Westcotes Tutors and Westcotes Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a PhD mathematician, with a special interest in applied mathematics and statistics. I worked for some years in University departments as a tutor and then lecturer. More recently I have worked for almost two decades in industry as a mathematician at a prestigious research centre in Cambridge. I am familiar with many aspects of secondary education through my children who both completed their A levels at Hills Road 6th form college. My son has just begun reading Economics at London School of Economics while my daughter obtained a first class honours degree from Oriel College Oxford.
I have succesfully tutored a large number of A level students in both Mathematics and Physics from a wide variety of Sixth form colleges in the Cambridge area. I also teach International studnets who wish to gain entry to the UK University system.
My approach is interactive and encourages the student not to underestiante thier own ability. My experience is that many students are more talenetd in Mathematics than they realise themselves; the key is to gain the confidence to grow and develop to achive your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics and Physics, to A level students from a wide variety of Sixth form Colleges in the Cambridge area. I have also taught International students from many different countries but especially China. I also have particular experience of teaching Mathematics to people whose primary interests lie in Business studies and in Engineering. I also gained valuable insight into adult education when I taught adult part-time students.
I have also provided tutorials for students with many different requirements including A level and undergraduate Physics & Mathematics courses and, for example, GMAT Mathematics prep for MBA entrance exams.
I am self-employed as a private tutor and employed as a University Foundation tutor in Mathematics and Statistics at Cambridge Regional College and previously at Bell School Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
The details of the correct approach vary from one tutee to another, but the principles remain the same. I seek to establish the student's ability within the context of a given aim and to then set realistic objectives.
I think that most students have more mathematical ability than they themselves believe; this can be brought out in a positive fashion once negative stereotypes are discarded. Also the application of mathematics to the real world can be exciting and profitable.

Parental Comment
Hi Brian,

I hope you're enjoying the Summer break.

I just wanted to let you know that Kalen has a A* for maths and an A for further Maths. He's very pleased with this and on behalf of him I'd like to say thank you so much for all your help.

Overall he got A*A*AAB and is off to Warwick to do a general engineering course.

Thanks again Brian,

Suneela


STUDENT COMMENTS
August 2018

Dear Brian,
I have just received my results and wanted to let you know that I have an A* in A level maths !!!! I am very happy thank you for all your support and help I couldn't have done it without you!

Kind regards,
Alice B :-)
September 2018 (from Durham University student)
Hi Brian,
I just thought I would let you know, that with your help, I went from a 30 to an 85 in my retake. Thank you so much for all your help.
Kind regards,
Jake

Dear Brian. I found our tutorials very helpful and feel much more able to hit the ground running when I return to Oxford. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone else I know in need of tuition.
Peter N, returning undergraduate.

Brian helped me to revise my university maths before starting an MSc course 10 years after completing my undergraduate degree. He was patient, non-judgmental of my rusty abilities, and gave useful examples of mathematical problems to help explain some very difficult concepts. He is very reliable and a pleasure to work with. I would have no problem recommending Brian to others and would certainly see him again for further tuition should the need arise.
David C, returning graduate student

Another parent comment
Brian is helping my daughter who attends Hills Road with both physics and maths and she has just had her fifth session. This is the first time with have engaged with a personal tutor so really wasn't sure what we were doing and started out with some trepidation. We soon were able to ensure that the hour we spent with Brian was really productive and useful. Brian has been really helpful and and this has increased my daughters confidence and knowledge which is exactly what we were hoping for.

New student comments
I'm just emailing to tell you that my physics unit 2 exam went quite well. There were only a few small questions that I couldn't answer. I will tell you my result when I get them on the 14th of August. I must thank you for helping me over the past few months. I really have no clue how badly these exams would have gone if you did not help me. Thank you so much for your help.
Calum M AS Physics student.

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Personal Description:
Online & Face to Face tutoring, located in KT3 (New Malden) and W5 (Ealing Broadway).
I`m Sam, Geoscientist and Academic Tutor, currently teaching Maths & Science at MathysicsTutor Kingston.
Having obtained my 3 degrees with scholarships in Science and Engineering at top universities, I have helped students at various level to unravel their full potentials and am determined to create enthusiasm in students to achieve the success they are aiming for.
I have experience of tutoring primary, secondary, GCSE, A level and university students with a firm knowledge of the optimal motivating and engaging approaches for each age group.

