Wray Tutors and Wray Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a native French speaker, born and educated in Paris, but I have been living in England for over 30 years and married an Englishman. I graduated from the Sorbonne University with a view to teaching English there but when I came to England as a French assistante. A year later, having completed my Master's degree I cam back to settle in England and soon qualified as a French teacher. I have been working in that capacity until 2012 when I retired from full-time teaching to dedicated myself to private tuition. I am thus very experienced at all levels consider myself an extremely dedicated teacher, eager to see the students progress and enjoy learning about French culture at the same time as they improve their command of the language. I believe that the most efficient way of learning other than total immersion is the one to one approach which has often allowed me to enable the students willing to invest the extra time to progress exponentially, get motivated and achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught French and English to adults (managerial staff and trainees) in the private sector, in small groups and individually.
Subsequently, I have taught French from KS3 to KS5, full-time on permanent contracts for nearly 30 years in total. At the same time I have tutored my own son to passing his French G.C.S.E. with the top mark in the country, and his French A Level with flying colours. As a result he is now reading French at Oxford University and he continues to call on my expertise whenever needed. A few years ago, one of my A Level students whom I tutored privately obtained the top marks in the country in every module of the Edexcel exam. I am extremely experienced in coaching students to success in their G.C.S.E. and A Level French exams and the overwhelming majority of my students systematically achieved their potential or better. For over 10 years I took on virtually all the A Level French teaching at my last school and have always acted as teacher-examiner for both G.C.S.E. and A Level. This year 2017 all the students I prepared for Oxbridge achieved the grade required to fulfil their conditional offer.

Tutoring Approach:
First, I assess what each student is aiming to gain from the private tuition, whether it be coaching for written and/or oral examinations, building confidence in communicating within a given context, improving pronunciation,mastering the finer points of grammar, studying French literature etc. I also quickly evaluate the level and ability of individual student through gentle probing and questioning. I go on to prepare an appropriate programme of study and gather material such as PowerPoint presentations, tailor made practice exercises, Past Papers, relevant websites, use visual and aural aids to add interest. I set homework and can give feedback on line between lessons to maximise efficiency of personal contact time. Basically it all depends on what the student wishes to achieve.Because I know the subject so well I can be extremely flexible and can instantly fine tune my approach according to the need of my student at any given moment. Thanks to my long experience I have become extremely responsive to the all-important feedback

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Personal Description:
Hi all, I am currently welcoming students looking to perfect their interview knowledge, skills and technique for Medical School interviews for both undergraduate and graduate entry Medicine. Being as close as it gets to the interview process and medical school experience, I have a strong track record in pass rates for interviews with my tutees.

I am offering a 6 week programme of intensive learning and interview skills practice with an optional mock interview in the format of your choice, in order to maximize your chances of gaining a place at medical school.

I am currently a Graduate-Entry Medical Student currently studying at the University of Birmingham and hold a first class Bachelors degree in Sport and Exercise Sciences alongside extensive A level and GCSE qualifications.

Teaching Experience:
I have a year's experience tutoring family members and friends through exams and entrance tests.

I have also coached children ages 8-18 for three years as a rowing coach, helping them to improve and grow in confidence.

Tutoring Approach:
My students and I enjoy a fast paced, interactive and bespoke approach to their learning.

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Personal Description:
In July 2013, I graduated from Royal Holloway, University of London, undertaking a BMus (Hons) Music degree (2.1) with a principle study in singing (1st). I took two gap years before going to university to gain experience in the music and drama fields. I have studied modules at university ranging from Bach to Beethoven and Sibelius to Weill.

Teaching Experience:
In my two gap years I was a gap student at Bedales Schools for a term and then was invited back to cover a member of music staff. Responsibilities included teaching 8-13 year old mixed pupils classroom music as well as supervising music practices. I also tutored pupils through grade 5 theory achieving merit and distinction grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very laid-back attitude to teaching and will teach you in similar ways that I have been taught. I understand totally that some pupils need several ways of explaining things so bring a variety of teaching methods to my lessons. I make teaching interesting and engaging and always try to relate the subject to the pupil. I have been very fortunate to learn under some inspirational teachers and would love to be able to carry on their enthusiasm to other students.

