Thurgoland Tutors & Thurgoland Tuition

Personal Description:
- qualified ex-secondary MFL teacher (PGCE, QTS obtained), familiar with and taught Mandarin Chinese GCSE specifications (AQA and Edexcel), A Level Chinese specifications at UK secondary schools. My students have great exam results.
- Native Mandarin and Taiwanese speaker, Excellent communication skills
- Experienced Mandarin Tutor. I worked with pupils at different levels: pre-School/ KS1- 5/ FE/ HE/ adults/ retired/ business Chinese/ tourism Chinese, including those with SEN and from diverse cultural background using English as an additional language)
- Freelance translator (television programmes subtitles, between English and Mandarin Chinese)
- Freelance interpreter (legal/Immigration)
- Experienced in tailor-making and delivering one-to-one tutoring lessons
- Knowledge of traditional Chinese/Taiwanese culture, politics, history, geography, society and current pop culture. Also able to combine the above with Mandarin learning/teaching
- Patient, reliable and honest
- mentored PGCE student teachers, Early Career Teachers.
- conduct and co-lead research projects with IOE (Institute of Education, University College London), on Content and Language Integrated Learning, 2021 to date. Co-presented the research results at 2 international academic conferences in 2023.

Teaching Experience:
- Mandarin Teacher at University of Leeds (Sep 2008- May 2011), a private school in north Wales (Y7 and Y9, complete beginner group/individual and GCSE preparation, 2011), a grammar school on the Wirral (2015- 2020, Y7- Y13, including GCSE/A Level preparation), and a comprehensive state school in Liverpool (2020-2023).
- Author/proof-reader of online Mandarin course contents (targeting KS2, KS3, and GCSE learners); Online Mandarin Tutor (KS2 learners and GCSE candidates. One of my pupils was accepted by a Chinese undergraduate course as her first choice for Sep 2014 entry, because of my lessons); eLearning Specialist advising the management team regarding VLE/ LMS and providing training on online teaching for fellow teachers (all above under this bullet point: between Jun 2012- Jun 2014, employed by a private company in north Wales)
- freelance one-to-one Tutor of Mandarin, face-to-face and online
- University Lecturer in Audience Development in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in Arts Management in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in English in Taiwan
- Tutor of English (adult/primary/secondary level, face-to-face, individual and groups) in Taiwan

Tutoring Approach:
- Use real-Life scenario for examples and conversation practice
- Integrate Culture into language acquisition
- Offer Business/Leisure/Travel/Conversation Mandarin Lessons
- Offer Pin-Yin and Phonics; Simplified and Traditional Mandarin characters
- Lessons are tailor-made to suit different levels from beginners to advanced Mandarin speaker
- You can choose to get trained in Listening, Speaking, Writing or Reading skills, or a combination of these four
- Deliver lessons in English-only, Mandarin-only, or a combination of English and Mandarin
- Devise different learning methods/ activities/ content for each individual learner to suit their own confidence, Mandarin abilities and learning targets/ motives.
- Encourage students to participate in their own learning process actively by creating an interactive and friendly learning environment.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I believe it is very important for children to have a knowledge of a modern language,and that anyone can learn a foreign language, as long as they put enough work into it.I love my teaching work and my subject,and am currently studying for the Diploma in Translation.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private tutor now for eighteen years,mainly to GCSE and 'A'-level students,.although I have also taught adults in a family environment.Before working as a private tutor,I spent nine years teaching my subject in secondary education.Over the years I have been able to improve students' exam grades,so that they are able to continue with their studies,or,in the case of 'A'-level students,gain entry to University.I am happy to supply recent references.In recent years, I have come to specialize in helping GCSE pupils with their speaking and writing tasks for their controlled assessments, which many find daunting. In the majority of cases I have been able to achieve a significant improvement in the final grade.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different,and I will always try to adapt my teaching methods to the needs of each student.I use both computer technology and up-to-date textbooks as teaching aids,as required.I believe that each lesson should be carefully planned as part of an overall programme of development and study.I cover the syllabus and examinations of all the National Awarding Bodies, and provide any assistance with coursework.I believe that establishing a good rapport between tutor and student is important in order to improve standards.