Beside tutoring, I am a knowledgeable Geoscientist and Engineer with 10 years experience in oil industry. As a Geoscientist, I combine advanced Maths, Physics and Geology in order to discover oil ad gas within the earth.

I have a strong understanding of Math, Physics, Chemistry, Geology and related subjects. I also have a B.Sc. in engineering and two M.Sc in engineering and geosceince.

As a Geoscientist, I have been responsible for managing, mentoring and training junior colleagues in a multinational team, where I have demonstrated high level of communication, interpersonal and interpretive skills. Working in an international company and also tutoring international students, has given me opportunity to work efficiently with people from variety of backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I was a teaching assistant during my academic years. Since graduation in 2009, I have tutored people in my social circle and since 2016 private tutoring through First tutors and other agencies with top reviews, 20% of my students come from referral. Great achievements such as:

Student admitted to King's Collage after 8 month's tutoring in Maths and Physics.

A* grade in GCSE Chemistry achieved by student after 2 month tutoring.

Experienced in tutoring University students from Edinburgh, SOAS, Kingston, Leeds and City universities in Maths, Geology, GIS and research/dissertation preparation.

My GCSE and A-level students have come from:
King's College School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Tiffin School Surbiton
Tiffin Girls Kingston
ACS Cobham
Kingston College
Kingston Grammar
Hampton School
Sutton Grammar
Esher college
Coombe School New Malden
Surbiton High school
Wimbledon High school
Lady Eleanor Holles Hampton
Box Hill School Dorking
Royal Russell School Croydon
Nonsuch High School Cheam
Grey Court School Richmond
Twyford Church of England High School Acton
Royal Grammar School Guildford
Esher High School
Ursuline High School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Latimer school Hmmersmith
St Dominic`s Sixth Form College Harrow
Notting Hill and Ealing High School
International School of London Ealing
Moulsford Preparatory School Oxfordshire
St John's Beaumont School Windsor


TESTIMONIALS:

"Sam goes through examples well and has a lot of practice questions ready. He explains the topic well and is very thorough with his explanations. I will continue to use him as I prepare for my A2 physics exam." Ryan, A level, Surrey

"Sam has helped my step-son with both Computing and Geology. From C grades he is now getting As in his tests. Sam is well prepared and thorough and has been a great help. I have no hesitation recommending him to other students. Sarah,A level, Purley.

"Sam helped me with maths for my last year exam he is an excellent tutor. He was very helpful and I definitely recommend him if you have any problems with maths." Tasio, University, Surrey.

"Sam is an excellent tutor who really goes out of his way to make sure you understand every aspect of the task at hand. Thanks to him I know feel far more comfortable in Maths. I would be very happy to recommend Sam and will continue to rely on him in the future." Diego, Year 12 IB Student.

Tutoring Approach:
Enriketa raised her maths grade from C to A; you can too, ask me how!

I believe the most efficient approach is the most engaging one. It is important to appreciate that students have different attitudes towards learning and hence tutoring should be about helping them to get the best out of their education through discovering their potential and developing interest in the subject.

METHODS OF TEACHING:

Online & in person

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher of Photography and Urdu language. I can help you, as I have helped all of my previous and current students, to learn more effectively and score higher on your exams.

Teaching Experience:
Experience: I have been a -qualified teacher for more than a decade and I have a background in interdisciplinary teaching and education and I have focused on developing strategies to help students achieve far higher than they have been predicted or than they expected in their evaluations and exams. I can also give online sessions . thanks

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a 1.5 hour introductory photography lesson to individual adult learners at the special rate for students.
This may be enough to help you get to grips with your camera and/or establish whether the teaching methods and aims fit. Normal session is 2 hours minimum.




I also like to teach photography in a creative way, allowing the pupil to develop their own style through a process of fieldwork, set projects and the study of other artists and photographers. They will start to see the world in a different way. It is a great confidence builder as well as a skills provider.

I am also able to teach groups at special rates and team-building days with corporates and organisations. Mentoring of individuals in the process of career change and personal development. Please enquire about any of the above.

Whether you are an absolute beginner or a serious Photographer who wants to expand on their techniques in Photography for professional use or a casual amateur who wants to become competent at handling a compact camera to create compelling lasting photographic memories, whatever your requirements I can deliver the learning that will enable you to achieve.

