Thorney Close Tutors and Thorney Close Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an MFL teacher with bags of enthusiasm and an immense passion for education and children. I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent, as well as having enjoyed spells living in Quebec and Aix-en-Provence in the past. I find empathising with students easy, and have girls and boys between 6 years old and adult on my books. I currently tutor in French, Spanish, English, Maths and 11+ preparation.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and cycling, having recently completed the London to Brighton cycle in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent. I have also done a year's supply in South Yorkshire, as well as in a primary school in France. I have held departmental and pastoral TLR positions at various schools, and have tutored for over ten years. References available.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to support students in their learning by being thorough, professional, but approachable. My effective tutoring in the past has helped students to feel more confident, happier and ultimately this shows in their results. I am often very proud of my students when they make progress in areas such as confidence, as well as ability.

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Personal Description:
I am a confident, diligent and sociable person, with a wide knowledge of world history, and specialising in American and South-East Asian history and culture. I hold a double first class Bachelors degree in History and American Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University, and have had many years experience leading youth projects such as youth councils, young persons' scrutiny forums (YPSF) and have acted as a liasion on several historical and cultural preservation projects such as the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and the Church House Preservation Committee.

Teaching Experience:
I have previous experience as a teaching assistant to KS3 and KS4 level history at a state secondary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a holistic approach to the teaching of history, ensuring that the student becomes engaged within a fuller understanding of the period being studied. As a former student and teach of history, I realise that the principal block to a tutee's understanding of historical concepts is a lack of immersion within the relevant time-frames and thus an inability to fully comprehend why certain actions were taken, and the wider effect this had.

Thus in my approach I am firm believer that it is as important for every student to understand to a higher level than that offered by the current state curriculum the context of the period they are studying. As a consequence I offer tailored introductions to said period's culture, economy, religious and political setting, and even physical geography.

Furthermore, I offer the necessary skills to craft this knowledge into well-reasoned, informed essays. My intimate knowledge of the state education system and beyond has imbued me with the ability to gauge how assignments will be assessed and thus I can work with students not only on improving their knowledge, but showcasing this in highly-marked, structured and coherent written forms.

I use a number of methods to achieve this, including homework assignments, but also using character adoption, audio-visual aids and a mixture of written and verbal questions of varying length and form.

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Personal Description:
My passion for teaching started in 2008, having qualified as a teacher at University in Madrid. After a pedagogic practice in an Secondary Bilingual School I moved to France, where I have recently graduated in French and Spanish Linguistics.

Last year I finished a master's degree in French Applied Language in the Sorbonne University and the Paris Trade Chamber, where I trained in didactics of Specific French (business, scientific, hotel trade, etc).

I'm a very enthusiastic teacher, able to find the talent hidden in every student.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes two years as a Modern Foreign Language teacher with Learnissimo, training individual from different sectors (enterprises as Danone, Tompress), three years in Primary and Secondary schools and a six months internship in the French Institute in Madrid.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method for is based on tasks and the PPP paradigm (presenting a subject, practicing by repetition, matching or filling and producing in the context of a particular task). This approach allows the students to learn by practicing in their real communication situations and to progress in a very short time!

The type of materials I use are generally design by myself, using authentic documents as reports, conversation recordings, emails, hand outs and I also use general linguistics and grammar manuals and essays to support my research

Using a task-based approach, you will be focusing in particular missions and I will give you the tools to accomplish them and I will be designing a individualized programme from your personal or professional targets.

