Totley Tutors and Totley Tuition

Personal Description:
I am currently a lecturer on the BSc Psychology and Language science degree at University College London and a psychology examiner for AQA. Prior to this, I was Head of Psychology at a secondary school where I taught the AQA A-level psychology specification. I also introduced and taught Sociology A-level. I graduated in 2003 with a degree in Psychology from Durham University (First Class Honours) and have since completed a Masters degree in Cognitive Neuropsychology at The University of London, Birkbeck College and a PhD in Psychology at The University of London, Goldsmiths College.

Teaching Experience:
I have coordinated modules in developmental psychology and lectured undergraduate and postgraduate students. I have also taught A level psychology for over 10-years and sociology for 2-years. I have been an examiner and Team Leader for AQA Psychology for the past decade. I have tutored students preparing to sit both OCR and AQA A-level exams. I also have some experience supervising students preparing to take IB Psychology.

I have a PGCert Qualification in the Management of Teaching and Learning in Further and Higher education and am an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much student-centred and I adapt my teaching style to the students in front of me. I like to present an idea/argument/concept and then allow my students the time they need to independently process and grasp the concept before asking them to explain it back to me using their own words. Once I am confident that my student has understood the concept we can then work through the application of this knowledge to practical exam-style questions to consolidate the knowledge and sharpen exam technique.

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Personal Description:
I have Completed Masters in Research-(M.Res) in Applied Bio-sciences (Full time) 2008-2009 in the Department of Microbiology at Nottingham Trent University with a First Class. I also have a bachelors degree in Bio-informatics, with Distinction in all semesters with Gold Medal for the most outstanding student.

I also work for Lloyds bank and I have been in managerial positions in past career history. I like to teach in my spare time, as I like to share my knowledge and experience. Most of my students achieve A+ in mathematics, chemistry and biology in GSCE's & A level exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught students in my undergraduate college and university.

Have been taking private tuition's for students in maths and science subjects from schools in Newcastle upon Tyne. References can be provided on request.

I have extensive in Chemsketch, Marvin-Sketch, Argus Lab, Swiss PDB viewer, rasmol are my key strengths. My key knowledge in Competent with HTML, Visual Basics, Oracle and C, C++, Perl, Java programming will be of a great help to your firm. The required experience with the all aspects of databases for Bio-informatics and tools.

Working in the environment of people of different nationalities, I have developed the skills of being a efficient communicator. As I have worked and studies on an international level my presentation and communication skills are innovative.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I believe the thought of providing a path to a student and showing a way to work towards the goal.

Secondly using real life technical example for making the subject interesting and interactive.

Thirdly , I will surely like to conduct regular test for understanding the level transfer of information from me to the student.

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Personal Description:
Spanish (Castellano) mother tongue from South America. Vast knowledge of the South American region and culture and also a lot of the Iberian Peninsula as I travel there very often to visit friends and family members living there. I have lived in Rome, Italy for more than 15 years and also travel there very often for work or other personal reasons.

Teaching Experience:
More than 20 years. I have experience teaching in Universities in South America and as a private Language Tutor in UK and in Italy. In England for the last 15 years I have been working teaching Spanish and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
I adapt my lessons to the student needs, skills, abilities and interests. I use a conversational approach than includes the comprehension of the grammatical rules of the language. It is also important for me to communicate aspects of the cultural and social reality and the History of the language studied.

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Personal Description:
I previously worked as a global spokesperson for the United Nations and consultant to governments across the world for over a decade and am a graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I am available for tutoring on a variety of subjects, particularly politics, economics, journalism, history, philosophy, media and communications and general writing skills. I am particularly adept at helping students develop their essay writing skills, with a structure and tone that secures high grades. I'm also available to provide help with exam revision, revision techniques, entrance exam preparation, university applications and general reading and writing skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have multiple years of experience of tutoring social science subjects to students from a range of different nationalities and backgrounds. I have a strong track record of improving grade scores and passing exams first time. I have proof-read essays for a large number of students who have all subsequently scored top marks for spelling and grammar. I have also formerly proof-read documents in a professional setting for businesses from across Europe and Africa.

Tutoring Approach:
I am flexible in my approach and am happy to adapt to any student's needs. I look to work on all aspects of a student's approach, including revision technique, writing style and exam preparation. My preference is for committed students who will practice and implement what is learnt outside of lessons. I typically set students exercises for completion before the next lesson in addition to revision work for practice essay questions. The more committed a student is to our classes, the more they will gain from them.

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Yulia. I am a native Russian speaker, fluent in English, graduated in the Russian Federation (Moscow) and worked there later on for over 7 years. For the last 10years I have been living and working in the UK and this has allowed me to develop a better understanding of the English language, its cultural nuances, people and life. I was kindly surprised that there are people out there who are truly interested in learning Russian and therefore I felt that I could help them to learn one of the most difficult languages in an easy and affordable ways.
Every year I spend some time in Russia to maintain connection with the Russian language in the most effective way while enjoying company of my family and friends.

