West Calder Tutors and West Calder Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary science teacher, and I have also tutored a wide range of subjects privately over the past 15 years (mainly sciences, maths and English).

I specialize in online teaching methods, including training other teachers internationally. I have degrees in science, education, creative writing, and linguistics.

Teaching Experience:
- Former Head of Physics
- Examiner for Edexcel, IB and Cambridge boards
- 15 years of private tutoring experience (all three sciences, maths and English Language and Literature to A Level)
- 10 years as a university lecturer in linguistics and academic English

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is supportive and low-key. I think that students have to have time to explore their interests in the subject by asking their own questions. This is an important part of reflective learning and will help build and maintain enthusiasm, and a calm and supportive atmosphere is essential for this.

I make extensive use of past exam questions; the best way to do well in exams is to practise doing exams! This also allows realistic monitoring of performance as tutoring continues. I normally email exam questions for students to attempt before the tutoring session.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic, dedicated, specialist English tutor with 30 years of teaching experience and strong results record at all levels.. Examiner for Sats, GCSE and A' Level. Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. Patient and focused on helping students to improve their skills, enjoy the subject and get the grades they deserve.

Teaching Experience:
During my teacher training year, I worked in a primary school, a grammar school and a boarding school where I taught English, Latin and Greek. My first teaching job was teaching English and English Literature to A' Level. Following the outstanding results of my A' Level classes, I was promoted to Head of A' Level English. I was also the Course Designer for all key stages, Assistant in Gifted and Talented and Line Manager of the Learning Resources Centre and the Integrated Learning Suite. I then became Head of Department and School Literacy Coordinator. The examination results of students dramatically improved under my leadership. I have worked for the examination boards Edexcel, AQA and CCEA , examining SATs, GCSE and A' Level papers. I also have recent experience teaching English as a Foreign Language.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin by getting to know the student and identifying their learning needs. Lessons are objective based to achieve desired learning outcomes, improve skills and achieve target grades or better. I aim to make lessons focused, enjoyable and interesting. I love teaching and there is nothing better for me than to see a student improve, gain in confidence and get the grades they deserve.

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Personal Description:
I have:
a BSc in Math,
Masters of Business Administration (MBA).
I am also a respiratory physiologist. I
I am a foot health practitioner (Diploma)
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I have good communication skills. I am very flexible--available as needed. I work hard. I am a dependable person.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Maths and Science for over 20 years both in America and in UK I have the ability of explaining mathematical concepts in a very simple way that even those who hate Math start to enjoy doing Maths. I also tutor Nursing, respiratory therapy, handwriting and cake decorating and sewing.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to find out where the problem is first for the person I am tutoring. Each person is different and I tutor according to the person's needs, so my approach varies, depending on the person I am tutoring.
I can say I am a very good tutor (if not excellent). Just give me a try.

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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:
Steve started his Kuk Sool Won ™ journey at the age of 26 to learn a skill in martial arts as well as to keep fit, lose weight and build confidence, making Steve a great instructor for those facing the same issues having successfully overcoming these himself.

What is Kuk Sool Won™? It is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ is exteremely well-organised; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training.

Steve is DBS (formerly CRB) checked and insured.

Teaching Experience:
After successfully achieving his First Degree Black Belt, Steve began to instruct both kids and adults in the art of Kuk Sool Won ™ and has been doing so for over 10 years. It is a credit to Steve that he has seen many kids and adults successfully achieve their Black Belts under his guidance.

Tutoring Approach:
Steve is passionate about martial arts and wants to instill confidence, respect, self-control and self-defence to his students.

He believes that martial arts can help to improve fitness, confidence and concentration, relieve stress, and teach self-defence, all of which are so important in today's modern world.

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Personal Description:
I hold an MSc in Innovation and Technology Management degree with scholarship from the University of Bath which is ranked in the top 3 institutions in the UK. Before that I studied BSc(Hons) International Business at the University of Sussex.

I am a very sociable and relaxed person. I enjoy outdoors, music, and cooking.

I have my own private limited company selling organic cosmetics and offering business consultancy services.

Teaching Experience:
BUSINESS

I have experience in teaching Business Studies, and subjects related to it to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions. I also have specialist knowledge in Innovation and Lean Six Sigma.

I have worked as an operational excellence facilitator in the past so I know how theoretical knowledge applies in real life situations.

Business studies is really fun and you will get to see it with me.

LANGUAGES

I have experience in teaching English as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

I have experience teaching any level, we can start from the most basic elementary things to the most advanced levels.

As a native Turkish speaker I have experience teaching Turkish as a second language to people with many different backgrounds, age groups and professions.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very easy going, patient, and I can understand the different needs of every individual and find ways to accommodate them.

I like an interactive approach.
I like to make sure not to move onto next stages without making sure everything is well understood and learnt.

Most important thing for me is to to make sure the logic behind everything is understood, and I keep explaining until it makes sense to the person. I see this is the only way to learn anything.

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Personal Description:
I am a very friendly and welcoming practicing professional painter and sculptor, working from my home studio in Wimbledon.

I graduated from Wimbledon College of Art, (UAL) in 2012 with an MA in Fine Art and in 2011 with a BA in Fine Art.
I work in sculpture, drawing and painting.

