Thurlston Tutors & Thurlston Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified language teacher with 30+ years' teaching experience. My credentials include
MPhil, Combined Degree in teaching English and German, Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - CELTA (Grade B), Cambridge Certificate of Achievement in Teaching English Online

I'm a highly educated native Russian speaker and
I consider English my second mother tongue (having been immersed in it since the age of 10 and having lived in the UK for over 20 years).

Having done a great deal of studying, reading and teaching through the years, I'm passionate about passing my knowledge to others. I feel that I have a lot to offer to those who're looking for extra help or guidance in improving their English skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English as a foreign language at different levels since 1984, first in Russia and since 2001 in the UK.
I've worked with students of different age groups at a range of educational levels. My employers included mainstream schools, a Teacher Training Institute, an Academy of Economics and Management, and specialized language schools.

After completing a Cambridge CELTA course, I taught English to groups of international students at Brooklands College on General English, IELTS preparation, and ESOL Skills for Life courses.

My field of expertise and special interest is the Modern English Grammar. With my help, students achieve better understanding of how the language is structured and organised; with practice, their overall linguistic performance improves as well.

I'm currently teaching private students in these areas:
- General Conversational English
- English Grammar

I provide individual tuition online using Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp, with support via e-mail or text/voice chat.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout my teaching career I have always tried to adjust my teaching style and methods to the learners' individual needs and circumstances, my priorities being high professionalism and reliability.

As a dedicated teacher, I never stop learning and developing my professional skills, which allows me to offer my students the best in modern teaching methods.

Here is some of my students' feedback:
"I can highly recommend Galina as an excellent teacher. Her teaching materials are interesting and relevant with a lot of variety. She is always patient and her encouragement will help you to progress rapidly. Galina strives to bring out the best in every student and her experience and friendly manner will make this a pleasurable experience."
Lucy.
"Now 64, I have taken over 50 part-time and evening courses in arts, languages and computing during my adult life. Galina is one of the most inspiring and competent teachers I have had. I look forward to joining her more advanced class." Martin.

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Personal Description:
I like being a teacher and I get true enjoyment from sharing my knowledge and skills with new learners, making them realize how easy learning can be and how much actually they do know already. I like helping young people enjoy learning and making learning easy for them. I am patient and adaptable and easy to talk to. I always discuss the needs of my new pupils very carefully and aim to build their confidence in the subject. As an Examiner with a well-known Board, I am able to help my students to maximise their potential using targeted revision and exam techniques.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher for many years. I have always wanted to be a teacher. I have worked in several schools now, gaining experience from working with a variety of learners of various ages and learning styles. I have worked within the requirements of more than one exam board, therefore I am quite familiar with all exam formats. I have been a tutor also for 10 years with very good results. Students do like me within first session, gaining confidence and self reassurance that they are capable of a lot already. Only some issues need re-addressing, building on their prior knowledge. I work as an Edexcel and SATs expert examiner. I am recommended as a tutor by Emmanuel College and Cardinal Hume School in Gateshead, as both schools know me well. Among other teaching positions I have been a classroom teacher at Lord Lawson School in Birtley and Whitburn School in Sunderland. I have worked as an intervention teacher (one to one teacher) in a few schools already, due to my extensive experience gained along the past years.

Tutoring Approach:
Within the first session, I discover the individual needs of my learners, their strengths and weaknesses. Then I devise a plan to address the whole programme of study within the number of weeks available, so no topic is ignored. I work simultaneously on exam requirements, but also on skill development, skills that the student can benefit from, outside the boundaries of a specific exam format. Students find themselves forgetting the time, often engrossed in their work, mentally challenged and stimulated. I set short homework at times, so that students can practise independently on those skills they develop with me, being reassured that they can transfer those skills further. I do provide learning materials which I do personalize for each student. I am very likable and I do make young learners be at ease within minutes of meeting them.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am a Senior A Level Chemistry examiner and specialist Chemistry tutor with a wealth of experience as a classroom teacher. I have expertise on AQA, Edexcel and OCR A. I hold Qualified Teacher Status as well as a PhD.

