Spike Island Tutors & Spike Island Tuition

Personal Description:
Hi I'm Heather!

I hold a First Class Degree in English Literature and Drama from Manchester University.

I've been tutoring for nearly 15 years, working with students aged 6 years, up to 18, supporting them through KS1-4, GCSE and A'Level/IB curricula. I have also taught English as a foreign language. The content of my tutorials is entirely student- led; i.e I work towards the individual's goals and learning styles. I am experienced in the teaching of essay writing, exam preparation and textual analysis/understanding. The most important thing I can do as a tutor is to empower the student to feel confident in their own abilities and thoughts.

I have worked with students of A Level and GCSE in a diverse range of texts including Victorian Gothic literature, the American Novel, pre and post 1900 poetry, modern drama and theatre studies, post -colonial literature, dystopian literature. All of my students have achieved their personal desired A-C grades, and gained acceptance into the university of their choice.

Recent students have achieved places at Eton and Wellington college, UCL, King's and Westminster. I currently tutor students applying for or attending Kew House, Kings School Wimbledon, Fulham Prep to name a few.

I have 2 years experience of home schooling Key Stage 2 and 3 literacy and numeracy, with an excellent overview of the curriculum and a variety of techniques to engage different learners. I have worked closely with young learners with dyslexia, ADHD and autistic students

I also teach drama school audition preparation, public speaking skills and methods of overcoming academic anxiety. In addition to my work as a tutor I work for a theatre company as a director and facilitator, and bring this creativity and fun to my tutoring.

Do get in touch if you have any questions!

Heather

Teaching Experience:
-15 years as a private tutor
-Assistant Tutor; Kumon Maths (Hampstead Branch)
-6 months as a Teaching Assistant (SEN) ; Carlton Primary School
-2 months as a 1-1 learning and care assistant to a young child with non-verbal cerebral palsy
-Assistant director/facilitator at theatre company Access All Areas
-TEFL introductory course- Cambridge
-Creative writing teacher training with The Ministry of Stories
-Drama facilitator, Hackney Shed Theatre Company

Tutoring Approach:
I believe tutoring should be a dialogue, not a dictatorship. Each lesson would be highly organized to cater for the requirements and ability level of the individual student. I plan all sessions to include a range of discussion, demonstration, exercises, review of work and homework tasks if required. Crucial to my teaching approach is an easy, flexible engagement with the individual- working to their learning style and objectives, and encouraging the pupil to draw out their own understandings rather than enforce rote learning.

Areas of expertise include: Literature Romantic poetry, contemporary poetry, the dystopian novel, the Gothic novel, WWI literature, post-colonial literature, the early novel, Shakespeare, dramatic writing, film studies. History- Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Russia from Revolution through to the cold war. Apartheid in South Africa, the Suffragette movement, the history of British Education, Chartism. Theatre- Greek theatre, Kabuki, German Expressionism, Melodrama, Realism, Naturalism, Absurdism, post 1950s British drama, contemporary theatre

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Durham University with an MA Education and I have Qualified Teacher Status specialised in Chinese teaching. My Bachelor degree was 'Chinese Literature'. I have a recent CRB check, Mandarin teaching experience at both private and state schools in London and East Sussex. I also have experiences of private tuition (age 8 months to 23 years old, from complete beginner to university level) and real passion for this career.

I have been teaching at a private school in London for almost 10 years. Prior to that, I taught at a prestigious private school in Sussex for three years. In the past few years, I have also been working as an A-Level Mandarin examiner. During my teaching placements I've came across a range of students with different abilities, and I have managed to help them achieve outstanding results with a variety of teaching strategies.

I am punctual, easy-going, patient with strong academic background together with a range of teaching experiences. If you would like a weekday evening, weekend or summer Mandarin intensive courses (areas: calligraphy, tourism, business, culture, exam preparation or even Chinese cookery!!), please feel free to drop me an email :)

I'd love to hear from you.

Teaching Experience:
1. Helped my tutee to pass his HSK4 exam within eight weeks of learning;
2. Years of teaching the English secondary school curriculum.
3. Every year of teaching, my students achieved 100% A-A*.
4. Lots of experience in HSK and business tuition.

Tutoring Approach:
I have plenty of interests and these can also be involved in extra-curricular activities in terms of Mandarin teaching, such as singing, cooking and calligraphy.

In order to build up an interactive learning atmosphere, I will mainly utilise the Communicative Language Teaching Method (CLT), which focuses on cultural aspects. I will also use other teaching approaches in accordance with the purpose of learning, learners' age and their language backgrounds.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced language teacher and native speaker of Arabic and German and teach at school as well as giving private lessons. Teaching at all levels and using a large variety of materials, tailored to students' ages and needs, the emphasis is on enjoying the process of learning the language at the students own pace as well as working towards specific goals where appropriate.

