Woodside Tutors & Woodside Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced, friendly and approachable lady working on a freelance basis and am still involved with High School teaching in the Leeds area. I worked in industry before deciding to fulfil my ambition to become a teacher.


My experience as a private tutor has been extremely rewarding over the years and I have seen every one of my students go from strength to strength, and am proud to say that they have all enjoyed the one to one experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have twenty years' experience of teaching English in High Schools -class teaching and one to one tuition. My expertise also incorporates teaching English as a second language having gained a Trinity qualification in Barcelona.
Over the years I have had considerable success with a variety of students, improving achievement levels and GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a very friendly person who tries to make learning fun. I understand the frustrations of young people who are demotivated and struggling to make sense of the English curriculum. My view is that there has to be a two way process and I will encourage the student to develop independent learning skills.

Practising a holistic approach allows young people to achieve their full potential through an appropriate tailor-made study plan. This will support their individual needs and requirements for personal and educational development.

I am happy to teach students in my home or the student's-depending on distance. Travel expenses would be charged if not in my local area-LS17 (North Leeds).

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Personal Description:
I provide face to face and online tuition via Skype or Zoom. Most students are very comfortable with this method of learning., I also travel to student's home's within a reasonable distance.

I am a very experienced teacher, head of faculty, head of sixth form, examiner and writer. I have recently worked for one of the major examination boards on the new specifications for both G.C.S. E. and A-Level.

During my career as a teacher I have taught English, philosophy and religious studies to Advanced level and English, history, religious studies, geography, and citizenship to G.C.S.E. I also specialise in developing study skills and examination techniques in a range of subjects. I have prepared VI form students for university and UCAS application, including Oxbridge, and acted as a mentor to new entrants to the teaching profession.

I am also a freelance writer specialising in education, social, religious and moral issues. I have written and designed e-learning resources for two international educational e-learning-platform providers.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience at Key Stage 3 & 4, G.C.S.E. and Advanced level has been extensive. I am an examiner for two major exam boards and have diverse experience of creating original teaching resources tailored to the needs of pupils both individuals and classes.

I have spent most of my career teaching across the ability and age range in 11-18 comprehensive schools although I have also taught in a Sixth Form College and the independent sector.

I have also been a part-time on-line tutor for one of the Oxford colleges and also tutor on-line. This has included online tuition for a premiership football academy!

I have served on several school boards of governors as a foundation, teacher and parent governor. I am currently Chair of Governors at a local primary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that the key to success for most pupils is to develop their skills and self-confidence to enhance their ability to successfully complete their examination by developing study skills and examination techniques.

My first session with a tutee and their parents is to establish their needs and goals. Together we draw up a plan of the work which we will pursue. This plan will be reviewed regularly and a progress report compiled.

Each of the subsequent sessions comprises of:
review of any homework set
review of any problems which have occurred that week
lesson on a topic previously decided upon

My primary aim is to help my tutees overcome any difficulties which they are having with their work and to help them to achieve their goals both in the short-term and the long term. Secondly, I aim to give my tutees confidence in their own abilities and to help them develop their skills necessary to succeed in their examinations.
Relevant homework is set as a means of reinforcing the development of skills since assessment and feedback procedures largely rely on this.

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Personal Description:
I am Dr. Clare, a full-time professional tutor, a current GCSE and A-level examiner, and a former University Lecturer in Pharmacy (University of Nottingham), as well as a past Vice-President of the professional body for private tuition.

I hold a PhD from Imperial College London and have a strong academic and research background. I have led cutting-edge projects for multinational pharmaceutical and biotechnology organisations, including Unilever, GlaxoSmithKline, Zeneca, and Novartis. My published research has been cited over 7000 times in peer-reviewed literature, and I currently serve on the editorial boards of several respected international scientific journals. My passion for science and mathematics, combined with real-world research experience, allows me to bring subjects to life and make complex ideas accessible and engaging.

Alongside my own tutoring, my son-an MEng student at Aston University-works with me as an employee of my business supporting GCSE students in Maths and Physics. He has full access to my teaching resources, holds a current DBS check, and offers sessions at £30 per hour.

