Wokingham Tutors & Wokingham Tuition

Personal Description:
Native Spanish speaker. A self-motivated and hard working Spanish Teacher with experience designing lessons according to student's needs/requirements. I am able to identify learning difficulties and quickly adapt lessons to bring out the best for each one of the students. An effective communicator

Teaching Experience:
Company: PLAN INTERNATIONAL .Woking , Surrey
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, beginners and intermediate Students
September 2006 - April 2007./ February 2008 - April 2008.

Chris Polatch Foreign Languages, Courses
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Students - January 2008 up to now.

Private Tuition: July 2006 up to now.

April 2005 - March 2006 Freelance Spanish Teacher for novice, beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Institution: ILISA. Panama City - Panama

Tutoring Approach:
The communicative approach centered in developing students' skills and abilities is my preferred tutoring approach, but it depends on the students needs. In the first lesson there is an assessment of competence and a learning style evaluation so I can easily tailor the Spanish course according to the needs of the student.
In all cases, Spanish classes include grammar, written exercises, talking and listening, and the writing practices are carried out through the homework (optional)
Also important the mutual evaluation at the end of each class so that both student and myself can correct/improve something that is not going well in order to fulfill mutual expectations, and have an interesting, funny and efficient Spanish lesson every class.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University and have also trained to teach English as a Foreign Language. Having done a variety of jobs over the years I currently work part-time as a private tutor of Italian, French and English as a Foreign Language. I also offer entrance exam preparation in literacy, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning for children seeking entrance to selective secondary schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a Foreign Language abroad and, more recently, at Keele University for 2 years.
I have taught Italian both at FE college and privately. I now focus on private lessons, offering Italian, French and EFL. I have supported a large number of students through a range of exams including GCSEs and IELTS.
I am also an experienced 11+ tutor, tailoring tuition both to the individual needs of students and the requirements of a range of local selective schools, including St Joseph's, Newcastle High, Newport Grammar, Adams Grammar and Denstone.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and enthusiastic tutor who aims to create a warm and supportive environment for students.
I usually begin with a discussion about the student's needs and aims, and then, if appropriate, carry out a diagnostic test. Tuition is then tailored to each student's requirements.
I usually ask students to buy at least one coursebook (for the 11+ there may be several), and I also provide homework between sessions.

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Personal Description:
QUALIFICATIONS

- MPhil (Distinction) from University of Cambridge
- BEng (First Class Honors) from Imperial College London

AWARDS

Willis Jackson Medal & Prize - Imperial College London
Honorary Jesus College Scholar - University of Cambridge
Cambridge Commonwealth Trust Scholar - University of Cambridge

SERVICES

• Regular tutoring
• Exam preparation (identification and support in weaker areas, exam technique practice)
• Last minute exam sessions
• Advice for university applications
• Homework assistance
• Setting and marking of homework
• Confidence building
• University interview advice
• Mastering Word, Excel, PowerPoint (for professionals)

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE

- Teaching Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Business Studies/Management, Computing and Electronics

- Taught over 75 diverse students since 2009, usually for several months, providing support to students consistently through the academic year

- Experienced in tutoring degree level students

- Conducted remedial classes to Business Management undergraduates at the University of Cambridge

- Guided university level students in preparing first class coursework assignments and final year dissertations under tight deadlines

- Successfully supported two students in preparing for their Oxford University entrance exams

- Coached a student for his Imperial College London interview for Mechanical Engineering (MEng Mech Eng)

STUDENT FEEDBACK

"Umer explains things in a clear and concise manner and has made learning Physics ever so fun for me. He is punctual and continuously tailors his teaching style to suit the needs of the student he is teaching." - Kalpna, A2 Mathematics

"More often that not, students spend a considerable time studying unimportant things. Umer has the ability to channel the effort of his students in the right direction, resulting in effective exam preparation. If it wasn't for him, my son wouldn't have scored so well in his exams." - Carlos, A2 Mathematics, A2 Physics

"Umer often uses visual aids to explain abstract concepts. He takes time to understand the interests of his tutees and then uses something of their interest to explain complex phenomenon to them. This really keeps the child motivated and involved. Hats off to his teaching style." - Roma, AS Physics

"Umer has tutored me from grade 8 through to A level. He is knowledgeable, reliable, patient and always polite. He constantly maintains a positive approach and encourages me even when I perform badly. He also helps me organise my study schedule and remained a great source of motivation for me. I would blindly recommend him to anyone!". - Basa, Mathematics (grade 8, GCSE, AS, A2)

