Spinkhill Tutors and Spinkhill Tuition

Personal Description:
I trained as an actor at Arts Educational schools and have forty years experience working as an actor, director, writer and trainer. For ten years I worked as an audio director, directing many of the UK's leading actors in recordings of 150 audio books, poetry collections and drama. As a writer I have seen my plays produced in repertory theatre and by small touring companies and have also written for TV. I have been coaching people in presentation skills, acting and elocution since 2003. I teach young adults aged 18 and over and adults of any age.

Teaching Experience:
I began my career as an actor-teacher, working for small theatre companies touring schools, often leading drama workshops on educational themes. I was also Assistant Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre at the London branch of Boston University, teaching American young adults. I have been teaching private students since 2003, including business people wishing to improve their communication and presentation skills, poets who wish to perform their work live, and corporate trainers seeking voice coaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach at my home (or online), providing a safe, relaxed and supportive environment in which students can learn practical skills, build their confidence and discover their true ability. Lessons are tailored to meet the specific learning needs of the student, whether they are learning for fun or professional development. I work through voice and elocution techniques and performance skills for presenting. I do not teach academic studies or theory.

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD mathematician, with a special interest in applied mathematics and statistics. I worked for some years in University departments as a tutor and then lecturer. More recently I have worked for almost two decades in industry as a mathematician at a prestigious research centre in Cambridge. I am familiar with many aspects of secondary education through my children who both completed their A levels at Hills Road 6th form college. My son has just begun reading Economics at London School of Economics while my daughter obtained a first class honours degree from Oriel College Oxford.
I have succesfully tutored a large number of A level students in both Mathematics and Physics from a wide variety of Sixth form colleges in the Cambridge area. I also teach International studnets who wish to gain entry to the UK University system.
My approach is interactive and encourages the student not to underestiante thier own ability. My experience is that many students are more talenetd in Mathematics than they realise themselves; the key is to gain the confidence to grow and develop to achive your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics and Physics, to A level students from a wide variety of Sixth form Colleges in the Cambridge area. I have also taught International students from many different countries but especially China. I also have particular experience of teaching Mathematics to people whose primary interests lie in Business studies and in Engineering. I also gained valuable insight into adult education when I taught adult part-time students.
I have also provided tutorials for students with many different requirements including A level and undergraduate Physics & Mathematics courses and, for example, GMAT Mathematics prep for MBA entrance exams.
I am self-employed as a private tutor and employed as a University Foundation tutor in Mathematics and Statistics at Cambridge Regional College and previously at Bell School Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
The details of the correct approach vary from one tutee to another, but the principles remain the same. I seek to establish the student's ability within the context of a given aim and to then set realistic objectives.
I think that most students have more mathematical ability than they themselves believe; this can be brought out in a positive fashion once negative stereotypes are discarded. Also the application of mathematics to the real world can be exciting and profitable.

Parental Comment
Hi Brian,

I hope you're enjoying the Summer break.

I just wanted to let you know that Kalen has a A* for maths and an A for further Maths. He's very pleased with this and on behalf of him I'd like to say thank you so much for all your help.

Overall he got A*A*AAB and is off to Warwick to do a general engineering course.

Thanks again Brian,

Suneela


STUDENT COMMENTS
August 2018

Dear Brian,
I have just received my results and wanted to let you know that I have an A* in A level maths !!!! I am very happy thank you for all your support and help I couldn't have done it without you!

Kind regards,
Alice B :-)
September 2018 (from Durham University student)
Hi Brian,
I just thought I would let you know, that with your help, I went from a 30 to an 85 in my retake. Thank you so much for all your help.
Kind regards,
Jake

Dear Brian. I found our tutorials very helpful and feel much more able to hit the ground running when I return to Oxford. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone else I know in need of tuition.
Peter N, returning undergraduate.

Brian helped me to revise my university maths before starting an MSc course 10 years after completing my undergraduate degree. He was patient, non-judgmental of my rusty abilities, and gave useful examples of mathematical problems to help explain some very difficult concepts. He is very reliable and a pleasure to work with. I would have no problem recommending Brian to others and would certainly see him again for further tuition should the need arise.
David C, returning graduate student

Another parent comment
Brian is helping my daughter who attends Hills Road with both physics and maths and she has just had her fifth session. This is the first time with have engaged with a personal tutor so really wasn't sure what we were doing and started out with some trepidation. We soon were able to ensure that the hour we spent with Brian was really productive and useful. Brian has been really helpful and and this has increased my daughters confidence and knowledge which is exactly what we were hoping for.

