoring as a sideline. I taught English to the age group 9-10years and outside working hours I taught adult literacy classes. I think I did well because I always found myself with so many private students to teach that sometimes it was hard to cope . All the same I enjoyed every minute of it. I have also recently qualified as an EFL teacher and am hoping to start soon.

Tutoring Approach:
When I meet a student for the first time I always believe in taking time to know them. By this I mean their well being and /or state of mind. For example, if a student has come to class only because someone has insisted, then learning will be a chore. Or if they have personal problems, or they are hungry, tired or ill then we will not get very far. So I will take a few minutes to chat and get to know their state of mind as well as reassure them before we start and if there is anything I can do to settle them then that is what I will do first. I am saying this with a view to teaching adults because that is what I hope to do. I also believe in teaching in a very relaxed environment that is conducive to learning so I always try and get rid of all distractions before we start. I have been known to be a good teacher and I hope I will continue with my good style and reputation.

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Personal Description:
I have a good personal manner ,giving confidence to my students. I am semi-retired and enjoy the countryside painting ,reading and sport.Have a crrent CRB.

Teaching Experience:
I have twenty five years of teaching experience in primary ,preparatory and secondary schools. My main subject is maths but I have also taught ICT ,Business Studies and EFL.

Tutoring Approach:
Giving confidence to my students is very important and is a springboard to success.Having a plan with achievable targets is useful.Building a good relationship with discussion as to progress and reliability is important.

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Personal Description:
I am an Open University graduate having completed an BA(Hons) degree. I chose my own programme of study which consisted of French,English Language Studies with GCSE/Standard grade Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. After my degree, I undertook an A-level/Higher Grade Maths course and GCSE/Standard Grade level Latin course to keep my study skills fresh and updated whilst complimenting my degree.

Prior to this, I under went a City and Guilds in Delivering Learning which taught me the vital skills required to be able to plan and construct lessons. In conjunction to this, I have also achieved my Level 1 certificate in British Sign Language.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently hired by Borders College based in Galashiels where I teach adult evening classes in Mandarin Chinese, Italian and French, which I love. Seeing my students grow and learn is one of the main reasons why I entered the tutoring and teaching profession.

In addition, I have taught French to various ages ranging from Primary right through to Adult in various capacities. Furthermore, I have taught English as a Foreign Language which was a brilliant experience as it gave me a valuable insight into how people learn not only English but languages in general.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring comprises of friendliness and patience. Having studied at home for my degree, I understand the importance of a structured and warm learning environment. My motto has always been "There is no such thing as a stupid question". If you do not know the answer then the only way to find the answer out is to ask the question, whether it is for the first or tenth time. As I am so passionate about French and English along with reading and writing skills, I feel that lessons with me will be a positive, exciting and worthwhile experience.

I have always strongly believed that education is available to everyone, regardless of past experiences. The only thing that I feel matters when it comes to learning is a want to learn, if you have that then anything is possible.

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Personal Description:
I am a working actor and a Graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. Before going to drama school I went to The University of Nottingham where I achieved a first class degree in English Language and Literature. I am self-motivated, enthusiastic and passionate about Drama and English.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work as a drama facilitator with West End in Schools delivering drama, history and PSHE workshops in primary schools. I have now been tutoring privately for over 10 years with work ranging from Primary Maths and English, Creative Writing, Drama School, LAMDA and Audition preparation, 11 +, GCSE and A - Level English and Drama. I have also worked with adults on Public Speaking, audition preparation and vocal techniques.

I previously worked as a Maths and English tutor with Explore learning. I taught Maths and English to children aged 4 - 14 of various abilities. I received training in the National Curriculum as well as current tutoring methods. I have a particular strength in preparing students for 11+ exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and enthusiastic with a proven record of working well with children. I believe that every child can benefit from one-on-one tuition; whether they need extra help with a subject they are struggling with or they would relish the challenge of extension work. Private tuition can give them the extra time they need to let difficult ideas settle and to encourage them to ask questions and push themselves further. Above all I will try to make every session fun, relaxed and positive. This is not 'school' but a opportunity to bring their learning to life. One recent student said Eleanor is "Very knowledgeable with lots of experience in the world of acting and theatre. She really helped me to realise where I wanted to go with my career and has helped me to start writing screenplays after initially focusing on getting into drama school (I changed my mind and now want to write instead). She is very passionate and has helped me improve in leaps and bounds even in just the past few months. I would highly recommend working with her".