Teaching Experience:
I teach German in school to children aged 6-10 and have given private lessons at all levels and to all ages, children, adolescents and adults, in both German and Arabic, for many years. My background is in interpreting and translation and I moved on to teaching from there. One of my long term Arabic students is now studying Arabic at university level, many of my other students have successfully completed GCSEs and A levels in both languages and/or gone on to use both languages for work or leisure purposes.

Tutoring Approach:
The emphasis is on the enjoyment of the learning process, I adapt the materials used to the individual needs of my students and everything is tailored to those needs. For children the emphasis is on learning through games, play and song, for adolescents and adults games and play may still form a part of the process. Cultural instruction and understanding goes hand in hand with the learning of the language, especially with Arabic as the culture and script are so different and present special challenges. I love my work and I try to convey a love of language to my students too.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher of both classics and modern languages, and have taught in a variety of secondary schools. I have stopped classroom teaching now but I am keen to carry on teaching in a different capacity. I am passionate about languages, words and communication and love to share this with others. I have lived abroad for prolonged periods in France and Italy, and travel to see friends there whenever possible.

Teaching Experience:
Since completing my PGCE in 1992 I have taught Latin, Greek, French and Italian, from beginners to A level and Oxbridge, in secondary schools, both private and state. More recently I have been giving private lessons to both adults and teenagers.
***PLEASE NOTE THAT I TEACH ANCIENT GREEK, NOT MODERN! The UK tutors website does not give Ancient Greek as an option in the drop down list. I am not able to teach modern Greek.

Tutoring Approach:
Successful language teaching should combine a fun approach using oral practice including song lyrics and games with a more structured approach to grammar; this gives the student confidence that they really understand the language used. The advantage of private lessons is that I can focus on what the individual learner wants, which might be lots of oral practice to become more proficient at speaking, or to pass a specific exam. I do like to set homework from week to week as this is an important part of progress; but it is not compulsory!

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Gemma and I am a 32 year old doctor, chartered accountant, strategy consultant and successful start up founder. I graduated in medicine from Nottingham University in 2016, switched to finance, became a qualified chartered accountant, and now work for one of the 'Big4' in health advisory and strategic consulting. However, my heart will always lie with the sciences, and somehow in amongst all of my wide ranging career, my favourite job has always been teaching.

I have been tutoring maths and science (chemistry, biology, physics) to GCSE level for several years, and more recently maths and biology to A level standard. I have experience with ages 6-18 (and a few adults as well!), as well as with children with autism and ADHD.

I tutor because I love it, and watching people's confidence grow as they start to reach their full potential is so rewarding.

I have A Levels in Maths, Further Maths, Chemistry, Biology and French, and Geography AS Level, all at grade A*/A. 12A*s at GCSE, including all the sciences. I have a BMedSci (Medical Sciences degree) and a BMBS (full medical qualification) from Nottingham University. Also an ICAEW Chartered Accountant (ACA) because I have a penchant for collecting letters after my name, and then changing careers... My parents are joking I should go into law next, but I think that's enough exams for a while!

I charge £50 an hour.

Full CRB/DBS check.

Do get in contact if you think I can help or if you have any questions!

Teaching Experience:
Tutoring experience for over 10 years with a 100% pass rate. Have taught ages from 6-18 (plus adults for piano and maths). I have had pupils for chemistry, biology, physics, maths, or a combination of them. (Generally we start with one... and then I end up helping with everything!)

Founder and co-ordinator of university peer mentor and support scheme. First aid and life support trained. Full CRB/DBS checks.

Tutoring Approach:
Informal, friendly and flexible approach (usually with tea and cake!). My aim is to improve results and get pupils interested in the subject by adapting the teaching style to a way that works for them. There is always another way to explain something! I tailor each session to the individual student's needs, whilst remaining exam focussed with a big emphasis on understanding, rather than rote learning. No question is a stupid question: I very much remember the feeling of sitting in the back of a classroom not understanding a thing, and I wish I had had someone to field my "stupid" questions! I am big believer that if pupils don't understand something, it's on me to keep trying, until we find a way to make it make sense. The thing I've loved most is seeing pupils transform from "hating" subjects they found difficult to being really chuffed with their results in class (and even going on to choose it as a higher study option) because they now understand it and seeing their joy is the reason I continue to teach!