Basically, this is a very practical methodology based on learning by doing.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Imperial College in Mathematics and stayed on to carry out research in Applied Mathematics to Diploma Level. I also have a Postgraduate Certificate in Mathematical Education (PGCE). I have always had a keen interest and enthusiasm for the subject. I have had a very varied career and have worked as a technical computer programmer as well as in Maths school teaching and private tuition both in this country and abroad. Hence I am a fully qualified and experienced secondary school Mathematics teacher (Years 5 to 11) and private tutor in the subject. I am happy to help prepare upper primary students for secondary school as well as up to GCSE level. I also have much experience of teaching adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics in schools and FE colleges in the UK and in the United Arab Emirates up to GCSE and A Level.
I also tutored students both in this country and in Dubai with great success. In fact I was selected by my Dubai school to teach the children of their Royal Family. This consistently results in excellent attainments for my students.
My own four children studied Maths to A level and I coached them throughout their education. They are now grown up.
In 2013 I returned from the Middle East. Since then I have been working as a private tutor of Mathematics.
I do have a great deal of experience both with the old GCSE as well as with the new 9-1 exam (ever since its introduction) as well as with the IGCSE, Sats, Common Entrance and adult numeracy exams etc.

Tutoring Approach:
I am equally happy to provide in person lessons at my home in Hampshire or online tuition (currently using Skype).

I thoroughly enjoy private tuition and tailor each lesson to suit the requirements of the individual student. I find it best if the student brings me their difficulties / problem topics to be worked on. I can also pinpoint areas where help is needed by working through questions I select with the student. In addition I find that going through corrections of their recent test/exam scripts is a good diagnostic tool.

I have often been told that I give extremely clear explanations and that I have great reserves of patience.

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Personal Description:
I finished my postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham in Dec 2018. I had stayed in UK for more than a year. I really love UK. The time when I was living in UK left me a great and impressive memory.

Now I have returned to China, I would like to keep contact with British people, and continue tutoring online. There are 7 or 8 hours time difference between UK and China. Therefore, someone who are interested in learning Chinese/Mandarin, or want to know the culture of China, or want to improve your Maths, please leave me a message. I will do my best to be a good tutor and also a good international friend of you.

In particular, for those who are interested in tutoring English, we can tutor each other for free.

Teaching Experience:
I was a volunteer teacher when I was an undergraduate student in China. It was in a countryside school of Hunan province. I went there with my schoolmates in a summer holiday. I taught students mathematics and introduced interesting things in the university to them. Although time passed fast, we had wonderful time together. Importantly, children and teenagers learned something from me, which is unforgettable in their life and is meaningful to me as well.

I had an experience of tutoring two junior school students for Maths of IGCSE when I was in UK. It lasted over two months. During that time I helped them make big progresses in their studies. I also gain friendship from their families which will last forever.

I had also tutored Mandarin for two kids in the UK after finishing IGCSE tutoring. It was easier for me to tutor language compared to Maths. I enjoyed the time when I spent with those two cute kids.

Tutoring Approach:
I would prepare for the lessons very well before tutoring.
Using an everyday language, make knowledge clear and easy to understand.
Develop student's interest step by step.
Providing good examples.
Give suggestions of study.
etc.

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Personal Description:
I'm French living in England. I studied 5 years in an engineering school in France. I learned science, communication, and project management through marketing courses, management courses and a lot of personaI developpement.
I'm actually based in Reading.

To speak about my personality, I'm playing rugby since I am 9, I love drawing and I used to play guitar in France.
Since I am in England I'm working in a restaurant and I travel around the country during my days off.

I look forward to speaking to you and to share my knowledges with you.

Teaching Experience:
I have hard skills in self directed learning for I learned English in 4 years by myself and with the help of many tools of self directed lear ning. Taking me as a tutor means that after few hours you will be able to learn by yourself with real learning targets to reach and useful ressources.
I was coach of a femal team and a male team as well for 2 years in my university so I can understand how people learn according to their personalities.

Tutoring Approach:
About my approach to tutoring, I will evaluate your level during the first courses and find the right courses for you according to your difficulties.
Little by little I will give you some exercice and tools about self directed learning as well as ressources in order to improve your french when we don't have courses together.
Moreover, I will let you choose subjects you want to work in and adapt my courses, so that apprenticeship stay a pleasure for you.