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Personal Description:
From an early age I have been extremely enthusiastic about mathematics and since leaving education, and before I chose to pursue a career in education, I have been fascinated by learning and problem solving. I am currently a teacher in a new school in Hackney, East London. The college is for 14-18 year olds so I specialise in GCSE and A-Level maths teaching. We cater for a range of different backgrounds and abilities which requires the staff to have a wide ranging skill-set. I have previously taught for 5 full years, including 2 years at a 4-18 international school, and have 3 years teaching experience in the UK. My previous school was an independent international school. In all my years as a teacher I have taught GCSE classes and have come to have a sound knowledge of both AQA and Edexcel curriculums. I am also aware that GCSEs serve 2 purposes - one to gain a specific skill set and acquire subject knowledge, the other to achieve a prestigious and important qualification. I have worked in business for several years since completing a maths masters degree at Leeds University. As a relatively new teacher I have a fresh perspective on current barriers to learning and misconceptions within my chosen subject.

Teaching Experience:
1 year working in East London, 2 years overseas in the Dominican Republic (students are 95% native Spanish speakers), 3 years in England, 1 year PGCE training incorporating placements at 2 schools in Louth (North East Lincolnshire), trained at Lincoln BGUC. I am currently curriculum leader for maths at my college and have been acting head of department at my previous school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe the key to learning is presenting a new topic in a way that the learner can engage with best. I would aim to break a complex problem down into smaller more manageable parts. Maths is a subject where each new concept is just a collection of previously learnt skills or techniques used in a specific way. I would visit the house of the tutee under the supervision of a parent. Also, if acceptable, I would try to involve a parent in the tuition process so that they can work with the tutee at a later date, if they thought it would help. I am happy to set additional work to be finished between tuition sessions, if the parent and tutee consent to this. I aim to not only help the tutee in acquiring the grade they want but also to improve their confidence in maths and help inspire them to enjoy the subject more.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced accountancy tutor with ACCA and MSc. (International Accounting) qualifications. I have over three and half years of industry experience working as an assistant internal auditor in a manufacturing concern. Now I am working as full time tutor, delivering lectures on accountancy and finance in different colleges. I have teaching experience in United Kingdom and Pakistan. I provide quality tuition in a new and innovative way. My specialist areas are financial reporting and cost accounting along with financial management. I'm passionate about my subject areas and which is highly prevalent in my teaching methods and learning strategies.

Teaching Experience:
In United Kingdom

Worked as an hourly paid (Accounting & Finance) lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge campus.

Taught ACCA papers F2 (Management Accounting) at Forbes Graduate School, Slough.

Taught ICM Accounting (Accounting techniques) at Docklands College, London.

Taught complete syllabus of ACCA F9 (Financial Management) and ACCA F5 (Performance Management) at Greenwich London College, London.

Taught complete syllabus of ACCA F5 (Performance Management) and ACCA F6 (UK Taxation) at Capital College UK, London.

Taught complete syllabus of ACCA F5 (Performance Management) at London Business College, London.

Taught complete syllabus of ACCA F1 (Accountant in Business) and ACCA F5 (Performance Management) at Middlesex College of law, Harrow.

Taught ACCA papers F1 (Accountant in Business), F2 (Management Accounting), F3 (Financial Accounting) at London City Business School, London.

Taught ACCA subjects F2 (Management Accounting) and F3 (Financial Accounting) at London Business College, London.

Taught complete ACCA paper F5 (Performance Management) at Greenwich London College, London.

Taught complete ACCA paper F5 (Performance Management) at London City Business School, London.

Taught ACCA F2 (Management Accounting), F3 (Financial Accounting) at Oxbridge college of IT & Management, London.

Taught Financial Accounting and Quantitative Methods to ABE students at Victoria English College, London.

In Pakistan

Taught 2 batches of ACCA papers F3 (Financial Accounting) and F5 (Performance Management) at KNS institute, Karachi, Pakistan.