Teaching Experience:
If you are planning to learn Russian, you are certainly in the right place. Whether you are a beginner or can speak some Russian already, I will be delighted to help you to learn, improve or master your Russian.
As a Russian tutor I have an experience in teaching Russian both children and adults using the finest adapted educational materials for teaching and learning Russian language as a foreign at all levels. I use a large variety of textbooks with CD and DVD-supplement, training materials for the development of speech, writing, listening and reading comprehension skills, which helps to make the learning process as effective and productive as possible. I currently run a Russian group course for the beginners.
My degree in law and experience in teaching Russian ensures the quality of the final result- you are able to communicate in Russian. I will give full attention to your needs and wishes and provide you with a very honest and friendly service. Being based in the UK I am always easy to reach and deal with.

Tutoring Approach:
In order to make a learning process as interesting as possible I will prepare an individual language plan for you based on your own learning style and ability, language requirements, time commitment and any personal motivations you might have to learn Russian.
If you are learning Russian from scratch and want to become fluent, my aim is to help you to explore the language in its complexity straight from the beginning. From my experience grammar and vocabulary is a key to the successful learning process and ability to communicate with a great confidence but studying just grammar can be quite difficult or daunting, that is why a combination of audio, visual and interactive activities, which I try to integrate into my lessons, help to bring more fun and promising results.

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Personal Description:
Fully qualified teacher of Japanese and Russian languages (all levels).

I prepare students for GCSE and A-level exams, as well as assess exam results for colleges. I also assist students with all levels of JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) and TRKI (The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language).
I currently teach private individuals, groups, as well as some government organisations and corporate entities.

Being native in Russian, and an expert in the Japanese & English languages, I am acutely aware of the differences between English & Japanese and English & Russian languages, their specific capabilities, nuances and requirements.
I focus on teaching methods that are designed to make learning interactive and fun. I have developed my own strategy for delivering concise and meaningful learning methods to my students to assist their understanding. I enjoy teaching languages; it gives my students an opportunity to communicate with new people and expand their world.

I obtained a Master's Degree in diplomacy/international relations at a top-ranking Moscow University of International Relations (MGIMO) with Japanese and English languages.

In 2000 I undertook the internationally recognised Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) achieving a 'Level 1' pass (the highest attainable level).
From 2000 until 2010 I lived in Japan, and worked in a senior position for a leading Japanese technology company in Tokyo. During this time it afforded me an excellent 'real world' understanding of the Japanese language, its nuances and the fascinating Japanese culture.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Russian and Japanese languages for about 8 years.
References can be provided.
This website doesn't allow students to leave feedback, but once I have your details I will send you a link to where I have 50+ 5* feedback.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer tutoring on Japanese and Russian languages for all levels from beginner to advanced. My lessons are tailor-made for each person, so no matter what your level or interest, I can ensure you will achieve your goals. Therefore, if you are looking to learn for a holiday, or as a main language I'll be able to help!

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching Latin, Greek, and Classical Civilisation since 1992. I currently teach at a Central London college and am an examiner in Latin and History for both OCR and Cambridge International A-Level. I hold a BA from the University of York and a PhD from Middlesex University.

I am the author of over forty books and a respected senior member of staff at my institution. My work spans school-level teaching, university-level instruction, and public writing on classical and educational topics.

Teaching Experience:
I teach both beginners and advanced students in Latin and Greek, and have helped many succeed in Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, and beyond. I have particular expertise in preparing students for scholarship exams, including the King's Scholarship at Eton, the Westminster Challenge, and the Harrow Entrance Examination.

My students have gone on to top independent schools and Russell Group universities. I have taught learners from a wide range of backgrounds, including international students and adult learners returning to the classics.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching combines clarity, structure, and exam-focused preparation. I use past papers, model answers, and close reading, always with strong attention to grammar, syntax, and vocabulary.

Latin and Greek are rule-based languages. I help students internalise these rules through translation into and out of the classical languages, using adapted and original texts. This builds both exam readiness and lasting confidence in reading and interpreting ancient sources.

Where appropriate, I encourage students to explore the historical and cultural background of what they read - because the more they understand, the more they enjoy, and the more they retain.

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Personal Description:
I am a mature experienced and patient tutor of children and young adults as well as adult learners. I enjoy getting students to do their best and supporting their own musical style and interests as far as possible. I enjoy encouraging the shyer or less confident students to do more than they think they can and achieve successful outcomes.

Teaching Experience:
Piano and theory 25 years private tuition ages 7 - 16 and adult beginners.

Young adults with Special Educational Needs, Brixton College.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe musical education is a vital part of developing the mind even in people who aren't particularly musical. It is also a welcome creative outlet for life and helps students develop other skills. I give my students my complete attention and get god results.

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Personal Description:
¡Hola! ¿Qué Tal?

My name is Yuli. I am a native Spanish speaker of Latin America. I have traveled long periods in many countries which helps me understand and respect the different cultural and language gaps. I have been a volunteer in different projects. I have worked with children and people with special needs.

I have a Bachelor degree of Financial Administrator I also have a Master degree in Business and International Finances.

I am a very passionate and committed to learn and teach new languages.

In my personal background, I have been training dancing and yoga class.

