Spinkhill Tutors and Spinkhill Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker from mainland China, and I have been living in the UK for more than 15 years, working as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher at a independent school. I earned a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Manchester in 2015. I have excellent teaching experience in Chinese at all levels, as well as in Maths (from KS1 up to GCSE). I have received positive feedback from my previous students, who have praised my patience, clear communication, and sense of responsibility. Additionally, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a secondary school, where I gained valuable experience supporting young people's learning.

In terms of personality, I am very easygoing, kind, and highly responsible. Since moving to the UK in 2010, I have lived in diverse environments, working with students from various creeds and ethnic backgrounds. This experience has enriched my understanding and appreciation of international cultures and individual differences.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing new things. I have visited several places, including European countries (England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Iceland, and Greenland), Africa (Cameroon), South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau. I love sports, particularly swimming, yoga, cycling, hiking, and horse riding.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and dedicated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher, currently teaching students aged 3-18, including GCSE, GCE/A Level,HSK and YCT(Youth Chinese Test) Chinese, at an independent school in the UK. With about 15 years of experience teaching Mandarin both online and face-to-face to non-native English speakers of various ages and levels in both China and the UK, I have developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and the ability to meet individual student needs.

As a private Mandarin tutor, I bring the same level of commitment and personalized attention to each of my students. My extensive experience has equipped me with valuable insights into creating engaging and effective lessons tailored to each student's learning style and goals.

In addition to my current teaching role, I have been a freelance Mandarin teacher since 2012, collaborating with several language organizations. I am also an experienced interpreter and translator, with over ten years of expertise in both written and spoken translation. My background includes working in various sectors, such as business (e.g., 2010 EXPO Shanghai) and education (e.g., translating articles and interpreting at international conferences).

Testimonials:
"I decided to begin learning Mandarin with Yifen over the summer for business and travel purposes.
Given that I was a complete beginner, I was heartened by the friendliness and professional nature of the lessons and was delighted by the flexibility of the lessons.
The way Yifen catered the lessons to my specific areas of interest was very encouraging. It meant I was able to cover a lot more relevant content in the short time I had with her.
Had I not had to move back to University, I would've liked to continue my lessons." Matthew, a former Student

''I had the pleasure of taking my first steps in Mandarin with Yifen. I found her very knowledgeable, understanding, adaptable and extremely flexible to my needs. Only when I travelled to China, I could really appreciate how valuable her teachings were. Before Yifen, I could not understand anything at all. After only a few lessons with Yifen, my ability to understand had greatly improved and I could even venture into dialogues with Chinese people and, lo and behold, be understood!

Yifen's approach is systematic and practical at the same time. She frequently tested my comprehension ability, and engaged me in dialogues, but also illustrated the building blocks of the language, touching on grammar rules and special usage, as needed.
She was always keen on answering any additional questions that might have crossed my mind. She was motivating and an inspiration and greatly boosted my desire to learn more about the Chinese language and culture.
Yifen is a joy to work with and I would heartily recommend her to anyone who wants to approach the study of the Chinese language with a solid, competent and inspirational teacher.

老师，谢谢'' -Fernando, A former adult learner

"Yifen has been my teacher for the past four years throughout my GCSEs and A-levels! She helped me achieve an A* at GCSE and helped me achieve my required grade to get into university! With a lesson every week I was undoubtedly able to rely on Yifen for the support I needed for my work and to achieve the result that I not only wanted, but needed. She would always write lesson reviews and summaries for me to look upon to further improve my learning of Mandarin, and even set me work to challenge me and to push my ability further. I'm so grateful for all the time Yifen gave up for me and definitely wouldn't have been able to adapt and progress my Chinese without her help! Yifen is so helpful, reliable and able to focus on anything you ask her to help you with and I would highly recommend her to anyone who would want to learn or better their Mandarin!"-Bethan, a former GCSE and A-level learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I make every effort to prepare lessons that meet each student's individual needs. I strive to create a comfortable learning environment because I believe a good atmosphere is crucial for learning a language and encouraging learners to speak. Lessons are carefully prepared, incorporating engaging stories and other materials, so you can learn Mandarin and have fun at the same time!

