Thornhill Tutors & Thornhill Tuition

Personal Description:
I trained as an actor at Arts Educational schools and have forty years experience working as an actor, director, writer and trainer. For ten years I worked as an audio director, directing many of the UK's leading actors in recordings of 150 audio books, poetry collections and drama. As a writer I have seen my plays produced in repertory theatre and by small touring companies and have also written for TV. I have been coaching people in presentation skills, acting and elocution since 2003. I teach young adults aged 18 and over and adults of any age.

Teaching Experience:
I began my career as an actor-teacher, working for small theatre companies touring schools, often leading drama workshops on educational themes. I was also Assistant Lecturer in Contemporary Theatre at the London branch of Boston University, teaching American young adults. I have been teaching private students since 2003, including business people wishing to improve their communication and presentation skills, poets who wish to perform their work live, and corporate trainers seeking voice coaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach at my home (or online), providing a safe, relaxed and supportive environment in which students can learn practical skills, build their confidence and discover their true ability. Lessons are tailored to meet the specific learning needs of the student, whether they are learning for fun or professional development. I work through voice and elocution techniques and performance skills for presenting. I do not teach academic studies or theory.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified Science teacher with over 10 years of classroom experience and 18+ years of tutoring expertise, specialising in KS3 and KS4. I have also successfully supported learners across KS1, KS2, KS5 and adult education. With a BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology and an MSc in Educational Leadership and Management, I deliver clear, engaging and results-focused lessons that build confidence and secure excellent progress. My scientific background enriches my teaching, enabling students to grasp complex concepts with ease and apply them effectively in exams.

Teaching Experience:
I am a former AQA GCSE examiner for Biology, Chemistry and Physics, with experience marking live examination papers and applying grade boundary criteria accurately and consistently.

I have over 8 years of classroom teaching experience, including 6 years in inner-city secondary schools and 2 years in a specialist SEN provision, where I successfully supported learners with dyslexia, autism and challenging behaviour. My expertise is strongly rooted in KS3 and KS4 Science, delivering both Combined Science and Triple Science pathways across Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

I have planned and delivered high-quality, curriculum-aligned lessons informed by QCA guidance at Key Stage 3, and have taught GCSE content across multiple examination boards, including AQA, Edexcel, WJEC and OCR. I have also written and adapted schemes of work, assessment materials and differentiated learning resources to ensure full compliance with the latest curriculum reforms and to support pupils in achieving strong outcomes.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is centred on identifying each learner's starting point, pinpointing areas for development, and transforming those weaknesses into strengths over time. I am a strong advocate of personalised learning, and I create bespoke resources-including concise educational videos, mind maps, and simplified flashcards-to make complex concepts accessible and memorable.

I take a diagnostic and adaptive approach during the first week to determine which learning methods best suit the student. Based on these insights, I design a tailored progress plan that includes clear goals, appropriate pacing, and systematic progress tracking. My aim is not only to enhance subject knowledge but also to unlock confidence, resilience, and independent learning skills.

For students with limited time before an exam, I adapt this approach into a focused, accelerated programme that prioritises high-impact topics, targeted revision strategies, and exam-style practice, ensuring they make rapid, measurable progress and feel fully prepared within the time available.

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Personal Description:
* Grew up as an eighth generation member of a travelling circus family. Brought up around a high risk lifestyle that
promoted good awareness skills. Son of a world renowned wild animal trainer.
* Began uninterrupted formal martial arts training in 1990.
* Achieved first instructor certification in a martial art aged 16.
* Organised security for the largest privately owned Dangerous Wild Animal collection of its kind in Europe on all their
open days.
*Founded Clubb Chimera Martial Arts
*Taught nationally and internationally in Ireland, France and Denmark
* Featured regular writer for Martial Arts Illustrated Magazine 2004-present.
* Featured writer for Combat Magazine
* Featured regular lead article writer for Jissen! Magazine 2008-present
* Wrote foreword for bestselling author and BAFTA award-winning screenplay writer Geoff Thompson's
"Everything that Happens to me is Fantastic"
* Edited Neil Horton's "Japanese Martial Arts"
* Wrote and presented the bestselling DVDs "Cross Training in the Martial Arts"
* Wrote "Mordred's Victory and Other Martial Mutterings"
* Wrote "When Parents Aren't Around: A Young Person's Guide to Self-Protection"
*Wrote "Wrong Fu"

