Stornoway Tutors & Stornoway 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)

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Personal Description:
I am a PGCE-qualified teacher with two Master's degrees, and I also serve as a Cambridge International examiner. My teaching expertise covers Mandarin GCSE (9-1), IGCSE, GCE (A level), HSK, Japanese GCSE (9-1), and JLPT qualifications. I teach my students both on-site and via Zoom for private students.

Teaching Experience:
I teach both Mandarin and Japanese at local independent schools and universities, and I am also an experienced private tutor. I instruct both simplified and traditional Chinese, as well as Japanese, to both native and non-native students, including professionals. Over the past decade, my students have consistently achieved outstanding results in Edexcel Chinese (9-1) and Japanese GCSEs (9-1), earning A* and Grade 9. Additionally, they have excelled with As in A-level Chinese.

I've successfully tutored numerous students who pursued further 'Oriental studies' at Oxford University, completed an MPhil in Chinese studies at Oxford, and Japanese at Leeds University and Cardiff University.

In addition, I possess a strong working knowledge of the national curriculum and am very familiar with the demands and expectations of both state and independent schooling.

Tutoring Approach:
Encouraging, effective, student-centered approach, and developing a love for learning.

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Personal Description:
FILM | PHOTOGRAPHY | IN-DESIGN etc.

***Don't miss the unique opportunity to work with a multiple award winning International Director.***

Award-winning director Kezia Barnett is a filmmaker with over a decades experience. She creates short films and music videos and has been directing international commercials since 2004.

With a degree in Fine Arts, she has an appreciation of film, photography and fine art in a practical, theoretical aesthetic way as well as technical.

Kezia has won numerous awards in recent years. She was the only director from the region presented in the Saatchi and Saatchi Young Directors Showcase in 2005. At the inaugural advertising award show, The Kodak Gongs, held in Sydney in 2005, Kezia was given the Young Director of the Year award.

Her directorial successes have also been awarded at music video and short film festivals. Kezia won the award for Best Commercial Spot with Love Story at the L.A. Shorts Fest in 2006 - this Hollywood event is the largest short film festival in the world.

In her commercial work Kezia has produced work for, and in, various cities and territories including the UK, New York, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

Kezia has worked alongside some of New Zealand's most prestigious bands, making videos, including Goodshirt and Pluto. At the Juice Music Video Awards, in 2006, Kezia's music video Hands for Sarah Brown won Video of the Year. In 2005 her Cement video, for Goodshirt, won the People's Choice award at the Below Ground Music Video Fest in Sydney and in 2004 Goodshirt's Buck it Up won Best Group Video at the Juice TV awards.

She has written and directed several short films including Sweet As Candy (2003), Paperdoll Girl (2000) and Cyber Kicks (1999). These have been shown in both local and international festivals. Sweet As Candy is distributed by BritShorts.

BACKGROUND

Whilst studying at Auckland University she gained straight A grades and was awarded several scholarships including the Senior Scholarship in Film and Television and Media Studies, the Elam Art Scholarship and the NZ Federation of University Women's Final Year First Degree Scholarship.

She gained top in New Zealand in Bursary Photography (last year of high school).

In 1998 she was live-in field director / camera operator for More Flatmates (a documentary / reality TV programme) where she lived in a flat and documented the lives of her flatmates for 5 months.

During her early directing years she also worked in the art department, designing short films and worked on drama, TV programs and commercials.

Art exhibitions include: Barnett Newman - Calendar Girl (1997), at the George Fraser Gallery and Light Bytes (2003 & 2008 - projected animations on a four-storey high billboard in High Street, Auckland), in collaboration with Lesley Kaiser.

Teaching Experience:
I have given various talks and lectures, including to students at Unitec and Auckland University of Technology. I have also taught a workshop-based Interdiciplinary course at Unitec and tutored photography students in their last year of school, who achieved good grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring in a friendly and informative way. I can adapt the sessions to suit the individual, whether it is about learning in-design or whether it is seeing you through a photographic or film/video project or designing your showreel etc. I have a depth of knowledge and industry experience to draw on. I can help you extend your knowledge or develop the knowledge you already have. Please contact me to discuss your individual needs.

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Personal Description:
Welcome to you in my profile!