Photography skills covered, for Beginners / Intermediate / Advanced learners:
- Camera craft (Digital or Film)
- Understanding exposure
- The appropriate use of depth-of-field
- The art of composition
- Editing and managing your digital photographs with your computer
- Colour balancing
- Photo-retouching with Photoshop (or another photo enhancement software on demand)
- Photo-manipulation

I work at my students pace. Learning-to-Task approach (The lessons are tailored to what you want to achieve, with the most effective route delivered to your learning styles). From the ground up, you/the student will understand all the principles and application of the skills you want to gain.

I use re-enforced learning methods so you are left confident that you can achieve the desired results on your own.
I follow these lessons with the option of remote telephone/Skype support, if ever you get stuck.
N.B. Lessons can be taken within one year of purchase. Additional rates quoted for travel beyond central London.

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Personal Description:
Native Italian speaker born in Switzerland who graduated in 2016 from the University of Geneva, Faculty of Translation & Interpreting, with a BA in Multilingual Communication. I have now changed my career path but still translate and tutor part-time.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored from high school to university. I had tutees of all ages.

Tutoring Approach:
Besides theory, I will equally focus on practice to instill confidence in the tutees. I will also provide cultural information that complements and supports the learning experience. I will also consider the tutees' suggestions as choosing to learn a foreign language often results from curiosity.

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Personal Description:
I am a biology specialist teaching KS3 and KS4 in an outstanding secondary school. I am friendly and approachable, as well as having excellent subject and curriculum knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I am in my 4th year of teaching after completing my PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
I work collaboratively with tutees to help improve their retention, overcome exam anxiety, and give them confidence.

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Personal Description:
I have a PhD in chemistry and have published a book on Study Smarter: a lecture's inside guide to boost your grades.

With over 15 years as an academic, I have published extensively in peer-reviewed academic publications. My passion and outstanding commitment to teaching were recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2016 with a Higher Education Teaching Award. In 2017, I was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored A-level students and taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in my academic work.

Tutoring Approach:
Most students are wasting time with the study habits they use. This may seem like a crazy thing to say, isn't working hard the foundation to good results?
Research shows that at least 6 out of every 10 students are using suboptimal study strategies.
I've met this a lot in my own work. I have created a Study Smarter Audit to help identify where study habits can be improved. This can be over 2 sessions or longer depending on what you want to achieve. I work online and create a personalised plan to target effective study strategies and evaluate the changes.

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Personal Description:
I have worked as a teacher in the UK for 22 years with a range of age groups. Before teaching I was a Registered General Nurse and worked in hospitals both in Birmingham and Worcester.

Teaching Experience:
I have 22yrs experience in English primary schools teaching from Reception to Year Four. I have worked with children with a variety of special needs and have acted as Senco for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my lessons fun and interesting. I am able to use a child's interests to engage them in their learning and provided regular encouragement and feedback to motivate each child to progress and achieve their potential.

When working with adult learners I seek to build a mutual respect and friendship whilst structuring the lesson to meet their individual needs and interest.

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Personal Description:
I'm passionate about teaching languages and admittedly spend far too much time preparing lessons or so I'm told at home! My greatest motivation comes from the sense of achievement when my students are able to express themselves more in their target language.

I'm a qualified teacher from Hong Kong with 15 years of experience in teaching Mandarin and English, and I have met the professional requirements for language teachers in both subjects.

I studied Linguistics in university, and achieved a score of 90.7 in the Putonghua Proficiency Test. I understanding challenges my students may face when learning a second language, and I am confident in teaching Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese) using English as medium of instruction.

Tell me your expectations and let me tailor lesson plans and teaching materials just for you.

Teaching Experience:
- 3 year experience in online teaching (Mandarin, Cantonese and English)
- invigilating GCSE Chinese (Speaking)
- 15 year full time teaching (Mandarin and English) in secondary schools in Hong Kong, confident in online teaching

Tutoring Approach:
Congratulations to my student who is able to give a short presentation in Cantonese and write a paragraph of over 70 characters! I'm so proud of her:)

My 11 year old student also learnt to tell her favourite story, Finding Nemo, in Mandarin while preparing for the musical at school. We both enjoyed talking about the characters and writing the story together. It was so much of fun!