Teaching Experience:
Relevant Qualifications:

Btec Advanced Certificate Self Defence Instructor

OCR NVQ/QCF A1 Assessor

Member of the Institute for Learning

First Aid Certificate

Child Protection Certificate

Full CRB check

Full public liability insurance

Geoff Thompson Self Defence Instructor

Mo Teague's Hard Target System

Clients:

Solicitor's Regulation Authority Forensic Investigation Unit

John Skillen's Martial Arts and Fitness Centre

Hard Target/Krav Maga Ireland

Various one-to-one private clients - both adult and children

Summersdale Media

Martial Arts, Self Defence and Combatives systems studied:

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (2004- present)

Various Mixed Martial Arts/Vale Tudo methods (2003-present)

Submission Grappling (2003-present)

Western Boxing, TVP Concept (2006)

Mongrel Close Quarter Combat Fighting System (2006)

C2: Core Combatives (2005-2006)

Dentokan Ju Jutsu (2003-2004)

Toyama Iaido (2003-2004)

Open Circle Fighting Method (2005, Assistant Coach)

Song Shan Shaolin Chinese Martial Arts and Wu Shu (1996-2003)

Taekwondo (1993-1995)

Sakiado (1st Dan Black Belt, 1991-1993)

Plus varying small degrees of formal instruction through seminars, workshops and private instruction in

Judo, Greco Roman Wrestling, Freestyle Wrestling, Kamishin Ryu Ju Jutsu, Daito Ryu Ju Jutsu, Wing Chun, Choy Lay Fut, Goju Ryu Karate, Wado Ryu Karate, Tony Somers' Intelligent Self Protection, Noma Ukushaya Induku (Zulu Stick Fighting), small firearms self defence, Dennis Jones's self defence approach, Karl Tanswell's S.T.A.B. programme, Kali, Esckrima, Panantukan, various Thai Boxing styles, Systema, Eddie Quinn's The Approach, Urban Combatives, the Keysi Fighting Method and many more.

Tutoring Approach:
My training revolves around clarification, scepticism and individuality. All training is time managed to ensure the student gets the most out of their lessons. We begin with a clear set objective and make sure the student has in mind the goal of every exercise undertaken. Rather than teach a list of techniques, I actively engage all students to get the most out of their individual strengths and I encourage them to look critically at what will work best for them. I promote a self-coaching concept for more efficient skill retention.

I have fully tailored programmes for online tuition via Skype or Zoom. I have my own custom-built gym for personal training.

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Personal Description:
I have retired from school/ college teaching, I am a Physics graduate, qualified science teacher, with 21 years teaching experience. I am able to teach all 3 sciences and maths at GCSE level, and Physics to A Level. I have tutored for many years and have some experience with high level autistic students and considerable experience with dyslexic and dyspraxic and other students that require an extra bit of help.

Please note GCSE rates are £36ph
A level rates remain at £36ph.

Please note that when I can come to you there will be a travel charge of £2 per mile travelled.

Teaching Experience:
2019-2021 Theale Green p/t
2013 -2021 All Hallows 6th Form & School p/t
2011-2013 Farnborough 6th Form College
2005-2011 Bearwood College
2004-2005 Reading Blue Coats School
2002-2004 Shiplake College

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different and so my approach is to assess the problems/difficulties and with heaps of encouragement build confidence through increasing success. I am very adept at inventing mini practicals in order to develop interest and enthusiasm.

