Whalley Tutors and Whalley Tuition

Personal Description:
I was born in Italy and have been in the UK for 30 years. I have worked and finished my studies in this country, including a BA in English & French, and an MA in Translations English/Italian. In 2001 I attended a course for Teaching a Foreign Language to Adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching since 2002 in Adult Education Colleges, Companies and Private Students at their homes, as a self-employed tutor and through agencies in the South East. Since 2020 I only teach online with Zoom.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that one-to-one lessons are the best way for a student to learn, as everybody has a different learning pace, so the lessons can be arranged according to the individual needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified PGCE Post Compulsory Education graduate and a photographer. I am flexible, enthusiastic and eager to gain further teaching experience whilst aiding students with their photographic development. Through my work experience and my PGCE, I have found within myself a determination to succeed in any task I am a part of, and I have proven myself to be both reliable and professional.

Teaching Experience:
Creative Practitioner/Seasoned Tutor at Pedestrian
April 2014 - Present
I deliver lessons in art and music to students who are at risk and have been removed from mainstream education. I also deliver bespoke creative workshops to young people and adults across the city.

Freelance Photographer at Leivers Photography
October 2012 - Present
Self employed commercial photographer. Specialising in workshop delivery/tuition, weddings, portraiture, live music, theatre and events photography.

Contributing Photographer at Counterfeit Magazine
June 2011 - April 2014 (2 years 11 months)
Included on a list of contributors that provided live images of bands and artists for Counterfeits' online publication. It required me to work quickly in intense shooting environments with varying, ever changing lighting situations.

Learning Support Assistant at Doncaster College
March 2011 - April 2014 (3 years 2 months)
I gave support to students that had a variety of barriers to their learning on both a one to one and group basis. I assisted with basic spelling and grammar whilst ensuring students were organised and began to take responsibility for their own development. Using a range of resources and strategies I helped develop students' organisation and planning skills. I was also entrusted to act as a reader and scribe in exam situations for a number of students.

In house photographer and archivist. at The Lantern Theatre
August 2011 - August 2013 (2 years 1 month)
Responsible for capturing images of all productions, rehearsals and the theatre to be used for promotional material and press releases. I also maintained the image archive to ensure other theatre staff could access past images easily.

Photography (Evening Tutor) at Doncaster College
January 2012 - July 2012 (7 months)
Responsible for the delivery of three units of study over ten weeks that enabled learners to develop a basic understanding of Digital Photography, Photoshop Techniques and Darkroom Practice.

Introduction to Digital Photography, Evening Class Tutor at Barnsley College
September 2011 - January 2012 (5 months)
Tasked with delivering a self built course of study to adult learners over a time frame of fifteen weeks. The course was designed to introduce students to the basic techniques of DSLR camera operation, successful image capture and image editing.

Photographic Assistant at India Hobson Photography
July 2011 - July 2011 (1 month)
In July 2011 I assisted the photographer India Hobson during a shoot at Sheffield cathedral for 'The White Room Bridal Boutique'. My main duties were to assist with the lighting set ups and selection of shooting locations within the cathedral.

Stills Photographer at Ebony Cage Productions
September 2010 - September 2010 (1 month)
Produced and edited a number of production stills on the set of the short film 'Trail of Crimson'. A number of the final images were ultimately used for internet based promotional material.

Trainee Photography Tutor at Coleg Gwent
November 2009 - June 2010 (8 months)
Responsible for the teaching and development of a group of first year BTEC National Diploma Photography students whilst studying for my PGCE qualification.

Stills Photographer at Bottle Green Productions
April 2010 - April 2010 (1 month)
I produced and edited a number of production stills on the set of the short film 'To Shine'. Some of which were ultimately used for web based promotional material and the printed DVD cover.

Teaching Assistant at Springboard Centre
April 2009 - July 2009 (4 months)
Classroom/teaching assistant in a Pupil Referral Unit providing GCSE level education for pupils that had been excluded from mainstream education settings. The students possessed a range of learning and behavioural difficulties.

Student Mentor at Falmouth University
October 2006 - July 2008 (1 year 10 months)
Responsible for a group of six first year BA (Hons) Photography students to help them to settle into their first year at university. This took the form of both one-to-one and group meetings with my mentees, whilst also offering technical support and general advice to all students on the first year photography programme.

Creative Steps Summer School Mentor at Falmouth University
June 2006 - June 2008 (2 years 1 month)
Acted as a mentor for a group of Widening Participation students as they took part in activity days around the Falmouth area.