My focus as a tutor is to improve my students' learning experience. This results in more confident students able to achieve higher grades.

My name is Fran and I am grateful for being able to teach.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a professional private tutor since 2009. I consistently help my students to improve their results and final grades.

My experience as an examiner since 2014 enables me to guide students on how to maximise their performance in exams. I work with my students through mark schemes, helping them to interpret them, and revise independently.

I have been a GCSE and A Level Chemistry classroom teacher from 2011 to 2021. This has allowed me to build an extensive pool of resources that range from introduction of topics to activities that challenge students to the A*. I am very aware of typical problem areas where students struggle as well as common misconceptions, and I tackle them in ways that students feel comfortable with.

Tutoring Approach:
Great part of my success helping students is due to using a spiral teaching approach which consists of three layers:

First layer: Fulfil your potential.
I train and equip my students with tools and strategies designed to help them work on a given topic in an independent manner. My tutoring model does not make the student be dependent on me, rather the opposite.

Second layer: Support and stretch.
Together with the student, I identify strengths and areas for improvements. This makes lessons focussed and productive. I then guide my students to move on to the next level in their learning journey, stretching them whilst keeping learning achievable.

Third layer: Review, review, review
By unleashing my students' potential and providing them with tailored support we manage to cover the syllabus earlier than they would normally do in their school or sixth form college.
This allows us to revisit topics, which has a huge impact on gaining long term knowledge retention as well as depth of understanding. Students who have followed this plan feel ready and confident in the days previous to the exam.

As to tuition arrangements:

Firstly, we will discuss your goals and any areas where you particularly want to improve. We will plan the first lesson and I will inform you about some simple resources to be ready to start. We normally set up some homework to be submitted before the first lesson but this depends on the student's needs.

Subsequently I will enrol you into an online classroom designed for uploading resources, submitting homework and receiving specific feedback on it. The next step is our first lesson, where you will have a very active role and get practice, tips and continuous feedback. Following I will set you targeted homework to cement your knowledge. If after the first lesson you are not fully satisfied, you will get all the lesson fee back.

I follow the spiral learning approach and aim to review topics with my students several times to enhance their depth and long term retention of knowledge.

In addition to be keen on developing students' academic skills, I equally work on improving their attitudes towards learning, e.g. I train them to accept mistakes with a positive mindset, and use them as highly valuable learning experience in their journey. These attitudes towards learning play a vital role in helping students enjoy the subject and perform at their best.

If interested, please message me to assess how I could help your son or daughter best

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Personal Description:
A true renaissance man, Alex makes: mini epic films, video installations, games, photographs, sculpture, blogs and books. Using readily available materials and software the work often has a feeling of improvisation, an initial throwaway idea made visible.

Throughout his practice there is a sense of an acceptance of failure or disappointment as important parts of the human condition. He makes light with big issues and is, in turn, haunting and funny. His humorous sculpture typically conveys a sense of the accidental, eternally on the brink of failure or collapse. Recent DIY apocalypses, created from expanding builders' foam, seem to have an unruly, malevolent life of their own and explore the processes of invasion and infection. While his films and writing play with ideas of chance, quotidian struggles, the loss of control and responsibility.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a range of students of all ages and backgrounds from: National Diploma, Extended Diploma, Art Foundation, Degree to MA level.
I have experience in all fields of art and design but my specialist areas include: Sculpture, Drawing, Video, Art History, Cotextual Studies, Art Theory and installation.
I am expert at preparing students' portfolios for interview at Foundation and Degree level.
I am also able to advise in a number of areas of profesional practice including: Statement writing, CVs, recording work, publicity and basic website construction.
I have also had experience of teaching adults basic IT skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I am happy to tutor online and in person either in my own studio or by home visits (by bicycle)
I am an easy going and responsive tutor, happy to discuss individual student's needs and to guide them through all stages of their art and design career.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and Cambridge graduate with 15 years of experience tutoring both science and maths. I focus on improving confidence and fostering a deeper understanding of each topic. By relating theoretical concepts to everyday ideas, I help students find the common-sense structure hiding behind abstract numbers and theories. I also provide guidance on revision technique and intensive exam preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I grew up in Bedford, UK and attended Dame Alice Harpur School (now Bedford Girls' School) before moving to Cambridge to study Natural Sciences at Queens' College. In 2008, I started tutoring during the evenings and weekends. Upon the completion of my M.Sci, I relocated to Oxford to create science and maths teaching resources at a local publishing firm - all the while continuing to tutor in my spare time.