I have really enjoyed establishing great relationships with pupils in the past, many of whom I am still in contact with now, whether it's to call and ask me questions over the phone or simply to let me know how they're getting on. I've also provided pupils with references, interview practice (especially medical interviews) and personal statement help. I work with the pupil to whatever they need - I have been known to tutor until the small hours the night before a GCSE maths exam, review homework over whatsapp and answer phone calls after bedtime! More than anything, I love helping pupils find their ceiling and reach their potential, whatever that might be. I am here to help - no matter what that looks like.

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Personal Description:
I currently offer tutoring for physics up to A2 level plus maths up to GCSE level.

I have taught at a variety of comprehensive schools for 25 years and am currently lecturing in Physics at the Crosskeys campus of Coleg Gwent. This is the largest A level centre in Wales. Our physics results are always excellent, we have the highest A/B pass rate (>70%) and overall pass rate (100%) in Wales for such a large entry. In 2011 we had 48% A and A which was twice the national average.In 2012 67% of the students in the class obtained A , A or B

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher of science (including A level physics) and maths for over 25 years.
I have successfully home tutored a large students in both GCSE maths and physics over many years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to tutor by firstly going over the salient points about the current work, followed by attempting past paper and equivalent questions. However, I am easy going and happy to help in whatever ways are needed. I am here to help the student progress ion whatever way he/she feels best.

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Personal Description:
I have cisco webex software, zoom and skype, and am also DBS cleared

I am a highly experienced, enthusiastic and very versatile optical engineering senior lecturer/researcher, who gained a PhD from the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City University, London, UK in "Fibre optical temperature and strain sensors using fluorescent techniques" for measurement applications using the fluorescence generated from rare earth-doped optical fibres (e.g. Er3+, Yb3+, Tm3+ etc.). I also possess very good experience and knowledge of industry, with excellent complimentary skills gained from higher education - in particular industrial measurement, forensic analysis, quality control and statistical analysis. A BSc first degree in forensic science is combined with a further specialist MSc in engineering metrology and topped with a PhD in photonics - making for good, broad-based, multi-disciplined measurement science and analytical capabilities right across the scientific spectrum. I have a proven high degree of personal motivation, and am capable of working on my own initiative or equally as part of an effective team. In addition, I am able to communicate very well at all levels of hierarchy, with excellent skills developed in scientific report writing (journal papers, periodicals, book chapters etc.) and oral presentation (conferences, lecturing etc). I have over 50 publications to date in my field: 20 journal papers, 22 conference papers, 2 articles, 4 book chapters and other major works.

PhD thesis title:

"Fibre optic sensors based on fluorescence lifetime techniques for temperature and strain measurement"

Thesis submitted for examination for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
at
City University
School of Engineering

November 2002

Abstract

The author presents a thesis based upon the use of the fluorescent properties of rare earth doped materials. The thesis commences with a review of the current fibre sensor technology in the field, with special emphasis on those sensors designed for temperature and strain measurement. The use of the physical phenomena of fluorescence produced from rare earth doped optical fibre for temperature measurement is then introduced and explained in more detail, particularly with regard to utilisation of the fluorescence lifetime technique in such sensing, which is then compared to the other fluorescence-based methods for measuring temperature.

The recently discovered small strain sensitivity of the fluorescence lifetime is then introduced as a theoretical candidate for potential application to simultaneous temperature-strain sensing, using two different doped fibres in a single sensing element, and subsequently state-of-the-art temperature-strain discrimination techniques are then explored for the purposes of exploitation to dual measurement.

Results achieved from using the fluorescent lifetime approach for a range of rare earth materials are then presented, followed by further results obtained from combining the lifetime technique with Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) for the first time. Also, the irreversible effects upon FBG performance after exposure to long-term high temperatures are explored.

Finally, there is a summary of the work presented in this thesis and the author's opinions on achievements made. Current trends in fluorescence lifetime-based sensing are discussed, both commercially and academically, together with projected work for the future.


DECLARATION: I certify that the above information contained in this CV is both accurate and truthful.

regards, DR DAVID.

Teaching Experience:
tutor in electronics, City University, London ≈ 4 yrs

Applied optics lecturer at University College Jubail, KSA ≈ 1 yr

undertook 1 yr PGCE Science (secondary) at Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK (taught in local secondary schools)

Lecturer in nanoelectronics on MSc Nanotechnology and MSc Innovative Technology at BITE ≈ 2 yrs

UK private tuition experience (various subjects) ≈ 20 yrs

was senior lecturer/researcher in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in both Malaysia and Thailand: I have spent the last 6 yrs teaching Fibre Optic Communication Systems, Fibre Sensors and photonics, and Optical Communication Systems to Masters level; + supervision of many undergrad, masters and PhD project students.

