Totnes Tutors and Totnes Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an academic and scholar who holds both a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and a MLitt (Master of Literature) from The University of Glasgow, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) honours degree from The University of Paisley. My first academic book 'Robert Taylor: Male Beauty, Masculinity and Stardom in Hollywood' (University Press of Mississippi, 2019) was shortlisted for the Best Monograph of the Year at BAFTSS Awards 2020 and my second academic book, 'Tyrone Power; Genre, Gender and Image in Classical Hollywood Cinema' (Edinburgh University Press, 2021) was released in February 2021. Among my other publications are chapters in anthologies for Palgrave Macmillan (2016) and Bloomsbury Academic (2021). I have contributed to several academic journals and been requested as a guest lecturer, guest speaker and reader/reviewer on several occasions. I am currently working on my next book, some academic papers for journals and chapters for scholarly edited collections.

I am a personal tutor with over a decade of experience in several subject areas including English, English Language, English Literature, Media Studies, Film Studies, Theatre Studies, and General Writing Skills. I have taught a wide range of students off-line from pre-exam age (11+) to Standard Grade, Higher, and university level, and on-line for pre-exam level (12+), GCSE, AS level, A-Level, university level, postgraduate and the adult learners over this time.

Teaching Experience:
A well as being an experienced on-line and off-line personal tutor, I have also had several other academic jobs including:

Lecturer at Forth Valley College

Seminar tutor at The University of Glasgow

Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Glasgow

Top-Up Tutor at The University of Glasgow

Step Up to University Lecturer at University of West of Scotland

REACH Tutor at University of Glasgow

Proof Reader at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Note Taker at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Study Support Tutor at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Transcriber at University of the West of Scotland

Support Worker at University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Exam Scribe at University of Glasgow and Scottish Rural University College

Exam Invigilator at Scottish Rural University College

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be fun and in a relaxed atmosphere but at the same time academic and useful. My approach to teaching is to have the tutor and student both feel that they are getting a lot out of the experience and that the time is being well used. I will break down subjects into easily manageable blocks and make sure that my student understands the unit before moving on. I also like to vary my tutorials by having some in the form of lectures, some in the form of question and answers, some where I will give students feedback on homework they have done and suggestions to improve what they have done, etc.

I also find that on-line tuition is the best method and students can ask questions that they may not ask if they were face-to-face with someone, it is a much more relaxed approach but students get a lot out of it (and can save all the notes from lessons for use later on).

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Personal Description:
I am 60 years old, originally from a business and finance background, and retrained as a teacher from 2008/9, completing a PGCE. I am QTLS qualified and a member of the Tutors' Association which promotes professional standards in the tutoring industry.
I operate as a freelance/private tutor specialising in mathematics and have experience in teaching all ages from primary up to GCSE. I also have several years' experience teaching basic numeracy and literacy to adults.

Teaching Experience:
From 2007-2009 I worked as a volunteer/trainee teacher for a further education college and from 2009-2012 was employed as a basic skills tutor travelling throughout East Anglia teaching adult numeracy and literacy in the workplace. Since January 2012 I have worked as a private tutor teaching mathematics to 5 - 16 year olds whilst continuing to work as a part-time Functional Skills and GCSE mathematics tutor for a local college.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that all teaching should be learner-centred so learning is enjoyable and effective. Teaching should be individually tailored to each learner, whose needs should always come first.I aim to help learners overcome their fear of maths and build up confidence by patience and quiet encouragement.

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Personal Description:
Award winning portrait and abstract artist, based in Fleet, Hampshire.
Painting and exhibiting for over 15 years professionally, specialising in oil & acrylic portraiture, landscape and abstract subject matter, My paintings foundation is from a hyper-realistic background, a portrait style which I studied and explored during and after my university education, while in recent years expanding to expressive mark making and more ambitious subject matter.
My main passions are within the visual arts and teaching drawing and painting. I'm also experienced teaching people with mild to severe learning difficulties, ADHD, autism and epilepsy whilst exploring art in a therapeutic way to help learners with diverse abilities and needs reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching for over 12 years, conducting 1:1 sessions and workshops to students with varying abilities, skills and mixed age ranges.
I specialise in teaching different styles of painting, for example impasto expressionism to fine technical realism, mostly concentrating on acrylic and oil based paints.
The subject matter I teach is usually portraits and landscape, although I encourage my students to explore all facets of visual arts including mixed media and abstract painting which I also have experience in my own artistic practice.
Besides painting I tutor drawing techniques with pencils, charcoal, chalk and oil pastel as well.

I've taught at charities such as Disability Initiative, facilitating observational and technical teaching to people with both mental and physical disabilities. At the charity I support clients to fulfil their artist potential to create personal and group artworks throughout the course of a 12 week rolling programme.
I've also taught for over 8 years at Arthouse Unlimited and The Meath Epilepsy Charity where I delivered similar workshop sessions to groups of people with learning difficulties and epilepsy. Their art works are sold to the public and exhibited in professional exhibitions and art fairs.

Tutoring Approach:
Being kind, open and honest about the learners wants, values and interests. Finding a connection and what inspires them to build confidence in their artwork and passion in their ideas. My job is to help this journey, with any technical and professional knowledge used only as a guide.
I believe students with more insight into their own ability can then become truly versatile and more importantly 'satisfied' with their work and practice.

I teach a range of techniques in my art lessons such as palette knife, paint brush techniques and technical sketching methods. I also instruct with a diverse variety of mediums such as pastel, charcoal, pencil, acrylic and oil paint as well as mixed media.
With my background in hyper-realism portraiture, I specialise in realist portraiture with also experience in landscape and abstract/expressive mark making.