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Personal Description:
I am a professional piano player with a degree in Music and Music Technology from Keele University. My work includes session playing, touring theatre shows, accompanying and teaching piano, keyboard or music theory lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have previously worked as a piano/keyboard/music theory for Telford Music School (Jan 2010 - June 2011), teaching all ages and abilities, and I have spent the summers of 2011 and 2012 as the Theatre Assistant/Musical Director for Chateaugay Summer Camp in America. I currently offer private tutoring at pupils homes to fit in with my other professional work.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is different and requires a different approach. I try hard to adapt for each pupil but my main concern is that they enjoy what they are playing/learning. I like to let people discover their own musical tastes and preferences while still exploring and understanding a whole range of music.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an author and a poet, I have had many poems published, won first prize in an international poetry competition (2011) and have also brought out two collections, which are on sale on Amazon. In 2015 I published my memoir A Hippopotamus at the Table. Set in South Africa in the 1970s. I'm about to publish my second memoir and published a book called Writing Memoir. How to Write a Story from Your Life in 2017. Formerly I taught memoir writing to small groups. I have a blog which is updated regularly with articles about writing, poetry, my travels and events.

Teaching Experience:
I taught in Adult Education at a variety of colleges for approximately 10 years (until 2000) - my main subject was Ancient Egyptian History - one of the colleges was Birkbeck University (University of London) I taught undergraduates. I ran a class for a number of years before that for City University on Ancient Egyptian History. For 6 years I taught Information Technology (seminars) at London Metropolitan University, to first year undergraduates. More recently (2000-2014) I worked in Criminal Justice delivering Cognitive Behavioural programmes to offenders and also on another programme supporting victims of violence.
I used to host language students for St Giles English Language school and also for a year taught TEFL one-to-one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is Socratic in delivery, to draw from the student what they know, what their interests are and expand on that. I like to bring students to poetry, and know about poetry from a variety of cultures from Moslem (like Rumi, Omar Khayam) to French and Afro Caribbean writers. I think learning English should be broad and interesting and make people think. My teaching method is through a conversational approach, short written exercises for identifying strengths and weaknesses, building on strengths and working on areas that require a structured approach for improvement. Learning should be interesting and it should be fun.

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Personal Description:
I obtained my degree in physics and doctorate in theoretical physics from the University of Nottingham. I then spent ten years working as a physicist in various universities in Italy, New Zealand and the UK. My specialty was low temperature physics. I am fascinated by science and try to pass on my enthusiasm.

In my spare time I enjoy white-water kayaking.

Teaching Experience:
One of my responsibilities as a postdoctoral researcher was to mentor physics students. I am used to explaining difficult concepts and techniques in a clear, simple and concise way. I have been working as a maths and physics tutor since January 2016. I currently teach students from 13 to adult, up to advanced higher.

I also work as an outdoors instructor, teaching climbing, kayaking and biking. Most of my outdoors work is with children, often those who have behavioural problems and are at risk of being excluded from school.

Tutoring Approach:
I encourage the student to think for himself/herself rather than spoon-feeding the material. I ensure that the student understands the fundamental concepts behind each topic, and does not simple regurgitate methods by rote. I aim to instill a fundamental understanding of the subject, but as exams approach I go through past papers and hone exam technique.

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Personal Description:
I am Greek and I live in Oxford.I am a teacher holding a QTS and I have experience in teaching French,Greek and English at all levels.I have studied French Language and literature (Bachelor with Honours) and I have completed a Masters Degree in :Teaching French as a foreign language. (MEd)

I am a Greek native speaker and I am fluent in both English and French.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher (QTS) in UK and I am recently DBS checked. Since September 2021 I am part of the Greek School of Oxford teaching Greek Language and Culture to mixed abilities classes of different year groups.

I have extensive experience in teaching French to all year groups and abilities, as well as Spanish for year7/8/9. My M.Ed degree (2nd Cycle) helped me to develop expertise in teaching French as a foreign language especially for intercultural environments. I have successfully completed a postgraduate dissertation named: "Méthodes et pratiques de l'enseignement de FLE dans le cadre de l'école primaire en Angleterre." ("Methods and techniques of teaching French as a foreign language in primary schools in England".)

For the past 10 years, I was employed as an MFL teacher in secondary schools and the last few years I worked as a KS2 teacher in primary schools in London and Oxford. As a Language Coordinator, I have actively participated in redesigning the KS2 curriculum and I have a proven record of raising achievement and behaviour, most pupils made significant progress since I was there. Furthermore, I am aware of the British curriculum and the needs of every single year group. My lessons are planned to meet these particular needs but simultaneously, they satisfy the needs and interests of the different groups I am teaching each time.

I specialise in Lesser Taught Languages and serve as an examiner for GCSE/International GCSE Greek and French.

When in Greece, I worked in language schools as well as privately for more than 16 years teaching foreign languages and Greek to both children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a linguist with rich experience in teaching languages in various settings at all levels. I keep myself updated to all recent teaching approaches. My lessons are student-centred and planned to satisfy and meet each student's specific needs.