I adapt my classes according to to the needs of my students. From my experience in learning others fields, I know is challenging so to take it easy and enjoy this process together.

Teaching Experience:
I have a lot of experience working on different projects and a couple of years of teaching Spanish for Speakers of other languages.

o Private lessons in the Spanish language for Primary, KS3, Adults learners, and A levels.
o Preparation for Foundation and Higher GCSE according to Edexcel International & AQA specifications
o Preparing lessons according to each student's needs including activities and games to enhance the learning process in children
o Tracking progress of students in order to discover and help with specific learning difficulties or subjects.

Tutoring Approach:
Flexible according to the requirements of the student. Group lessons possible for a lower individual fee per hour.

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Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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Personal Description:
I provide online tuition for Geography (Human and Physical) at numerous levels of academic development, alongside being a teacher and examiner for both GCSE and A-Level. Having been awarded a Ph.D. (2017), and successfully completing both an M.A. (2012) and BSc (2011), I have knowledge and experience of teaching and tutoring across the discipline. Furthermore, I teach research methods and exam preparation/revision skills. My specialist area is hazard and risk management (seismic and tectonic hazards), but I also have the ability to teach social, regional and cultural geography, as well as physical landscapes, systems and processes. Lessons are provided face to face on camera, using slides and case study resources, as well as past papers. Tuition covers EDEXCEL, AQA, OCR, EDUQAS, Cambridge International. Refunds provided if lessons are cancelled with more than 24 hours notice.

I mark assessments and homework free of charge. As an examiner, I fully understand mark schemes and expectations. My academic commitments and responsibilities have enabled me to gain experience of teaching both large and small class sizes. Lessons critically provide an overview of case studies, encourage interactive discussion, incorporate transferable skills, and identify synoptic links between geographical topics.

Teaching Experience:
Royal Geographical Club Award 2014
Doctoral Career Development Scholarship 2012
Entrance Scholarship (Aberystwyth University) 2008

I have taken on numerous teaching responsibilities at Aberystwyth University, as a tutor and lecturer of both Human and Physical Geography. Modules have included `Geohazards`, `Volcanic Activity`, and `Global Security`. The students enrolled on my modules have exceeded their academic expectations, with consistently high grades and the acquisition of transferable skills.

Furthermore, I have taught college students on the Aberystwyth Summer University. The scheme is part of the `Widening Participation in Higher Education` initiative, and has allowed me to successfully prepare students for university.

I have also been an assistant lecturer, prepared module materials, and introduced students to field training and research methods.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is interactive, encouraging discussion, and critically providing overviews of case studies and subject knowledge.

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Personal Description:
I have been passionate about maths since early childhood. I spent a decade as a fully qualified maths teacher, teaching GCSE maths and A-level (including further maths) to pupils from a wide variety of abilities, backgrounds and cultures. I semi-retired five years ago and have since tutored a number of pupils for A-level and GCSE. I have a first class honours maths degree from Oxford University and teaching certificate in maths for secondary education.

Teaching Experience:
After 20 years spent working in industry, I trained as a secondary school teacher (teaching years 7 to 11), and then spent nearly ten years teaching maths in a post-16 school in the Greenwich Borough. There I taught A-level (both maths and further maths) and also GCSE maths for pupils resitting. The pupils I taught were of a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and cultures. A large number of my GCSE resit pupils were successful in raising their grades to a C (or now a 4). Pupils were keen to be in my class.

I semi-retired around five years ago and have done a fair amount of tutoring of A-level and GCSE maths pupils, from a fairly basic level up to A level further maths.

Tutoring Approach:
I do not have any available slots free at present. I try to keep this list up-to-date. I will probably be retiring in July 2026, so it may not be possible to continue past that date.

I believe in a very individualised approach, concentrating on identifying and improving the areas a pupil struggles with. My experience in school has helped me learn a variety of methods for teaching particular topics, and which ones are most likely to be successful. Practice outside of lessons is key to success in maths, and tutoring needs to be in addition to full attendance and participation in school lessons, homework and additional sessions schools offer, and is absolutely not a replacement for these activities.

Since the pandemic started in 2020, all of my teaching has been online (via Skype, although I am happy to use other products if necessary). This has worked surprisingly well.

As it is slightly more difficult to explain things when you are not face-to-face, and also do not have travel time and costs, I usually go a little over the hour (75-90 minutes) but charge the normal rate for a one hour lesson.

For the protection of my elderly mother-in-law, I will need to continue with all lessons online for the foreseeable future.

I am happy to tutor pupils as often or infrequently as desired, and do not charge for cancelled lessons (provided I am informed in sufficient time to avoid a wasted journey). Pupils are free to leave at any time if they feel they have achieved everything they set out to achieve, or that things are not working out.

I do not have any available slots free at present. I try to keep this list up-to-date. I will probably be retiring in July 2026, so it may not be possible to continue past that date.

With the advent of the coronavirus, for the protection of my elderly mother-in-law, I am only teaching pupils via Skype (or similar packages). For the safeguarding of pupils under 18 a parent should be in attendance whether the lesson is online or face-to-face.

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