Spofforth Tutors & Spofforth Tuition

Personal Description:
Hello,
I have completed my PhD in Creative and Critical Writing at UEA. I also have an MA (Distinction) in Creative Writing from Royal Holloway, and a First Class Honours Degree in English Literature. I also have a good Fine Art degree from Chelsea College of Art and Design. I have been a private tutor for twenty years, and have taught many children in that time.

I am currently tutoring in Wadebridge in Cornwall but can offer Skype or Zoom lessons.

I'm 49, married and am an aunt and godmother.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at undergraduate level at university as well as writing skills in an academic skills centre. I have also taught SATs to thirteen year olds. I have a PTTLs degree level 4 qualification and taught on an Access Course to adult learners.

I have taught AQA and EDEXCEL syllabuses at GCSE and AQA at A-Level.

Please note that I do not teach any Eleven-Plus or verbal reasoning syllabuses and that I prefer to teach older children (13 plus)

Tutoring Approach:
I use past exam papers, model essays, and devote time and attention to close reading of set texts at GCSE and A-Level. I have also given art lessons.

I can also provide Skype and Zoom lessons and find this has been successful with older and university level students.

I have a friendly, professional approach and find I develop a real rapport with my pupils, who find their results and confidence improving with my tutelage.

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Personal Description:
I am very patient and tolerant but very effective in imparting right techniques in Maths. I encourage independent thinking and asking questions. I am currently teaching in a Sixth Form college and I have a good experience in teaching AS/A2 Maths, Accounting and Business Studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching to sixth form students for quite a long time now and have delivered excellent results. After completing my Master's in International Business, I have been working at Independent Sixth Form college in Birmingham since September 2010 teaching AS/A2 Maths, Accounting and Business Studies. Working in a sixth form college has given me immense confidence to deal with students.

Tutoring Approach:
I put a lot of emphasis on past papers and exam reports as its very important to read Examiner's Mind frame before attempting any paper. I believe that examiners understand the mind of a student through his/her written attempt, not how hard a student has worked or how impressive his subject knowledge is. In order to facilitate this, I have a vast resource of Past papers and Exam reports which prove quite conducive for my tutees.

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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)

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Personal Description:
Hello!
I am a 60-year-old woman, native speaker, from Germany. I love the theatre and worked as an actress, author, and director. Furthermore, I also worked as a secretary and was responsible for the complete correspondence. The work with and via the German language is so exciting and leads you to an entirely new world that I would love to share this experience with people who are keen to learn German.
Lessons are available online only.

Teaching Experience:
I am not a teacher in the classic sense but as a native speaker with a lot of experiences in teaching theater items. I am able to help you practicing your new language - no matter if you need it for school, your job or just for fun!

Tutoring Approach:
It is my firm conviction you never learn better, quicker and more sustainable than in simply practicing a language.
Of course, it might be necessary to build a base first - that depends on your individual knowledge.
But no matter if you are a beginner or if you do already speak German - soon we will reach a level where we will talk only in German.
We won't learn vocabularies and grammar stubbornly by the book but we will practice the new language right from the beginning on everyday items.

I am no teacher in the classic sense - but I am a native speaker and I can help you with learning and practicing the German language.

So do not hesitate - just do it!

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Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaker (born and educated in America), currently a permanent UK resident. I've been working in schools for the past 21 years and tutoring for 13 years up to KS3. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a TEFL certification. I also have specialised literacy training and experience, including dyslexia.

I have been tutoring for a circle of families for the past several years. They have all either moved away, or no longer need tuition, so I am lookin for new students.

I have a good rapport with the students I have worked with and am able to make learning fun!

In addition to tutoring, I am also available for application, CV and proof reading assistance.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a supply teacher, learning support assistant (special needs and behaviour difficulties), 1:1 literacy teacher and a tutor for the past 21 years in America, The Channel Islands and London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience and try to keep my lessons lively and interactive. I welcome feedback from parents and caregivers, as I feel that family centred learning is important.

The first lesson will be to get to know the learner and make an assessment as to his/her strengths and weaknesses as well as their learning style. I can then tailor my lessons to suit.

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Personal Description:
I'm a professional maths tutor with 14 years and many thousands of hours of experience of providing effective 1-1 maths tuition. I have a Cambridge maths degree, an abiding love for maths and a passion to help students enjoy and master maths for themselves!

