Whitehawk Tutors and Whitehawk Tuition

Personal Description:
PSYCHOLOGY
I have a BSc (First Class Honours) in Psychology from Brunel University (2007), and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge (2011). I have worked as a research fellow and subsequently as a psychology lecturer at various universities in the U.K. My research is mainly in social, health and cognitive psychology, but I also teach research methods (both quantitative and qualitative methodologies), statistics and SPSS, as well as effective academic writing, including dissertations and research projects. In addition, I have sufficient competence in personality (i.e., individual differences) and clinical psychology to be able to teach these at undergraduate level. I have published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles, including some in world-leading journals, and have over 1300 academic citations of my research. Some of my research interests are: The attitude-behaviour relationship, behavioural interventions, motivation, cognition, and emotion, dual-process models of cognition, cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and information processing, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, health psychology, meta-cognition and self-knowledge, persuasion and social influence, intelligence and problem-solving, psychology of music, and psychology of religion.

PHILOSOPHY/CRITICAL THINKING/RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In my own research in psychology, I have drawn on several philosophical ideas, and have integrated different philosophical perspectives into my work. In addition to critical thinking, I am able to teach humanistic philosophy, social cognition, epistemology, existentialism, and related areas. I also teach how to build philosophical arguments for academic and commercial purposes. In terms of religious studies, I have a particular interest in the Abrahamic faiths, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and related philosophies.

MUSIC
I am a performer and teacher of Indian classical music (Northern style), and teach the instruments of dilruba, esraj, taus, taar shehnai and a bit of sarangi. I have been learning for 18 years, and been performing for the last 10 years. I teach beginners and intermediate students in basic and advanced raagas (from Yaman to Darbari) and taalas. I also teach vocal and harmonium.

ENGLISH LITERATURE
I specialise in creative writing, particularly short stories, and can teach students techniques in textual analysis and interpretation, especially using the hermeneutic method. I am also interested in how characters in stories (all genres) are given psychological depth, as well as how story structure and character development go hand-in-hand.

URDU
Urdu is my mother tongue, and is one of four languages that I speak fluently. I can teach beginners and intermediate students in grammar, reading and writing, as well as conversations. And I also teach advanced students in conversation. My particular interests in Urdu literature are 18th and 19th century poetry, especially ghazals.

DANISH
I am a native speaker of Danish, and spent the first 22 years of my life there. I can teach all levels of the language and its literature. Some of the key authors that I have an interest in are Søren Kierkegaard, Karen Blixen, H C Anderson, and we can also discuss Danish film, cinema, and culture. Danish is very similar to Swedish and Norwegian so by learning Danish you will be able to read those languages quite well, and you might be able to understand speech in those languages to some extend. There is also some overlap between Danish and German, though not as much.

Teaching Experience:
I taught psychology to undergraduates at the University of Cambridge from 2008-2011. I then taught at King's College London from 2011-2014, followed by the University of Bath from 2014-2017 and then Bath Spa University from 2017-2022. I also supervise BSc, MSc, and doctoral students. I'm currently lecturing at the University of Hertfordshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to use an interactive approach that encourages active involvement of the tutee. My main goal during tuition sessions is to stimulate an interest in the subject and facilitate independent and critical thinking. This, I believe, allows the tutee to become an independent thinker and to enjoy the learning process, which is rewarding for both parties.

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Personal Description:
I am 54 years old, I am married with four children. I have a degree ( Joint Honours, 2.1 in Agriculture with Agricultural Economics) and a Cert Ed. I am a member of the Institute for Learning. I have taught a wide range of subjects over 28 years and am able to coach you to success whether you are looking for science, geography, Excel spreadsheets, English as a Foreign Language or even French and German ( I worked in both countries when I was younger)

Teaching Experience:
I can help you prepare for exams in Geography, Biology, Ecology, French and German. I have taught English as a Foreign Language over many years. I can also help you with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, particularly for Business. I am a patient, enthusiastic and committed teacher with 28 years experience particularly with post 16 and adult education. I have taught agriculture and related topics over that time, and very much enjoyed diversifying my teaching portfolio as new courses arose at the college. I have taught a range of biology and geography related topics, including plant and soil science, crop science, crop production, livestock production, environmental issues, ecology, woodland management. In business I have helped many people develop diverse enterprises, preparing carefully costed cash flow projections. I very much enjoy seeing people develop confidence with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets, which are an invaluable tool.