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Personal Description:
My journey to teaching was a natural progression from my passion for languages. For me, language teaching is synonymous with cultural exchange: by fostering an interest in language, I stimulate inter cultural awareness and empathy for others.
I am fascinated by the way in which children develop, as well as the challenges that arise when working alongside children and families. I am a qualified teacher. The PGCE Post-Compulsory Education and Training course I studied allowed me to gain work experience in secondary school and college. I have gained an understanding of the variety of ways in which adults work with children, such as placing more emphasis innovative curricular and raising achievement. In addition, I have an excellent understanding of the range of teaching and learning strategies.
The course also helped me to improve schemes of work, lesson plans and related resources. I have a good understanding of English and Mathematics. I have completed G.C.S.E.'s and "A" levels in Maths and English in Spain.
I believe that I have an open personality with other people. Moreover, I am easy to get along with. This helps me as a teacher to quickly develop a trusting relationship with people.
I am a gentle, loving and caring person and this helps me to be aware of children's and families' needs and be more responsive and empathetic towards them of faith and faith based in education. I am also multi-lingual. Spanish is my first language; I am fluent in English and I speak French.

Teaching Experience:
Spanish Teacher

In my role I had to make sure that I delivered my teaching to specific objectives, to deliver the best learning to the pupils. I identified clear teaching objectives and then set challenging, diverse expectations delivering individual teaching to the different levels of ability in the class, whether this being SEN pupils or very able pupils.
I used a variety of teaching methods to match appropriate content and information, using a different strategies and planned interventions, as well as first hand experience. At the end of each class I reviewed the content with the class to make sure that they had full understanding and the objectives of the lessons were met. This gives me the ability to monitor the strengths and weaknesses of each pupil so I can plan future lessons.

Spanish teacher

My role was involved in planning and delivering schemes of work and lessons that meet the requirements of the KS3, 4 and 5 in addition I was a sixth form tutor and I helped the students who want to apply to university or find an apprenticeship . At the same time, I showed care and concern for students by talking to one to one every week with tutor group.
I also set homework of a meaningful and appropriate nature, having regard to students' abilities. I assessed and monitored students' progress, maintained records and reported on the development, progress and attainment of students in accordance with school and curriculum area policy. While I took reasonable steps to maintain good order and discipline among students monitor their attendance and safeguard their health and safety, both when they are authorised to be on school premises and when they are engaged in authorised school activities elsewhere.

Tutoring Approach:
Approaches for early years and primary

Initiative: Children demonstrate initiative as they explore their world.
Planning: Children make plans and follow through on their intentions.
Engagement: Children focus on activities that interest them.
Problem solving: Children solve problems encountered in play.
Use of resources: Children gather information and formulate ideas about their world.
Reflection: Children reflect on their experiences.

Learning a foreign language is a process that implies some mimicking, language awareness, practice on comprehension, expression and also creativity. Some studies claim that the way we store languages in our brains is similar to that of data storing in a computer, but, of course, much more human, organic and alive. Languages have different components that need to be acquired and "stored" so that we can start feeling confident and creative in using them.

On the other hand, languages are a set of sounds, words (vocabulary), rules (grammar), expressions and even non-verbal language that are acquired both consciously and unconsciously. Conscious learning is a process in which I am extremely interested because it feels as if we are actually helping our minds to store the data so they can be available for us to use. This can be called monitored learning or instruction and it is an important part of the teaching activity: basically providing the tools for the learner to feel comfortable, confident and free using them.

I love grammar and language diversity and I always try to convey that passion to my students, since all sounds, words and structures have an origin and a history, they are also alive and that is what makes languages such wonderful tools for communication among very different people.