Whilst living in Oxford, I found I enjoyed being a tutor so much, that I chose to leave my day job and pursue tuition as a full-time career in December 2012. Two years later, I transferred to London to set up home with my now husband and continued to work as a tutor. However, I found that I had free time during the school day and I wanted to improve my teaching skills, and gain formal recognition for those I had already acquired. I embarked on a two-year part-time teacher training course - secondary school science with a specialism in physics.

I was offered a role at my training school, and took up a position at a local Academy as a teacher of both science and maths. During this period, I undertook extensive training regarding the change to the new (9 - 1) GCSEs and became familiar with the International Baccalaureate - both the diploma and the career-related programme.

In 2016, my husband and I returned to Bedford to start our family and I accepted a position at a local boys' school, teaching science from year 6 to A-level. Following the birth of our daughter 5 years ago, I decided to once again return to full-time tuition in order to spend more time with my growing family.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor each lesson to suit the student's needs. The first few lessons usually focus on getting to know the student and their strengths and weaknesses. I identify areas for improvement and use subsequent lessons to work on these, as well as ensuring that the student is comfortable with the whole of the syllabus. Closer to the exam season, we will focus on improving question technique and creating links across the curriculum.

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Personal Description:
I am a Musician and Music Performer that has been teaching for 7 years as instrumental tutor as well as delivering sessions for primary classroom. The instruments I teach are clarinet, recorder, saxophone, piano. As well as offering tuition in ABRSM Music Theory up to Grade 5. I teach all ages 5 to 99 it is never too late to start learning! I also happily teach those who haven't played in a long time and are looking to get back into their instrument and enjoying playing again.

As a freelance musician I enjoy orchestral, chamber and pit work, whilst also exploring solo repertoire for clarinet and recorders. I am an enthusiastic educator and participates in outreach projects in schools and elderly settings.

Charlotte holds an M. Perf and M. Mus in Orchestral Artistry with Distinction and a First Class B.Mus (Hons) Classical Clarinet and Recorders awarded by The Guildhall School of Music and Drama (GSMD). She is also the recipient of the Chairman's Prize for 2019.

Teaching Experience:
I have been privately teaching music since 2013 in one on one lessons and small groups. Since 2014 I have worked with Newham Music Hub as a Woodwind Specialist Teacher (Clarinet, Recorder, Saxophone, Flute) and Piano teacher. I deliver these sessions one to one, small group and in whole class settings with students aged 5 - 20. I also deliver General Musicianship Classes and Early Years Sessions to students both in and out of school. I also have experience with SEN/D students and have worked with them to enjoy and access music in a way that suits them.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that music should first and foremost be enjoyed. I work with the student to ensure they are getting the most out of lessons in a manor that suits them and their learning styles. Learning an instrument should be grounded in good technique and I ensure that my students are comfortable with all techniques appropriate to their level.
I also prepare students for exams if requested as it is a great goal and point of reference for where they are in their progression and gives a wonderful sense of achievement.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified Environmental Science Teacher and am passionate about helping you to achieve the grades you want. I specialise in teaching Environmental Science A Level (AQA). I have excellent knowledge of the syllabus and have assisted my students to increase their final grade form E to B in as little as three months. I also provide private tuition to BSc and MSc students studying a range of environmental science related degree courses.