I strongly believe that the contrasting nature of my places of work has enriched my knowledge as a teacher in expanding my experience of dealing with a diverse range of young people, identities, personalities and needs.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! I am Alba. I was born in the south of Spain and have lived there for the majority of my life. I did Spanish Studies as a degree in Huelva (near Seville), and later enrolled in an MA for Spanish Teaching as a Foreign Language in my home town, Granada. I then moved to the UK to work as an Assistant Teacher of Spanish in London, which led me to taking the PGCE course and acquiring Qualified Teacher Status. I am currently a teacher of Spanish at Secondary level in inner Birmingham.

Back in Spain I used to teach in an independent school in Ronda (Málaga), where we offered from one-to-one lessons to small classes of beginners to advanced level, and I absolutely loved it. In my experience, my students thrive in a more personalised environment of their choosing.

I am able to offer tuition from 9am - 5pm on Saturdays or Sundays in Moseley or nearby. We can meet at your house or in a local pub. Feel free to contact me for any queries or doubts!

¡Gracias!
Alba

Teaching Experience:
- Escuela Entrelenguas (Ronda, Málaga, Spain)
- Greenford High School (London) - Teacher Assistant for Spanish
- PGCE with two placements in Secondary Schools in Lancashire.
- Currently teaching in a state school in Birmingham.

Tutoring Approach:
The lessons are dictated by the students and will depend on one´s needs, whether it is revision lessons for GCSE students, grammar support or improving speaking skills.

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Personal Description:
A qualified teacher and translator, in Arabic and English, with proven ability to translate written documents and act as an interpreter and to teach Arabic to all types of students. Multi-skilled and reliable quick-learner. Able to absorb new ideas and information and communicate clearly and effectively with a wide range of people across social and professional backgrounds. A track record of demonstrating adaptability and resilience in adversity gained over recent years since leaving Syria. Now looking for an opportunity to work as an Arabic teacher or a translator and interpreter for a successful and ambitious company that offers the potential for career development and progression

Teaching Experience:
I have 15 years of experience in teaching Arabic in official schools and colleges. I am a native Arabic speaker and have been teaching Arabic since 2006.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a good knowledge of many teaching approaches and techniques including the translation technique and that of inductive, deductive and so forth.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Pedro. I was born in Portugal but have lived in England since I was 9. I'm currently studying BSc in Psychology at Bournemouth University and I really enjoy my degree. I am particularly interested in clinical psychology and as a result since April 2022 I've been volunteering at 'Hammersley Homes', a charity which focuses on helping adults with mental illness. A few hours a week I visit someone who finds himself adjusting back into society, he has autism and bipolar. We speak, go on walks, cycle or listen to music together. I have learnt a lot about how difficult certain people find life. This experience has really helped me to be more empathetic, caring and positive.
I also really enjoy surfing, jogging and cooking.

Teaching Experience:
I took up a role as 'PAL' leader at my university where I was given a classroom of 20 first year psychology students. Although the role involved me 'facilitating' instead of 'teaching'. I spoke to my 'students' every week on what content they were struggling with, since I had done the same content the year prior, I compiled and summarised content which I had been taught and created power point slides to give them direction and a better understanding on the content. I also emphasised taking care of mental health and getting involved with the community.

I was nervous at first, worried about speaking too fast or having awkward silences but after a few sessions I found myself loving it. I received really good feedback from students and supervisor who suggested I should be a teacher because I made the sessions really engaging.

Tutoring Approach:
I see tutoring as an amazing opportunity to help motivate students and help them engage in their learning, so that they gain confidence, a better understanding, and better results. I understand every student is different so finding the best way the student engages with the work, is vital so that they enjoy the process of learning and succeeding. I like spreading positivity and joy, since I believe it's the best learning environment.

I know a lot of hard work goes into studying each exam board to make sure I'm giving accurate support and working hard to find questions which fit the skill of student.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been a Sociology teacher for over 3 years. I did my bachelors degree in European Social and Political Studies and did a PGCE in Social Sciences at UCL.

I have achieved A*A*A grades at A-Level Sociology, Politics and Geography. I have studied both AS and A2 Level Sociology with AQA and received A* Grades in all my modules - the topics I have studied were: Family and Households; Education; Crime and Deviance; Beliefs; Theory and Methods. I have also taught the Media component of the course.

Even if I haven't studied the same topics, I believe that I can offer extremely valuable essay tips and techniques to help you succeed at A-Level Sociology as I have gained a wealth of knowledge over the last 3 years of teaching and 5 years of tutoring this subject.