I believe that a good teacher is responsible for meeting students' needs. My work experience has reinforced my belief that it is essential to teach the students in front of you rather than just following a textbook. I endeavour to be an attentive listener, observe, and identify any problems that arise during lessons. This approach helps me find solutions and maximise my potential.

I am passionate about helping my students succeed and am committed to providing high-quality, individualised instruction. If you are looking for a skilled and reliable private Mandarin tutor who can help you achieve your language goals, I would be delighted to work with you.

There are some textbooks I have been using for the learners, such as:
Confidence Chinese Vol. Getting Started
Confidence Chinese Vol2. Living in China
Chinese Made Easy Book1, 2 and 3.
Standard Course HSK
Edexcel Chinese for AS
Edexcel Chinese for A2
Chinese Made Easy for Kids.
Youth Chinese Test(YCT)

Subjects

Personal Description:
Qualified teacher. A-level biology specialist. 20 years experience. A-level examiner for AQA.

Biology Chemistry and Physics up to GCSE

Mathematics to Key-stage 3.

Online lessons via all the popular platforms including Teams, Zoom and Skype including virtual whiteboard technology. Extensive online resources are available to all tutees.

Teaching Experience:
20 years Qualified Secondary Science teacher, KS3, GCSE and A-level.

Having also taught at university I am able to assist life-science undergraduates with dissertations or projects.

Experienced teacher of Key Stage 3 mathematics

20 years experience as a one-to-one tutor including online work.

A-level Biology examiner for AQA.

Extensive experience as the college co-ordinator for both medicine and biology HE+ programmes and well as vast experience preparing students for interview for competitive courses such as medicine and dentistry at Russell Group Universities.

Tutoring Approach:
I am results-focused and will approach session with the goal of achieving the best possible exam result in mind.

Concentrating on exam technique, application and other common areas of weakness in order to maximise grades.

Online sessions are available via all the popular portals including Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype.

Discount rates for pairs or small groups negotiable.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have an academic background in law and criminology, and more than ten years' experience working in the legal profession. I also have a full command of French, Spanish and Russian. I hold the Chartered Institute of Linguists' Level 7 Diploma in Translation, Russian to English (equivalent to a master's degree) and the Level 6 Certificate in Translation, Spanish to English ( equivalent to a bachelor's degree).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English to Russian and Turkish speakers over Skype for seven years. I also have considerable experience of teaching French and Spanish one-to-one, both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I greatly enjoy tutoring and find seeing my students improve hugely rewarding. My approach is gentle and encouraging, with an emphasis on setting a thorough basic structure in place.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Worked as an Assistant professor in Civil Engineering department for 2 years in INDIA.

Graduated in Civil Engineering (INDIA).

Presently working as Teaching Assistant in London for secondary school.

Teaching Experience:
I have 4 years of experience in Teaching .
Having experience in teaching Maths for A-level,GCSE, primary eleven plus students and Adults .
Having experience in teaching science to Primary,secondary and GCSE .

Professional with 3 years of experience in teaching CVIL ENGINEERING subjects
Structural Analysis.
Steel Structures.
Reinforced Concrete Structures.
Hydraulics.

Tutoring Approach:
I concentrate on providing a solid grounding in the subject while paying close attention to the needs of the individual.I set regular homework and writing assignments - the quantity varying with how much time the student has - and give feedback for the following session.


I am happy to meet with the parents or guardians of my students prior to the commencement of tuition in order to ascertain what they wish their child to gain from tuition.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a freelance professional photographer and a Full-time A Level Fine Art/Photography Teacher. I have a degree in Animation and a Masters in Photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have 9 years teaching experience and a PGCE (in Post-Compulsory Education); having started teaching in Lifelong Learning (adult community courses) in 2011, teaching photography, before moving onto secondary and further education (please see below). I now I teach A Level Fine and and A Level Photography, alongside a 19+ (Adult) course in Art and Design, where I teach across a range of specialisms, from Dark Room and Studio Photography, Textiles, Printmaking, 3D Design, Digital Arts, Visual Language and Contextual Studies (Art History), Study Skills and Exhibition Preparation.