I was awarded a prize of £1000 from the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (SIM), London in February 2000 to pursue my PhD research work:

Extra information:
Additionally, I can confidently programme in Sigmaplot, Excel, Tablecurve, MATLAB, Optisim, Multisim, Zemax, COMSOL, LABVIEW, Agilent Vee and all similar optical design software packages to control instruments, acquire data, analyse data, simulate and model.

Tutoring Approach:
serious,concientious,assessing continuously the students needs, receiving feedback, individual approach
setting quizes, tests, mock exams
either individual or small/large groups taken

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Personal Description:
As a private maths and science tutor my aim is to help students understand these subjects better and achieve exam success. My nature is calm and relaxed combined with a drive for accuracy and precision.

I have a degree in physics from Exeter University and a doctorate in physics from Manchester University as well as A levels in maths, physics and chemistry and a post-graduate business qualification.

My daughter, who graduated from Oxford University, is now an accountant in London and so I now live in Bollington with just my wife and black Labrador, Mabel.

Teaching Experience:
During the past year I have coached students for Maths A level, Physics A level, Chemistry A level, Maths GCSE and Biology GCSE.

Previously, during my academic career, I tutored many undergraduate science students. Subsequently I worked as a management consultant, explaining difficult technical concepts to a large number of diverse individuals.

Over the past three years I have brought my coaching skills to my role as a private tutor, helping young people with their GCSEs and A levels.

Tutoring Approach:
Many people who would benefit from private coaching are likely to have struggled with the method used by teachers within a school environment. My approach to tutoring is very different to that adopted by someone teaching a whole class. Working together we will find out just what the learning issue is and agree the best approach for you and prepare a plan of action to ensure you achieve your goals.

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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:
I tutor all subjects. My specialisms are maths and the 11+ entrance exams (maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, interviews).

I have a First Class Masters of Engineering from Newcastle University and a PGCE (the teacher training qualification) from the University of Oxford in Mathematics.

I charge £50 an hour for one-on-one online lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for a year in Oxford secondary schools and taking private students online.
I have been tutoring since 2012 in London and Newcastle alongside my jobs and studies. I specialise in getting children into top private schools or to get scholarships and I teach the ages of 6-16, or adults looking to increase their maths skills for specific purposes e.g. GCSE maths.
I have experience teaching English abroad at Bukit Lawang Educational centre in Indonesia. I taught multiple classes every day, including Kindergarten, child, teenage, and adult classes.
I`ve delivered English lessons to a community in Nicaragua. I am TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualified.

Tutoring Approach:
Try to make it as specific as possible so that you get best value for money. With children I make the lessons as meaningfully engaging as possible. All activities I do are very thought-out to cater to each clients needs.

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Personal Description:
Hi I'm Anabel, a 5th year medical student at UCL with a BSc in Women's Health (First class honours).

Every lesson of mine is 100% tailored to how YOU learn best. I have a thorough understanding of exam syllabus content and concepts, enabling me to explore subjects in great depth. My approach is designed not only to ensure a profound comprehension of topics but also to empower students with crucial examination strategies necessary for outstanding results and top-notch marks!

Teaching Experience:
I have over 4 years of tuition experience (GCSE sciences + A level Biology) and have received great feedback, from both students and parents. All students have achieved Grades 8-9 (GCSE) and A-A* (A-level).

Tutoring Approach:
In every session, I make sure to personalise the learning experience for each student. From teaching methods to the types of questions we tackle and how I evaluate your progress, it's all tailored to fit you perfectly. Whilst revising for my own exams, I tried many learning techniques and am now able to distinguish the most effective method for each of my students to use in their own revision. I've also become pretty good at explaining tricky concepts in a way that just clicks for you.

I like to start lessons by revisiting and reinforcing my student's current knowledge. From this starting point, we can further delve into the topic and work through the concept (as per the exam specification). To consolidate our learning we will do practice questions at the end and I provide weekly homework to go over in the next lesson.

In my online lessons, I recreate the classroom experience. Using a digital whiteboard, I write and explain concepts just like in a school setting. I ensure my lessons are interactive to ensure an engaging learning environment.

I look forward to working together towards your goals. Please feel free to message me any queries.

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Personal Description:
I have worked as a teacher in the UK for 22 years with a range of age groups. Before teaching I was a Registered General Nurse and worked in hospitals both in Birmingham and Worcester.

Teaching Experience:
I have 22yrs experience in English primary schools teaching from Reception to Year Four. I have worked with children with a variety of special needs and have acted as Senco for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my lessons fun and interesting. I am able to use a child's interests to engage them in their learning and provided regular encouragement and feedback to motivate each child to progress and achieve their potential.

When working with adult learners I seek to build a mutual respect and friendship whilst structuring the lesson to meet their individual needs and interest.

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