Thursby Tutors & Thursby Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor with a wide range teaching experience over the last fifteen years, including the following subjects: English Literature, English Language, English as a Second Language, IELTS, Creative Writing, GCSE, A Level, PSHE and Drama. I completed my PGCE with QTS in Secondary English in 2020, working across two schools in Cornwall, before moving to Bristol to teach full time. I have a Master's in Creative Writing at Kingston University and a BA(Hons) in English Literature with Creative writing. I also have a TESOL qualification certified by Trinity College, which is one of the highest acclaimed foreign language qualifications. I am British but I grew up in Hong Kong and Thailand, so I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I taught years 9 through to 13 at Clifton College for the last five academic years, where I was responsible for multiple GCSE and A Level Groups, seeing them all through successful examination results. I taught Edexcel IGCSE for first language English and Pearson Edexcel A-Level, studying a range of non fiction texts, poems and other literature such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merchant of Venice, A View from the Bridge, Jekyll and Hyde, King Lear, The Handmaid's Tale and Frankenstein. I was also responsible for English as a Second Language GCSE groups, using the Cambridge IGCSE exam, as well as teaching IELTS for several years.

I started teaching when I was 18 years old and so have a range of experience in teaching English at all levels and for a range of purposes. I have taught in Thailand and Australia, as well in London, Cornwall and Bristol. I have been a private tutor for almost as many years and I am comfortable with working with all ages and abilities. I have successfully carried students through the 11+ entrance exams for private schools in London.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin tutoring sessions with an informal meeting where we get to know each other. Tutees will complete a language assessment questionnaire which will help me determine what level they are at. By finding out tutee's strengths and weaknesses as well as what they want to achieve, I can create lesson plans beneficial to their learning.

One of my main aims when teaching English is to try and foster a love for reading in my students, so that they can approach language and writing with enthusiasm and confidence. I also try to encourage creativity at every opportunity and will often include exercises for students to produce their own pieces of creative writing, so they can implement the techniques and language they have read in books. This can be an incredible confidence boost for children and adults alike to see that they can produce their own creative and engaging pieces of work.

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Personal Description:
I am a native Greek speaker, born and bred in Athens. I am also fluent in English and have lived in England since 2000.



I am keeping in close touch with Greece and the Greek language, which allows me to maintain my fluency, accent and knowledge of the country and the culture.

Teaching Experience:
I am an English teacher by profession and taught Greek students in language schools in Athens for fifteen years.

My students attained excellent examination results throughout my career from junior to advanced levels.

I also held private tuition throughout this period.

Since coming to England, I have taught Greek privately to English speakers who were interested in acquiring knowledge of the Greek language for various purposes such as holidays, purchasing property in Greece (holiday homes and permanent residence) and conversing with friends & family.

Tutoring Approach:
First of all, I am a sensitive listener.

I am patient with excellent skills in conveying my knowledge to my students. Focusing on helping students to feel confident with the various aspects of the language without judging them.

Finally, I firmly believe that practice makes perfect, which is also my most significant approach to teaching.



I believe it is important that lessons are interactive and fun. The lessons are customised to the student according to their personal needs, following an initial friendly telephone discussion.

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Personal Description:
Communication, cooperation and commitment are my key values. I know the importance of being assertive and helpful while providing French and Spanish tuition.
Empathy and a cheerful personality are my bridges to treating language learners with respect. It allows me to have a positive impact on them and see situations from different angles.

Teaching Experience:
During my teaching experience, I have learned how to establish and maintain constructive relationships during lessons, school hours, regular meetings and parents' evenings.
My past experience as a French language assistant and supply teacher allows me to quickly adapt to changes of pace while providing differentiated support. I am therefore used to constantly keeping review and updating records of learners' attendance and attitude. Therefore, a continual assessment of students' learning allows me to set them appropriate targets. So in parallel to the lessons I teach, I monitor their achievement to give them constant appropriate feedback.

Tutoring Approach:
Keeping a high quality of work is one of my other assets. To do so, I make sure I constantly review my lesson planning and assessment processes. I make constant use of my creativity, and provide solutions when improvements are required prior to or during the lessons taught. I am always searching to undergo further training to add value to the lessons I teach.

