Thorney Close Tutors and Thorney Close Tuition

Personal Description:
When I was a boy I was taught by people who were larger-than-life characters who dominated the classroom. They made clear to us boys what was expected of us and that if we didn't make the effort we would simply not achieve the rewards.

As a teacher, I share the same ethos. I expect pupils to follow my lead and work to the best of their ability.

I spend a lot of time reading and thinking.

I think it was George Bernard Shaw who said that 2% of people think, 3% think they think and 95% would rather die than do any thinking at all!

Sadly, I think that over the last thirty years dumbing down and inflated grades have shown how accurate Shaw's assessment was.

I see my role as one of reversing the tide of apathy and mediocrity and encouraging pupils to value themselves as individuals each with unique potential.

I finally achieved my educational potential because I came to see intellectual growth as the only sure path to happiness and fulfilment.

Helping pupils reach the same understanding about their full intellectual potential is my vocation and the foundation on which I build all my one-to-one tuition relationships.

Teaching Experience:
After teaching in the UK Primary and Secondary sectors as well as managing English and History departments in three international schools overseas, I now devote my time exclusively to private tuition.

My experience includes 12 years teaching English and History to GCSE and A level in the UK secondary system and eight years teaching the same subjects to the same levels in international schools in Italy, Egypt and Kenya.

During this time I have always had a number of students on my books for home tuition to provide extra help in Primary, Secondary and University level subjects.

My English GCSE students last year all achieved A-C grades and my A level History student achieved an A (predicted C after Year 12) and is now at university. In previous years, my A level History students have never achieved less than a C and in 2014, I had a student who reached A* and is now studying the subject at Exeter University.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience has led me to believe that one-to-one tuition is the best way to educate pupils. It brings them to the realisation that the whole point of education really is to set us free. It's not easy for a student to discover this when confined every day in a class of 30 or more others! Learning to think independently as an individual, and to read and write fluently enables pupils to participate fully in society, to achieve their full potential and thereby become happy, confident adults. Once the student is enthused and inspired by a tutor to think for themselves there is only one way forward.

I like to encourage pupils to develop independent thinking and logical analysis. Too many schools are teaching the children WHAT to think when they should be teaching them HOW to think. Naturally, many pupils become disengaged and even some of the most talented are simply going through the motions rather than actually studying. This lack of motivation together with highly inflated grades means that many of our youngsters are leaving school with minimal reading and writing skills. Indeed, few now have the aptitude for doing much reading, thinking or writing at all.

I like to build up the student's confidence by establishing their strengths first. Thereafter I identify weaknesses and gauge the student's awareness of them and motivation to put them right. Above all, I encourage my students to read widely and with full concentration. My best students learn to read closely and publish their reviews on Amazon. Aside from the huge adrenaline run, the boost in confidence and proficiency students get from seeing their writing in print is awesome to behold!

To put it simply, when they're reading they start succeeding!

Homework set weekly by me will always involve reading, thinking and writing. My feedback will always concentrate on reinforcing the idea that the writing process never ends with the last full stop. I expect students to read back their work to ensure that their writing communicates their meaning clearly and fluently. Editing with the focus on making the right word choices, organising sentences with the words in the right order and structuring longer writing assignments into coherent paragraphs are all priorities schools are increasingly neglecting thereby greatly hindering the life chances of their pupils..

Once the student and I have agreed which areas need improvement we use lesson time to extend the student's competence and skills by undertaking thinking and written assignments that allow the student to develop these.

Weekly homework set will advance and reinforce the skills the student has been encouraged to bring to the lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Extensive experience teaching secondary school Mathematics (KS3/4) and striving towards being a specialist for A-level Mathematics (KS5).

I offer online tuition with an emphasis on the students' needs. I'm flexible on approach and will gladly cater to your technological specifications. Meaning, you will not require the best microphone, webcam, feng shui background or even the fastest bandwidth to maintain an improving grade. So long as you have a pencil, paper and an inquisitive mind that is set on learning, you will walk away from our sessions academically fulfilled.