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Personal Description:
An experienced information technology consultant working in the enterprise arena, I have a passion for teaching.
I have previous teaching experience not only on a one-to-one basis but also in the classroom environment.
Having attended private primary and secondary schools with exceptional teaching standards throughout, I have gained a lot of valuable experience and understanding in how educators can take their students the extra mile to ensure that not only do they get the best grades but also to ensure that students get the best from their education in order to assist them later in life, whether that be at university or in their careers.

Teaching Experience:
Having taught in both classroom and one-on-one based environments, I have a broad range of skills and expertise when it comes to actually lay out the knowledge. Private tutoring has been something I have always done on the side and having taught in such environments for over four years, I have significant experience in teaching and learning styles which can assist students on a multitude of levels.
I have taught students from secondary school to university level, the main subjects taught being Maths, English, Sciences, Law, Business Studies and Information Technology.
University Level can also be catered for, subjects such as Law, Business Studies and IT/Computing.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to give students a relaxed environment in which they can learn and enjoy. Furthermore, I believe working outside of lessons is also a key part to learning and developing one's knowledge hence my use of short yet effective homework exercises which not only prepare students for the next session but also help reinforce what they have already learnt. Using these techniques, I am able to better assist the student(s) on where they may need some more assistance. Of course, every student is different and learning techniques always need to be worked upon in order to ensure that students get the most out of their sessions with me.

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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:
Hi, I'm Penny and I'm glad you've stopped by!

I'm an encouraging, patient tutor helping unsure or low-confidence learners build skills at a steady pace. My lessons are collaborative, warm, supportive, and low-pressure - ideal if you want reassurance and extra encouragement to cheer you on, and if you value human rapport over fast-paced drills and strict targets.

GCSE:

With my experience as Head of Languages at a secondary school, I'm well-placed to help students with French and German GCSEs, focusing on the essential skills and success criteria - whether you want to grow in confidence or receive clear guidance on working towards higher grades, all without the pressure.

PRIMARY:

I bring learning to life with interactive, hands-on activities, using a fun and dynamic online platform that goes beyond the typical learning tools. With digital infographics, quizzes, games, puzzles, videos, storybooks, and role-play, students have an engaging and immersive learning experience.

ADULTS:

I help learners progress from absolute beginner to intermediate level (CEFR A1-B1). I focus on learners **up to B1**, to gently build confidence with the foundational essentials - whether handling chats in shops, restaurants or at work. B1 is a great milestone and you'll be able to handle most everyday interactions with ease.

I'm best suited to learners who are open to practical, thoughtful ways of learning, using simple strategies and small daily habits to build confidence and overcome anxiety - making language learning efficient and enjoyable for those who appreciate guidance and insight.

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I offer French, German and Italian lessons, with flexible pricing from £36 to £60 per hour, tailored to suit your needs. 30 and 45-minute lessons also available.

Having also lived in France, Germany and Italy, I bring a global perspective to tailor lessons to different learning styles and cultural contexts. Speaking four languages (French, German, Italian and English) while learning three more (Swedish, Polish and Arabic), I know how rewarding, but scary, language learning can feel. I therefore focus on helping learners feel comfortable and encouraged every step of the way, without the pressure.

With the right support and steady practice, you'll be surprised how quickly you can reach your goals.

Teaching Experience:
EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:

- Qualified Modern Languages Teacher & Head of Modern Languages (PGCE secondary French & German)
- 12 years' languages teacher and tutor experience
- GCSE exam preparation for AQA & Edexcel
- BA in European Languages (French, German & Italian)
- TEFL with Distinction
- Fully DBS checked
- Excellent track record - More information can be found on my website

Tutoring Approach:
OUR NEXT STEPS:

Recognising that each learner is unique, we begin with a setup session (20-60 minutes, £20) to discuss your needs. This is an opportunity to see if we're a good fit before moving forward with lessons.


Step 1 - Your Goal Setup Session (20-60 minutes, £20) - Required.


Step 2 - Lessons.

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For companies seeking staff language training, progress reports are available upon request.

Take the first step and get in touch. I'm excited to help you achieve your language goals :)

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Some wonderful words from my students and their parents:

"I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking of booking sessions with Penny to do it and do it now! As a trained actor, I came to Penny with a very unique request. Having very little knowledge of speaking German…. within a week we had a monologue translated, memorised and ready to present to an audition panel. Not only did Penny help me reach my goals but she gave me the upmost confidence to get there. I'm certain I would not have got there if it was not for Penny's support and extra efforts to help me achieve them. Not only that, but her teaching has most definitely inspired me to continue with my language learning. I would 100% recommend working with Penny. Don't hesitate - she is one of the best!!" Adult learner.

