St Matthews Tutors & St Matthews Tuition

Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

Subjects

Personal Description:
Sarah trained at Arts Educational, London. As well as being an actor she has been Artistic Director at The London Drama School for 15 years. Her Theatre Company has been running since 1998 and has many stage, screen and open-air productions to it's name. She is a fully qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner and works worldwide. Sarah was born in Brighton and attended Brighton and Hove High School & Brighton College, as well as being a student/teacher working for Carole Best at The Brighton School of Music and Drama since age 14. Sarah teaches from home in Peacehaven or in central Brighton or in central Hove.

Teaching Experience:
CURRENTLY
Teaching, Brighton
Working with students at ACT, Brighton and private students who are preparing their Trinity Guildhall Exams & Diploma's or auditions.
WORK
2018, Maid, Pelleas et Melisande, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Stefan Herheim
2017, Quince & Cobweb, Midsummer NIght's Dream, BOAT & Lewes Castle, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth, Brighton Shakespeare Company, Mark Brailsford
2016, Stage, Sadie, He Gave Me Heroin, Lantern Theatre for Brighton Fringe Festival, Sian Webber
2015, Stage, Mistress Ford, Merry Wives of Windsor, Treason Show & BOAT, Mark Brailsford2
2013, Suzanne, Urban Adventure Pilot, Blast Theory & Film 4 Dir. Matt Adams
2012, Voice-over, Popmedia Dir. Jim Stokes
2012, Teacher/ Director, Shakespeare Workshops & performance, Fulking
2012, Teacher, Shakespeare Workshop, Dunedin, New Zealand
2011, Cleo, LYSISTRATA, Actors of Dionysus at the Rose Theatre Kingston, Dir. James Albrecht
2011, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2011, Jane, Connected, Feature film, Connected Productions, Dir. Mike Carter
2010, Nurse, Human Rights Dilemma's Corporate Video, Sunny Arts, Dir. Will Geffin
2010, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2010, Workshop Leader, Shakespeare Made Fun, Dome Education Dept, Prod. Pippa Smith
2010, Teacher/Director, Acting without Acting, Aguascalientes, Mexico, Prod. Priscila Alba Badillo
2009, Various patients, Brighton Role play @ Sussex University OSCE Doctor training
2009, Actor & Producer, The Odd Couple, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2009, TV, Actor, Comedy sketch show pilot, Dir. Mark Cameron
2009, Director, Introduction to Shakespeare, The London Drama School
2008, Mrs Hardcastle, She Stoops to Conquer, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
2008, Tinkerbell , Happy Ever After - Interactive Theatre for kids, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2008, Director, Shakespeare Workshop, The Seychelles
2007, Producer & Angela, ABIGAIL'S PARTY, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Jim Madden
2007, Director, UNCLE VANYA, The London Drama School
2007, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2007, Producer, Corporate Role-Play Video's, Monitor Group, Dir. Ben Cole
2007, Director, The Famous Five, Brighton Festival & Dome Education Dept
2006, Producer & Actor, BLITHE SPIRIT, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton & New Theatre Royal Portsmouth
2006, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2006, TV, Actor, BASIL BRUSH SHOW, Cbeebies, Dir. Michael Kerrigan
2006, Producer & Maria. TWELFTH NIGHT, Brighton Dome, Dir. Stephen Casey
2005, Producer & Lady Bracknell, THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST, Incisor-Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Natasha Langridge
2005, VoiceOver, Dorothy Norris, VE DAY IN COLOUR, TWI for The History Channel
2005, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2005, TV, Mrs Hudson, BILLIE THE GIRL FROM THE FUTURE, 2 Hats Prods, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2004, TV, Louise Holmes, The Hutton Enquiry, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2004, Mrs Kepple, A PLACE OF SAFETY, Pier Playwrights, Dir. Guy Picot
2004, Corporate Video, Mrs Davis, ADVAL KEY KNOWLEDGE
2004, Steering Group, Royal Theatrical Fund, London
2004, Director, Shakespeare's Duologues, The London Drama School
2004, Producer & Maria, TWELFTH NIGHT, Incisor - Open Air, Brighton, Dir. Stephen Casey
2004, Radio, Henrietta Hangleton & Vvanda Downway, HOTEL PALMEIRA, Dir. Jim Madden & JP Orr @ Touchwood
2003, Stage Manager, Donald Sinden's, Birthday Gala, Royal Theatrical Fund at the Arts Theatre
2003, Producer & Henrietta Hangleton, BRIGHTON SOAPBOX, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2003, Dutch, QUEEN OF THE BAR, Brighton & Hove Theatre Company, Dir. Peter Mantle
2003, Television, Louise Holmes, THE HUTTON INQUIRY, SKY NEWS, Dir. Simon Bucks
2003, Director, Shakespeare's monologues, The London Drama School
2002, Producer & Comedy Compere, COMIC IRRIGATION, Battersea Barge
2002, Production Assistant & Olivia, TWELFTH NIGHT, Contraband Productions, Dir. Rachel Lasserson
2002, Television, Harry's Mad Mother, HARRY & COSH SERIES IV THE GIFT, 2 Hats Film & TV Productions, Dir. Daniel Peacock
2001-2, Assistant Manager at The Fortune Theatre
2001, Producer & Director, NASTY BOY, Incisor & Komedia
2001, Producer & Penny, I KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, Incisor & Komedia, Dir. Jim Madden
2000, Jonquil 1999-2000, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, Komedia Productions, Dir. Mark Urquahart
1999, Producer & Director, SO BLOODY IMPORTANT, Man In The Moon, Chelsea
1999, Charlotte, ELEGIES, Co-Active Music Factory, Dir. Fenton Gray
1998, Producer & Penny, ARTIST'S MODEL, Bristol Old Vic, Dir. John Sharian
1997, Co-producer & Lauren, ASHES AND SAND, Co-Active Theatre Factory, Dir. Michael D'Cruze
1996, Co-producer and Co-Director - Take 2 at The Canal Caf Theatre, Maid Vale, London
1993 -7, Assistant producer - The CAT Factory, Brighton at Komedia