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Personal Description:
I am a vibrant passionate Italian, French and English Teacher. I am strongly committed in delivering outstanding teaching, supporting learners and motivating them.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 20 years, delivering:
- classes to pupils aged from 14 to 18 as a State teacher in Italy,
- individual tuition / group classes to pupils, students, professionals, adults
- individual tuition / group classes for certification purposes to pupils, students, professionals, adults in English (Cambridge ESOL certificates from A2 to C1 level), DELf-DALF (Alliance française certificates from A2 to C1 level), FIT and Start (Goethe Institut, FIT 1 and FIT 2, Start 1 and 2)
- individual / group classes for entrepreneurs (French and English)
- individual/group tuition for national competitions, job interviews,....
- degree thesis in English and French.

Tutoring Approach:
Being passionate of research, innovative methodology, communication I have developed my own methodology enabling students to speak and write from the very first lesson.
I have a true passion for pronounciation which enables learners to easily understand and produce well built answers.
I have develped my own methodology for listening activities and pronunciation skills from my experience as an interpreter (simultaneous, consecutive, chuchotage).

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Personal Description:
CIAO A TUTTI!

My name is Stefano, I have been a lecturer in Italian at the University of Reading since 2014. I currently teach Italian Language for Management and Business, Italian Language for students at an advanced level, and I am the module convenor of a literature module covering a period from Middle Ages to Renaissance.

I am the founder of a company, which provides language tutoring (individual and groups, private and companies, online and face-to-face). My students call me "Il Maestro": I am sure they don't mean that! :D

There is no age limit for learning ITALIAN. Contact me!

Teaching Experience:
2013-to date, Lecturer in Italian, University of Reading
2013-2014, Study Skills Adviser, University of Reading
2017 - PhD in Italian, University of Reading
2010 - MA in Italian Philology, University of Salerno, Italy
2008 - BA in Italian, University of Salerno, Italy

Tutoring Approach:
A one-size-fits-all approach is NOT my thing. Every student has different needs and lessons need to be tailored accordingly.

I also run online and face-to-face Italian language courses for small groups (max 8 students). It's cheaper and my students enjoy it a lot:

BEGINNERS, Thursdays 5-6:30 pm
POST-BEGINNERS, Mondays 5:30-7 pm
PRE-INTERMEDIATE, Mondays, 9-10:30 am OR 5:30-7 pm; Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm;
INTERMEDIATE, Saturdays 9:15-10:45

We also have some fun with workshops about Italian & Cooking, Italian & Cinema, Italian & Music, Italian Grammar, & Italian Slang: days and time vary to suit participants' needs.

Thanks to my theatrical experience, my lessons for CHILDREN will include the use of 'puppets' and other activities to be decided time by time, according to the topic and tutees' needs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PRICE AND OFFERS, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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Personal Description:
I am a 30 year old History and Politics graduate, with ten GCSE's and three A Levels.
I am passionate about education and very keen to help students improve and reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have acquired a lot of experience in schools and tutored both small groups and one to one.

I have also tutored privately, for eighteen months. All of the students that I have tutored thus far, have achieved or exceeded their targets.

Tutoring Approach:
My effective approach to tuition has been complimented, by experienced teachers who have observed my sessions. I am happy to adapt to the needs of individual students and work at an appropriate pace. I will tutor primary aged children one to one or in groups of two or three and older students one to one.
I firmly believe that everyone can succeed, with the necessary help and I strive to ensure that all of my students do just that.

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Personal Description:
I hold a BA in Classics and Modern Greek from the National Kapodistrian University of Athens (Faculty of Linguistics), a Research Master's (MPhil) in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition from the University of Birmingham and I am currently doing a master's in Digital Humanities focusing on technology- enhanced language learning.
I specialize in bilingualism and more specifically in teaching Greek as a foreign language. Currently I work as a High School Language Teacher, as a freelance language content contributor for online learning platforms and as a freelance language tutor teaching both Greek and English mainly to adults.
I am fun, creative and a language enthusiast!