Student Ambassador at Aim Higher Peninsula Scheme
December 2006 - July 2007 (8 months)
After a weekend long training period I became eligible to run art workshops and taster days in higher education institutions and schools for Widening Participation students around the South West region.

Teaching Assistant at Falmouth School
November 2006 - July 2007 (9 months)
Helped the class teacher with the running of the A-level photography course, offering advice to students concerning their practical work. I also delivered technical demonstrations and presentations relating to students projects.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a patient and calm approach to tutoring preferring to act as a facilitator to my students development guiding them along the way to ensure they feel responsible for their own learning. I am able to deliver tuition in both film and digital based camera techniques. I also have a wide range of experience using traditional darkrooms and software programs such as Photoshop.

Through my own photographic education I have collected a large range of text books and resources that students are welcome to utilise for written assignments and I have developed a number of teaching resources to aid students with research techniques and the composition of essays.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native English speaker and have been studying languages for 20 years. I have travelled to many countries and experienced many cultures. I know speaking a language fluently is so important to enjoy new experiences. I have a Degree in Linguistics and have been trained in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL). I have a variety of experiences in teaching, training and tutoring. Although I am originally from Australia I am now based in London. I have spent time learning Russian, Spanish and German, so I know how useful it is to have someone helping continuing to build vocabulary and correct language use. I also know how hard it can be to get started learning a new language. I will be sure to find out what you want to learn and how you enjoy learning the most.

Teaching Experience:
I have a Degree in Applied Linguistics and have been trained in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL/TESOL). I have a variety of experiences in teaching, training and tutoring in the workplace, in group and one-to-one sessions with both adults and children. Although I am originally from Australia I am now based in Crewe. I have spent time learning Russian, Spanish and German, so I know how useful it is to have someone helping continuing to build vocabulary and correct language use. I also know how hard it can be to get started learning a new language.

Tutoring Approach:
My initial focus will be to spend time finding out what you want to learn and how you enjoy learning the most. My focus will be what you identify as needing help with, as well as giving feedback on how your language skills are progressing. I am most happy providing conversational English practice so that you can improve your skills in interacting with others, either at work, or study or even just travelling with greater ease. I am happy to provide exercises and tasks for you to work on as well as English conversation.
I am happy to meet you wherever is convenient - perhaps a local cafe or library. I can also tutor in my home or yours if that is easier. I am happy to tutor via Skype following a first meeting if travel is an issue.

Subjects

Personal Description:
If you needed a doctor, dentist or lawyer then you would want someone who was fully qualified and very experienced. So don't settle for anything less when you need a tutor. To get the best out of your tutoring, and hence the exam grades you want, make sure that you are getting the following:

1. Someone who will sit beside you and teach you in person. If the covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything then it has taught us that online tutoring can't hold a candle to having a teacher in the same room as you.

2. Insist on someone who is a qualified teacher. Just because someone has passed a few exams themselves doesn't mean that they will be able to teach their subject well. That's precisely why we have teacher training, to help people learn how best to convey that knowledge to others.

3. Insist on someone with plenty of experience. Practice may not make perfect, but it usually does make one a lot better, and this is often the case in teaching.

4. It's very important that a tutor knows their subjects very well and really enjoys them. Without both of these they are never going to be a good teacher.

Let's see how I measure up to these criteria. Well, I only teach in person, and from my home. On several occasions I have been offered online work, but always refused it, as I really do believe that I would be offering students a much inferior service. I have a Joint Honours B.Sc. in chemistry and physics, and for my PGCE my main subject was mathematics, and my secondary subject was physics. So I am well qualified in all the subjects that I offer: maths, further mathematics, chemistry and physics. My PGCE is from the University of Leeds, which has a very good reputation for its teacher training. I also have many years classroom and tutoring experience. As for knowing and enjoying my subjects, those who come to me for tutoring can see my large collection of maths, chemistry and physics books. I have also had a subscription to Scientific American for decades. I read maths and science for fun. Maybe that's why I gave up a very lucrative career as a software engineer to become a teacher. This is also why usually I only offer tutoring at A-level or equivalent, because I particularly enjoy teaching at this level. However, I am currently accepting a limited number of Y11 Higher Level Maths GCSE students.

Students studying maths might also be interested to know that I have written books about the best graphics calculators and also the Classwiz. So it's very likely that I'll be able to show you how to use your calculator much more effectively, which could save you time and mistakes in your exam.

Over the years many students, and their parents, have been very happy with my tutoring. Perhaps you will be too.