Previously taught some areas of CAT paper 6 at CMS institute, Karachi, Pakistan. Also taught some
tuitions of P2, F9, F5 (Performance Management) and F2 (Management Accounting).

Tutoring Approach:
I prepare my own summarized notes and handouts which make students' life easy. At the same time I also use text books as well. As I am an accountancy tutor, I know the importance of practice. Therefore I do lots of practice questions and exam focused topics. I have study resources from where I choose material according to students' learning requirements. Main objective is to enable students to apply the theoretical concepts learnt from their academic studies to practical business environment. Normally I start from very basic easy examples and then gradually go towards complex exam questions, so that students get the confidence that they will pass the exams. I also provide online tuition, using shared documents and skype or phones. I send my own study material to students via e mail, communicate with them on skype or phone, they send me their questions or past papers, i solve them and send them scanned solutions, then explain on skype. I always teach my students in a very friendly environment. I tell my students take exams like a tournament and think they are the players, and I m their coach, together we have to make a strategy, a plan to win the game (exam :). I keep motivating my students by telling them you can do it . Champion Attitude : Lets Do IT.

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Personal Description:
I am 60 years old, originally from a business and finance background, and retrained as a teacher from 2008/9, completing a PGCE. I am QTLS qualified and a member of the Tutors' Association which promotes professional standards in the tutoring industry.
I operate as a freelance/private tutor specialising in mathematics and have experience in teaching all ages from primary up to GCSE. I also have several years' experience teaching basic numeracy and literacy to adults.

Teaching Experience:
From 2007-2009 I worked as a volunteer/trainee teacher for a further education college and from 2009-2012 was employed as a basic skills tutor travelling throughout East Anglia teaching adult numeracy and literacy in the workplace. Since January 2012 I have worked as a private tutor teaching mathematics to 5 - 16 year olds whilst continuing to work as a part-time Functional Skills and GCSE mathematics tutor for a local college.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that all teaching should be learner-centred so learning is enjoyable and effective. Teaching should be individually tailored to each learner, whose needs should always come first.I aim to help learners overcome their fear of maths and build up confidence by patience and quiet encouragement.

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Personal Description:
⭐ In a nutshell:

· Tutoring for more than 10 years, up to and including GCSE Maths & the Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
· MSc in Positive Psychology; tutored and mentored students from all backgrounds including shy/anxious/introverted/neurodiverse (feel free to ask me about this)
· Outside of tutoring I enjoy writing (I'm an author)

I believe in a well-rounded holistic education; I previously piloted an alternative to University called Thriva Programme.

Below you can find more information about my tutoring experience, approach, and what parents have said about my tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
Since 2010, I have been tutoring in the academic subjects Maths and the individual Sciences; Biology, Chemistry & Physics.

I have taught at both primary- and secondary-school levels, with my students ranging between the ages of 6 and 16.

I can also help with entrance examinations for secondary school (including verbal and non-verbal reasoning), and I have provided mentorship and coaching when it comes to UCAS application forms, personal statements and CV writing.

Whilst I enjoyed some of the subjects at school, certain subjects and topics (including Maths!) didn't come naturally to me. I achieved 7A*s and 5A*s at GCSE, and went on to study Biology, Chemistry & Maths at A-Level.

Tutoring Approach:
As I have already mentioned, I have a Masters in Applied Positive Psychology and my tutoring approach is a student-centred one. My experiences covers tutoring, mentoring and coaching and I use a combination of the three in my work.

I am yet to come across a student who doesn't possess the potential to improve. More often than not, it is the large class sizes at school, or a teacher whose approach isn't the right fit, which explains why a student doesn't understand a particular subject, or particular topics within that subject.

Through the 1-to-1 work I do with students, not only have I witnessed some remarkable grade improvements but also some amazing transformations in confidence. I strongly feel that the work I do is more than merely improving grades for exams.

⭐ My philosophy is that if you are struggling with a particular subject or topic, it's not your fault and there's nothing wrong with you. It simply means you've not been taught in a way that makes sense to you (or you've not been given the time and attention to be taught properly - in a big class and with the pressures of working through an extensive curriculum).

I'm based near Kingston and offer tutoring in-person and online (though I try to meet in-person first where possible, as this tends to work best for the tutoring relationship).