New student comments
I'm just emailing to tell you that my physics unit 2 exam went quite well. There were only a few small questions that I couldn't answer. I will tell you my result when I get them on the 14th of August. I must thank you for helping me over the past few months. I really have no clue how badly these exams would have gone if you did not help me. Thank you so much for your help.
Calum M AS Physics student.

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Personal Description:
IN PERSON and ONLINE Tutoring! Either way I always create a very good connection with my students.
I am a native of Italy who has lived in the UK for 35 years and has well adapted to the British system of education, still bringing in some of the flavour of her own mother country in connection with love and curiosity for languages, cultures, and contacts with people and their cultures through the activity of teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been in the field of teaching languages (Italian being my special subject) for 21 years and have taught for all these years at all levels: children, GCSE, Highers level, University level, and adult classes both vocational and leasure/tourist.
My qualifications include a ESOL-Celta (Univ. of Cambridge) in teaching English as a Foreign Language to children and adults; a degree in English language and literature, as well as French language and literature; a PhD in Italian Studies. I have had mostly experience of teaching at University level in both language and culture (literature and cinema) in the last 10 years where my teaching ranges from beginners through to advanced level of Italian Language; and all levels of culture tutoring; translation studies.

Tutoring Approach:
IN PERSON and ONLINE Tutoring! Either way I always create a very good connection with my students.
My teaching approach to tutoring varies from objective to objective. Languages should always be taught in a full immersion style, especially when it is targeting groups of people who are doing it for either vocational or personal reasons.
Tutoring of subjects such as languages with an objective such as GCSE or Highers or indeed University exams must take into account the syllabus that students must complete in order to reach their target: i.e. pass exams and, at the same time, learn in an effective though 'unforgettable' way. The majority of classes must be delivered in the target language, however in order to meet timing of syllabus coverage and exams some of the concept must be strengthened in the student's language.
In an ideal world, where no exams or timed targets exist, then tutoring of a language should happen 100% in the target language.

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Personal Description:
Award winning portrait and abstract artist, based in Fleet, Hampshire.
Painting and exhibiting for over 15 years professionally, specialising in oil & acrylic portraiture, landscape and abstract subject matter, My paintings foundation is from a hyper-realistic background, a portrait style which I studied and explored during and after my university education, while in recent years expanding to expressive mark making and more ambitious subject matter.
My main passions are within the visual arts and teaching drawing and painting. I'm also experienced teaching people with mild to severe learning difficulties, ADHD, autism and epilepsy whilst exploring art in a therapeutic way to help learners with diverse abilities and needs reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching for over 12 years, conducting 1:1 sessions and workshops to students with varying abilities, skills and mixed age ranges.
I specialise in teaching different styles of painting, for example impasto expressionism to fine technical realism, mostly concentrating on acrylic and oil based paints.
The subject matter I teach is usually portraits and landscape, although I encourage my students to explore all facets of visual arts including mixed media and abstract painting which I also have experience in my own artistic practice.
Besides painting I tutor drawing techniques with pencils, charcoal, chalk and oil pastel as well.

I've taught at charities such as Disability Initiative, facilitating observational and technical teaching to people with both mental and physical disabilities. At the charity I support clients to fulfil their artist potential to create personal and group artworks throughout the course of a 12 week rolling programme.
I've also taught for over 8 years at Arthouse Unlimited and The Meath Epilepsy Charity where I delivered similar workshop sessions to groups of people with learning difficulties and epilepsy. Their art works are sold to the public and exhibited in professional exhibitions and art fairs.

Tutoring Approach:
Being kind, open and honest about the learners wants, values and interests. Finding a connection and what inspires them to build confidence in their artwork and passion in their ideas. My job is to help this journey, with any technical and professional knowledge used only as a guide.
I believe students with more insight into their own ability can then become truly versatile and more importantly 'satisfied' with their work and practice.

I teach a range of techniques in my art lessons such as palette knife, paint brush techniques and technical sketching methods. I also instruct with a diverse variety of mediums such as pastel, charcoal, pencil, acrylic and oil paint as well as mixed media.
With my background in hyper-realism portraiture, I specialise in realist portraiture with also experience in landscape and abstract/expressive mark making.