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Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France and am keen to pass on my love for the language and culture of this fascinating country. I am fluent in French and have an MA in French studies. I love all things French - music, history, culture - and I love to communicate this in my teaching. I am good-humoured and patient in my approach to tutoring and love to encourage my students to try new things in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all level of learners from little ones to GCSE students through to adult learners. I have been teaching for 10 years and have built up a wealth of experience and can recommend websites and links that will be of use to lots of different levels. I have paid for access to a language learning website and I invite my learners to register through the links I send (this is free for students - I have paid for the access).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much to ensure that you are comfortable with the learning environment. I use the Gianfranco Conti method of teaching which means that I encourage speaking and listening in our classes, however, I do back this up with writing and reading exercises so that all the 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are practised in my lessons.
I work with the student to make sure that we are approaching the learning that you need in a very proactive way.

For example: for beginner adults we can look at:
- shopping / personal opinions/directions
For more advanced adult learners we can look at
- tourist attractions/describing people and places/asking for more information
For GCSE students we can look at:
- key vocab in the exam/pas papers/key grammar structures/speaking exercises/picture card exercises

These topics are very much agreed on with you as the student and are flexible as we continue to work together

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Personal Description:
I am an English teacher and tutor with 20 years of experience of teaching one-to-one and in classrooms to children of all ages and adults. I have taught children from aged 3, and classes of adults with up to 75 students! I teach all levels from beginner to proficiency. Full CRB certificate, MA Applied Linguistics, BA Hons Modern Language Studies.

Teaching Experience:
Southgate and Barnet College of Further Education, London
September 2013 - June 2014
• CAE Advanced English

English Support and Study Skills Tutor - South London College Woolwich London
October 2009 - September 2013
• English Support
• Pre-sessional English
• Study Skills
• Business English
• Exam Classes: IELTS, FCE, KET, PET

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - University of Westminster London
July 2011 - August 2011
• Pre-intermediate TEFL teacher (summer school)

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Shakespeare College London
March 2009 - October 2009
• Upper Intermediate and Advanced General English
• IELTS

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Lite College Bayswater London
January 2008 - March 2009
• General English
• Beginners to Advanced

Sales and Office Manager - Log World 134 South Street Romford
May 2005 - January 2008
• Liaising with customers and companies worldwide
• Responsible for sales and the efficient running of the office

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - East London School of English Whitechapel London
February 2004 - April 2005
• Beginners to Proficiency
• IELTS
Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - English for Kids Guadalajara Mexico
January 2002 - January 2004
• TEFL teacher for children aged 4-18

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - IBM El Salto Mexico
February 2003 - August 2003
• General English Intermediate course for Management
• Responsible for course design and materials

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - International Language Academy London
September 2000- September 2001
• General English all levels
• IELTS
• Business English

Teacher of English as a Foreign Language - Southwark College London
May 2001 - September 2001
• ESOL Tutor
• Course Design and Planning

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my students feel comfortable and make the lessons enjoyable and fun while challenging enough to make the student feel that they are progressing. I design activities which are varied, interactive and engaging. I enjoy teaching using a variety of methods comprising all the four skills and can promise very impressive results.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! I'm Hannah, I have a 100% track record of improving students' Spanish grades, most of whom have achieved GCSE grades 7+ (A*). I am the founder of a Spanish tuition company and a qualified Spanish Teacher with a BA (hons) in Spanish. I have worked in several secondary schools in both Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire, a secondary school in Madrid and have tutored children, students and adults for several years. I teach primary students (age 5+), KS3 students (years 7-9), GCSE students, A level students and adult learners. I specialise in preparing GCSE students for the AQA syllabus. I am extremely friendly and am quick to build rapport with clients of all ages.