⭐ Please note: I currently tutor part-time and currently have limited spaces available, so you're encouraged to apply early before spaces fill up before the next academic year

~

Here are some of the references and messages I have received from parents thus far.

REFERENCES:

"Hi Jas - Alfie got 3 B's for each of his sciences! He only just missed an A for Chemistry. He is absolutely delighted despite school's wish for A's. Thank you for all your help - there is no doubt it made a huge difference to him. You were a total star to him - and the summer has been good to him - his confidence is finally starting to improve & I think it's a lot down to your encouragement and believing in him. We went away just after getting the results - my biggest apologies for being so slow to get news to you. Very best wishes, Kris"
- Kris (Head of Art Therapies, East London Foundation NHS Trust)

"Jas has tutored our daughter for the last few months in Chemistry, Biology and Physics at GCSE level. Jas was very reliable, committed and enthusiastic in his role and we feel our daughter greatly benefitted from his tutoring. He was always encouraging and recognising her needs were beyond the academic, spent time developing her confidence in the academic subjects he was teaching her as well as also encouraging her self-belief. He appeared sensitive to her needs and adapted the work accordingly. Jas also demonstrated great insight in what motivated our daughter and went out of his way to make every session engaging and enjoyable. Jas also developed a positive, professional relationship with both my husband and I, keeping us well informed about our daughter's progress and what support we could give her. I feel that this wider, more holistic approach, really helped our daughter feel better about herself, as well as develop a positive approach towards her exams which she has now entered with considerably more knowledge and confidence than had she not worked with him. I also recommended Jas to a friend who's son was also doing his GCSE's and she told me how pleased they were with the help he had been able to give to him. I would have no hesitation in recommending Jas to others who are looking for GCSE tutoring."
- Emma & Paul (Emma - Drama Therapist (HCPC Registered), Paul - Head of Maths Department, secondary school)

"Jas has helped Daniel enormously with his maths and science over the past few months in preparation for the upcoming GCSE's. He is a charming and good humored person who Daniel relates to quite well which made the two hours tuition every Saturday morning not such a chore! Both Daniel and I, as a parent, would certainly recommend Jas to any future students."
- Denise

"Jas tutored my son Nathan for his Chemistry and German GCSEs in 2013. I found him to be a reliable and conscientious young man and I was very happy with his services."
- Dame Sally Coates (Director of Academies South for United Learning)

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced primary teacher. I have taught in Foundation, KS1 and KS2 I am able to effectively support your child in Maths or English at every stage of their primary education. I can also support KS3 children who need reinforcement of the KS2 curriculum.

I tutor from my home or yours (within 3 miles). I am sometimes able to travel further if you are looking for longer sessions/holiday tuition/daytime tuition. I also offer online tuition or a mix of online and in-person which can work well.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher with 16 years experience (importantly, I still teach part time in school so have up to date training and experience).

I have taught from foundation to year 6 and have excellent curriculum knowledge. I am skilled in teaching maths to all levels and have a real passion for English (I have an MA in creative writing). I currently work in year 6 and have excellent knowledge of KS2 SATs.

I have been tutoring for seven years and have worked with children across the primary age range. Some of my students have been with me for a short time to fill gaps and boost confidence. I have been privileged to work with some students have been for four years or more.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether your child is struggling and needs revision and reinforcement or is very able and needs extension I can offer tailored support to meet their needs. I adjust my approach to meet the needs of each individual but I am always calm and supportive while making sure learning is the focus at all times. I plan engaging activities which take account of individual interests wherever possible. I always include computer based games and activities to add enjoyment and include a sticker chart reward system which children love (even the older ones!).

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Personal Description:
I am married with two daughters. I enjoy teaching youngsters, encouraging an enthusiasm for reading and writing. My degree is in Journalism.

Teaching Experience:
I've been a secondary English teacher for more than 6 years now and have worked with young people for 9 years within education. I have taught different exam boards including Eduqas and AQA.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring depends on the individual and what their specific needs are. For example, it may be to prepare for examinations or simply to build confidence within the subject.

I adapt my style of teaching to the student's favoured learning style whilst continually assessing progress.