2011-2015 - Learning for Leisure (photography) - Oxford County Council and Abingdon and Witney College.
2014-2015 - GCSE/A Level Fine Art - Cooper School, Bicester (PGCE Placement), with after school Animation Workshops.
2015-2017 - UAL Art and Design Level 3, UAL Graphic Design Level 3, UAL Photography Level 3 and UAL Media Level 2 - Banbury College.
2017-present - A Level Fine Art, A Level Photography, Access to HE Art and Design (Level 3) - City of Oxford College.

Tutoring Approach:
Having diverse experience across a range of ages and subjects, I have developed a broad understanding of the different learning styles students and therefore develop individual learning plans, based on the needs and interests of the students and the requirements of the awarding bodies.

My aim is to build on confidence and deepening knowledge and skills to ensure the student can work independently and to a high standard. I understand that every students skill will be different and aim to build on their current level, to reach their potential.

I am a patient and compassionate teacher, but I also set high expectations and motivate the students to meet the demands of whichever course they may be on. I form excellent working relationships with my students, which is built on mutual resect and trust.

Art has so many amazing benefits; it exposes students to different cultures and challenges their views and understanding of society (including race, gender, politics, economics); by engaging with art, it enables the students to voice opinions and open dialects in a safe environment. I strongly believe that art has the ability to enhance the well-being of anyone practicing it and enjoy engaging students with new and creative techniques to promote this.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a professional performer for over 14 years with experience in all different types of acting. From voice to physical theatre! I've done it all!

When I was very young I starred in multiple theatre roles, developing various skills and delving into the works of many drama and theatre practitioners such as Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Chekhov, Berkoff and many, many more!

After many years in theatre I decided to branch out into other forms of acting, I moved to voice acting in which I developed a personal method to help keep and maintain a healthy voice as well as using pre-established methods to create and enhance my repertoire of characterized voices

Teaching Experience:
I started giving private lessons to a few friends and associates back in college, helping them get higher grades as well as preparing them for a future in the acting industry. One of my original students in particular, Stephen, was recently accepted into Manchester school of theatre, an esteemed drama school in one of the top universities in the country!

Tutoring Approach:
My Courses are designed to help the student gain a better understanding of themselves as a young performer, gain the skills and the knowledge to further progress to where they want to be and involve themselves in a creative process that they designed for themselves. Through this, they will develop the toolset that essential for working in the performing industry

As an actor I have developed a teaching style which lets the student learn and develop with a sense of independence and confidence. I believe that confidence or lack of confidence can be the biggest restraint for people learning and developing something new. I will assert myself as someone who is friendly and approachable, assessing their confidence levels and making sure that I am as friendly as I can be

Once the student feels that they are ready I can begin to develop the lessons to their specific needs. Analysing the student's strengths and weaknesses and overall helping them overcome said weaknesses and reinforcing their strengths, giving them a firm base that will help them succeed in whatever is thrown at them in the future.

This method is completely adaptable from beginners to advanced learners. What I am looking for is personal development, and I reward it, there is no negative criticism at all. Negative criticism of any kind can crush a persons spirit and make the idea of learning less appealing. This being said, constructive, helpful criticism can be the most useful tool to develop the student not only as a learner but also as a person

Subjects

Personal Description:
I was born in Oporto, Portugal, in 1969 and have lived in three countries: Portugal, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Since 2007, I've been based in London. My academic background includes studying visual arts (U. Porto; Akademie Karlsruhe) and anthropology (U. Minho; UCL). With over 30 years of teaching experience, I began teaching Portuguese in 2008.

Teaching Experience:
Since 2008, I have been teaching Portuguese in London with a consistent track record of success. Whatever your motivation-whether it's personal, professional, or academic-together, we will achieve your goals. Currently, I'm teaching at the Foreign Office in London.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring is entirely tailored to each student's individual needs. I offer one-to-one and group language classes, regular (weekly) and intensive courses, online and in person sessions . We'll assess your objectives and develop a personalized strategy to ensure success. If you're looking for something specific that isn't mentioned here, please feel free to get in touch.

My lessons cover all areas of language learning, including phonetics, grammar, writing, and conversation, with a structured yet adaptable approach. I use tried-and-true methods, with materials customised to your level and preference, whether for European or Brazilian Portuguese. For advanced learners, I also offer insights into Portuguese culture and history.

Sessions are available in 90 or 120-minute blocks. Indicative fee refers to online lessons during the daytime for one person..