Tutoring Approach:
- The underlying factor for my success is my ability to change my style of teaching according to each student's ability

- I provide practical and lively examples to explain concepts in Maths, Physics and Chemistry

- I guide my students towards obtaining correct answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing them with information to `rote learn`

- Tipping exam questions is a common practice and I can do this nearer to exam period

- I am very patient and endeavour to remove the abstraction in mathematical concepts through simplification of seemingly complex procedures

- I am a strong believer in building a good relationship with my students

- I tend to focus on harder exam questions early on so that students are not overwhelmed with them nearer to exam time

- Providing students with visual representations in science works wonders in establishing their concepts

- Asking students to teach back what I taught them some weeks ago also helps in improving their communications skills besides serving as a revision tool

- Providing students a clear mental image of the process being taught when teaching sciences. For instance, explaining the concept of electric current by modelling it as a flow of water

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Personal Description:
I have been an EFL and Italian Teacher for 20 years. I have always had a big passion for teaching languages. I have a University Degree in Translation and Interpreting Studies and I work as a private Italian Teacher and tutor online.
I am a Professional Italian/English/French Teacher and Tutor (GCSE and A Level), Medical Translator/Transcriber and Interpreter

Teaching Experience:
I have a University Degree in Modern Languages, Interpreting and Translation. I have been teaching Italian and English for 20 years. I tutor online using Skype/Zoom. My students obtain best results thanks to a communicative and flexible approach.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring is mostly based on building the basics of the language for beginner-level students, conversation, developing conversation skills, vocabulary learning and grammar rules. My conversational approach is followed by written tasks normally to be done outside the lesson.
I base my lessons mainly on real-life Italian and conversation. I focus on vocabulary learning and grammar rules using a wide variety of catchy teaching tools according to the type of students and the language target they need to reach. I like offering customized Italian lessons preparing materials that are based on my students' interests.

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Personal Description:
I'm a senior university lecturer who has been teaching Sociology at degree level since 1995. I have a degree (first class) and Phd in Sociology. In addition to university lecturing, I have 24 years experience marking and moderating A level Sociology papers for the AQA exam board.
I believe my teaching style is motivational, relaxed and most of all fun! I encourage creative approaches to learning, with a focus on what the student can bring to the learning process. I also have a detailed knowledge of Sociology, not only teaching the subject for over 20 years, but as a research active, published sociologist myself.

Teaching Experience:
Senior lecturer in Sociology: Liverpool Hope University: 1995-2007

Senior lecturer in Social Care: Wrexham Glyndwr University: 2007-present (part time) teaching Sociology (programme leader), Social Work, and Politics.

*AQA APPROVED EXAMINER* : Experienced AQA A level Sociology Examiner, including the role of Team Leader, 2004-present.

Tutoring Approach:
Student centred, with a strong emphasis on the skills, knowledge and experiences that the student already has. I am able to break down complex, difficult ideas into something that makes sense to the learner, and pride myself on my ability to create confident, critical thinkers in my students. I am particularly skilled in working with students who lack confidence, and are underachieving, in addition to pushing the most able students beyond the results they are currently achieving.

I am delighted to report that results obtained in summers 2022 and 2023 A level AQQ examinations in Sociology resulted in my tutees moving up from the predicted grades (D to a C, B to an A, A to an A*).

*Update*
Summer 2025 results (A level Sociology, AQA )
Tutee predicted grade C, grade achieved B
Tutee predicted grade B, grade achieved A
Tutee predicted grade D/E, grade achieved C

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Personal Description:
An experienced and highly successful teacher of Chemistry to A level and GCSE Science, In 2018 I retired from my job after 17 years as Deputy Headteacher of an outstanding-rated Oxfordshire comprehensive school. Although I enjoyed the challenge of a senior management position, it was always the actual teaching which I did that gave me most pleasure - and why I made sure that in the timetables I wrote I still retained a fair amount of teaching, after all that is why I went into working in schools in the first place, and you never tire of how great it is when you get students to realise they understand something new.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Science - mostly Chemistry - for almost 40 years in three highly successful secondary schools. This included 12 years as Head of Science. I was highly regarded at each school for the level of success my students achieved at GCSE and A level. Since my retirement in 2018, I have returned to tutoring, supporting students for both GCSE and A level, and was called in to help out with A level preparation at a local independent school. In the last three years I have supported a number of students to achieve much greater success than they had expected - initially in person and more recently finding the best way to approach working online.
I am a current exam marker for A level and GCSE Chemistry with two awarding bodies. Before increased responsibilities at school ruled it out, I had extensive experience as a GCSE examiner at a Principal Examiner level, thus writing and grading GCSE papers as well as being responsible for marking them.
I have been co-author of published books of teaching and exam support material for GCSE Chemistry and Science.