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Personal Description:
I am an undergraduate student studying Actuarial Science in one of the top Universities for Actuarial Science in Europe, Bayes Business School. I have tutored many GCSE and Alevel students in a tutoring centre and private classes, of which most of them got A to A*. I did A level Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Tamil and received 2A* and 2A. I also completed AS Level Further maths in which I obtained an A.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught many students, ranging from year 5 to A level, in a tutoring centre.. I am also currently teaching A level and GCSE students privately. Many of my students have obtained grades As and A*s in their A levels and 7-9 in their GCSEs. I've been involved in tutoring for more than 2 years and I will use the best teaching strategy that is suitable for the student.

Tutoring Approach:
I ensure that every student understands the subject or topic by the end of the lesson. I will make sure that my GCSE and A level students feel confident and comfortable when facing their actual exams, as I tend to do a lot of past paper questions for the students to grasp the technique. If necessary, I will give out discounted tuitions to go through the past paper questions near their exam. I will use the online whiteboard to describe the concepts clearly and I will go through it as many times as the student wants, to ensure that they have understood the concept.

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Personal Description:
My teaching philosophy is simple: I believe learning should feel like a discovery, not a duty. I'm a naturally friendly and approachable tutor who lives for those 'lightbulb' moments that incredible spark in a student's eyes when a complex concept finally clicks, or the proud smile when a hard-earned test score comes in. My greatest goal is to transform your child's apprehension about a subject into genuine excitement and curiosity.

I bring a strong academic foundation to our sessions, holding a degree in Mathematics from the University of Birmingham and currently furthering my expertise through a Master's programme. My own academic journey has equipped me with deep knowledge across core subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, and Law, in which I achieved top grades (A/A*) at both GCSE and A-Level.

But beyond the formulas and facts, I am a builder of confidence. I can't wait to help your child conquer their challenges and achieve their academic goals in a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Teaching Experience:
With over 300+ hours of one-on-one and small group tutoring experience, I have a proven track record of helping students unlock their potential. My experience is not just about teaching subjects; it's about mentoring young learners through their academic journeys.

Here's what that experience looks like in practice:

Exam Preparation Specialist: I have extensive experience guiding students through the specific requirements of GCSE and A-Level syllabi for my subject areas. This includes focused revision strategies, past paper practice, and techniques for managing exam anxiety, leading to tangible results such as helping a student improve their predicted grade in A-Level Maths from a D to a final B.

Building Foundational Confidence: I have worked with numerous students who initially described themselves as "just not a maths person" or "terrible at science." Through patience and tailored techniques, I've helped them not only improve their grades but fundamentally change their relationship with the subject, turning dread into capability.

Bridging Knowledge Gaps: I am skilled at diagnosing and rectifying misunderstood concepts from earlier years that are holding a student back. For example, I worked with a GCSE Chemistry student who was struggling with stoichiometry because they had a weak grasp of foundational mole calculations from earlier studies. By dedicating a session to rebuilding that core understanding, we enabled rapid progress in the more advanced topic.

Engaging the Unmotivated Learner: I pride myself on finding the "hook" that engages even the most reluctant students. Whether it's connecting historical events to modern-day politics, showing the real-world application of a physics law, or turning a biology revision session into a interactive game, I make it my mission to find what sparks their interest.

My students don't just leave our sessions with better grades; they leave with renewed confidence, effective study habits, and the self-assurance that they can tackle any academic challenge that comes their way.

Tutoring Approach:
I know that a one-size-fits-all approach is a recipe for boredom and frustration. That's why my sessions are built from the ground up around your child's unique learning style, goals, and even their sense of humour.

My methodology is built on three pillars:

1. Diagnostic First Steps: I begin by identifying not just knowledge gaps, but also the root of any confidence issues. We'll tackle the 'why' behind the struggle before we dive into the 'what'.

2. Dynamic & Personalised Lessons: Your child's sessions are uniquely theirs. We might use quick-fire quizzes to build speed and accuracy, illustrative drawings to demystify a scientific process, or even create silly memory rhymes to make key facts unforgettable. I am agile in my methods, using whatever tool works to make the material stick.

3. Consistent Reinforcement & Feedback: I refresh my lesson plans weekly to ensure they are engaging, effective, and something your child genuinely looks forward to. I provide regular, constructive progress updates to both students and parents, because everyone should be on the same team celebrating every victory, big and small.

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