Teaching Experience:
High School Teacher at Ekpaideutiki Anagennisi (Greek private school)
Freelance language content contributor for an online learning platform
Freelance language tutor: Greek and English
Teacher at the Greek School of Ayia Triada, Erdington, Birmingham (2017-2018)
Freelance content writer for a travel website (2015-2016)
Teacher at the Experimental High School of Ambelokipi, Athens (placement- 2014)
Teaching Assistant at the Greek School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Pevki, Athens (2015-2016)
Tutor (2013-2017) in Ancient and Modern Greek, Modern Greek History and Literature
Volunteer tutor in English (2015-2017) to deaf and hard of hearing learners (using Greek Sign Language)

Tutoring Approach:
Each lesson is tailored to the individual learner's needs. The cornerstones of my teaching methodology pertain to: a) structured practice, b) speaking and general communicative skills, c)reading skills, d)writing skills,e) cultural understanding and f) systematic language testing. Personalized teaching material which focuses on all aspects of the language (paying special attention to the grammatical and syntactical structure of the language) is provided with every lesson. The learning intentions are established in collaboration with each learner. My main goal is to create a meaningful and fun learning experience by engaging students in an active learning process.

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Personal Description:
I have 11 years of teaching experience across 2 Outstanding rated schools.
I hold the following professional qualifications:
Masters: MA Education (Nottingham) 2018.
PGCE Secondary Science: Chemistry (Nottingham) 2013.
Degree: BSc Chemistry (Loughborough) 2008.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working full time at an OFSTED Outstanding rated secondary school as a Teacher of Science, with a specialism in Chemistry. I have 11 years of teaching experience, covering Key Stage 3 Science, GCSE Combined Science and Seperate Science with a Chemistry specialism, A-Level Chemistry on both the AQA and OCR exam boards, and BTEC Level 3 Applied Science. I have taught a number of students who have gone on to study at Oxford and Cambridge, students who have studied Medincine, and also students who have gone on to university to study Chemistry. I have held a number of roles including Curriculum Co-ordinator within Science, and have been a mentor for both trainee teachers and Newly Qualified Teachers.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe all students should be actively involved in deciding what aspects of course content they want to revise, along with advice and intervention from myself. This can then be supported by ongoing assessment and feedback to ensure progress is being made, and any areas of misconception are revisited.

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Personal Description:
I have a bachelors and masters in psychology, a PGCE and am currently a trainee psychologist.

Teaching Experience:
I have 8 years of teaching and tutoring experience.

Tutoring Approach:
A student centred approach, adaptive teaching, guided learning, discovery learning.

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Personal Description:
I am from Malaysia, currently studying in Kings College London taking MSc Microbiome in Health and Disease.
I have experience in teaching, and I am passionate about sharing knowledge to students, and encouraging students to learn.
I believe that education takes us to places, even to territories that are yet to be ventured. Even though I have left the formal education field to pursue my interests, I believe that I can serve in the field by tutoring students in need.

Teaching Experience:
BIOLOGY TEACHER (01/2016 - 08/2021)
Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Worked with Science department Head as special adviser on curriculum development for Biology programme.
Maintained positive, supportive relationships and communication channels with parents and caregivers.
Delivered lab lessons, utilising lab equipment and experiments to further student learning.
Effectively managed classroom behaviour through deescalation and redirection techniques.
Provided interactive and digital learning sessions during COVID in compliance with quality learning standards.
Supervised safe lab work, closely monitoring students adherence to all health and safety policies.
Assessed student performance, behaviour and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER (11/2014 - 12/2015)
Yu Gong Decoration Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Translated various documents within tight deadlines, including legal and technical content.
Proofread completed translations to catch and fix punctuation, grammatical and translation errors.
Conducted in-depth research or consulted with specialists to obtain information on technical information translation or scientific phrases.
Translated original text, ensuring perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Offered quick verbal translations of documents for use by legal and business professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I will try to understand the student's level of understanding in a particular topic.
I will also compare with the education syllabus to grasp the requirements for the student to pass with certain grade.

Once those are ascertained, I will make use of available teaching materials (such as videos, educational books) to teach the student, and even make use of drawings to illustrate my points.

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