Please also note that I ONLY TUTOR FROM MY HOME: no exceptions. Among other reasons, this allows me to teach many more students, some of whom have been known to travel a considerable distance in order to get the right tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Let me be very frank. In the UK teaching in most schools is much less enjoyable than in many other countries. Behaviour, and what the school is prepared to spend on a teacher are often major issues. For students who genuinely want to learn this has serious implications. How qualified and experienced a teacher is may not be be a school's main recruitment criteria. Foremost may be their cost. A well qualified and experienced teacher will cost significantly more than a much younger one, so many older teachers' applications are often passed over. Also much greater weight may be given to classroom "management" skills, rather than the ability to teach ones subject.

Most of my time teaching in the classroom has been spent abroad, with a lot of it in private schools. For these schools neither behaviour nor salary is a major issue, so they recruit and retain teachers based on how well they can teach their subjects. This is the environment in which I have done my many years of classroom teaching. My years in the classroom have been spent in schools where ones teaching ability is paramount.

In regard to tutoring, this has been my main source of income for the past ten years, and most of this time has been spent teaching A-level, or the equivalent. It's probably fair to say that I spend many more hours teaching A-level than most classroom teachers, and as such I know what most students need, and where they are likely to experience difficulties.

Among the schools whose students I have recently tutored are: Ashmole Academy, Dame Alice Owen`s School, Enfield County School, Enfield Grammar School, Highlands School, Hockerill Anglo-European College, Princess Helena College, Southgate School, St. Michael`s Catholic Grammar School, The Latymer School, The Royal Masonic School for Girls, and Woodhouse College.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that when it comes to teaching I know my subjects very well. So you don't have to tell me in advance what you require help with. If you come to me for tutoring you will be able to ask me, on the fly, about any maths, physics or chemistry that you are having problems with, and I would expect to give you good help immediately.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have completed a PhD in Latin Literature from St Andrews University, although I am now based near Reading. I hold a Bachelor degree in Classics (Class 2:1) from Bristol University, a PGCE in Classics from Cambridge University, and an MLitt (with distinction) in Classics from St Andrews. I am currently self-employed and involved in tutoring, freelance writing and editing, and exam moderating. I am married and live in Winnersh near Wokingham, Berkshire.

Teaching Experience:
I have sixteeen years of teaching experience at Secondary Level, five years as Head of Department. I have substantial experience of language and literature teaching, from a wide range of Classical authors, at GCSE and A level, and have also taught university undergraduates. I have often tutored individuals outside of the classroom and am used to catering to the needs of students at various stages of their learning, from complete beginners to potential Oxbridge candidates. I also have experience in teaching French (up to GCSE level), English Literature (up to A-Level) and History (up to GCSE level).

Tutoring Approach:
My style is relaxed and I always aim to make learning enjoyable while also promoting intellectual rigour. I certainly encourage active participation and believe in allowing all tutees to comment constructively on their own progress or the relative value of different activities undertaken in tutorials.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a retired Deputy Headteacher. Even with Senior Management responsibilities I still taught A level Economics. Whilst I am mature in age I like to think I am young at heart. I think I have a sense of humour. Not certain my wife does!

Even though I have held senior management roles in schools for 20 years Headteacher's have always wanted me to continue teaching Economics.

Prior to entering the profession I worked as a foreign currency dealer in the City. Whilst it paid very well my second favourite job was the stint I had a s milkman. I also spent a summer season employed as a doorman at a disco in a Spanish resort.

My route to becoming a teacher was 'indirect' but I believe the experience I gained outside education proved invaluable in influencing my approach to teaching and the way I relate to students.

I am fanatical Liverpool supporter and since retirement have become a golfer.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Economics at A level and GCSE for 30 years in state comprehensive schools in London and Berkshire.

On average GCSE classes I taught have achieved achieved 70% Level 5 or above.

At A level, classes I taught rarely included any fail results and on average my classes achieved 70% A*-B grades. Even in my last year of teaching a class of 21 A level students secured 86% A*-B grades.

I am very familiar with AQA and Edexcel Syllabi.

I also have been involved in preparing students for Oxbridge. In all, I helped successfully prepare 19 students for interviews at Oxford(to read PPE) and Cambridge(to read Economics).

Upon retiring I had thought my days in the classroom had ended. The fact experienced and trained A level Economics teachers are a very rare breed has led to offers, two of which I found difficult to turn down. I was contacted through UK tutors by Battle Abbey School. They wanted an A level economics teacher to prepare a class for 2/3 of the A level course in 18 weeks! We achieved it with most students securing grades above those predicted.