My passion for environmental science is infectious and will support you to achieve your learning goals. I will provide you with engaging and interactive lessons tailored to your individual needs, using a diverse variety of resources to help you develop your subject knowledge, research skills and critical thinking abilities. I also specialise in providing exam revision sessions to help you understand the mark scheme, improve your exam technique, and subsequently improve your grades!

I am passionate about engaging with the next generation of environmental protectors and sharing my knowledge and expertise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Environmental Science online for the past three years. Previously, I taught environmental science, biology, wildlife conservation, sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and research skills in Further Education colleges, environmental conservation organisations and research facilities, in the UK, East and West Africa, Asia and Central America for the past 20 years. Consequently, I have extensive experience teaching a diverse range of ages, ethnicities, and cultures.

Tutoring Approach:
Our lessons will take place online and I am adept at using a range of platforms including Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Skype. I will provide you with engaging and interactive sessions tailored to your individual needs. My teaching method is student-centred and inclusive: I use a mixture of direct instruction with inquiry-based learning to enable you to fully develop your academic, practical, and technical abilities.

We will use a range of learning materials, such as engaging slides, videos, infographics, webpages, and journal articles, to cater for individual learning styles and give you the best learning experience possible. We will use a range of past papers, quizzes and worksheets for revision and exam practice. We will use an interactive whiteboard in our lessons and I will provide you with all the resources used in our lessons and signpost you to additional resources to deepen your knowledge and understanding.

Our sessions will be a positive opportunity for you to get additional support with your studies. The lessons will be a bit different from learning in a classroom environment as I use an interactive and discussion-based approach. You can ask questions whenever you want to! I will encourage you to do independent/enquire-based learning and will set written/research tasks. Completing them will aid your learning but is voluntary.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am Valentina! I am a friendly and approachable native Italian speaker.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work as a Project Manager and am used to meeting and connecting with new people daily. I have tutoring experience from when I taught English to my peers when I lived in Italy.
I offer private and tailored tutoring in Italian and would be happy to help with any specific requests you might have.

Tutoring Approach:
I am hard-working and patient and will make myself available off-hours in case of any questions and doubts.
I will tailor the tutoring to your requirements and can focus on the following on request:
- Grammar
- Vocabulary building
- Speaking
- Reading and understanding
- Writing

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Personal Description:
I am 48 years old, young at heart and a professional English Teacher

I enjoy writing spoken word, poetry and songs. I have recently found out that I can write songs and can sing! I am going to release a commercial record about a health condition with Basil Gabbidon from Steel Pulse very soon! Basil Gabbidon created one of the most popular reggae bands in 1975 in Birmingham, England. The song is in a rap, poetic style with some singing.

I enjoy teaching English and meeting new people.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching student's in England and around the world for five years. I have taught face to face in Schools, Academies, Adult Education Centres Businesses and on line for five years.

Tutoring Approach:
My name is Heather and I have been teaching English on line and face to face in England and in Spain. I work with children and Adults. I can teach English and Business English.

I like to be interactive with the student and can focus in on any particular area that is needed. You may choose to have a conversational type lesson with error correction and pronunciation or a more prescriptive approach, for example grammar or for a specific English Exam.

Please feel free to discuss your needs with me.

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Personal Description:
Qualified Art teacher, ex Head of Art and practicing artist, writer and illustrator. Supportive, friendly, encouraging approach balanced by a rigorous and thorough commitment to helping you achieve your best and meet your objectives, whether they are GCSE/A Level requirements or your own personal goals.

Do you need an Art Tutor to get you through your GCSE or A Level coursework and exams? Or are you a beginner who wants to learn to draw and paint? Perhaps you need someone to help boost your confidence, or would like a mentor who can support you to develop your skills and ideas?

I`m a former Head of Art Department with over ten years teaching experience in a large comprehensive school, who has now worked for over ten years with two of the major UK exam boards as a GCSE Art moderator. I have a first class degree in both Art and English, and an MA (distinction) in illustration. I also work as a tutor for adult learners at The Royal West Academy in Bristol and offer workshops to communities around South Glos.