Tutoring Approach:
I am convinced that one-to-one tuition is by far the most efficient way in which a person can progress and gain confidence. Often someone can grasp a topic in 5 minutes of one-to-one that would have taken 2 hours to cover with a larger group. Once you are confident with a topic, we move on rapidly to the next one. A current A level tutee of mine told his father "I learnt more in that 2 hour session than I have all term at school" and his headteacher wrote to congratulate him on his improved grades. (The reason for this is not that his teacher is bad, far from it, but a tutor can give you personal one-to-one attention, concentrating on the bits you need) I always ensure that the learners are confident with each step before progressing further.

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Personal Description:
I am a french native speaker, teaching french. I am a very enthusiastic person who love contact with people and I enjoy teaching my language to others. I also speak Spanish.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 21 years in an independent school and I am also a Team Leader and examiner for Edexcel Pearson and AQA exam boards. I am checking , marking and assessing exams at GCSE level and I teach at all levels. As well as teaching my classes on site, I do teach my lessons via video conferencing using zoom, Skype or Teams, the delivery of the lessons online are as good as being in a classroom. Virtual classes are fun and are an easy way to learn from home.

Tutoring Approach:
Very calm and smooth approach with lots of speaking, listening, writing and reading activities to enable students to develop their skills. I also work on the grammar and the verbs which are a huge part of the learning, all students can learn according to their own abilities and develop at their own pace. Grade guaranty.

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Personal Description:
I have been involved in computers and IT for 27 years. I was first of all a professional computer games programmer / designer before moving into my current role as an IT Solutions Architect. Over the last 21 years in IT consultancy, I have developed a breadth and depth of knowledge in IT and computing which is hard to find almost anywhere in the UK having dealt with almost all types of systems and aspects of IT.

I'm not able to teach you all the intricacies of the Microsoft Office products like Excel or Word, but I can train you in system design, system support, software development and pretty much anything in between. I have detailed experience in virtually all Microsoft operating systems and applications. I am also very experienced on VMware products. I am also able to assist your training in application and web development in C, C#, VB, scripting and assembler (68000 & 6502).

Teaching Experience:
21 years of mentoring and training junior staff on systems including Microsoft operating systems and applications.
Delivered a classroom based Lotus Notes course for Computacentre.
Developing syllabi and exam question papers for the British Computer Society (BCS).

Tutoring Approach:
I would first of all need to know what your learning requirements are. What is it you want to know about and to what level? From that point, I would create a training plan for you to reach that goal.

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Personal Description:
Senior Lecturer, University of London.

Teaching Experience:
Senior Lecturer with many years of experience tutoring mathematics.

Tutoring Approach:
My main focus is to consider past examination papers as soon as possible.

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Personal Description:
I have been playing guitar from the age of 14, firstly teaching myself and then learning from teachers such as Gypie Mayo (Dr Feelgood). I formed my first band at 15 and have been teaching, playing and song-writing in bands ever since, playing in venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Dingwalls, The Marquee, Chinnery's, 100 club, playing alongside artists such as Finley Quaye, Boy George and the Brand New Heavies. My band Sentivo was on Long Lost Brother Records (Jamiroquai, SIA) making recordings for producers such as Mickey Most, Joey Negro and Mark Knight. I studied Music/Guitar Theory at a college in London where I gained my Music Diploma. I am now currently teaching guitar part time at a college in Southend and teaching private and one to one guitar lessons whilst playing, singing and writing music & lyrics for my new band

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and qualified Guitar tutor having achieved a Diploma in Music/Music Technology and have also completed a level 4 PTLLS teaching qualification. I am currently working at a college as a Guitar Tutor which I thoroughly enjoy and has given me great teaching experience and teacher training especially in teaching in groups and also one to one. In the last 17 years I have been tutoring and teaching privately which has given me great confidence and experience in teaching on a one to one basis. I also hold a current DBS certificate. I teach a number of different styles ranging from blues, rock'n'roll to rock, funk, jazz and soul Please give me a call or email to book a lesson whether you are an absolute beginner or want to improve or build on the level you already are.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to keep teaching relaxed and fun and like to get the student up and playing straight away, especially if you're a beginner as it's important to come away with something gained to boost the confidence and enthusiasm so you feel like you have achieved something solid and want to carry on playing. If you're already playing then I like to build on your skills and strengths and also focus on any weak areas to make you the best player you can possibly be. It is your lesson so you choose what you want to learn whether it is chords/progressions, melodies, scales/modes or songs or maybe tools to improve your own compositions and song writing. I can teach from my home and have a dedicated music room which is specially set up in a relaxed and musical environment to inspire the creative musician.