I enjoy working with students of all ages and abilities, and I am committed to helping each individual reach their full potential. My teaching style is patient, supportive, and tailored to the unique strengths and needs of every learner.

With extensive experience as a tenured university lecturer, I have taught at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels and have supervised eight PhD students to successful completion. I have also interviewed numerous UCAS applicants and can provide expert guidance on crafting strong personal statements and preparing for university applications.

Teaching Experience:
My students consistently achieve outstanding results. At A-level, the most recent set of results were 100% A*-C grades, with 85% achieving A*-A, 8% B, and 7% C. Every student secured a place at their first-choice university, with 31% progressing to medical school. These results are consistent year-on-year. At GCSE (2025), students achieved 100% grades 9-7 on Higher Tier papers, and 100% grade 5 on Foundation Tier papers-the highest grade available at that level.

I have been a full-time professional tutor for over thirteen years and was elected Vice-President of The Tutors' Association, the UK's professional body for tutors-an acknowledgement of my standing within the profession.

I have extensive experience across all major examination boards, including AQA, OCR, Edexcel, IB, and CIE. As a current and highly experienced Biology examiner and question setter, I provide students with valuable insight into how marks are awarded and how to approach exams strategically from an examiner's perspective.

In addition to tutoring, I have recent secondary school teaching experience, ensuring my methods remain closely aligned with current curricula and classroom expectations.

I also have significant experience supporting students with a wide range of additional needs, including autism (and Asperger's), ADHD, dyslexia, and partial hearing. Furthermore, having lived and worked internationally, I am well equipped to support students for whom English is an additional language.

My experience allows me to adapt my teaching to suit each individual, helping students build confidence, master exam technique, and achieve their academic goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I deliver tuition either face to face (students travel to me), or online via Zoom.

Where students travel to me, I offer a dedicated quiet space for tuition free from distractions and with all of my resources and reference books to hand.

Online tuition is carried out via Zoom. Whilst some students are initially concerned that online will be impersonal, once experienced it tends to be the preferred option for many. It Online offers significant advantages: students can learn in a comfortable, familiar environment, avoid travel time and disruptions, and benefit from a more flexible and environmentally friendly approach.

Each session is supported with high-quality resources. Students receive a detailed AI-generated summary after every lesson, along with a PDF copy of all work completed on my interactive whiteboard-providing clear, structured notes to revisit and reinforce learning between sessions.

My teaching is highly personalised. Before tuition begins, we agree clear goals, and I design a tailored programme of study to meet the student's specific needs and aspirations. Progress is carefully monitored throughout, with ongoing assessment and adaptation to ensure each student continues to develop effectively and confidently.

Above all, I believe that learning should be engaging and enjoyable. I am approachable, supportive, and committed to creating a positive learning environment where students feel motivated and confident-because when students enjoy their learning, they achieve their very best.

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Personal Description:
I lived and worked in France and am keen to pass on my love for the language and culture of this fascinating country. I am fluent in French and have an MA in French studies. I love all things French - music, history, culture - and I love to communicate this in my teaching. I am good-humoured and patient in my approach to tutoring and love to encourage my students to try new things in their learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught all level of learners from little ones to GCSE students through to adult learners. I have been teaching for 10 years and have built up a wealth of experience and can recommend websites and links that will be of use to lots of different levels. I have paid for access to a language learning website and I invite my learners to register through the links I send (this is free for students - I have paid for the access).

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very much to ensure that you are comfortable with the learning environment. I use the Gianfranco Conti method of teaching which means that I encourage speaking and listening in our classes, however, I do back this up with writing and reading exercises so that all the 4 skills (reading, writing, speaking and listening) are practised in my lessons.
I work with the student to make sure that we are approaching the learning that you need in a very proactive way.