Tell me your learning goals, and I'll tailor lesson plans and teaching materials just for you.

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Personal Description:
I have been an English college Teacher for Nottingham college. I have a Certificate in Education and an English degree. I have taught at Nottingham College and City College Nottingham.

Teaching Experience:
I have a Certificate in Education. Manchester Metropolitan University, (BA Joint Honours) English and Creative Writing. I have taught at Nottingham College and City College Nottingham.

Tutoring Approach:
English GCSE. This lesson will cover newspapers. The format of the newspaper, type and how it is written. We will look at and research articles on the internet, and explore. You will also get your chance to write your own newspaper article and in the style of the newspaper. For example an article in the Times and the Sun.

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Personal Description:
My name is Farah, a graduate of Marine Engineering and Offshore Platforms from the University of Tripoli, Libya (Class of 2017). I currently live in Warrington, and I'm passionate about education, especially teaching Arabic, Math, Physics, and Science.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years of experience teaching Arabic, Math, Science, and Physics to students of different age groups - from primary school to high school. I've worked in both formal schools and private tutoring settings.

Tutoring Approach:
• I use a simple, step-by-step approach tailored to the student's level.
• I focus on deep understanding rather than memorization.
• I include visual aids, practical examples, and interactive activities.
• I aim to build student confidence through encouragement and positive reinforcement.

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Personal Description:
A little about me: I'm Shaun, an 24 year-old originally from Dulwich. I'm just finishing my first year of a PhD in Chemistry at the University of Bath, and I have a first-class MSci in Chemistry from the University of Bristol, where I also helped lead tutorials and peer-assisted study groups. After my undergraduate degree, I worked as a Specialist Junior Chemistry Demonstrator at the University of Oxford, where I gained my AFHEA accreditation (Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy). These roles gave me solid, formal teaching experience and also helped me learn how to support neurodivergent students in a calm, friendly, anxiety-reducing way that seems to work well.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience teaching A-Level Chemistry, including supporting students who haven't taken A-Level Physics or Maths and therefore find the calculation-heavy topics tough. I've been tutoring privately for around 8 years, and a lot of that has focused on building confidence with moles, equilibria, rates, thermodynamics, redox, and the general maths side of the course.

For example, one of my recent tutees - who's just about to start a paramedicine degree - initially left every maths question blank. We worked on how to break questions down: how to read them properly, pick out key information, and what to do when you feel stuck. By the end, he was attempting these questions with confidence, which made a huge difference to his grade.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually teach via Zoom or Teams using an interactive online whiteboard so we can work through problems step-by-step. If you want, I can also prepare short presentations or typed notes for specific topics. Most students find online lessons just as effective as in-person, especially for structured calculation practice. And since I'll be entering a paper-writing phase soon, in-person sessions may become possible again later next year

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Personal Description:
I love teaching Religious Studies and am passionate about giving children their voice and helping to open up the world around them. I have extensive professional and personal experience of neurodiverse learners and currently work part time with autistic young people on a one to one basis. I love reading, cooking with my family and enjoying the Devon countryside with my husband and two children.

I hold both a PGCE in Religious Studies and an MA in Teaching World Religions from Warwick University.
My undergraduate degree is from the University of St Andrews in Social Anthropology.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced Religious Studies teacher and former Head of Humanities. I have worked in a number of state secondary schools and at a local sixth form college so I am confident to teach GCSE and A Level Religious Studies. I am trained in the Philosophy4Children model with Socratic questioning at the heart of every lesson.

I am also an experienced exam marker for AQA GCSE Religious Studies, bringing a deep understanding of assessment expectations and effective exam preparation. I have a passion for getting to the heart of key concepts in all religions covered by the exam boards.

Tutoring Approach:
I provide tailored sessions that focus on each student's strengths and needs. I explain concepts clearly, practice exam-style questions, and encourage thoughtful discussion of key ideas. My approach emphasises building confidence, independent thinking, and critical reasoning skills, so students feel prepared and capable.

Safeguarding & Professional Details:

I hold a full enhanced DBS check and appropriate tutor insurance, and I am committed to creating a safe, supportive learning environment where wellbeing, kindness, and emotional safety are always a priority.

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