SKILLS
Qualified Trinity Guildhall Examiner for Speech & Drama
Artistic Director at The London Drama School & producer for all end-of-year West-End Showcases
Specialist in Shakespeare, Chekhov, Oscar Wilde, Noel Coward, Pinter & Animal Study

TRAINING
1991 - 1992 DIPLOMA IN ACTING - Grade A, Arts Educational Schools London
1988 - 1991 BA DRAMA and ENGLISH - West London University
1985 - 1987 3 A-LEVEL and 1 S-LEVEL - Brighton College
1983 - 1987 NEW ERA GOLD MEDAL - SPEECH & DRAMA
GUILDHALL GRADE 8 - SPEECH & DRAMA - Brighton School of Music & Drama

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging all students to work to the best of their ability and to stimulate their imagination and passion for performance and interpersonal skills. All acting requires physical strength and vocal technique and her approach is very dynamic and energetic. Can teach Stanislavski, Method, Voice, Animal Study, Shakespeare, Restoration Comedy, Chekhov, Sense Memory amongst others.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a friendly and approachable tutor with a huge amount of enthusiasm in the subjects I teach. I was awarded a Scholarship to a competitive independent before working towards a Masters in Biochemistry at Oxford University.

I have since worked as a Pharmaceuticals Business Analyst, as a High Yield Chemicals Industry Analyst in Investment Banking and as an Air Traffic Controller. In each case the knowledge and skills from my education have been critical. I would now like to gain the satisfaction of helping others do well in these subjects and attain their potential.

Teaching Experience:
In my industries it is critical to continue learning and passing exams, and in every role, I have always had to pass on my knowledge and understanding to others, which has been incredibly gratifying. More recently, I have enjoyed tutoring maths and other subjects to pupils locally, often to help them gain entrance to competitive schools. I also enjoy spending time teaching my son and my nieces.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should always be interesting to the pupil - inspirational even - and that the onus is on the teacher to make this the case. Learning is about being curious and asking questions; in fact I believe pupils should not be scared to ask any question, which means that learning should feel relaxed rather than formal.