For example: for beginner adults we can look at:
- shopping / personal opinions/directions
For more advanced adult learners we can look at
- tourist attractions/describing people and places/asking for more information
For GCSE students we can look at:
- key vocab in the exam/pas papers/key grammar structures/speaking exercises/picture card exercises

These topics are very much agreed on with you as the student and are flexible as we continue to work together

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Personal Description:
A dedicated researcher with a PhD in Biochemistry, with more than five years of research in cancer and cell biology.
After taking some time off for childcare, I am now back in academia and currently interested in a tutoring position

Teaching Experience:
Visiting Lecturer Feb 2019 - July 2019
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad,
Pakistan

Researcher Apr 2017 - Aug 2017
International Institute of Molecular and Cell
Biology (IIMCB), Warsaw, Poland

Research Fellow Feb 2015 - Jun 2016
LKC School of Medicine, Nanyang
Technological University, Singapore

Teaching Support Assistant
University of Bristol, Bristol, UK 2010 - 2015

Demonstrator
University of Bristol, Bristol, UK 2010 - 2015

Tutoring Approach:
I have a wide teaching experience and can help to build the deep concepts of the sciences. I am humble, honest, and flexible according to the need of the tutee.I can also help to write scientific essays and stories for writing in scientific journals.

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Personal Description:
Ive been teaching since 2000, my career started at durham university as a lecturer for education and ICT. I then went on to teach secondary ict then secondary english. I now teach Computer Science.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught mainly English and Computing for over 20 years.
My strengths in English are definitely Creative writing, and I have obtained an MA in Creative writing. I have taught KS2 - KS4, mature students and undergraduates at university .

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable and would concentrate on building relationships with my students as well as teaching them relevant skills in their particular subject.

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Personal Description:
Hola

I am a university-educated, native Spanish speaker who has been permanently based in the UK since 2008. I am a professional translator with several years of experience and have also worked as a Spanish tutor from home, teaching both adults and children.

I have supported Year 11 students during their GCSE Spanish speaking lessons, helping them develop their confidence, pronunciation, vocabulary and conversational skills. I also have a good understanding of the skills and knowledge students are expected to demonstrate in their Spanish A-level oral examinations.

In addition, I hold a Level 3 qualification in Supporting Teaching and Learning, awarded by Open Study College. This qualification has enabled me to support children and young people in the classroom, including during Spanish lessons, and has given me valuable insight into different learning needs and teaching approaches.

As a native Spanish speaker, professional translator and experienced tutor, I can offer both a strong knowledge of the Spanish language and an understanding of how to communicate it clearly to English-speaking learners.

I find tutoring very rewarding and genuinely enjoy helping people discover the Spanish language and culture, whether they are learning Spanish for school, work, travel, personal interest or simply because they want to learn something new.

Teaching Experience:
Before moving to the UK, I taught Spanish to English-speaking adults who were visiting Cuba as tourists while I was working in the tourism industry. This gave me my first experience of helping people communicate confidently in Spanish in real-life situations.

Since becoming a tutor in the UK, I have taught Spanish on a one-to-one basis to adults and children of varying ages and abilities.

This experience has helped me develop a range of teaching methods and activities that can be adapted to each student's individual abilities, interests and goals.

I have also organised and delivered Spanish clubs in primary schools in England and supported Year 11 pupils in preparing for their GCSE Spanish speaking examinations. I particularly enjoy helping students become more confident when speaking Spanish.

I took a break from tutoring through this platform a few years ago due to other professional commitments and have recently returned. Unfortunately, the positive reviews I received from previous students are no longer displayed on my new profile following the removal of my former profile. I am now looking forward to working with new students and helping them achieve their language-learning goals.

Tutoring Approach:
Because every student is different, I believe lessons should be individually tailored to meet their needs. So, I will plan lessons around your needs, goals, interests and current level, allowing you to progress at a comfortable pace.

Depending on what you want to achieve, lessons can focus on:
Speaking and conversation
Listening and comprehension
Reading
Writing
Vocabulary and grammar
Pronunciation
GCSE and A-level Spanish preparation
Building confidence

Whether you are a complete beginner, an intermediate learner or looking to improve more advanced Spanish skills, I will adapt my lessons to suit you.

I can also incorporate real-life situations and practical conversation into lessons, making Spanish more enjoyable and useful beyond the lesson.