Whether studying for GCSEs, A Levels, University or just your own enjoyment, I teach at a level best suited for the learner and the goals in which they pursue. I would encourage students studying for grades to follow certain assessment checkpoints which would be revolved around contextual and method referencing, self reflection, experimentation and consolidation. This will vary for different learners at different stages and obviously with different interests. I do stress though at the heart of my teaching is learning to explore personal artistic growth. These are skills which are easily transferable to whatever stage you're at with your art practice.

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Personal Description:
If you needed a doctor, dentist or lawyer then you would want someone who was fully qualified and very experienced. So don't settle for anything less when you need a tutor. To get the best out of your tutoring, and hence the exam grades you want, make sure that you are getting the following:

1. Someone who will sit beside you and teach you in person. If the covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything then it has taught us that online tutoring can't hold a candle to having a teacher in the same room as you.

2. Insist on someone who is a qualified teacher. Just because someone has passed a few exams themselves doesn't mean that they will be able to teach their subject well. That's precisely why we have teacher training, to help people learn how best to convey that knowledge to others.

3. Insist on someone with plenty of experience. Practice may not make perfect, but it usually does make one a lot better, and this is often the case in teaching.

4. It's very important that a tutor knows their subjects very well and really enjoys them. Without both of these they are never going to be a good teacher.

Let's see how I measure up to these criteria. Well, I only teach in person, and from my home. On several occasions I have been offered online work, but always refused it, as I really do believe that I would be offering students a much inferior service. I have a Joint Honours B.Sc. in chemistry and physics, and for my PGCE my main subject was mathematics, and my secondary subject was physics. So I am well qualified in all the subjects that I offer: maths, further mathematics, chemistry and physics. My PGCE is from the University of Leeds, which has a very good reputation for its teacher training. I also have many years classroom and tutoring experience. As for knowing and enjoying my subjects, those who come to me for tutoring can see my large collection of maths, chemistry and physics books. I have also had a subscription to Scientific American for decades. I read maths and science for fun. Maybe that's why I gave up a very lucrative career as a software engineer to become a teacher. This is also why usually I only offer tutoring at A-level or equivalent, because I particularly enjoy teaching at this level. However, I am currently accepting a limited number of Y11 Higher Level Maths GCSE students.

Students studying maths might also be interested to know that I have written books about the best graphics calculators and also the Classwiz. So it's very likely that I'll be able to show you how to use your calculator much more effectively, which could save you time and mistakes in your exam.

Over the years many students, and their parents, have been very happy with my tutoring. Perhaps you will be too.

Please also note that I ONLY TUTOR FROM MY HOME: no exceptions. Among other reasons, this allows me to teach many more students, some of whom have been known to travel a considerable distance in order to get the right tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Let me be very frank. In the UK teaching in most schools is much less enjoyable than in many other countries. Behaviour, and what the school is prepared to spend on a teacher are often major issues. For students who genuinely want to learn this has serious implications. How qualified and experienced a teacher is may not be be a school's main recruitment criteria. Foremost may be their cost. A well qualified and experienced teacher will cost significantly more than a much younger one, so many older teachers' applications are often passed over. Also much greater weight may be given to classroom "management" skills, rather than the ability to teach ones subject.

Most of my time teaching in the classroom has been spent abroad, with a lot of it in private schools. For these schools neither behaviour nor salary is a major issue, so they recruit and retain teachers based on how well they can teach their subjects. This is the environment in which I have done my many years of classroom teaching. My years in the classroom have been spent in schools where ones teaching ability is paramount.

In regard to tutoring, this has been my main source of income for the past ten years, and most of this time has been spent teaching A-level, or the equivalent. It's probably fair to say that I spend many more hours teaching A-level than most classroom teachers, and as such I know what most students need, and where they are likely to experience difficulties.

Among the schools whose students I have recently tutored are: Ashmole Academy, Dame Alice Owen`s School, Enfield County School, Enfield Grammar School, Highlands School, Hockerill Anglo-European College, Princess Helena College, Southgate School, St. Michael`s Catholic Grammar School, The Latymer School, The Royal Masonic School for Girls, and Woodhouse College.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that when it comes to teaching I know my subjects very well. So you don't have to tell me in advance what you require help with. If you come to me for tutoring you will be able to ask me, on the fly, about any maths, physics or chemistry that you are having problems with, and I would expect to give you good help immediately.