My aim is to boost your self-esteem around the subject of Mathematics. As the tutor, it is my duty to listen to you and diagnose the root of your trouble. I will forever do my utmost to openly exhibit the array of techniques Mathematics has to offer us in order to equip you with enough confidence to speak up and ask, "hey, can you help me with this, please?"

Step-by-step we will learn how to overcome and begin to finish the race at our own pace.

Teaching Experience:
My experience in education has been learnt from the ground up. Each role that I have been honoured to fulfil has blessed me with a unique insight that support roles provide; the focus has always been about the individual.

Every child comes to school wanting to learn. Creating lessons that are engaging and modified not only for their academic level but also for their interests commands respect. Using Mathematics that mirrors their world is a guaranteed method to inspire motivation for the apathetic and manage behaviour for the unruly.

Teaching is a skill that is built with time and I am proud in my ability to engage young students as presentable maturity is so repeatedly demanded.

2021 - PGCE Secondary Mathematics
2018 - 2021 Private Tutor, Mathematics
2017 - 2018 Learning Assistant, Woodfield
2014 - 2017 Maths Intervention Tutor, HGAED
2011 - 2014 Teaching Supervisor, KUMON

Tutoring Approach:
"But I very much believe that anyone can learn anything, as long as it is explained clearly enough" ~Raffi Grinberg, Real Analysis Lifesaver

In the age of online learning, explaining clearly enough is a nuanced task especially when it comes to Mathematics. I have always tailored my delivery to suit the needs of the student. The soft skills required to pick up on the preferred learning methods of each student is an ability I pride myself in. The topics covered in Mathematics for most school curriculums do not differ drastically. But what does have a lasting impression for those who hold any apprehension towards the subject is making the lesson intrinsically derived from their passions. Because Mathematics is everywhere. It is up to us educators to enlighten and embolden their world with how much Mathematics is involved in their innate interests. This wonder of discovery awaits every student. No matter how they regard their perceived natural ability towards numeracy.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have spent many years accumulating a wide range of academic qualifications, and my work has often primarily consisted of passing on my knowledge to others in a form they can understand. I get a lot of satisfaction from helping people to understand something they thought was beyond them. By virtue of having studied several subjects at a high level, I empathise with the feeling of finding something difficult, and have the patience and technique to get past this. I am not a single-subject specialist who might find it difficult to understand why others struggle in their area of expertise.
For students who are preparing for exams, my knowledge of examination technique, and an empathy with the marker, should be invaluable. I always keep in mind the importance of the student's goals, but never take myself too seriously.

Teaching Experience:
My whole career has been geared towards some form of teaching. I have trained groups of adults and children, as well as individuals, in elements of mathematics, psychology, actuarial science, pensions, and even tennis! I have tutored both of my children through IGCSEs, GCSEs, and A-levels (one was home-schooled, the other attended a local comprehensive and 6th Form College). Both obtained numerous As and A*s, and I was particularly pleased to help my daughter to achieve 3 A*s in her A2 exams.

Tutoring Approach:
I look at what is important for the student. I emphasise clear, logical ways of working, and clear presentation. I make sure that they realise that they not only need to understand why they are doing something, but they must also be able to explain it clearly. Explaining a difficult concept to someone else can often be the best way to make yourself remember it. I am calm and patient, and English is my first language, all of which can help when a student finds something tricky.

I am consistently available for tutoring during weekday daytimes. I will sometimes be available in the evenings and at weekends, but this will be by arrangement and should not be relied upon.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour! I am a French National, originally from Beauvais ,a beautiful medieval town , 80km north of Paris.
A graduate from Amiens University with a BA in English Literature & Civilization, I also studied Fashion Design & Illustration in the international Paris American Academy.

I trained and worked in London for several years, before moving to N.Ireland.
In search of calm and beauty, we now live near peaceful meadows, a mere 5 minutes drive from Banbridge, a 20 minute drive from Newry and 40 minutes from Belfast.