I teach A-level mathematics and further mathematics, including IB and Cambridge Pre-U, and coach students for STEP, MAT and TMUA. I've prepared students for exams from all the major exam boards, including Edexcel, AQA, OCR, OCR-MEI, WJEC, Cambridge Pre-U and IB. I also teach mature students, and university students requiring maths to support other degree subjects, and have prepared students for numeracy or numerical reasoning tests, including the numeracy skills test for prospective teachers, and even the maths component of the American SAT.

I'm available to teach Tuesdays to Fridays (daytime or evenings). I'm happy to teach in my own home, or in students' homes in Cranleigh or up to 10 miles away in the surrounding area in Surrey and West Sussex, including Guildford, Horsham and Godalming. If teaching outside Cranleigh I may agree an additional charge for travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours of experience of providing 1-1 maths tuition. At peak times in the year I have had more than 40 active students on my books.

Tutoring Approach:
More than almost any other subject, maths needs confidence to be built, and a patient, individually tailored approach. Able students may need practice to strengthen problem-solving and eliminate errors, a more joined-up view of maths to deepen their understanding, and challenge to stretch their capabilities. Others find A-level maths harder going, and an imaginative and pictorial approach with plenty of real world examples is needed to achieve that "penny drops" moment!

Depending on the student, tuition may include any or all of: coaching to consolidate (or anticipate) teaching at school; revision for examinations; working through past examination papers; teaching and testing of specific sections of the curriculum; or more free-wheeling exploration of mathematical topics. By agreement with students and parents, homework may be set and marked.

I offer effective and engaging A-level mathematics and further mathematics tuition. If you want to succeed in your exams and also to deepen your appreciation of mathematics and have fun, then get in touch!

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Personal Description:
My name is Krysie, I have a degree in Biomedical sciences and have worked in the medical communications and education industry since 2016. I am passionate about biology and enjoy sharing my enthusiasm with others. I am a reliable, approachable and open person.

Teaching Experience:
I do not have professional teaching qualifications but have tutored GCSE and AS biology in 2014/2015 and again in 2018. Over the course of my career I have developed the ability to adapt my communication style for the relevant audience, from Clients and suppliers to senior and junior colleagues.

Tutoring Approach:
Breaking down complex information into relevant and memorable bite-sized chunks. We all learn differently and I enjoy adapting my sessions for the student so they remain engaged and find their own confidence and understanding with the subject.

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Personal Description:
Tutor for the last five years specialising in maths and physics from primary to A-level. My typical student is in year 9-11.

I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

Extensive experience with special educational needs students, I also work as a teaching assistant in local schools .

A keen outdoor person, I enjoy the countryside, walking, cycling and cricket. Have been secretary to my local primary school's board of governors, secretary of my local cricket team and volunteer for local environmental organisations.

A couple of my most recent endorsements:-

"James proved himself to be a reliable, punctual, and a very supportive tutor. My daughter is in her final year of A levels and studies Further Mathematics which is a very detailed subject and requires a high level of skill. James is a brilliant mathematician with a high skills set and knowledge of Further Maths he quickly helped her gain confidence and she overcome difficulties within the subject. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with James and we are hopeful for a high grade in the subject when the A level results are out in August. I would not hesitate to recommend James as a tutor to other parents. Thank you, James,". 30th January 2020.

"A lot of the time was spent on English/ English literature covering the GCSE course work. My son initially struggled with the English literature, but James always took time to make it interesting. This certainly helped him develop his skills. The English language part required a lot of essay writing which he was not keen on. However, by the end, he was writing answers to questions James set for homework as he got the hang of what was required." 3rd June 2020.

Teaching Experience:
I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

While I'm a tutor, I'm also a supply teacher in my local area high schools principally for maths, physics and other subjects as required.

Experience as a tutor in the last five years with students varying from primary age through GCSE (KS-4) to further maths and A-level. Have also worked with mature students at college studying for HND and university maths.

Special educational needs (SEN) students worked with including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD), Asperger's, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dyslexia as well as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

Within schools have worked with ILP (Individual Learning Plans) for students with special educational needs.

Other topics I have tutored to GCSE level include English, geography, science, chemistry and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
All students are different, so I strive to find what interests the student and work from there. An engaged student is a keen student.

It is important that the principles are understand because all else flows from this. I use examples from the students' course work and life situations to focus on what is important to the student, to put things in a language that they can understand. This can be through explanations, sketches, diagrams etc. When this happens and the light goes on, there is great satisfaction that the student is taking an interest in the subject.

Online tutoring provided via MicroSoft Teams and other means as required.