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Personal Description:
I am a female primary school teacher in the Doncaster/Wakefield area. Aside from my enthusiasm for teaching and helping children to achieve, I am interested in academic areas including sociology and languages. I enjoy travel and reading. I have worked voluntarily as a teaching assistant and completed a degree in Sociology before training to be a teacher. I have also recently (September 2019) completed a Master's in Social History. I now work as a supply teacher in primary and SEN schools and as a personal tutor to primary and secondary level children up to year 9. I hold an enhanced DBS check dated September 2015.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified primary school teacher who has taught classes of all ages at primary level. I also regularly work with secondary SEN students who are not in mainstream education. As a supply teacher, I have worked in many different schools and, as such, I develop positive relationships very quickly with both children and adults. I enjoy working with individuals and small groups in academic tasks and find that children are very responsive to this lower teacher-pupil ratio. I have found that working in these situations really helps to boost children's concentration and confidence in their work. They also feel more comfortable to ask questions in areas they find difficult. When tutoring, I am to create a positive, friendly and professional relationship where children feel comfortable with what they are learning, but also feel they can ask for help when required.

Tutoring Approach:
I recognise that children learn in many different ways - some by seeing and visualising, some by talking and discussing, and some by doing a physical or mental activity. I aim to tutor children using the learning style that best suits them. In a classroom, it is often difficult to meet the needs of every child. Personal tuition provides children with valuable one-to-one time, where the focus is on them and them alone. I believe that personal tuition does much to increase achievement in those weaker areas, but also serves to challenge and develop knowledge in stronger areas. Following an initial consultation, I provide personalised programmes of study tailored exactly to meet the needs of the child involved. I am passionate about helping children to reach their full potential and will do all I can to make this happen. Sessions take place in the child's own home and are arranged on a flexible basis with parent or guardian. I am able to provide tuition from 1 hour per week to more intensive programmes consisting of several hours per week in the school holidays.

I currently have slots available on weekday evenings. Please note, I do not usually tutor on Saturdays or Sundays.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Virginia; I am an Argentinean/ Spanish actress and tutor.

I came to the UK to do an MA at RADA in Writing and Directing for theatre. During the MA at RADA I wrote a one-woman show call "My Shrimp and I" that was premiered at the Lion and Unicorn during the Camden Fringe in August 2016.

I have also done private tutoring of drama and writing as well as acting and movement workshops.
I am very responsible and highly committed to excellence; I also have many resources to make a class interesting, dynamic and fun

• Degree: BA First Class Honours in Acting at National School of Dramatic Arts - Mexico (ENAT-INBA).
• Skills: Strong communication, organisation, creativity and adaptability.
• Languages: Mother tongue Spanish, fluency in English.

Teaching Experience:
• Guest tutor for the BA in Theatre and Dance, at the University of Cuernavaca, Mexico Jan-July 2014
• Facilitator for the Theatre Programme 'Curso de verano para públicos específicos', CONACULTA, Mexico City, 2013
• Theatre facilitator at Espiral School of Arts, May-Dec 2012
• English and Drama teacher at Primay School in Mexico City 2009-2011

Tutoring Approach:
I deeply believe that the best way to learn any subject is by enjoying it so I will find ways to make the lessons attractive, fun and dynamic, tailoring each class to the needs of the student.
As a Spanish tutor I can help students learn the language by engaging with the culture as well, in this way they can relate the words and the structure of the language in a more dynamic way.

I believe that as a Drama tutor I can help actors find and develop their skills as actors. I am a very passionate, disciplined and committed tutor willing to learn from the students as much as they can learn from me.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced and qualified TEFL teacher who is passionate about making a positive difference in others and thoroughly enjoy teaching. I also teach GCSE English students.
I currently have 6 students who have weekly English Zoom lessons with me. The students are from Spain, Romania and England.
I love walking, ballet, reading, history and travelling.
I am outgoing, enthusiastic and organised.
Since moving to Honeybourne, Worcestershire I give regular Yoga classes at the village hall.
My students have gone from strength to strength and 2 of them (both Spanish teenagers) were selected by their school to attend a one week placement at the United Nations earlier this year.