I am Marwa, a native Arabic speaker from Egypt. I have over 13 years of experience teaching Arabic language and Holy Quran for non-natives. I used to dive in this amazing language to taste its beauty and discover its treasures. This passion led me to change my career as a software engineer to be an Arabic teacher. And it was the best decision I ever had. Teaching Arabic is not just a job for me, it is a life where I can share my passion and guide others to live, love and learn Arabic language. It is also a window to the world so that we can share our cultures and better understand humanity. As well it is my great pleasure to support others and help them achieve their goals in learning Arabic language.

I teach Modern Standard Arabic, Colloquial/Spoken Arabic, Quranic Arabic and The Holy Quran. I teach all levels (Novice- Beginners- Intermediate- Advanced) and all ages (children and adults), online, one to one and in groups. I always try to be the ideal teacher that I wish for myself. Thanks to my long experience as a teacher and also as a language learner, I understand the challenges of learning a new language, the qualities and skills a true teacher should have, and how important it is to put myself in the student's shoes to see their point of view and think in their native language.

I am a fluent English speaker, very patient, supportive, encouraging, motivating, inspiring, active, organized, calm, flexible, friendly and passionate. I enjoy reading, exercising, walking outdoors, learning French and new skills, developing myself, and participating in charitable activities to help those in need and bring joy to their hearts. I have a YouTube channel where I create videos to help Arabic language learners.

Teaching Experience:
I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from Ain Shams University (2003-2007), and during my undergraduate studies I was working as a journalist and writer for a popular Egyptian magazine. During my 5 years of experience in software testing and quality engineering, I was also doing my second undergraduate degree (2008-2012) so I got a BA in Arabic Language and Islamic Studies from Cairo University, where I also got a certificate to teach Arabic as a foreign language in 2012. Also I wrote many short stories and novels. And I won the best short story award from the Egyptian Writers Union in 2009.

During my 13-year journey, which has started in October 2012 and is still ongoing, Alhamdulillah, I have been fortunate to teach more than a thousand people from different countries of the world. I would really like to thank each and every one of you for your trust in me, the precious time you have shared with me, and the way you have enriched my life and helped me become a better teacher and a better human being. I can't forget my youngest student, the beautiful four-year-old girl, when she told me "I love you, Marwa"; my oldest student, the wise eighty-year-old man who shared impressing life lessons with me; the man who, ten years after I taught him, contacted me again so I teach his children; the lady who wrote a wonderful short story in Arabic; the one who wrote a beautiful Arabic poem; the student who I have helped to become an Arabic language teacher; those who I have taught from scratch till they have reached fluency; those who shared with me the most beautiful moments of their lives when they reverted to Islam and said the Shahada for the first time with me; those who shared with me their own dreams and how difficult they were and then a few years later contacted me to tell me with great joy that their dreams had come true; and those who have been very close to me.

Alhamdulilah I am very pleased and proud to say that I have taught school, high school, and university students and different professions such as teachers, translators, diplomats, journalists, doctors, nurses, engineers, developers, managers, businessmen, researchers, lawyers, accountants, consultants, officers and artists. I have trained two actors from USA and Australia in their roles to pronounce some Arabic phrases perfectly. I have also trained an Arab-American astronaut on the Arabic-language interview she had to do with a popular channel. I have been chosen to teach an ambassador's son and another ambassador's children. I am proud too that I have taught many new Muslims and a lot of who are interested in learning and understanding Quran and Islamic studies. I have also taught many people who enjoy traveling to Arab countries and love their cultures. I have helped a lot of people in their professional lives such as those who work with Arabs or have Arab clients, and those who work in Arab countries. I have also helped a lot of people in their personal lives, such as those who have an Arab husband or wife or Arab friends or family. As well, I have translated a lot of articles, papers, research papers, and the interfaces and contents of some websites and applications into Arabic. And I have edited and proofread some of the Arabic articles in different topics for some newspapers and magazines.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that every student is unique, so I create a customized and well-structured course according to my students' level, needs and goals. I also support my students and help them to practice the language skills (writing, speaking, listening & reading). Some like to focus more on speaking and listening, others on grammar, and others on reading or writing, so my role is to cover and meet their needs, focus on the required skills and guide them along the way to achieve their goals in learning Arabic language. I also use a wide range of learning materials and give different activities for homework assignments. And I do a small revision in beginning of each lesson and give tests frequently. I also like to share with my students some aspects of Arabic culture, customs & traditions.

It is my pleasure to be your guide in the amazing journey of learning Arabic. Let's start it!

Thank you for reading my profile!

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced personal assistant with excellent communication skills. Currently, I am working part-time. Therefore, I would like to make myself useful and tutor students that require some Computer Study guidance. With more than 10 years of experience of operating a computer system, I will be able to provide the best understanding for the students. I received my pedagogical qualification while studying at the for the Bachelor Degree.