Subjects

Personal Description:
Γεια σας! I'm Sofia, a passionate and experienced language teacher originally from Greece. I have been teaching Greek and English as a Second Language for over five years, working with learners of all ages and backgrounds. With a CELTA qualification and an MSc in Education Policy and International Development, I focus on making lessons interactive, engaging, and tailored to each student's needs. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve your fluency, I'm here to support you on your language-learning journey!

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with over 7 years of experience teaching Greek and English as a Second Language to children, teenagers, and adults. I hold a CELTA qualification and an MSc in Education Policy and International Development. I have worked in both face-to-face and online settings, supporting learners of diverse backgrounds, including refugees and migrants. My lessons are engaging, student-centered, and tailored to individual needs, helping learners build confidence and fluency in Greek and English.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a strong advocate of creating an inclusive environment where the students feels safe to share their thoughts and feel that they belong. All the students are being respected for who they are and i always try to be there to support them through their learning journey.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Past A level Examiner in Biology; and Syllabus writer, question setter, and Examiner in PE & Sport Science.
BTEC Level 3 National in Sport and Exercise Science Unit 13: Nutrition for Sport and Exercise Performance.

Author of Biology books for Heinemann, Pan Books, and Feltham Press. Owner/originator of Home Advantage Education Website with material for GCSE Science; AS & A level Biology, Human Biology, PE & Sport Science (with much free material). Lab guides for Philip Harris Ltd.
Active in all sports.

Teaching Experience:
Years of full-time teaching experience in Biology, Human Biology, and Sport Science from GCSE to Degree level - in Schools, Colleges, The Open University, and private tuition face-to-face and online.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to respond to the student's requirements at all times.
A paid 'hour' includes providing preliminary and follow-up material.
Through my extensive work with examination boards, I am very aware of the marks lost by candidates on topics they clearly understand but do not gain credit for due to a lack of full explanations in their answers. So the setting and marking of past examination questions is an essential part of the preliminary and follow-up material - at all stages - but particularly for those in their final examination year, and even more so in the weeks before the final external examinations.
Communication is via phone and exchanged emailed attachments shared with a responsible adult.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, You may call me Gavin. I am from Hong Kong and is now living in the UK. I have expertise in multiple languages and has recently graduated in the London School of Economics and Political Science. I can help with Secondary School level or even University Level history or history learning in general. Feel free to talk to me even if you are not interested in history, I also offer classes in teaching Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching private tutoring since my university years. I have experience teaching children ranging from age 8 to 16. I am expert in teaching Secondary School History and languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese)

Tutoring Approach:
Let's make learning fun and exciting together! I'm Gavin, a multilingual tutor with a passion for history. Whether you need help with history or want to learn Cantonese, Mandarin, English, or Japanese, I'm here for you. Let's embark on this educational journey with enthusiasm and joy!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Ollie and I have recently qualified as a Dentist from the University of Bristol (BDS) where I am a student ambassador.
I'm a hard working academic student who also has a past competing at a high level in sport which means I am able to offer time efficient, effective learning slots between schooling and extra-curricular activities.
I have 5 years of university examination experience meaning I have an understanding of pre-exam worries and I know this would enable me to support students in this position and offer guidance on an underappreciated aspect of exams.

Teaching Experience:
I tutored during my GCSEs for years 7-10 in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics. This taught me how to teach in a personal style, offering a safe space for group discussions on challenging topics whilst also identifying where individual students struggled. I then went on to offer private study sessions for these individuals. This highlighted to me the importance of adapting my teaching to meeting different learning styles of different students.
I also acted as an academic mentor to help students identify areas of weakness and proactively worked together to establish the best way to tackle the challenging areas.
Most recently, I have been an Interview Examiner for the BDS and Gateway programmes at Bristol. This has provided me with a valuable insight into the interview process and what makes a good candidate. I feel this has also developed my understanding of how questions are formatted and what makes up a top scoring answer, which is something I will transfer into my tutoring style.

Tutoring Approach:
I will offer tailored quizzes with fun and memorable feedback. The sessions would consist of a mix of past papers, interactive whiteboard with live demonstrations on the calls, with each step of the workings, marking criteria and a methodical approach to future questions.

Subjects