I can offer:

Private tuition to help you or your child improve their GCSE and A Level coursework, and raise their grade.
Help developing a portfolio for Art college and university applications and interviews.
Support with your child's primary, KS3, GCSE and A level Art coursework.

Fun, stimulating Private Art Classes after school or at weekends for individuals or small groups of children or adults, for enjoyment and personal & creative development. At your home or mine.

I can teach watercolour, acrylics and oils, all forms of painting and drawing, along with mixed media, printmaking, batik and textiles, craft and 3D design, graphics, illustration, ceramics and more.

About me:

In 2014 I completed an MA in "Authorial Illustration" (with Distinction) at the University of Falmouth. Prior to that I worked as Head of Art at Didcot Girls` School in Oxfordshire for 9 years, before moving South towards Bristol where I began working as a tutor at the Royal West Academy in Bristol amongst other things. I have now just moved West to the Stroud area and am looking for new students and opportunities to share my passion for painting and all things creative. I have an up to date criminal record (DBS) check and I work as a GCSE Art exam moderator every summer so I`m very familiar with the latest requirements from the exam boards and course curricula. I am also an artist, selling paintings locally through various galleries, a writer and the illustrator of several published books. I`m the author of two books: `Soul Color, a ten week course on watercolour painting to cultivate creativity and mindfulness`, and `Earth Color, an eight week art course for nature connection`. Both are published by Liminal 11 in the UK and Sterling/un ion Square & Co. in the USA & Canada. I have a First Class degree in English and Fine Art from Exeter University.

I look forward to working with you and can be flexible about how, when and where we work together, according to your needs. I have a car and can travel to you if you are in the Nailsworth/Stroud area, or you can come to me. I may also be able to meet you in Bristol on certain days.

Below you can find some testimonials from former tutees.

Good luck with your search,
Emma


Testimonials:

Emma has been my art tutor for the past year. During this time she has nurtured my fragile confidence and enabled it to evolve into my own artistic voice, allowing me to find my full expression whilst also helping me to stay grounded in basic technique and method. Throughout this time she has been patient, kind and encouraging. She has overseen my transition from drawing to working with colour/paints and clearly has a great depth of experience and knowledge in the use of both. Emma has challenged me where I`ve needed it but has always remained supportive when I found myself frustrated with my own abilities. She has been very helpful in developing my sense of experimentation whilst at the same time continually suggesting other artists that I might learn from. Emma has always been happy to answer my constant questions and we have had many inspiring discussions about art, artists and the artistic process. At the end of the year i felt i had enough confidence to apply for a BA in Art, much of this attributable to Emma`s support. I would therefore highly recommend her as a private tutor.

Mr. Andrew Moon, Falmouth (adult learner)


I really enjoyed learning from Emma. She is gentle and patient in her teaching approach and very encouraging. She taught me important foundation principles and techniques which helped me develop my skills and enabled me to better address some of the technical elements of painting and drawing. She has a wonderful way of working and relating to colour which I found really inspiring. She has also helped me feel more confident in my own work and creativity. I would highly recommend her as a teacher.

Charlotte Johnstone, Totnes (adult learner)

Emma has been tutoring my 11 year old daughter for a little while now. She has a lovely gentle manner and is clearly a very talented artist herself. My daughter regularly asks me when she will have another lesson with Emma, which can only be testament to what a great teacher she is!

Mrs. Rebecca C., Bristol

Teaching Experience:
Former Head of Art, now a tutor at The Royal West Academy, I have over twenty years teaching experience. First Class BA Hons degree in English and Fine Art. Art and Design PGCE with English as a second subject. MA with Distinction in Illustration. DBS/CRB checked. Known as a teacher who has enabled pupils to achieve excellent results above the national average. Able to teach all aspects of Art and Design and able to advise and support on Art Foundation applications and portfolios. Experienced moderator for Art GCSE with two of the main UK exam boards. Kind, supportive and non judge-mental approach. Experienced working with vulnerable young people and people with special needs. I can support you so that you can achieve your best.