Subjects should not be seen as complex but rather layers of straight forward principals that build on what the pupil already knows in an intuitive fashion. In this way, a good teacher allows understanding to grow naturally and not feel like a challenge.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi there,
I'm a qualified science teacher and Head of Science based in London, who currently teaches in a secondary school to students aged 11-18. I teach all sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) to KS3 and GCSE (Edexcel and AQA specification), and teach A-Level Biology (OCR specification). I have worked within education for the past 10 years and really love working with young people to inspire them to achieve the best they can. I appreciate that it's not always possible to get the most out of every lesson and so some students may benefit from having a personal tutor to go over areas of difficulty and to fully grasp and understand the concepts to do better in school and in assessments.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with thousands on children in the past 10 years working within education. I enjoy the process of working with parents and students to evaluate what students' strengths and weaknesses are, and set relevant goals and smart actions to ensure progress is made both short and long-term. My main aim has always been to inspire, motivate and make students feel more confident. I believe everyone has the right to an education and that learning should be fun and for the long-term.
In addition to this, I have experience teaching students with special educational needs (SEN) or a learning difficulty, such as Autism, Aspergers, Dyslexia, ADHD. Coming from a background of researching Autism during my degrees, I worked in a SEN school based in Bermondsey and have also worked with several families during the past decade. I've had wonderful success managing their behaviour when difficult, but also coming up with creative strategies to ensure the learning is achieved.
Lastly, I have tutored students privately up to A-Level. A teacher is much more than someone who teaches you a subject, I aim to make students love learning, grow their confidence, and also give them advice on things they're struggling with. Some of my students have gone to Russell Group universities.

Tutoring Approach:
For me, every student is an individual and no one learns in the exact same way. It's so important to be adaptable and honest with learning, so I focus on delivering lessons based on your learning style and personality, using a variety of exercises and methods. I am very hands on when teaching, I think energy and perseverance brings the best out of each student. I also put problems into context and make sure to be creative, but once an idea is understood, I think the key emphasis is to practice and repeat. I work with a lot of structure and am very organised which allows students to not feel overwhelmed with the amount of information, but to rather understand it in very easy applicable steps and for the long-term. I also think it's important to transfer these skills to the students I tutor so I will ensure I support them with their organisation and work ethic, by mentoring them.
I am very accessible, supportive, calm and patient. I make learning fun and enthusiastic while being still able to be strict and regimented. I am highly organised and always listen to feedback to better improve the student-teacher relationship.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Artist, illustrator, graphic design BA MA
Combining teaching and learning of art and design with fun. individuals, groups, anyone wanting to explore their inner creative.

Teaching Experience:
Brent Art and Libraries London

BA Hons Degree Course Westminster University and Hong Kong Poly University.

Artist in residence tutor, Lyndons Arts Trust London working with schools also mentoring young artists

Tutoring Approach:
Focus in recent years on drawing, thinking through drawing and creative thinking.
Collage, painting and combining observational drawing with exploration of the Imagination.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been studying music, in particular, playing the flute since I was 6 (7 years of music school, 4 years of college, 3 years of university and a year at the conservatory.
I have experience to play a classical music as solo as in orchestras, ensembles. Also worked in India with a solo show.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience from 2013
Tutoring experience from 2014
Pedagogical activity since the age of 18, both in music schools and private classes at home, online.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to always listen to the wishes of the student, carefully approach the issue of psychological attitude, so that the student does not have complexes and any barriers to successful learning.

I give lessons with both children and adults.
For each student I find an individual approach.

I use various teaching methods, both traditional and new.

Assistance in the implementation of homework.

The main priority is to make the classes enjoyable and interesting to the student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced science teacher available to tutor during evenings/weekends.

Teaching Experience:
I am in my eighth year of teaching Science up to GCSE level and I have a strong subject knowledge across all areas of Biology, Chemistry & Physics. I am very familiar with the new science specification (currently teaching AQA Trilogy) and the levels of knowledge required for KS3 and KS4.

Tutoring Approach:
My sessions can be adapted to specific needs and are planned to focus on areas of weakness identified. With KS3 (Years 7-8) I focus on working scientifically and key ideas in science, while I structure KS4 (Years 9-11) sessions around knowledge retrieval practice, linking scientific ideas and exam technique.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to hearing from you.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have recently completed Year 13 at Pate's Grammar School. I have studied History at both A Level (Witchcraze, US Civil War and Westward Expansion and the Mid-Tudor Crisis and the Elizabethan Period) and GCSE level (Britain: Power and the People, the Interwar Period 1918-1939, Elizabethan Period and Russia 1980-1945). I have also studied Government and Politics at A Level in which covered UK and Government, Ideologies (Socialism, Conservatism, Liberalism and Feminism) and Global Politics.