I constantly marvel at the multitude of walks by the sea or mountains, close to our house. With children and dog in tow, what better way to capture the beauty of life.

Not to forget the great pleasure to be able to divide my time between French Tuition and my love of Painting : "La belle vie" !

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching as a French Language Assistant, in the North of England. In the 90's , I moved to London and worked in two secondary schools. I taught 11-16 yrs old pupils, as well as being in charge of GCSE exam preparation.

Until recently, I worked in a Grammar School in N.Ireland and took great dedication in preparing my A-Level Students for the final year examination. I endeavoured to instill in them confidence with oral practice, while providing extra help with the completion of their discussion.

Immersing my Students with French Culture and insightful knowledge about French life and way of thinking, have proved greatly useful to their studies. It helped them understand French Literature with greater clarity, especially when books, such as "L'etranger " by Albert Camus, were placed into historical and social context.
Having studied French literature at A-Level and as a module within my degree in English literature, I am well versed with the subtleties of the French language for essay writing.


Students benefit greatly from my cultural knowledge as a French Native and are able to understand the topics in their curriculum with a depth that can only be provided by a French National. My expertise with the French language is equally wide ranged : from formal /literary written or spoken French to casual and daily modern French.
As I understand the evolution of French as a modern language, I am able to advise Students with the appropriate use of wording, in various social or cultural contexts.


Alongside school, I continued with my Home Tuition Practice and I now exclusively teach privately. From GCSE, A-Level or University Students, I strive to cover all aspects of the curriculum.
As part of my teaching method, I regularly include intensive grammar revision with explanation, and exercises followed by oral practice to cement knowledge.

With my many years of experience, I have successfully devised my own teaching material. Thus creating a list of unusual expressions to maximize my Students exam results. Further notes have been compiled for difficult topics such as the environment and other topics to increase their knowledge.
Students' pronunciation has also benefited from techniques I developed throughout the years, to help them understand the difference in sounds.

Beside school and academic achievements,I have had the privilege to teach many Adult Beginners who were retiring to France. For this purpose, I devised entire courses best suited to assist their individual needs. Each course was aimed at giving them a good grounding for the language and to constitute a vital building block for daily French life. In other words "a survival guide".

My French skills have also been very productive with translations and drafting of documents for French Banks, Builders, Water or Electricity Companies. Moreover my work has included important phone calls to France, prior to my retired Students departure which smoothed their transition abroad.

Each experience with a new Student has a uniqueness. It is always an immense delight to see the progress accomplished on whichever path they choose.
Most rewarding as a Tutor is to see my Students develop fluency and authenticity with the French language while appreciating its full beauty.

Tutoring Approach:
Needless to say that I teach French in a pleasant and relaxed manner.
Being flexible, I take into account the various needs of my Students and areas they wish to improve. Consequently, I patiently work along them using my own teaching material or coursework they need help with.
Furthermore ,once I have devised the best course to improve their skills ,I create their own individual material to support their progress.The lessons are well structured to take into account deadlines such as completion of written presentation and mock oral exam.

I strive to establish a peaceful environment conducive to learning and will encourage or praise my Students, for every progress made, after each tuition. My principal aim is to instill trust in their abilities. With gentle guidance I help them express themselves with growing confidence, while enjoying the language. Not only are the tuitions enjoyable, they are equally highly productive and successful.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, I am Suzy. I was born in Shanghai and educated in Shanghai teachers university. I have lived in the UK since 2001.

Specialising in Mandarin Chinese GCSE and A level. I've been teaching Edexcel and AQA exam board since 2012 privately and have taught at Oxford Sixth Form College Oxford. All my students achieved 9 in GCSE and A in A level.

I have been teaching Mandarin to both adults and children with nearly 15 years of experience.