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Personal Description:
I sincerely believe that each student can thrive in English given the right approach and attention, and so I left full time secondary teaching to become a self-employed personal tutor. I am now highly sought after and love helping secondary students to go beyond everyone's expectations in attaining grades they didn't think they could reach! This isn't something I do on the side or just to earn a little extra money like most tutors - who are also often unqualified, inexperienced and have never marked a GCSE. This is my profession, and my full time dedication.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full time professional tutor and qualified English teacher with over 7 years of experience. I am a specialist in the English GCSEs and am partnered with a qualified AQA examiner. Together we have achieved great pass rates with students from every background imaginable - many of whom were initially convinced they couldn't pass in English - and helped countless students exceed their expectations, go beyond their teacher's predicted grades and attend the schools, colleges and universities of their dreams!

Tutoring Approach:
I believe each student needs a tailored approach that works for them. Teachers are overwhelmed with paperwork and chores that prevent them giving your child the attention they need to achieve everything they are capable of. I know as I used to be one of those teachers! Each student needs a different approach, and that only comes from a private tutor.

What works for all students, regardless of age or background, is the attentive care and guidance of a tutor they trust and respect. I will provide constant feedback and show your child that they are making steady progress to build their confidence, and I love nothing more than showing parent and child the great progress being made!

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Personal Description:
I have just come out of fulltime education at East 15 acting school and am looking to get into teaching. Having recently done an online cause to become a member of learning support staff I have acquired a large variety of skills needed to go into education. My passion is acting and hope to continue with a full BA course in it at some point in the future. As well as acting I also have a love for English as a subject and have become an avid writer over the course of the last few months. While it has been difficult with the limitations of Covid 19 I hope to be able to support learners who have an interest in these subjects or simply need help in order to meet their goals in them.

Teaching Experience:
My most recent teaching work has been in training as part of Activate learning at Reading college. These extensive online meetings have focused on equipping me with skills to deal with many different kinds of learners. Sessions on supportive learning, diversity, autism and other learning challenges have allowed me an excellent understanding of many learning styles. As a result I am very flexible in my approach to supporting learners and happy to work around what best works for them. For in person teaching I have experienced first hand experts in theatre and drama as part of my East 15 course. Working with members of staff in researching Shakespeare as well as many other famous literary figures.

Tutoring Approach:
I intent to provide an appropriate level of support for any learners needs. I am passionate about discussion and debate in the learning environment to engage learners in their journey. As well as this, I intend to work closely with understanding how to use the learners strengths best in an exam format. I understand personally the frustration of having the knowledge with the inability to format it in a way that the examiners want so have a wide variety of exercises to help with this. Going on from things previously mentioned I am happy to work with all learners no matter their challenges or abilities in these subjects.

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Personal Description:
A qualified maths teacher and Chartered Civil Engineer with over 20 years' experience in the civil engineering industry. I am able to quickly identify areas of maths knowledge that requires improving in order to pass exams and also help learners to relate maths to the real world.

Teaching Experience:
My maths teaching experience has covered senior school, 6th Form, Further Education and Higher Education.

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer online tutoring over Zoom (or similar) as well as face to face - I am passionate about supporting people with their educational development goals. Being able to relate to learners struggles and difficulties in understanding maths, I have proven methods and skillsets that allow my learners to flourish in any area of mathematics they require assistance with.

Whether you require some intensive sessions in the run up to exams, have yet to be successful in maths or require the whole syllabus covered, I am here to help. Many of my learners have had poor prior experience with maths education or educational challenges/special educational needs that have, with my help, been able to realise their full potential.





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Personal Description:
Hi, I am Ana, the founder of a company. It was created from my own passion for languages and entrepreneurship. I am here to help you to learn Portuguese in line with your desired pace and previous experience of learning languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have attended João de Deus University in Lisbon and I also hold a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) recognised by the National College for Teaching and Leadership UK. João de Deus was a poet and pedagogue whose teaching methods I have adopted in my practice. I work as an Examiner for UK examination boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education & Pearson Edexcel UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I am here to expand your language skills, help you to speak confidently and to achieve your true potential. Positive minds, positive vibes! Learning a language does take time, so be patient and have fun!

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Personal Description:
Hello! I am a highly experienced, enthusiastic and approachable full-time tutor with a First-Class Geography degree from the University of Birmingham. During my degree, I studied a multitude of theories, concepts and issues from a broad range of Geographical disciplines. I enjoy posing questions and challenging key geographical ideas, and keen to gather the information needed to make informed predictions and enforce sustainable management which is crucial in our rapidly changing world. I hope you will agree that my passion transfers through to my teaching as I aim to provide engaging and interactive sessions from which you can enjoy seeing yourself progress over the course and then succeed in your exams!