I exhibit in London and regional group exhibitions.

I visit regularly museums and art exhibitions in London and very happy to take students with me on my expeditions for looking and sketching.

I teach all ages, but specifically specialise with year 7's, 9-12 yrs old, common entrance and scholarship students.

I have a maximum capacity of 7 students. (one a day)

Teaching Experience:
One to one tutoring and online tutoring. I partake in group practice critiques and reading groups with professional artists.

My art sessions are very much a collaboration between student and teacher. I use my own practice as an artist to propel the conversation, I have a comprehensive reference with which to motivate and inspire my students.

It is a practice led process that I initiate for students, and I collaborate in a relaxed but fully informative and sensitive manner with parents. I find this to be hugely useful, that marks very authentically the progress and growth of the student. Nothing is lost on us!

I have a gifted student currently who is building a portfolio for submission for a scholarship as part of 11+ examinations. I have also tutored a gentleman in retirement who wanted to create a portrait of his grand daughter. I have students that wish to simply discuss art, and we do so in person phone and online. I am excited to find more students, and am confident I am in the right place. I look forward to further instruction.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an open and adaptive approach, in that each student is unique and has something individual to express. Everyone has different desires for their arts discovery.

I take into account experience knowledge and ambitions and devise a structural plan for progression. I draw up a list of artists for the student to study, both contemporary and classic. I reference writers artists of all sorts in specificity for the student that is ongoing throughout the teaching sessions. I hope my students also to make their own research, and to bring to light their own sources of inspiration and reference. I encourage documentation both of resource and personal note making.

I am taking into account schedules, art resources, studio space, budget, capacity for progression.

I attempt to make the sessions uplifting, to encourage personality and ambition. The arts in education is very much a two way process. Either person can take the lead.

I hope to share my own passionate sensibilities towards the arts. Encouraging them to enjoy all genres and mediums of art.

I keep the parents very well informed of process and progress. The entire teaching endeavour includes the entire household, artists need good news, natural objects and cake!! We hope very much to disseminate our passions to fellow inhabitors!

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Personal Description:
Highly experienced tutor of economics A level and former economics examiner for a major exam board.

Intricate knowledge of the structure and the mark schemes for AQA, Edexcel, Cambridge International, International Edexcel - and familiar with many more.

Over the years I have tutored students of all abilities to grasp the content, smash the diagrams and construct top-level essays. Whether they are struggling to keep up or headed to Oxbridge, every student has room to grow and exceed expectations.
My Areas of Expertise
AQA; Edexcel; Cambridge International; Edexcel International

All of these are very familiar to me and I have also tutored OCR and WJEC.

*ALL CONTENT, ALL TOPICS*

Teaching Experience:
Tutor, teacher, and official examiner.

I have tutored economics for many years and have also taught it at a private 6th form tutorial college for three years. I also taught the GCSE history class at a small independent school for a couple of years, back when I tutored history.

My work as an official examiner in A level economics has given me an invaluable insight into what the examiners want to see as well as the most common errors that students can make.

Tutoring Approach:
Economics is one of the best ways to inform ourselves about why the world is the way it is. I enjoy tutoring this at A level because even if students aren't hugely interested in it, they have a lot more insight and interest than they think they do, simply from being part of society. Learning from the news and case studies as well as their own experiences will hugely enhance their ability to learn and this is what I look to encourage.

In economics, the fundamentals must be taught with an eye on good technique which is focused on hitting all of the assessment objectives which are necessary for a high grade.

Receiving feedback from me on practice questions will be the best way to make progress - I have seen how well this pays off!

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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 physics and maths teacher with 18 years teaching experience. I am passionate about helping pupils understand this fascinating subject so that they can reach their potential

Teaching Experience:
I have taught physics up and and including A level for 18 years. I have also taught maths up to GCSE for several years. I am a previous head of science & assistant headteacher. Previously, I have been an examiner for OCR Physics at A level and currently deliver the WJEC specification for students in Wales. I tutor pupils from all examination boards across the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to ensure students understand the areas of learning they are struggling with and build on that to ensure confidence in all areas of the course. I challenge pupils on what they already know to ensure it is correctly reinforced and their confidence grows. I tutor using reciprocal learning, where students are able to independently learn a topic and then have a tutorial style lesson where they reinforce that learning. Tutoring styles are always adapted to the needs of the learner which is very quickly established.

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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:
I studied Latin from a young age and have long been entranced by Ancient civilisations. I have a first class honours degree in Classics and have a Masters degree at Merit in Ancient Cultures.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working as a Teaching Assistant at a special needs school and have been there for about 2 years. I have also been tutoring a student in Ancient Greek for 40 minutes a week for a year and a half. I have previously assisted a younger sibling with understanding their homework.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach can be that the tutee would be able to send the points that they wished to be addressed before the session, so that each session could be tailored to meet their needs, with any questions remaining after the session being answered in a subsequent email. Homework would be an optional reinforcement.

Alternatively, my approach to my current tutee, who has a textbook to work from is that I use the textbook and the exercises within to plan lessons and set homework much like in a school setting, with end of unit tests for each chapter.

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