A few points that you should know about me

• Excellent communication and organisation skills
• Flexible with time allocation for learners
• Has the ability to put learners at ease and enjoy the learning process

I hold 3 enhanced DBS certificate and have completed child protection training, safeguarding adults awareness training, and the diversity in the workplace course.

Teaching Experience:
10 years experience of teaching children and adults Mandarin Chinese

- Mandarin Chinese tutor at MoD Shrivenham and FCO Westminster
- Taught GCSE & A Level in Oxford Tutorial College
- Teaching private students from global companies on one to one basis

Tutoring Approach:
- Excellent communic-ation and organisation skills

- Flexible with time allocation for learners

- Has the ability to put learners at ease and enjoy the learning process Challenging students to take responsibilities, to reach their potential, to motivate themselves, to acquire knowledge, skills and understanding

- Providing caring, dedicated, enthusiastic and expert teaching

- Identifying individual's strengths, achievements and current situation

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Personal Description:
Hello,

I'm Alison, English Language tutor with UK tutors.

Studying at Cambridge University, the Open University and UWE I have qualified in English, linguistics and French to degree and postgrad. levels, I have coached my tutees from ungraded to grades B or C. I aim to make learning fun, inspire confidence and fill in those gaps in your knowledge to help you gain a good grade. My teaching methods vary according to the way each tutee learns. Previous tutees have praised my teaching resources and found these useful.

I know most about the AQA examining board syllabus.

Trained to teach sixteens and over, I have PTLLs and CTLLS qualifications so I mainly coach sixth formers.

I'd be delighted to help you through your AS- and A-levels and give you that extra practice and help that your teachers do not have time for.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching over sixteens and have successfully coached sixth formers for their AS- and A-levels. Pupils for Oxbridge entrance have also come to me.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to be clear about exactly what is to be taught and learnt from the first tutorial and sometimes draw up an individual learning plan.
It is good to be methodical, give plenty of practice with homework if you wish and to assess and check learning. I use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, worksheets, essays, close one-to-one help, asking and answering any questions and filling in gaps in your knowledge. I consolidate learning to give you the confidence you need to take an exam. Practice makes perfect so plenty of exercises until you know what you need to know.
I aim to make learning fun as well as getting you to work hard.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Professional Photographer and College Photography Lecturer. I have run my own photography business, Portraiture, since 2006 and specialise in Commercial / Industrial, Portraits and Weddings.
I teach Photography and Photoshop for North East Scotland College. I am very knowledgeable in all areas of Photography, Photoshop and Lightroom.

Subjects offered:
Photography
Photoshop
Lightroom
Lighting / Flash / Studio Lighting

Teaching Experience:
I teach Photography and Photoshop for North East Scotland College and I also teach private clients.

I offer 1:1 tuition and small group classes.

Subjects offered:
Photography
Photoshop
Lightroom
Lighting / Flash / Studio Lighting

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is fun, informative and relaxed. All tuition is based round your exact requirements and all courses are bespoked to your needs whether this be for academic studies or a personal interest.

I take a flexible approach to learning and teaching, which first establishes the needs and goals of the student, and then sets out clearly structured strategies for achieving these goals. These may be results-focused when preparing for exams or just to improve a hobby.

Tutoring may take place at the student's home, or at my home / studio in Aberdeen.

Hourly rate depends on number of hours requred.

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Personal Description:
31 years experience - successful Head of Department and Assistant Headteacher with 2:1 Degree in English Language and Literature
I am married with a 17 year old daughter.
I enjoy cycling, watching the Manchester Storm Ice Hockey team, enjoy travelling and just spending time with my family.
I pride myself on the strong and effective relationships I have with students I teach at school and have a passion for teaching.
I am an experienced exam marker for a leading exam board for both English language and Literature and have experience of teaching Key Stage 3 to key Stage 5 over 26 years in the classroom.