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Personal Description:
Hello my name is Cissy. I am from Shanghai, China. Mandarin is my native language and I provide private Mandarin tuition as my full time work now. I have been a personal Chinese tutor since 2006 to children and adults in China as part

Teaching Experience:
I have successfully taught students of all levels from complete beginner to immediate level and advanced speaking and business level Mandarin. My teaching is mainly 1 on a 1 basis, and the class content is tailored to each students needs. I can also teach groups of students if required.

Tutoring Approach:
As a Chinese language teacher I believe I am not just teaching a language, but also introducing Chinese culture to students. My teaching is never only based on textbooks. I like to integrate topics from world news and TV, and mixed with Chinese films and music.

I have lived in London since 2011 and I constantly travel between the UK and China. I have no trouble in communicating Chinese meanings of words and explaining complicated language structures to my students. In my teaching experience over seven years, I have found that most UK students feel Chinese pronunciation the most difficult and the grammar can be confusing. Therefore in my teaching I make special efforts on explaining the varied language senses/logics between English and Chinese. I often draw examples from both languages and compare them.

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Personal Description:
I'm currently studying Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester. Have a huge passion for Mathematics and Physics. In my GCSEs I achieved 4A*'s in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology, as well as an A in A-level Mathematics.

Teaching Experience:
Did a huge amount of voluntary work helping teach secondary school students during my A-level years and I am currently tutoring students Maths and Physics.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a more fundamental approach wherein a student can come to me with any questions or topics that they found hard during class. Lessons are then tailored to each student depending on what needs work.

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Personal Description:
Hello to all prospective students. My name is Mark and I have been teaching secondary level Science and maths for over 10 years. I am personally passionate about learning and endeavour to ignite the same love of learning in each student that I teach.

I have loved science and maths from a young age and went on to pursue a degree in biomedical sciences, prior to my secondary teacher training. I hope to continue to work with young people to help them realise their own goals in the fields of science and engineering.

Outside the classroom I am an avid musician and play guitar to grade 6 as well as writing and recording my own songs. I love to listen to audiobooks about ancient history and geopolitics, often whilst on a long walk in the countryside. I also like to play some sports and swim occasionally.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working across a multitude of schools in the North East of England for CER education resourcing. I have also worked as a science teacher for an outstanding rated academy, where I was personally graded outstanding as a teaching professional.

Throughout my career as a KS3/KS4 science teacher, I have taught and marked material for both AQA and EdExcel exam boards, which has given me an in depth knowledge of their expectations when it comes to GCSE exam preparations.

In recent years, I have also enjoyed teaching maths to key stage 3 across a variety of schools. As there are many mathematical principles which must also be applied to the sciences, teaching mathematics has helped me to develop teaching skills in both of these areas.

Tutoring Approach:
My initial goal whilst tutoring will be to assess a pupils abilities in each aspect of the subject, before moving on to anything specific. The logic behind this method of tutoring is to fill in any small gaps in basic subject knowledge so the students have a strong foundation with which to build on. From experience, this has always helped with pupil understanding and led to much better exam outcomes.

Later in the school year we will be able to work on application of knowledge which is essential for getting levels 7,8,9 in exams. I will introduce students to a variety of exam techniques so they will be able to choose the ones that lead to their best work.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly motivated and accomplished professional who recently completed a master's degree in Banking and Finance. I am actively seeking online tutoring opportunities to share my knowledge and enhance students' understanding of the subject matter. I have an exceptional track record as a teaching assistant at Pattinson Education, where I have skillfully guided student learning and nurtured academic advancement.

Teaching Experience:
I've had the privilege of teaching both in person and online in China, where I've worked with approximately 40 students throughout my career. This diverse teaching experience has provided me with valuable insights into effective instructional methods.

In my in-person tutoring roles, I've cultivated close mentoring relationships with students, allowing me to provide tailored instruction to meet their unique needs and learning styles. These experiences have honed my interpersonal skills and created a positive and engaging learning environment.

Additionally, my online tutoring ventures have broadened my reach, enabling me to connect with students from various backgrounds across the globe. This digital teaching experience has taught me to adapt to evolving educational technologies while providing flexible and accessible learning opportunities.

I'm genuinely passionate about education and dedicated to helping students succeed by imparting knowledge, fostering a love for learning, and empowering them to reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching methodology centers around presenting students with challenging problems to assess their problem-solving approaches. Subsequently, I guide them toward more advanced techniques to enhance their skills. Having studied in China, I've gained exposure to innovative methods that I integrate into my teaching.

Additionally, I emphasize the importance of practicing with past papers. By utilizing past exam papers and providing targeted guidance, I aim to help students achieve a remarkable 90% success rate. This method not only builds their confidence but also ensures they are well-prepared for assessments and exams.

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