Tutoring Approach:
It was always the actual teaching that I enjoyed most about the job, and so in retirement I have enjoyed being able to continue to teach in my role as tutor. I think my approach to teaching is best summed up by some quotes from an email a former A level Chemistry student sent me on my retirement. He had collected messages from others I had taught which included: "without a doubt the best teacher I have ever had (including those at uni)", "you helped stoke the inquisitiveness that still burns today", "few share the same level of enthusiasm for teaching as yourself, even fewer who invest as much time and personal interest in helping their students achieve to their potential". It has been rewarding this year with my tutees to see not only how their knowledge and understanding has built up, but more importantly how they have gained in their confidence in and enjoyment of the subject.

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Personal Description:
10 years of teaching experience. (Italian History, Geography Culture and Tourism)
25 publications ( Italian Military History)
IWM London volunteer
Partnerships:
Italian Army and Navy
British Archaeological Reports
After The Battle
Accademy of St. Marciano
Italian Sociery of Military HIstory
National Geographic Channel ( Series Nazi Megastructures)

Teaching Experience:
10 years of teaching experience. (Italian History, Geography Culture and Tourism). High schools, academies, training schools

Tutoring Approach:
professional approach by means of slides, books and notes.
Modern and effective teaching methods

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Personal Description:
My name is Yana - I am professional, highly qualified and enthusiastic linguist by nature and profession, who loves learning as much as teaching. I teach English as second language to adults, I am also a Public Service interpreter, working for the NHS; Police; Immigration and Social services.

I am a linguist at heart and love sharing the knowledge, by presenting it in the most student friendly format. I am creative in my teaching style and can design a programme just for you:

- English for everyday essentials, build up your grammar and vocabulary to help you with trips to the shops, doctors, schools, nurseries etc.
- Business English for beginners ( for those starting or planning a career in an office environment: answering calls, writing e-mails, speaking with customers, visitors, etc)
- ESL General Knowledge - Speaking, Listening, Writing Skills

I have been living, working and studying in the UK for the last 19 years, I possess a vast amount of knowledge and experience, which I am more than happy to pass on to those willing to learn.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English to Russian speakers and Russian to English speaking Executives for years, mainly in an office environment.

I have also been interpreting for the Social, NHS, Housing, Mental health and various other public services, so I have a very clear understanding of the difficulties that exist due to the language barriers.

I have collated endless glossaries for every sector, which can help anyone achieve the required level of efficiency and confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
I am eager to help my students to achieve their goals, whatever they may be. I will work with you to determine the intensity, frequency, content of the lessons and the required level, depending on your circumstances.

I offer weekly ESL lessons and packages of 5 - 10 lessons, designed around your specific needs
- Basic Business English for those starting a career in an office environment
- General English from beginner to advanced
- Customised programme for specific language needs

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Personal Description:
I graduated from UCL-IOE with a master's degree in TESOL education. Before coming to the UK, I worked as an English teacher in a middle school in China. After graduating with a master's degree, I decided to stay in the UK for development. I have worked in different Chinese education institutions, including charity schools for overseas Chinese children, one-on-one tutoring, and teaching Chinese in different British primary schools, middle schools and high schools. GCSE Chinese is taught for the majority of my curriculum and my students have achieved very good grades.

Reference from the previous student's parents:
'When we returned from Hong Kong where our daughter had been learning Mandarin for a few years, her London school did not have a Mandarin programme so Jing tutored her to GCSE level outside of school. Thanks to Jings careful but stimulating tuition, Martha made astonishing progress, especially given she had just one hour a week, much of which was through Covid. She sat the GCSE one year ahead of her other GCSEs and achieved a grade 8. Jing's lessons kept Martha motivated and she went into the GCSE well prepared and calm She loved working with Jing and was delighted with her result! Jing was a pleasure to deal with throughout. We couldn't recommend her highly enough!' ------- Sarah Lewell

Teaching Experience:
As a Mandarin teacher for curriculum and private tuition since 2015, my major duties are:
Designing different lessons based on the learners' level. Giving English reports to the school or parents. Marking coursework and giving feedback to students. Managing students' behaviour in the classroom. Invigilating examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method focuses on motivating students to focus more on Chinese learning through interest or the way students are interested. For example, use some catchy nursery rhymes, songs, and small games to guide primary school students who are new to Chinese. For older students, I will use the apps in computers, ipads and other electronic products to help students quickly master the words they have learned. and so on.