Teaching Experience:
31 years across five schools.
I have experience as a teacher, subject leader, lead for Literacy and an Assistant Headteacher and have a successful record in helping learners achieve their expected grade.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible, friendly and fun.
I'm obviously guided by the learning approach preferred by the tutee but would be well-planned, driven and keen to maximise the potential of any learner in my care.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native German DBS checked Tutor working at an Independent School at KS3, GCSE and A-level. Conversation classes, grammar and exam preparation.

I teach German as a foreign language but also to semi native German kids, who would like to prepare for GCSE or A-level exams.

All lessons are tailored to suit student's preferences, ability and needs.
I have some daytime availability, weekends and limited evenings. Please check directly, as availability changes frequently when students finish their exams.
I'm happy to teach from my home in Surbiton, but I also offer online tutoring.

From experience the greatest learning loss occurs during the school holidays and I therefore now also offer "Ferien auf Deutsch" to stop your learned knowledge from going missing. It is proven that by September a student's ability is lower than it was in July. "Ferien auf Deutsch" can prevent that. These are intensive courses offered during the school holidays. Special rates available.

About me:
I was brought up and schooled in Berlin and came to the UK on a scholarship a few years back. I know what it is like to grapple with a foreign language and I also know how to succeed. My teaching style is interactive, immersive, fun and relevant.

Teaching Experience:
During the day I teach at a private secondary school in Kingston. In the evenings I tutor beginners, KS3, GCSE and A-level German.

Tutoring Approach:
All lessons are tailored to suit student's preferences, ability and needs.
I have some daytime availability, weekends and limited evenings. Please check directly, as availability changes frequently when students finish their exams.
I'm happy to teach from my home in Surbiton, but I also offer online tutoring.

I was brought up and schooled in Berlin and came to the UK on a scholarship a few years back. I know what it is like to grapple with a foreign language and I also know how to succeed. My teaching style is interactive, immersive, fun and relevant.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm Andrea an italian man with a long academic background in cyber security. Actually I'm on the last year of a PhD in cyber security.
English its my second language, I'm italian mothertongue and my knowledge of italian is very high level without any particular accent.
I'm a person who like to share knowledge and help other people to better understand other cultures and particular arguments.

I love to have nice conversations and feel the lovely side of any culture.

Teaching Experience:
I haven't teaching experiences just a couple of times in university with a group of guys to share VIVA and projects ideas.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring can be to check some homeworks in italian language or simply help someone to have a correct conversation fixing pronunciation or common grammar errors.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching the Humanities subjects since 2005 and specialise in History and Geography. I have taught in secondary schools, colleges and online (small groups and 1-1). I love helping students to get to grips with all the different aspects of the Humanities subjects and consider it a real bonus for my students to, not only succeed in exams, but also to learn to love the subject. I take a collaborative approach to teaching and think it is vital that the student and I work together to get the best out of the sessions. I live by the coast and spend my free time hiking and reading.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified 18 years ago.
Worked in secondary and FE as a History and Geography teacher.
Experience as a Head of department.
15 years experience as an examiner and moderator, 13 at a senior level.
Registered examiner with Edexcel, AQA, OCR and CIE

Tutoring Approach:
A personalised approach, working together to find the best path forward to success

Subjects

Personal Description:
¡Hola! Bonjour! I'm Carla, a passionate language teacher who loves helping students gain confidence and joy in speaking Spanish and French. With 30 years of teaching experience, I focus on making lessons engaging, practical, and tailored to each learner's needs-whether you're preparing for exams, traveling abroad, or just exploring a new language for fun.

I believe language learning should feel natural and enjoyable, so we'll mix conversation, culture, and a bit of humor along the way. My goal is to create a friendly space where mistakes are part of the journey and every step forward is worth celebrating.

Let's unlock your potential together-à bientôt and ¡hasta pronto!

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching Spanish up to A Level and French up to GCSE in the UK, supporting students in achieving strong exam results while building real-world communication skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My lessons balance solid grammar foundations with interactive speaking and listening practice, helping learners feel confident and prepared.

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