Teaching Experience:
My only teaching experience was during my volunteering activities back in university.

Tutoring Approach:
My method is to first asses the current knowledge of the student. Secondly, I will set a precise goal that has to be achieved. Finally, I will proceed with teaching by combining the strong and weak parts in student's comprehension skills.

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Personal Description:
I am a Senior GCSE and A-Level English Examiner with 15 years of teaching experience, including as Head of GCSE and A Level English at an online independent school.

Teaching Experience:
I mark and moderate the exams your child will sit. As a senior examiner and a Head of English who has led both GCSE and A-Level courses, I teach exactly what the mark scheme rewards. In 15 years of teaching, lecturing and tutoring, I have helped students at every level, from securing a grade 4 pass to turning strong candidates into 8s, 9s and A*s.

Tutoring Approach:
What families get from me is every essay assessed the way a real examiner assesses it, with precise, mark-scheme-based feedback. I build confidence built through patient, encouraging teaching.

I offer a structured programme for exact board and papers, including mocks and November English Language resits.

Each lesson targets one high-value skill, such as how to structure a Paper 2 comparison, what separates a grade 6 analysis from a grade 8, how examiners actually apply the AOs. We then apply it to your child's own writing.

Students typically complete one practice question between sessions, which I mark with examiner-style annotation so parents can see exactly where marks are gained and lost.

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Personal Description:
I'm a senior university lecturer who has been teaching Sociology at degree level since 1995. I have a degree (first class) and Phd in Sociology. In addition to university lecturing, I have 24 years experience marking and moderating A level Sociology papers for the AQA exam board.
I believe my teaching style is motivational, relaxed and most of all fun! I encourage creative approaches to learning, with a focus on what the student can bring to the learning process. I also have a detailed knowledge of Sociology, not only teaching the subject for over 20 years, but as a research active, published sociologist myself.

Teaching Experience:
Senior lecturer in Sociology: Liverpool Hope University: 1995-2007

Senior lecturer in Social Care: Wrexham Glyndwr University: 2007-present (part time) teaching Sociology (programme leader), Social Work, and Politics.

*AQA APPROVED EXAMINER* : Experienced AQA A level Sociology Examiner, including the role of Team Leader, 2004-present.

Tutoring Approach:
Student centred, with a strong emphasis on the skills, knowledge and experiences that the student already has. I am able to break down complex, difficult ideas into something that makes sense to the learner, and pride myself on my ability to create confident, critical thinkers in my students. I am particularly skilled in working with students who lack confidence, and are underachieving, in addition to pushing the most able students beyond the results they are currently achieving.

I am delighted to report that results obtained in summers 2022 and 2023 A level AQQ examinations in Sociology resulted in my tutees moving up from the predicted grades (D to a C, B to an A, A to an A*).

*Update*
Summer 2025 results (A level Sociology, AQA )
Tutee predicted grade C, grade achieved B
Tutee predicted grade B, grade achieved A
Tutee predicted grade D/E, grade achieved C

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Personal Description:
I am a native British English speaker and I have been teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) to adults for 22 years. I love meeting people from all over the world and I absolutely love teaching! I am currently teaching part-time at an adult education college in London and I also provide additional learning support to students on a one-to-one basis. Since Covid 19 I have been teaching online. I really enjoy seeing my students gain in confidence and skills and progress to the next level. Many of them go on to further studies, including university, or get jobs or better jobs.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching ESOL for 22 years at an adult education college and I also taught ESOL for a local authority for seven of those years. I have taught all levels from Entry Level 1 (beginners) to Level 2 (advanced) and have prepared students for Skills for Life exams at all levels. I have also taught specialist classes on literacy, grammar, writing, speaking and listening, Life in the UK and the history of London.
I have a Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (CELTA), a Certificate in ESOL Education and a master's degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MATESOL).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is to find out what students want and need to learn. At the same time, if students are preparing for exams I focus on the skills that are needed to pass those exams. I like to get to know my students well and find out what their interests are so I can use this knowledge to plan lessons. I also review students' learning with them on a regular basis. My students tell me I am very patient and they enjoy my teaching methods. I use a variety of resources on different topics and I demonstrate various strategies that students can use to learn outside lesson times. Probably the most important thing for me is to be able to help students gain in confidence in using English in their daily lives to achieve their personal goals.