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Geography for the past 6 years and acquired almost 3000 hours of online tutoring experience with over 325 5-star reviews (these can be provided on request). I have worked with a wide range of students of differing abilities and with various educational needs (eg. dyslexia, ADHD, autism, asperges, OCD etc.). All of my students have gone on to achieve or exceed their targets, some of which have improved by 4 grades! The most rewarding part about tutoring stems from building a great level of trust and rapport with the students as it provides the crucial foundation needed to build confidence which, ultimately, translates into academic progress and achievement!

In particular, I specialise in GCSE and A Level tuition and have extensive knowledge of the up-to-date versions of numerous exam boards (eg. Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Eduqas, CIE), including their specification content and marking criteria. During my degree, I undertook a 'Geography in the Classroom' module which further developed my teaching methods and strategies and provided me with the skills needed to easily adapt my lessons to the student's individual needs and preferences. In addition, this module focused on bridging the gap between A Level and University Level Geography so if you are seeking to further your Geographical studies, I can integrate support for this into our lessons for a less challenging transition.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutorials will be planned in advance in order to tailor lessons to your individual needs and optimise your learning experience. We will work through the exam syllabus and establish weaker topics that require more focus in order to give you a full understanding of the content needed to answer exam questions. I provide diagrams, images and clear step-by-step explanations to aid learning in a visual and engaging manner. I also find that students really benefit when I integrate discussion points and give them opportunities to try teaching something back to me, as it ensures the student has a comprehensive understanding while developing confidence. It is vital that students understand the content needed to answer the question but must also become familiar with the key ideas examiners are looking for. It is often how a student answers the question that enables them to get top marks however, this is typically the most challenging part. Consequently, exam techniques will also feature throughout tutorials as we progress through the course. I prepare questions and provide personalised feedback and guidance to help students excel in exam situations. Furthermore, we will work through case studies to broaden your knowledge and deepen your Geographical understanding by applying theories and models to real-life local and global examples. These can be embedded in your answers to provide the breadth and depth needed to obtain the highest marks.

I also offer help with structure and technique for academic writing and research projects for students undertaking an NEA or Geography-based Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). Furthermore, I provide advice for writing a successful Personal Statement and can proofread your written piece to help you receive your first-choice offer.


Summary of services available:

- GCSE and A Level Geography sessions tailored to you
- GCSE and A Level marking and feedback sessions
- Non-exam assessment (NEA) advice and support
- Help with structuring academic writing and research projects eg. Geography-based EPQs
- Proofreading for Personal Statements
- Help with personalised revision timetables and strategies


Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like to arrange a free meeting to discuss how I can support you through your academic journey!

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Personal Description:
Merhaba! I'm a native Turkish speaker with a passion for language and communication.
I hold a CELTA certificate (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults), and while it's focused on teaching English, it gave me strong skills in language teaching methods, lesson planning, and creating engaging, learner-centered lessons, all of which I now apply to teaching Turkish.
I enjoy working with learners from all backgrounds and levels, whether you're just starting out or looking to improve your fluency. My goal is to help you feel confident and motivated while learning Turkish in a relaxed, supportive environment.
Outside of teaching, I love exploring languages, cultures, and different ways of learning. I'm excited to be part of your Turkish learning journey, let's make it fun and effective together!

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience includes 1-on-1 online lessons, conversation practice, and personalized learning plans based on each student's needs - whether they're learning Turkish for travel, family, work, or just for fun.
I enjoy helping students reach their goals in a relaxed and supportive environment, and I continuously update my materials and approach to keep lessons engaging and effective.

Tutoring Approach:
As a native Turkish speaker with a background in language teaching (CELTA certified), I focus on creating engaging, personalized lessons that are adapted to each student's goals, level, and interests.
My tutoring style is friendly, patient, and conversation-based. I believe that speaking regularly and confidently is the key to learning any language, so I prioritize real-life dialogues, pronunciation, and natural language use.
I provide gentle correction, introduce new vocabulary and expressions, and help you develop fluency without pressure. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced learner, we'll practice Turkish in a relaxed and supportive environment.
I'm also happy to incorporate grammar explanations, cultural topics, or custom materials if you prefer a more structured approach. Together, we'll build your confidence and make learning Turkish fun and effective!

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