I am patient, approachable and committed to creating a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes, asking questions and developing their confidence.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate with a Master's in Finance and a Degree in Banking & Finance. Strong academic background - have experience in dealing with students of all academic strengths. Able to teach various curriculums. Teaching style tailored to each students requirements and ability.

Teaching Experience:
I have almost 8 years of teaching experience as a private tutor. I began with teaching younger students of 11+, however began to mostly teach GCSE students. I have in the past two years started teaching A-level students too. I have taught GCSE Maths, Economics, Chemistry and Statistics. A-level Mathematics and Economics. Have previously taught in person, recently moving to remote learning due to the pandemic.

Tutoring Approach:
A motivated, enthusiastic & approachable teacher. Committed to the success of my students. Generally have a systematic approach structured to complete the syllabus in the allocated period. Regularly testing my students (written or oral) in order to evaluate progress.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher with a PGCE in Science: Physics with Mathematics, Institute of Education, UCL, and a PhD in theoretical physics. I am passionate about physics and mathematics, I enjoy teaching, and I have a genuinely positive attitude towards one`s aspirations and wishes.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified physics and mathematics teacher (teaching KS3, KS4 and A-Level physics) with a PGCE in Physics with Mathematics and a PhD in theoretical physics.

I am familiar with the exam boards Edexcel IGCSE and Cambridge IGCSE and in both GCSE and A-Level: Pearson Edexcel, AQA and OCR (including Level 3 FSMQ Additional Maths).

All my tutees have achieved their target grades or grades above the initially predicted ones.

Feedback:

"Thank you so much for teaching me this year; you have been a tremendous help and I can't thank you enough for giving me the confidence and wisdom to excel in Maths + Physics."

"Just to let you know I got my GCSE results today and was delighted as I got an 8 in maths. This was really down to your excellent tutoring and support."

"We'd like to thank you for your help & support over the last year with ___ she has gained confidence & clarity & really enjoys the sessions."

"You are an amazing tutor and it really made me feel more confident."

"Just wanted to let you know that ___ got a Grade 7 in maths - she is over the moon!!"

"Thank you very much for your help and support over the last months. I have really found it useful and I have loved the lessons - I really have learnt a lot."

"Just wanted to thank you for helping me achieve the 7 in Maths that I got today.
I'm really pleased and very grateful for your help - I don't think I would have achieved a 7 without it."

"Just wanted to let you know I got a 5!! Thank you so much for all your help through the lead up to the exams."

"Enjoying a mix of GCSE physics and maths tutoring. Explains concepts well, plans appropriate lessons, follows up with notes and homework. And is encouraging me to develop problem solving skills
Highly recommend"

"Helping my daughter with GCSE maths. My daughter is already feeling more confident and has taken to on-line lessons well. Only been a few weeks but we would definitely recommend Smaragda."

"Afer 3 lessons we are very satisfied with Smaragda. My son likes her and the most important he understand her tutoring and he enjoys doing math."

"I`m very pleased with the progress of my daughter thanks to Smara. Smara is very patient and outstanding as a teacher.
Thank you Smara."

"Smara has been working with son who has autism which means he finds it very difficult to engage in tasks and can be very challenging. Smara works brilliantly with him however and has managed to engage him to the extent that he is doing really well and making good progress. I would highly recommend Smara."

"I really enjoyed Smaragda`s AS physics tutorials and she was very clear with her explanations. I would definitely recommend her to my friends as she was friendly and I wasn`t afraid to ask her questions. She made herself available via email almost 24/7 for assistance if and when I required it. She accommodated my learning style very well with her broad subject knowledge and I really enjoyed every Monday! Smaragda also set relevant homework questions which reinforced my learning from tutorials. I have just done my exams and I feel confident I have done the best I can with her support. Thank you, Smara!! :) "

"Excellent tutor, very organised and clear."

"Very friendly, enthusiastic and reliable."

"Smaragda assessed my daughter on GCSE maths and Physics. She was very welcoming, engaging and kind and helps my daughter to understand the work."

"Excellent teacher, my daughter is at ease with Smaragda. Early days but she likes her methods of teaching and is very professional which my daughter appreciates. Smara works from a whiteboard which gives her enough time to take notes. All in all very happy with how tutoring is going."