I can help with the following aspects of English: listening, speaking, reading and writing; grammar; vocabulary; pronunciation; preparing presentations; writing essays; basic literacy; spelling; Life in the UK; history of London and places of interest.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, creative and dedicated tutor, whose key area of focus is English Literature A-level (Edexcel; AQA), English GCSE (AQA; Edexcel; OCR; Eduqas) and English IGCSE (Edexcel) tuition. I have a strong track record in helping students achieve their hoped-for grades (up to 9/ A*).

I aim to support students in their exam preparation and technique, understanding and analysis of texts, essay writing (A-level) and coursework (A-level).

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education, in both mainstream and SEN settings, for six years; I have a BA HONS. 2.1 in English and European Literature (University of Warwick).

Recently taught A-level drama, prose and poetry texts include: Othello, A Midsummer Night`s Dream, Twelfth Night, A Streetcar Named Desire, Doctor Faustus, A Doll`s House, Frankenstein, Wuthering Heights, Mrs Dalloway, Hard Times, The Handmaid`s Tale, Never Let Me Go, Atonement, The Great Gatsby, Skirrid Hill, The World`s Wife, the poetry of John Donne, John Keats and Chaucer, as well as Romantic Poetry, the Edexcel Poems of the Decade anthology and the AQA pre-1900 anthology. I am able to support students in their analysis of unseen prose and poetry.

I have experience teaching GCSE Language reading and writing across the main exam boards. GCSE Literature texts have included (but have not been limited to): Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, The Merchant of Venice, An Inspector Calls, Blood Brothers, Lord of the Flies, A Christmas Carol, Jekyll and Hyde and Jane Eyre, as well as board-specific poetry anthologies.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a pupil-centred approach to tutoring, consistently tailoring my teaching to the requirements of each, individual student.

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Personal Description:
University education up to masters level in the UK. Additional professional qualifications in accounting and finance.

Teaching Experience:
Tutor in the UK since 2010

Tutoring Approach:
Working closely with the student to ensure they have a proper grasp of the subject-matter.

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Personal Description:
As a passionate advocate for technology and innovation, I hold a degree in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science from Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute, where I developed expertise in Python, machine learning, and data analysis. machine learning enthusiast, currently diving into Neural Networks, particularly NLP and Computer Vision. Since joining the Women Techmakers and Microsoft student learn ambassador community ,I've enhanced my technical and presentation skills, Also in my university journey I have contributed to projects that increased team efficiency by 60%.My confidence help me to tackle complex challenges, and I'm committed to creating impactful solutions that empower others through technology. With a focus on fostering collaboration and promoting continuous learning, I aim to drive growth and innovation within the tech space.

Teaching Experience:
As a member of the Women Techmakers and Microsoft Student Learn Ambassador communities, I have enhanced my Teaching/guiding and presentation skills while fostering collaboration within diverse students. During my university projects, I contributed to initiatives that increased team efficiency by 60%, showcasing my problem-solving abilities and tutoring mindset.

Tutoring Approach:
With my strong foundation in computer science I believe in making the foundtion of my students to be strong My tutoring philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment tailored to each student's needs and learning style. I focus on simplifying complex concepts by breaking them into manageable steps, using relatable examples, and encouraging active participation.

I believe in a hands-on approach, combining theoretical understanding with practical application to deepen comprehension and retention. For instance, when teaching concepts like machine learning or data analysis, I incorporate real-world projects and coding exercises to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

I also prioritize promoting critical thinking and problem-solving by guiding students to explore solutions independently while providing constructive feedback. By fostering curiosity and building confidence, my aim is to empower students to tackle challenges with resilience and enthusiasm.

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Personal Description:
I'm an experienced mathematician keen to share my love of the subject and teach good habits to see you through your mathematical journey. My background is in pure mathematics research, so I bring a depth of understanding to the subject, which allows me to put any level of study in a broader context.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience tutoring A-level Maths and Further Maths students and have taught maths tutorials at multiple universities. In my previous role, as a postdoc, I ran weekly problem solving classes and drop in sessions. During my PhD I helped dozens of students as a teaching assistant in similar classes, building their understanding when they were stuck on difficult questions.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim for my sessions to be highly interactive and tailored to your needs. Here is an idea of how a lesson with me might look: I usually start with a warm-up quiz, which helps me find your base-line understanding of a topic. From here we build on that base-line, either filling gaps in understanding, introducing new ideas or diving into more depth where something is unclear. To end we work through a couple of more challenging questions on the topic, applying what we have learned throughout the session.

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