In Sept 2019 I provided additional Learning for an A level student. The parents were Governors at Gildredge House School. After a few months they asked if I would consider becoming Head of Economics at Gildredge House and introduce GCSE Economics as well as teaching the A level. I did not want such a commitment but would be prepared to teach the Yr12 and Yr13 A level groups.

The Yr13 group had received very little grounding in Yr12 and had not developed the disciplined attitude towards learning. It took time for most of them to trust I knew what I was doing and act upon guidance and advice. Then Covid came! Nevertheless, most students secured results at least two grades higher than those I had predicted for them in Nov 19.

I was asked if I would extend my one year contract as no appropriately qualified and experienced replacement could be found. I am currently teaching Yr13 and Yr12 groups three mornings a week and enjoying it!!

Tutoring Approach:
When first meeting students who have never studied Economics I inform them they do have an understanding of the subject because it affects all aspects of their everyday lives. Wherever possible I will relate economic theories and principles to those real life experiences.

Indeed there are two general approches to teaching the subject:

1. Learn the theories and then apply to real life.
2. Introduce the theories through real life situations.

I adopt the latter approach.

Regarding my approach to student learning in general: wherever possibleI encourage and guide students to think and learn for themselves as it builds self confidence.

My overall approach is to encourage students to enjoy their learning. The subject is difficult requiring a lot of hard work. If students enjoy their learning the studying is less difficult.

I have very high expectations of myself and students. If I take on a student I will expect them to complete all learning tasks on time and to the best of their ability. In return, a student can expect me to provide stimulating, enjoyable learning and all their work assessed with detailed feedback within 48 hours of the deadline.

Finally, I value a learning relationship with honesty on both sides. If a students is unable to complete a task by the agreed deadline I would rather they just tell me rather than devise a convincing excuse. On occasions we all face unexpected circumstances which can derail plans.

This overall approach seemed to receive a positive reaction from students as the subject nearly always attracted largish numbers at A level.

I WOULD BE HAPPY TO OFFER VIRTUAL TUTORING THROUGH ZOOM OR SKYPE.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Former Head of Science (research) King's School Canterbury Kent. Now teaching A level, IB and GCSE Chemistry courses at Kent College Canterbury. Author "Around the world in 18 Elements" pub. Royal Society of Chemistry 2014. Author Edexcel A level chemistry student practical guide. pub. Hodder 2017. Co-author A level Chemistry books 1&2 Edexcel and OCR Pearson. Former Principal examiner for OCR.

Teaching Experience:
30 years plus. Home and abroad. Familiar with all A level syllabuses. Able to take Chemistry beyond the A level syllabus to university level.

Tutoring Approach:
Question and answer approach. Able to provide many tried and tested techniques. Have developed Online lessons via Teams using Wacom writing tablet.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Another great year with all my tutees gaining the top grades and the university of their choice. I am very proud that my tutees achieve such excellent grades as I am able to improve essay and short answer grades, often considerably, due to my extensive experience at A level.. I am a friendly, very patient and good humoured tutor who is highly professional in my approach to tutoring whether online or one to one. I work hard for my tutees and am always prepared to go the extra mile. My commitment to my students is not just in the tutoring session as I will assess work and give help whenever my tutees ask for it. I have a very extensive understanding of Economics and Business and I keep up with all the latest developments in my subjects. I believe I have warm and friendly personality with a good sense of humour and that I am also a good listener.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified, teacher with over thirty five years experience teaching and tutoring Economics and Business. I have worked for all the major examination boards as a moderator, examiner and question setter. I have a great deal of understanding of what GCSE and A level examiners are looking for in awarding top grades. As a result I get a huge satisfaction when my students gain really improved grades, year on year, very frequently exceeding their own targets. The feedback from students, parents and carers is always extremely positive and it is this high praise that makes me want to continue teaching and making the difference.

Tutoring Approach:
I firmly believe that the majority of teachers and schools/colleges do their best to help their students. However, many students have weaknesses especially in their written work. To gain high grades students need to be able to analyse, apply and evaluate their knowledge but those skills are often not developed by their school or college. However, my experience and individually focused sessions can remedy this and as a result my students soon are making far better responses to essay questions, data response and case studies than before they started tuition. As confidence grows I work with my students to help them achieve consistent high grades and a very pleasing final grade.

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Personal Description:
Fluent French, English.
Drum, singing, music and French teacher based near Kiltarlity, Inverness in the Highlands.
I have lived for 2 years in France and Belgium.