I am based in Buckinghamshire, and am proud to receive a high percentage of clients as a result of word-of-mouth, many of whom attend local schools including independent, grammar and comprehensive schools. Such schools include; Berkhamsted Boys School, Berkhamsted Girls School, Dr Challoner's High School, Dr Challoner's Grammar School, Claires Court School, Aylesbury Grammar School, Aylesbury High School, Chesham Grammar School, Beaconsfield High School, Sir William Borlase's Grammar School, Pipers Corner School, Tring School, The Misbourne School, Great Marlow School and Amersham School. I also receive a high number of students based in London schools.

​Due to the nature of being an online education service, I am not limited to the local area and teach a number of children, students and adults based in all areas of the UK and Ireland, and offer international homeschooling in countries including Dubai and Hong Kong.

​Although a high proportion of my clientele are school students, I am delighted to see my adult learner lessons growing in popularity and in response to this demand, I offer early bird 'before work' classes, 1-1 day-time & evening classes and an adult beginners group class.

Teaching Experience:
* Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with TLR for Spanish
* Founder of a Spanish tuition company - HKSpanishtutoring
* 5* reviews & testimonials (60+)
* GOLD Recommend Merchant [Vocal References]
* MFL KS3 Engagement Leader at a secondary school in Hertfordshire
* MFL teacher in several secondary schools in Buckinghamshire (grammar & comprehensive)
* Teacher of Spanish, French, Philosophy & Religious Studies, Life Skills, Personal Development, Literacy, Resilience
* Private Spanish tutor for > 10 years (primary, KS3, GCSE, A level, adult learners)
* English Teaching Assistant at IES Infanta Elena, (secondary school), Madrid
* Spanish Teaching Assistant at a secondary school in Bristol
* Volunteer English Teacher in Ghana, Africa.
* TEFL module completed (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) at the University of Bristol
* Private English tutor for Spanish natives in Madrid
* Elected Language Ambassador at the University of Bristol

Tutoring Approach:
I endeavour to not only provide high quality first teaching, but to inspire all of my clients to recognise the incredible rewards gained from learning another language. I have a modern, dynamic and enthusiastic teaching style, with a bank of professional resources which I have utilised in schools. I continually develop my own exclusive and engaging teaching resources, of which all my clients have free and unlimited access. Such resources include; an AQA GCSE Spanish revision timetable, an AQA GCSE Spanish knowledge organiser, tailored Quizlet sets for specific GCSE Spanish syllabuses and exclusive tailor-made lessons for KS3 and GCSE Spanish curriculums. I bring endless energy and enthusiasm to the lessons, whether they be in person or online. I take advantage of an interactive whiteboard and a variety of animated Spanish teaching resources which I have found highly successful in improving confidence, igniting interest and increasing vocabulary retention. For all online lessons I teach via Zoom, a virtual conferencing platform.

With my background working in secondary schools, I specialise in teaching KS3 (years 7-9) and GCSE Spanish learners. I ensure I am up-to-date with the demands of the National Curriculum in England and the format and requirements of secondary school examinations. I am particularly familiar with the AQA syllabus, however I provide quality exam preparation for all GCSE and A level exam boards. As an English native and having started my own Spanish-learning journey at school, I have acquired an acute understanding of the foreign language-learning process and am therefore able to offer unique insight and support into all aspects of my clients' journey towards fluency. I am well-accustomed to recognising the most difficult stages of learning the Spanish language and I am fast at identifying the strengths and weaknesses of my tutees. I aim to leave clients feeling more confident with their Spanish from the very first lesson. I am known for my love of Spanish grammar and I have a flare for teaching verbs and tenses in a logical and clear way. I am proud to have received a multitude of 5* testimonials from past and current clients and although I don't guarantee grades, I am delighted to share that my students consistently achieve above their EPGs (Expected Predicted Grades) & I have a high percentage of students achieving grades 7+ in their GCSE Spanish. I regularly post updates, testimonials and content on an online blog.
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I have an online booking system which is updated regularly with my availability. This allows my clients the flexibility to book online Spanish lessons with ease, at a time and on a day that suits them. I recognise the reality of busy family schedules, and therefore clients are able to book lesson slots with as little as 24 hours notice, or alternatively, block-book as many lessons as they wish in order to secure their preferred time slot.
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I have found my Spanish lessons and teaching techniques to be received very positively by my tutees to date, however if there are certain ways in which you may prefer to be taught, or if you have personal goals regarding what you would like to achieve, I welcome conversations from all prospective clients and will do my very best to accommodate.