Former Head of Art, over 20 years teaching experience.

First Class BA Hons degree in English and Fine Art from Exeter University.

Art and Design PGCE with English as a second subject from Oxford Brookes University. CRB checked.

Masters with Distinction in "Authorial Illustration" from Falmouth University.

I can supply excellent references.

Tutoring Approach:
Kind, supportive and non judgemental approach. Experienced working with vulnerable young people and people with special needs. I have a particular interest in mindfulness, wellbeing and nature connection, and how art can intersect with these themes in very positive and powerful ways. I have published two books on these topics. Whether you are looking for an art practice to support your wellbeing, or to achieve a qualification or specific outcome, I can support you so that you can realise your full potential.

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Personal Description:
I'm an art & craft design tutor with a passion for keeping traditional techniques alive while blending them with contemporary creativity. With 9 years of experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I specialize in Indian handwork such as chikankari, zardosi, aari embroidery, kalamkari, bobbin lace, carpets, and rugs.

As a tutor, my goal is to share skills, inspire creativity, and encourage hands-on learning. Whether it's teaching intricate stitches, design concepts, or craft-based storytelling, I love guiding learners of all levels to explore their artistic potential.

For me, art and craft are not just skills - they're a journey of patience, culture, and self-expression.

Teaching Experience:
Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching art, craft, and textile design to learners from different age groups and backgrounds. With 9 years of professional experience in textiles and craftsmanship, I bring both practical industry knowledge and hands-on artisan skills into my teaching.

I have conducted workshops, training sessions, and one-on-one mentorships that focus on:
• Traditional Indian crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari work, kalamkari, and bobbin lace
• Textile techniques including carpet weaving and rug design
• Creative design development, material exploration, and storytelling through craft

My teaching style is interactive, patient, and process-oriented. I believe every student should not only learn a technique but also understand its cultural heritage, design value, and potential for innovation.

What excites me most about teaching is watching learners gain confidence, skill, and creative freedom while connecting deeply with handmade traditions.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, my focus is on creating a balanced learning experience that combines technical skill, creative freedom, and cultural understanding.

✨ Hands-on learning - I believe the best way to learn crafts and design is by doing. Every session includes practical exploration with materials, tools, and techniques.

✨ Personalized guidance - Each learner has a unique pace and style. I adapt my teaching to individual strengths, encouraging both beginners and advanced learners to grow with confidence.

✨ Connecting tradition & innovation - I emphasize the heritage of crafts like chikankari, zardosi, aari, kalamkari, and weaving, while also showing how these techniques can be reimagined for modern design.

✨ Process over perfection - Craft is a journey of patience and practice. I guide students to enjoy the process, experiment fearlessly, and develop their own artistic voice.

✨ Creative mindset - Beyond skills, I nurture curiosity, problem-solving, and storytelling through design - helping learners see craft as both an art form and a career path.

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Personal Description:
Hey, I'm Phoebe (some people call me Flea) I'm a 26 year old interdisciplinary artist from South Wales. I work mainly with creative writing, painting and sculpture. I have a first class BA in Fine Art and I believe that confidence and creativity are tools to anyone living a more well-rounded life, and figuring out who they really are or want to become. My practise is holistic and intuitive, using whatever materials that express me ideas

Teaching Experience:
I have run art workshops both with adults and children, I volunteer at an Arts centre to run art workshops with primary school children surrounding different techniques and art mediums. I also have some experience teaching experimental approaches to writing and sound work. I have transferable experience in printing, design, book binding, painting, drawing, performance, editing and film, sculpture, textile.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is more broad and wellbeing based. I am able to share my material knowledge, but focus more on what the creative task may give my students confidence and esteem. There is no right way to be creative, the process is about questioning and experimenting and I warmly encourage my students to be patient with themselves and trust the process.

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