Teaching Experience:
I qualified as a TEFL teacher in 2001 and have been giving regular English lessons to Spanish, Romanian and English students for the past 22 years, in Spain, Italy and the UK. Most classes are private on a one to one basis, but I am more than happy to give group or small classes.
I have taught many professional people and also those studying for exams.
I am also been a ballet and yoga teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I treat each student differently depending on their needs and goals. My goal is to make the lessons enjoyable, with a mixture of grammar, speaking (pronunciation ) and listening. I normally ask for some homework to be completed between classes which may include keeping a daily diary of events and/or a composition.
I believe I am successful in building confidence, enthusiasm and motivation towards learning English.
I believe that my commitment to my students and their hard work has resulted in excellent results for them.

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Personal Description:
Having been in Academia for almost ten years, with a BA in Sociology and Psychology, and a MSc in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy, I am all too aware of the mental effort and stamina required by tertiary education. Further, I am a CELTA qualified teacher, and having taught English for the past 4 years to non-native speakers, I am well equipped to help students get the best out of their academic pursuits.

Teaching Experience:
4 years - English to non-native speakers - Adults, Adolescents and Children - Exam preparation, BULATS, IELTS, Cambridge, PET, Business Language - Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing - CEFR A1-C2

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is eclectic, however primarily based on the Communicative approach. Therefore, I use a range of teaching styles, depending on the learning style of my student. My academic background in Sociology and Psychology also equips me to target specific teaching and learning strategies that are best suited to my student.

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Personal Description:
A highly enthusiastic, dedicated, and accomplished teacher with 22 years of experience in secondary education, specialising in Modern Foreign Languages, including German, French, and Spanish. Having a Master's degree and already holding a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, I combine strong academic credentials with extensive classroom expertise.

Throughout my career, I have consistently secured positive outcomes for students by building strong relationships, fostering mutual respect, and creating engaging learning environments that inspire confidence and achievement. Passionate about language learning and committed to delivering outstanding German teaching, I strive to ensure that every student reaches their full potential.

With a proven track record of collaboration, professionalism, and high expectations, I am now seeking a new opportunity where I can contribute my skills, experience, and enthusiasm, and quickly become a valued member of a successful teaching team.

Teaching Experience:
With 22 years of teaching experience, I have developed a highly adaptable and student-centred approach that recognises and responds to the unique needs, strengths, and learning styles of each individual. I am committed to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment where all students feel valued, challenged, and empowered to achieve their full potential. By tailoring teaching strategies and providing personalised support, I consistently promote engagement, confidence, and academic success.

Tutoring Approach:
As a teacher, I adopt a constructivist approach to learning, designing and adapting lessons to meet the diverse needs, abilities, and interests of my students. I encourage learners to actively engage with new knowledge, think critically, and take ownership of their learning journey. By fostering independence, resilience, and self-reflection, I create an environment in which students develop the confidence and skills required for long-term success. This personalised and student-centred approach has consistently resulted in high levels of engagement, strong academic progress, and excellent examination outcomes.

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Personal Description:
If your child is lacking the self-belief they need to do well in mathematics, then I can help. Many students are limited in their enjoyment of mathematics because of some historic experience which has an impact on their achievement. I will help your child to overcome this and transform their beliefs, to increase their mathematical skills and enable them to achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
An existing qualified mathematics teacher - PGCE.
BSc Hons Mathematics Specialist
Experience in trade and industry, training over 1000 adults

Tutoring Approach:
A collaborative approach, working in partnership to incrementally improve the knowledge of students.
Adaptive and considerate of issues and barriers to learning.
Multidimensional approach to teaching mathematics with a great emphasis of Mastery.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I would consider myself a patient tutor with experience. My preference is to hold in person lessons with my students and teach them to understand the topics, rather than to just pass the exam.

Teaching Experience:
I am a female maths tutor with 5 years experience teaching the subject to all abilities for GCSE and KS3. I am also familiar with Edexcel, OCR and AQA exam boards. If you have an alternative exam board, I would be happy to look into this as well. My preference is to hold in person lessons.

My own qualifications include studying maths within my Economics degree as well as at A-Level. I also have a DBS check which is available on request, as well as references.

Tutoring Approach:
I help students prepare for exams, work on class work with them where they need guidance with and help them improve in a particular subject that they're struggling in. I am also familiar with Edexcel, OCR and AQA exam boards. If you have an alternative exam board, I would be happy to look into this as well. My preference is to hold in person lessons with my students and teach them to understand the topics, rather than to just pass the exam.

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