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Personal Description:
I like finding out how the world around me works, and am keen to pass on my knowledge and enthusiasm to others. I also enjoy making or tinkering with things - I have customised a button accordion to play bass notes more flexibly, and have added extra buttons to video game controllers. In school I designed and constructed a solar-powered light of adjustable brightness. Patterns appeal to me. When I am not involved in science, I do Scottish Country Dancing, as well as many other genres of folk dancing with intricate symmetrical dance figures. My study of several languages, including Latin and German, allows me to identify parts of scientific terms that I can use to help my students understand them - for instance a recently discovered non-repeating tile is named Einstein not after the physicist but because only one ('ein') type of tile or stone ('stein') is needed to make the pattern. I find Richard Feynman inspiring. He himself got into science through tinkering and discussions with his father about how things worked. He spoke on beauty in nature, and that scientific understanding only enhances its appreciation - as well as seeing the beauty of a flower, a scientist can also wonder at its smaller structure, and how it developed to attract insects to pollinate it. What does this tell us about how bees see the world?

Teaching Experience:
I have three years' experience conducting tutorials in Materials Science at Cambridge University, having myself studied Natural Sciences there, including Physics and Chemistry. In addition to the course material provided by the university and my own worked solutions to the problems, I used physical models in the teaching that I had made myself.

In 2018, I taught the Maths and Physics component of the NCC International Foundation Programme for Engineers (of around GCSE/A-level level) at the Star Exeter language school.

Since 2018 I have tutored science and maths independently and for local authorities.One of my pupils has been with me since 2018 - starting with GCSE Physics, and progressing through A Level Biology to finance for adult life. I regularly tutor Physics, Chemistry, Maths and Biology from KS3 up to A Level. I have also had students in other systems e.g. IB and AP. I have also assisted students with Psychology, Environmental Management and Marine Science. Feel free to contact me even if you are studying for a different qualification or an usual scientific topic - I have helped people studying ophthalmic dispensing and non-destructive testing as well as school science / maths, and may well be able to help you too.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy showing you real-world applications of what we are studying. In out lessons, we will draw diagrams and break problems down into bite-size steps. I encourage my students to think of real-life examples of the material and to ask themselves helpful questions such as "What do I already know?", "Is this a sensible answer?" (e.g. compared to the size of household objects or the speed of a walker or car) and "Did I expect those units?".

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD student at the University of Manchester researching materials for applications to nuclear fusion. I am deeply passionate about my subject, although I understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea! I try my hardest to help my students increase their confidence, enjoyment of the subject and, of course, their grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have been an online tutor since October 2019 and have seen some of my students make 3 grades progress in 3 months. I have worked with a variety of exam boards including international qualifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to keep my sessions relatively relaxed as I strongly believe that the best way to learn is when you feel most comfortable. As a fellow student, I can relate to my students and offer them some advice about their studies outside of the classroom. I leave the content of my sessions up to the student to decide, but a typical session would feature a discussion of the content followed by applying the relevant skills through exam practice.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary science teacher who specialises in Biology. I currently work at Buxton and Leek College as Lead Lecturer for T-Level Health and BTEC Health and Social Care. I have a degree in Biology, experience working within the NHS and I am currently tutoring to students in the evenings, alongside my full time FE teaching role.
I am a very relaxed teacher, who likes to get to know my students so I can tailor a personalised approach to my lessons.
I am a huge Harry Potter fan, love books, movies and board games.

Teaching Experience:
I am a PGCE trained science teacher and I have spent 1 year teaching in a secondary school where I was able to teach all science subjects to GCSE students. I ran an after school science club to a group of students who were wanting additional support. I have spent the past 1.5 years lecturing at Buxton College to T-Level and BTEC students, teaching both Biology and Chemistry to level 3 and 4 students plus healthcare units. I have also been private tutoring for the past 10 months in the evenings.