Teaching Experience:
I have several paid teaching experiences. However, I have experience tutoring a Year 11 student to help them prepare for their upcoming exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I have found that in essay subjects it is helpful to break down each question that could come up in an exam into the assessment objectives required. I hope to help the student realise how to meet these objectives in their essays under timed conditions. This can be achieved through essay plans and mind maps once the content has been reviewed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have completed my scholarship PhD in sociology and ethnomusicology. I hold a Joint BA in English Literature and Creative Writing and an MA in Sociology and Social Policy.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor, having taught GCSE and A Level English Language, Literature, Citizenship Studies and Study Skills in London at a Further Education college, independent school, and a faith based academy.

I have taught and tutored students at universities in London and Hull. I can give guidance and support for university students that need help with essay writing, proofreading and research methods.

Tutoring Approach:
I encourage students to understand the process and purpose of assessments so they become confident and independent learners. My teaching style is praised for being friendly, effective and confidence building.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a mum of two grown up children and a Labrador and have been living with my family in Surrey for 25 years. After 24 years of teaching maths in the classroom, I am now working as a freelance tutor.
I am friendly and patient, and able to help children at all levels of understanding to improve their confidence and attainment in maths.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching maths for 24 years in local independent schools and a top Surrey grammar school. In that time I have also tutored more than 100 pupils towards SATs, school entrance exams, scholarships, GCSEs and A levels, as well as helping improve their general confidence and attainment.
I am now a freelance tutor and have daytime and some early evening availability on weekdays, as well as limited availability at weekends (this will need to be flexible in order to fit around family commitments.) Please feel free to contact me to secure a place for the new academic year, or for holiday sessions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition depends very much on what is required: this could be reinforcing topics already covered at school, preparing for an examination, or generally working to improve confidence and attainment.

On meeting a pupil for the first time I would work on assessing current understanding against expected standards for their age, and their confidence levels.
In future lessons I would use a variety of resources and methods to consolidate and extend pupil understanding. Past/ practice papers would be provided for pupils approaching examinations.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a university law lecturer with nine years' teaching experience offering undergraduate law, PgDL, LPC or SQE tuition in Essex. I have experience of teaching post-16 foundation-year students, first, second and third year undergraduate students, as well as LPC, PgDL and SQE students. Before moving into higher education I practised as a solicitor at firms in Essex and South Wales.

Teaching Experience:
I currently teach law at a university as a senior lecturer, but have also previously taught law at a post-16 college, so I have experience of teaching students aged from 16, up to mature students returning to education or making a career change. Before moving into teaching I practised as a solicitor.

Tutoring Approach:
I am relaxed and friendly and always ensure that students feel comfortable asking any questions that they have. I provide one hour or two hour tuition sessions for undergraduate law, or postgraduate professional law courses (LPC, SQE). I will tailor the session to suit your needs and preferences, all of which can be discussed in detail in the free one-hour first session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified science teacher and the current Head of Biology at a large secondary school. With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialise in helping GCSE students succeed in Biology by building both subject knowledge and exam confidence. I also work as an examiner for AQA GCSE Biology, so I know exactly what examiners are looking for and how to help students maximise their marks.

Teaching Experience:
I've taught Biology across Key Stage 3 and 4, with a particular focus on the AQA GCSE specification. As Head of Biology, I lead curriculum planning, exam preparation, and targeted intervention strategies to support student progress. I also mentor early career teachers and trainee teachers, supporting them to deliver effective and engaging lessons. My work as an AQA examiner gives me valuable insight into how exam questions are marked and how students can approach them with confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring sessions are calm, focused, and tailored to each student's needs. I focus on building a secure understanding of key topics, strengthening exam technique, and improving confidence. I use a combination of clear explanations, structured practice, and real exam-style questions. As an experienced teacher and examiner, I can help students refine their answers to meet the mark scheme and feel well prepared for their exams.

Subjects