I teach beginner to advanced level students and all grades from 1-8 in Drums, Vocals and Music Theory and beginner to intermediate levels in bass guitar and up to GCSE level in French.

I am happy to travel to students and teach on their own kit or in a setup and enviroment they are familiar with -
Areas I cover are around Inverness, Beauly and Dingwall.

All ages and levels welcome. I can also offer advice on recording, gigging, music equipment and music theory.
Experienced working to clicks/sequencing/recording.
Tracks can be heard on


Drums: Currently play Pearl/Meinl Soundcaster Fusion/Paiste Alpha Cymbals/Roland TD-30

CRB/DBS Enhanced Checked and Update Service.

**Last updated 29 Aug 2018**

Teaching Experience:
10 years teaching experience in private tutoring. During that time I have had student progress from just starting to Grade 8 in 2 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Different people learn best in different ways - either by showing, doing or letting them do more self-study and allowing longer to absorb new information with tasks and goals - I adapt my teaching to how students learn best.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I`m Laurence. I produce and DJ. I have been producing for 10 years and actively releasing music for the passed 5, having toured the UK, Europe and USA.

I graduated with a 2:1 Honors degree back in 2014 in Music Production at London Metropolitan University.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10+ years experience in music production and have been private tutoring for the passed year. I`m have extensive knowledge of Ableton Live and Logic Pro including mixing, recording, synthesis, arrangements, drum programming and more.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer a fun and practical approach to music production, tailoring each lessons to your own skill level and personal goals. Whether you are just beginning or have some previous experience, we will work together on building your technical knowledge and self confidence as music producer.
I will guide you through each step, from starting your song to drum programming, arrangement, synthesis and mixing techniques. I`m also happy to teach some basic piano/music theory knowledge to anyone who`s just starting out. Creativity and artistry is personal to ourselves, therefore I help and encourage my students to explore and develop their own creative ideas.
I teach from my recording studio in Hackney.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am passionate about teaching and I love to spread the Italian culture through different tools( art, music, readings, cinema). I depict myself like a hard-working, outgoing and particularly sensitive person. I am even imaginative and keen on my job activities.

Teaching Experience:
In Italy I managed reading projects in schools and I have worked for libraries, bookshops and nurseries as a teacher. In london and Brighton I organized animated reading events aimed at Italian and English children. I currently teach Italian to adults and children using Italian books and multimedia tools on online and face to face basis(when possible & following health and safety measures due to pandemic).

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very pratctical approach and I like to teach Italian through readings, the use of original video and audio. I don't want to use only the grammar, but also offer ample space for conversation and real life topics.
In my method, the student is protagonist and he/she is able to elaborate and speak as much as possible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am from Malaysia, currently studying in Kings College London taking MSc Microbiome in Health and Disease.
I have experience in teaching, and I am passionate about sharing knowledge to students, and encouraging students to learn.
I believe that education takes us to places, even to territories that are yet to be ventured. Even though I have left the formal education field to pursue my interests, I believe that I can serve in the field by tutoring students in need.

Teaching Experience:
BIOLOGY TEACHER (01/2016 - 08/2021)
Sabah Tshung Tsin Secondary School, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Worked with Science department Head as special adviser on curriculum development for Biology programme.
Maintained positive, supportive relationships and communication channels with parents and caregivers.
Delivered lab lessons, utilising lab equipment and experiments to further student learning.
Effectively managed classroom behaviour through deescalation and redirection techniques.
Provided interactive and digital learning sessions during COVID in compliance with quality learning standards.
Supervised safe lab work, closely monitoring students adherence to all health and safety policies.
Assessed student performance, behaviour and social development and devised improvement strategies for struggling children.
Established and enforced clear class objectives and requirements to promote consistent education for all students.

TRANSLATOR/INTERPRETER (11/2014 - 12/2015)
Yu Gong Decoration Sdn. Bhd., Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Translated various documents within tight deadlines, including legal and technical content.
Proofread completed translations to catch and fix punctuation, grammatical and translation errors.
Conducted in-depth research or consulted with specialists to obtain information on technical information translation or scientific phrases.
Translated original text, ensuring perfect spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Offered quick verbal translations of documents for use by legal and business professionals.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly I will try to understand the student's level of understanding in a particular topic.
I will also compare with the education syllabus to grasp the requirements for the student to pass with certain grade.

Once those are ascertained, I will make use of available teaching materials (such as videos, educational books) to teach the student, and even make use of drawings to illustrate my points.

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