I can offer an array of resources from exemplar essay answers and Sociology lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Sociology teacher for over 3 years, therefore so I have a lot of experience with AQA A-Level Sociology specification. Also, I have tutored A-Level Sociology for over 5 years.

Here are the reviews I have gotten from past tutees:

"Her lessons are interactive and highly informative. She asks what i want to focus on next session and will send power points in case i was unclear on anything. She has made sociology much clearer to me." - Rachael

"Whilst I was part of the corona virus a level year and didn't actually get to sit my exams! Aleksandra had been a great help. Her lessons were always very organised and structured and she was very prompt. They genuinely improved my subject knowledge (sociology) and even though I had gone to a grammar school, I feel like it's Aleksandra's teaching above all that would've enabled me to get an a* due to her little tips and key words!" - Trudi

"Very good and friendly" - Julia

"I currently get online tutoring from Aleksandra, she uses powerpoint style learning which is easy to follow along to and make notes, she is also good at explaining how to do past paper questions." - Malaika

"Very good tutor and explains the subject well. Power points are very helpful" - Natasha

"Miss Aleksandra Is absolutely great! She came prepared and organised never once watched the time! Helped my daughter so much already in just two lessons couldn't be more happy with her" - Nyomi

Tutoring Approach:
I make presentations catered for the tutee for every lesson. I make them as interactive and engaging, as this is what allows for retention. Throughout the lesson I make sure that the tutee understands the content (e.g. asking the tutee to rephrase the content that is being learnt to make sure they fully grasp the topic.) I end lessons with recap practice exam questions.
After the end of the lesson, I send the presentation via email so you can revisit it at any time.
Also, I am accessible via email so if you have any queries related to Sociology outside of the lesson I am always happy to help.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Greetings! I'm a dedicated and passionate Computer Science student at King's College London, with a drive to make learning an engaging and empowering experience for all my students. My journey has been one of continuous growth, from helping classmates with homework to mentoring students and even my own siblings. These experiences have not only honed my academic skills but also deepened my understanding of the challenges students face. My commitment to learning goes beyond academics; I'm an avid problem solver and believe in fostering creativity and critical thinking. Outside of the academic realm, I enjoy exploring the intersections of technology, art, and society, which often provides unique insights that I love to share with my students.

Teaching Experience:
My journey as an educator has been shaped by diverse experiences. I've tutored primary school students, assisting them in grasping fundamental concepts through interactive and relatable methods. With high school students, including A-level candidates, I've delved into the complexities of Computer Science, Maths, Physics, and Chemistry making abstract ideas tangible through real-world examples. Beyond technical skills, I've been a mentor, helping students build study strategies, time-management skills, and self-confidence. My approach involves creating a comfortable environment where questions are welcomed, mistakes are seen as stepping stones, and learning is tailored to individual needs. Through various roles, I've realized that education is not just about information transfer, but about inspiring a hunger for knowledge that extends beyond the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring approach can be summed up in three words: Engage, Empower, Elevate. I firmly believe that engagement is the cornerstone of effective learning. I strive to make even the most abstract concepts relatable by drawing parallels to everyday experiences. This fosters curiosity and a desire to explore further. Empowerment comes from creating a safe space for students to voice their questions and ideas without hesitation. Together, we tackle challenges, building not only subject mastery but also self-assurance. Lastly, elevation entails guiding students to see beyond the immediate coursework, encouraging them to think critically and relate their learning to broader contexts. Through a balance of guidance and autonomy, I aim to equip my students with skills that extend well beyond exams-skills that will serve them throughout their academic and personal journeys.

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Personal Description:
I am a BSc Maths Graduate that's absolute 'maths nerd' that loves seeing people understand maths, and spreading information about maths.
I think anyone can learn maths, given the right teaching and going at their own pace, and I think I can provide this style of teaching

Teaching Experience:
I've taught students aged 7 to 18, both online and in person, using a flexible and encouraging approach. Working with such a wide range of learners has helped me adapt to different needs and learning styles, helping students build confidence, understand things more clearly, and see real improvements in their results.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching follows three stages for topics that students are less familiar with:

Guided Example - I begin by working through an example with the student, explaining each step in detail.

Supported Practice - I then provide a similar question broken into smaller parts, prompting the student to ask questions and gradually increasing their independence. This step is repeated until they are confident.

Independent Practice - Finally, I give the student a full question without hints or prompts, to check their understanding and ability to solve it independently.

I can tutor Mathematics up to A-Level (including Further Maths), and I am confident with all the content at this level. Informally, I have tutored peers in the past and found it rewarding to see their progress reflected in improved grades.

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