Whether studying for GCSEs, A Levels, University or just your own enjoyment, I teach at a level best suited for the learner and the goals in which they pursue. I would encourage students studying for grades to follow certain assessment checkpoints which would be revolved around contextual and method referencing, self reflection, experimentation and consolidation. This will vary for different learners at different stages and obviously with different interests. I do stress though at the heart of my teaching is learning to explore personal artistic growth. These are skills which are easily transferable to whatever stage you're at with your art practice.

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Personal Description:
Teacher of Maths (Science and Physics, Russian tutor).

Teaching Experience:
Russian - 10 years
Biology - 20 years
Maths - 3 years
Physics - 1 year

Tutoring Approach:
Enthusiastic and primed for success

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1), gently building a strong foundation with practical language. I focus on learners ***up to B1***, giving you the wings to communicate confidently - whether to chat with locals, handle everyday situations, or prepare for a move abroad.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- English native, bilingual German speaker (German mother)
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
Teaching is my passion. I have made higher salaries in other lines of work- I choose to tutor because it makes me happy! Therefore I don't just do this for the money, if a student isn't making progress then I will always tell clients exactly that. My primary aim is to help people, and if it isn't working, you'll get nothing but honesty from me!

Exam Results

I take great pride in the results of my students. Whether it be Year 6 SATS, entrance exams, GCSE Maths or many others, the greatest joy I feel is hearing good news on results day. To hear that I've managed to help someone change their life forever in a positive way is a high that I am constantly chasing.

Here are some of my student's recent achievements in major exams:

GCSE Maths

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE Maths (2023)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 8 (A*)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2022)

1 student from an 8 (A*) ----> 9 (A**)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 2(E) (started tuition just 6 weeks before exams)

GCSE Maths (2021)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE Maths (2019)

1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE Maths (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 6 (B) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE Maths (2017)

3 students from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2019)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
3 students from below expectations ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

3 students passed
1 student failed
75% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

2 students passed on their first attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Teaching Experience:
Over the last 5 years I have been teaching Maths from within my own home.

Tutoring Approach:
The goal of each and every lesson is to make the sessions as interactive as possible. By engaging pupils at every opportunity, the lessons become really enjoyable with the students learning an awful lot more than if they were simply to be handed workbooks. There are many tutors that will take this approach and just watch a student go at it, I prefer to be much more involved! I also make new learning games everyday and this is a big reason why my students have been so successful at all ages.

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Personal Description:
Currently a University of East Anglia student heading into my final year of an Environmental Geography and International Development.

Teaching Experience:
No formal experience but have helped children with homework and used to have study groups at school and university.

Tutoring Approach:
Kind, considerate and looking for the tutee to get the answer for themselves without interfering but with small hints.

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Personal Description:
Hi I have already secured a LLB hons degree from University of London with overall 69.8% high 2:1 and finished my LLM - Masters of Laws at QMUL with Merits and skills range from corporate to tax. I have been teaching bachelor law students for almost four years with guaranteed results for those who just do what i tell them to and upto yet i can proudly say my students have achieved distinctions and merits.

I have been working as a corporate lawyer for in a legal 500 recognised tier1 firm. Now I'm onboard with a Oil & Gas (Upstream) group as their Senior Legal and have started my own Law Firm as well, which deals in Energy, Corporate/Commercial, Transactional Work, Project Finance, International Tax, PPP, Contracts, E.t.c.

I'm happy to assist and help as much as possible.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching and freelancing for over 5 years with exceptional grades from Distinctions to Merits in different legal aspects inclusive of modules at Undergraduate and Postgraudte levels inclusive of those covering transnational aspects.

Further, with respect to our range of Services, we provide assistance in: BVS, BPTC, SQE, LLM, LPC, LLB, Articles, Journals, Research Documents, Project Feasibility, etc.

Tutoring Approach:
To me tutoring is about spreading knowledge.

The key is: focus, eye for detail and extensive research along with critical analysis building.

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Personal Description:
HI! I have worked as a tutor 1to1 for the past seven years and I am working online at the moment as a result of the pandemic. I have helped students achieve through GCSE and 11 plus as well as adult courses and at the moment working on a programme that will be available through a subscription service.

Teaching Experience:
Seven years home visits working privately and working in a secondary school together with a boarding school for boys with behaviour difficulties.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one work means I adapt resources to the individual student. Open and encouraging dialogue is encouraged to nurture a connection with the subject which increases ability as a result.

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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.

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Personal Description:
Bonjour! I am sarah, French native and a graduate student, specialised in the teaching of French as a second language.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for 3 years. My courses are for beginners, intermediate and advanced.My goal is to help you speaking French, be fluent and reduce your accent. I like to create tailor-made courses for my students with current authentic documents (newspaper articles, song lyrics, TV and radio reports, film extracts . . . ) in order to lead them to success while learning in a fun way

Tutoring Approach:
I like to create tailor-made courses for my students with current authentic documents (newspaper articles, song lyrics, TV and radio reports, film extracts . . . ) in order to lead them to success while learning in a fun way

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Personal Description:
I'm a Euro-Brazilian freelance developer who has been learning about computers since getting his first PC 286 in 1990. From then on, he kept learning about programming languages, computer architecture, and computer science theory. Learning is my passion as well as teaching; this is the reason why I worked as a trainer and a books author. I'm is also the author of the book Swift Cookbook first edition, Swift 2 Blueprints and Reactive Swift Programming.

Teaching Experience:
Nowadays, I teach through online platforms, helping people from every part of the world. I develop a variety of computer languages, such as Swift, C++, Java, Kotlin, JavaScript, Python, C# for Unity and a few more in different environments (iOS, Android, Web, Mac OS X, Linux, Unity, and so on).
I've been tutoring since 1999 and I think I'll retire tutoring. 😊

Tutoring Approach:
I use Skype + Anydesk for tutoring. They are not difficult to install.

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