"Smaragda is an excellent tutor, I can highly recommend her."

Tutoring Approach:
I put an emphasis on a deep understanding of each concept, theory, method, and observation, dissolving misconceptions, as well as acquiring and mastering technical skills. I am thorough in teaching, and besides explaining everything clearly I also provide and walk with the student through the necessary material - usually in the form of slides, interactive questions and quizzes, simulations, notes, problems, exam practice papers and past papers - for a solid understanding through assimilation of the ideas as well as practice. Problem-solving methods are discussed and explained, not only as to how a problem is solved, but also why it's solved that way: this helps the student understand the maths and science behind the problem better, as well as develop their critical and analytical abilities that will help them tackle any other problem in maths and science as well as in life in general.

I encourage questioning, not hesitating to raise unclear points, individuality in thinking and working, having an inquisitive and creative mind, and being good friends and generosity with working time. My particular planning and delivery of the tutorials depend on the individual student's current motivation, needs, and knowledge, as well as the particular content of the topic that is taught. I also often discuss with the student ways to learn as well as study. True learning and understanding has a multifaceted nature.

For online lessons (single or group), I use an interactive platform where I as well as the student can write on the lesson slides, so we can answer questions, write derivations and make clarifications in writing. The platform also allows for online interactive simulations that bring theory to life. This platform is also used for in-person sessions for faster responses and a more stimulating and interactive lesson. For group tutorials at home, I utilise a physical whiteboard in my living room on which both I and the students can write, in addition to slides presented on a screen. In all cases, the whole lesson is available for revision as a pdf file after each session.

I believe that everyone has the potential to reach their aims, and I always do my utmost so that this will happen for each one of my students.

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Personal Description:
I am a current PG student in Engineering at Newcastle University, I completed my Bachelors in Engineering as well in Electronics and Communication. I've completed my high school as a Science student in an English Medium School.

Teaching Experience:
I had the opportunity to take a communication session in my college back in my undergrad days. Apart from that I had taken a few classes for some modules for my undergrad classmates.

Tutoring Approach:
Based on the students area of concern , I will start from the basics and then gradually move towards more complex lessons while ensuring I take feedback from the student on my tutoring method so I can tweak my approach accordingly.

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Personal Description:
A second year medic at the University of Edinburgh. I graduated with 44/45 in the IB.

I did not get where I am today by myself. I had help - friends, family, and teachers. I know how much impact a teacher can have, and I just want to help where I can.

Prior to Uni, I spent 2 years in the Army developing ,training and leading frontline soldiers. I have seen people from all walks of life and am committed to developing and teaching my students as well.

Teaching Experience:
Prior to Uni, I tutored final year IB students for a year. Prior to that, I did not have any formal teaching assignments, only teaching friends or some of my soldiers when I was serving. Despite that, I have been coaching for most of my life. Since I was 15 I have been mentoring my juniors in my extra curriculars at school, so I am well versed when it comes to different methods of mentoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy getting to know my students beyond their academic needs; building a connection and seeing that they are supported in any way that I can.

I also believe in understanding rather than memorizing, so I teach my students skills that will help them approach problems logically instead of just memorizing the textbook.

I am flexible and can tailor lesson times specific to the student.

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Personal Description:
Qualifications:
MPhys Masters in Physics Hons, University of Manchester
PGCE Post Graduate Certificate in Education - Secondary Physics, Manchester Metropolitan University
Qualified Teacher Status (UK)

Highly experienced teacher of physics, having taught in leading prestigious schools around the world. Offering in-person tuition throughout the island of Guernsey.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught and led science departments at various highly ranked schools including:
Wellington College
Altrincham Grammar School for Girls
Soong Ching Ling International School

Tutoring Approach:
I assess each student's strengths and challenges, adjusting my explanations, examples, and exercises to ensure they truly understand physics rather than just memorizing formulas. By fostering an interactive and adaptable learning environment, I help students build confidence, think critically, and develop a genuine interest in the subject. My goal is to make physics approachable and engaging for all learners.

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