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Personal Description:
I am a medical doctor graduating from St George's University of London with a Bachelor's in Biomedical Sciences (BSc) from Queen Mary University of London

As someone who used to struggle in school, I want to make a living from teaching the next generation of pupils and students and giving them an easier time as the curriculum continues to become more advanced.

I love using basketball and the gym to pass the time, as I believe being physically active is paramount to maintaining health of both the mind and body; as well as gaining transferrable skills for other aspects of life (for example, studying!)

Teaching Experience:
I have initially tutored many in my secondary school, as my "career" has progressed, more families in my area have been given recommendations and have contacted me to teach their kids, until I have eventually decided to make this more of a profession, and learn more about teaching. I used to work for Exact Tutor part-time in several branches in East and West London, and have received personal training from a former tutor from MedicMind - a very reputable tutor programme designed to prepare students applying for med school.

In more recent times, I have given broader talks to the public about various topics such as COVID, cancer, psychiatric disorders and advanced personalised medicine.

Tutoring Approach:
The most important rule is to focus on the student instead of how you teach them, or more generally, respond accordingly instead of preparing for a series of potential hypothetical situations.

My whole life, I found that most often, 'plans' or 'strategies' were entirely flawed in many cases. With the number of assumptions one would have to make, a single change in these conditions destroys your plan completely.

What I'm trying to say is that not all students are going to be the same, I for one, was a slow learner, whereas many other would pick up on a concept quickly.

So what is my point? I do not rely on ridiculous, repetitive algorithms for teaching students; I prefer to analyse my students learning capabilities as I teach them and prepare tasks based on their performance in mini-tests and recap sessions.

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Personal Description:
I am a former secondary school teacher who thoroughly enjoys tutoring both French and Spanish to a wide range of ages and abilities, from beginner right through to GCSE. My belief is that languages are for everyone. I am also a mum to three children so I understand that flexibility is important is important to my tutees and their parents.

Teaching Experience:
I am qualified to degree level and also hold a PGCE qualification and QTS. I worked as a secondary school teacher until December 2017 and since then I have worked as a private tutor of languages, both in person and online.

Tutoring Approach:
As a Languages tutor, I understand the pressures students face as they approach their GCSE examinations and I like to think of my approach as committed to helping my students to achieve whilst also being mindful of their other study commitments.

At GCSE level, I am fully committed to helping my students to achieve their full potential and will tutor them in each of the four skill areas of writing, speaking, reading and listening. I enjoy working one to one with students, helping them to build their confidence in the French language.

I think it is of particular importance with the new French GCSE specification to identify a student's strengths and weaknesses in terms of the four skill areas and to build on and develop those areas at every session.

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Personal Description:
Since completing my degree, earning a First in Linguistics and Spanish from St. Catherine's College, Oxford, tutoring has become the mainstay of my work. I regularly attend Oxbridge admissions-focussed events for both schools and the general public, as an experienced mock interviewer, seminar leader, and test coach. My speciality is Spanish, though I always hope for aspiring Linguistics students! Outside of tutoring, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and snooker (even though I'm hopeless at it).

Teaching Experience:
- 7 years' tuition experience - focus on Spanish, Linguistics, and Oxbridge admissions
- Regular tutor at an intensive revisions school in Oxfordshire, with a focus on board-specific advice for Spanish examinations at all levels
- Regular seminar leader at Oxbridge-focussed events at school and public events, including:
- personal statement workshops
- admissions test advice (for essay-based subjects)
- interview preparation
- subject-specific seminars for langauges, literature, Linguistics, Classics, and ASNaC

Tutoring Approach:
When tutoring, I do not use the word "lesson"; that's a poor description of the dynamic. Students have a goal, and it is the task of both me and a student to work towards that goal. I have a very informal style in the session, but I hope to back this up with good communication and organisation behind the scenes.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Shannon and I'm in my third year of studying an illustration degree, soon to graduate. In my own work I'm experimental with a variety of art methods so I believe I have relevant skills to help young people with basic art skills. Such as, drawing techniques with the use of different mediums, digital drawing techniques (photoshop), making gifs, story boarding ect. Skills like this are useful to know if you or your child are thinking about college/university.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience as a volunteer in a school- primary school ages

Tutoring Approach:
My approach will be giving a good structure to your own learning, helping you with any skills you wish to pursue, showing openness to you or your child's situation, and building your confidence to become a good artist!