Tutoring Approach:
I will first start by gauging my students abilities, strengths and weaknesses. I will then develop a personalised plan for each student so that we can develop areas of weakness and build upon their core strengths. I have a very relaxed style and realise that students learn better when they are engaged and interested in he content. I like to relate science to a real world context, so that students know why they are being taught the information.

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Personal Description:
Please note - for the 2023/24 academic year, I am only offering online lessons.

As a student of mathematics for over 25 years (and counting!), I have dedicated the past five years to making mathematics accessible to secondary students around the world.

After graduating from the University of Birmingham with a 1st Class BSc Hons in Economics, I worked as an ICAEW Chartered Accountant at professional services firm, PwC.

In search of a more fulfilling profession, I made the move into teaching through the Teach First programme in 2018 as a secondary mathematics teacher. Since then, I have taught as a qualified classroom teacher in the UK and as a Head of Department (Mathematics, Science, and Design) in China helping students from the age of 10 to 19 achieve their academic and personal goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Maths as a qualified teacher in UK secondary schools. I then went on to teach Maths, Economics, and Business Management at an international school in China, where I was also Subject Group Leader for Maths, Science, and Design.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I will:
- arrive to lesson with materials prepared
- highlight areas where the student's understanding is correct
- identify the student's misconceptions
- welcome "why?" and "what if?" questions
- guide the student through worked examples
- give the student opportunities to display their knowledge

I work with the student to ensure they:
- arrive to their lesson equipped and ready to learn
- explain their thought process when solving a problem
- ask the tutor "why?" and "what if?" questions
- organise knowledge by creating meaningful notes

My aim is to:
- guide students to build an understanding of mathematical concepts, rather than relying on merely teaching procedures
- support students with their in-school learning, rather than acting as a replacement for school-based lessons
- help students overcome maths-related anxiety; no topic is considered to be "easy" and the focus is always on making progress
- build a positive tutor-student relationship where students are comfortable making mistakes

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic, kind and patient primary school teacher. Have been teaching for 10 years but left full time work to have three children. Have experience in lower secondary too. Specialism in Maths and Phonics but can offer coverage of all subjects. Get in touch to find out more.

Teaching Experience:
Taught all ages within primary school for 10 years.
Have mostly taught early years (age 3-7).
Specialism in teaching early reading, writing and maths.
Whole curriculum coverage.
Also worked for over a year with Year 7 pupils.
Have done supply teaching to keep up to date and stay in touch while having the children to ensure my knowledge is current.

Tutoring Approach:
Each child's tutoring will be personalised to suit their needs. I can offer a creative, challenging, nurturing but structured approach. I am flexible between schemes of work and can adapt to accommodate methods taught by different schools. I am kind, patient and positive to support those who need their confidence building, however have effective behaviour management skills and teachings methods to suit children who may be harder to engage. I have worked with children who are reluctant to go to school and am also happy to work alongside parents homeschooling children.

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Personal Description:
I'm a fully qualified science teacher and the current Head of Biology at a large secondary school. With over 20 years of experience in education, I specialise in helping GCSE students succeed in Biology by building both subject knowledge and exam confidence. I also work as an examiner for AQA GCSE Biology, so I know exactly what examiners are looking for and how to help students maximise their marks.

Teaching Experience:
I've taught Biology across Key Stage 3 and 4, with a particular focus on the AQA GCSE specification. As Head of Biology, I lead curriculum planning, exam preparation, and targeted intervention strategies to support student progress. I also mentor early career teachers and trainee teachers, supporting them to deliver effective and engaging lessons. My work as an AQA examiner gives me valuable insight into how exam questions are marked and how students can approach them with confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring sessions are calm, focused, and tailored to each student's needs. I focus on building a secure understanding of key topics, strengthening exam technique, and improving confidence. I use a combination of clear explanations, structured practice, and real exam-style questions. As an experienced teacher and examiner, I can help students refine their answers to meet the mark scheme and feel well prepared for their exams.

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