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Personal Description:
I live with my wife in Tooting, London. We have two children, one at Manchester University, the other graduated from Leeds University. I am a keen cyclist, bass guitar player and physics enthusiast!

Teaching Experience:
I have 30 years experience in a Wandsworth secondary school teaching science at KS3 and KS4, and physics from KS3 through GCSE to A level. I have taught AQA GCSE Trilogy Science, AQA GCSE Physics, AQA and OCR A Level Physics and Edexcel BTEC Applied Science physics. As Head of Physics I am responsible for how the curriculum is delivered and also for examination results, for which I have a long track record of success. Outside of this role I tutor students one-to-one at both GCSE and A Level. I am an associate marker for AQA.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to begin with a discussion of what areas of the curriculum to focus on, including subject areas and skills (eg rearranging equations, or long-answer questions etc) together with what learning styles work best - question-based or understanding fundamental ideas, or practicing calculations for example. I will then be able to offer a tailored program of physics tutoring, which we can modify and adapt according to need.

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Personal Description:
I'm a French student living in Edinburgh. I just graduated 2 licences, one in Film Studies and on in English literature. I also just finished 3 years of prep school. During those years, I was prepared to go into the highest French literature school. I specialised my studies into cinema during those 3 years. Therefore, I can teach everything related to art, literature and subjects that are close to it.

I'm really kind and like to know the people I'm teaching to. I like sports (Handball mostly), music (did 10 years of music school), reading and going to movies.

Teaching Experience:
I already teach music to younger students in my music school (4 years).
I used to tutor students thanks to a tutoring program in my prep school. (3 years)
I coached younger players during my latest handball years. (2 years)

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring depends on the age of the student. For example, for my youngest students, I like to play games to make them learn.
I don't mind repeating myself and know how to explain things in different ways.
My approach is to make increase skills by yourself by unlocking or deblocking things you thought you didn't understand.
I also give advices on how to review your course and learn your lesson. I'm great at giving advises for essays as I had to wrote one every week during 6h, during my prep school.
For every language's subject, I favour speaking and listening to oral comprehension in order to increase your skills.

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Personal Description:
I am a dedicated and experienced education professional with a strong background in teaching, mentoring, and developing effective learning strategies. I hold a PGCE in Secondary Religious Education with QTS and the National Professional Qualification in Leading Teacher Development (NPQLTD). I am also studying for a Master's in Education, which ensures my teaching remains informed by the latest research and best practice.
Over the years, I have taught and supported learners at different stages, from school and sixth form to university and adult education. I specialise in helping students build confidence, deepen their subject knowledge, and develop the study skills needed for academic success. My approach is always tailored to individual needs, with a focus on making learning clear, engaging, and empowering.

Teaching Experience:
I am a highly experienced and passionate education professional with a career spanning secondary, further, and higher education. I began as a Secondary Religious Education teacher, supporting learners at GCSE and A-level to achieve their full potential. I then expanded my expertise to Further Education, teaching adults and young people across diverse programmes, honing my ability to personalise learning and motivate students of all backgrounds.

Currently, I work as a Teacher Educator, delivering PGCE and CertEd programmes, where I mentor and train both new and experienced teachers. I specialise in helping educators enhance their teaching, learning, and assessment through evidence-based strategies, drawing on research-informed practices to maximise impact. This combination of hands-on classroom experience and teacher development expertise gives me a unique perspective, enabling me to support learners - whether school students, university students, or adult learners - to build confidence, master content, and develop the skills they need to succeed academically.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring style is highly personalised, adapting to each learner's strengths, challenges, and goals. I focus on building confidence, developing critical thinking, and creating clear, practical strategies for learning and revision. Whether preparing for exams, tackling complex university assignments, or returning to study as an adult, I combine evidence-based techniques with a supportive and encouraging approach. I aim to make learning engaging, accessible, and empowering, ensuring every student not only understands the material but also gains the skills and mindset to succeed independently.
Whether you are preparing for GCSE's, A-levels, working towards university assignments, or returning to study as an adult learner, I provide patient, supportive guidance that enables you to achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

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