I would firstly get to know you and your struggles and strengths as an artist, run you through the structure of tutoring and check you're happy with it, then record what you want help with!

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Personal Description:
University of London, King's College Law graduate.

After obtaining a Distinction in Special Level History, I decided to study Law, receiving offers from several top universities including University College London and Birmingham. I graduated from the prestigious law school of King's College London with a 2:1 Bachelor of Laws LLB (Hons). The postgraduate Legal Practice Course followed at the College of Law, Chester where I achieved a Commendation. I successfully completed a training contract with a London firm, including accreditation with the University of Cardiff as a Police Station Representative. Please note I am not currently a solicitor so cannot provide you with legal advice, nor, unfortunately, assist you upon arrest! However, I would be delighted to help you with your legal studies and exams with conscientious, tailor-made tuition and the benefit of my academic and professional experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have enjoyed a varied career in law and criminal justice, and have over five years of experience in tutoring. This has included National Probation Service trained tutoring in accredited courses, lead tutoring on an award-winning course for the Trafford area teaching psycho-social and employability skills, and even, for over two years (inspired initially by the Pandemic!), teaching English, one-to-one, online to students of all ages and from all over the world. I am now a dedicated tutor in my subject specialism of Law.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailored, one-to-one support in Law, specialising in A Level. I tutor exclusively online (so no need to be local!) and classes are typically one hour in duration. I truly believe revision and examination techniques are skills in themselves and as such, can be developed to often significantly improve grades.

I have a friendly and empathetic style. I enjoy helping students to simplify the complex, adopt a methodical approach to application scenarios and evaluation questions, and to feel calm and confident approaching exams. It is my hope that all of my students feel a sense of satisfaction, achievement and enjoyment as they develop their knowledge and understanding of what is an often challenging but fascinating area of study.

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Personal Description:
I'm 55 years old, married with two children and three grandchildren. I'm patient and personable, relaxed and professional. My hobbies currently revolve around entertaining my young grandchildren, and reading and gaming when I have time. I am also a part-time pastor of a small Christian church in Southport.

I attended Liverpool John Moores University as a mature student and was awarded a first class degree in English Literature and American Studies. I subsequently completed a PGCE course at the University of Liverpool and qualified as a secondary school teacher in 2000.

Teaching Experience:
For 23 years, I was a member of the English Department at Sacred Heart Catholic College (now Academy) in Crosby, Liverpool. In that time, I taught students from 11-18 and gained experience in whole class teaching and individual and small group tuition. I helped develop schemes of work and lesson plans, and was also a head of year for three years. For many years, I ran after school clubs including a role playing group and a school fiction magazine.

Since 2023, I have been working as a supply teacher at a range of schools in the area, including a year-long stint at Meols Cop High School in Southport from September 2024-July 2025.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had limited experience of private tutoring, but my approach is to assess tutees' strengths and weaknesses through fairly straightforward baselining and focused questioning. Once areas for improvement have been identified, more specific activities will be designed depending on the needs of the tutee. These will invariably involve practice of some kind - whether of writing or reading skills - followed by a discussion of how to improve.

English is a more skills-based than knowledge-based subject. In my experience, most students are well aware of the areas in which they need more help, but struggle with how to develop those areas - precisely because they are not something which can be addressed simply by acquiring or reinforcing knowledge. Having a tutor to talk to helps - to identify and improve those skills which students need to succeed. My aim is to provide practical, easily understood advice, tailored to the tutee's unique circumstances and structured to give them confidence in the subject.

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