"Penelope has been very professional, organised and engaging . My son enjoys his lessons and has started to develop interest in German within first few lessons". - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Miss Penelope is a wonderful teacher. From the very first day she motivated my son to study French more. She is very punctual and professional. Just after one month my son's French has improved significantly. Exactly what I wanted." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penny is an excellent communicator and teacher. She is very supportive and is always enthusiastic. We are very pleased how well she is able to explain aspects of the German language and is always engaging. We are very happy to recommend her." - Parent of a Year 11 student.

"Penelope is a professional German tutor; she tailors the teaching material so that it fits the student's needs. I had German lessons with her for over three months now and I feel my language skills have improved significantly. I also add that She has a nice personality and her classes are really enjoyable. I definitely recommend Penelope to people seeking to improve their language skills in a structured manner!" - Adult learner.

"Lovely tutor. She makes my daughter relax and actually enjoy learning German / French. I highly recommend her." - Parent of a Year 9 student.

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Personal Description:
Geographical and geological educational issues, especially those impacting on SW England.
Most sporting activities and currently involved in gig rowing, having rowed in the World Championships in the Scilly Isles several times.
Formerly Head of Soccer at Truro School.
Now volunteer as a tour guide for the National Trust at a historic tin and copper mine.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 30 years in both the state and independent secondary sectors, being a Head of Department in the latter. In my previous post we won the prestigious 'Good Schools Guide School of the Year' on several occasions for best 'A' Level geology results in the U.K.

Tutoring Approach:
I would expect to initiate pupil-centred learning involving the student as much as possible in debate and discussion, avoiding being a merely dispassionate purveyor of facts. Teaching should not involve lecturing, but encourage guided self-discovery with the student, especially at 'A' Level.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic tutor who has a degree and NVQ level 5 in Youth and Community Worker with 11 years post qualifying experience educating hundreds young people informally and outside of the classroom in groups and 1-2-1 in all sorts of different locations. I have a Level 3 teaching and assessment qualification. I have very good Maths and English having used them to study to degree level and in Youth Work Management. I have an active interest and knowledge in History, Geography and Religious Education having studied them to A-Level meaning that I am very knowledgeable in each of those subjects. I am a highly competent musician and sports person with Grade 5 in piano and music theory and having coached Football, Badminton, Tennis, Chess, Table Tennis.

My greatest skills are in building professional relationships, communication, building self-confidence and social skills, developing motivation and this is what I have been doing for over 15 years for hundreds of young people that I have met as a Youth Worker.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years informally educating young people through qualifications and certifications.
I have over 9 years experience of teaching youth work and assessing it.
I am a Functional Skills tutor at Level 1 and 2 in English and Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is student centred - focused on the students strengths and development points and work alongside the student to build confidence and trust so that the student can excel. My style is quite relaxed yet challenging for the student so that the student engages and to increase the students enjoyment and understanding of the material and why they are learning it. My approach is very thought through and meticulous, carefully considering: personality and learning styles as well as the preferences of the student. I provide a lot of explanation and am able to explain things in many different ways.

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Personal Description:
Maths tutor at a college. Experienced at improving learners problem solving skills. Excellent delivery of lessons, and have resources to develop learners knowledge in maths.

Teaching Experience:
8 years experience in teaching maths.

Tutoring Approach:
One to one tutoring.
Embeding ICT in teaching.
Use of past question papers.
Online maths practice.
Home work

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Personal Description:
I'm a very experienced, qualified A-Level Accounting teacher, having taught the subject in sixth form colleges for over 10 years. I understand that Accounting can be a difficult subject to master, with its own unique language and techniques, and I am able to explain topics clearly and patiently. I believe that interactive lessons are key to success and that learning comprises both explanation and practise. I can help students to overcome their anxiety about this subject and, through improved knowledge and understanding, increase their confidence. I am very familiar with the AQA specification, having attended relevant training sessions, and I know what's needed to achieve high marks on exam questions. I have an excellent track record of exam results, with most students achieving very high grades and progressing to their preferred university. I have a degree from the University of Warwick, and I am a fully qualified accountant (CIMA). I have 8 years of prior experience working in Finance in industry, including Cadbury Ltd and KPMG. I welcome the opportunity to help students who are struggling with Accounting. Having experience in both 1-1 tuition and teaching, I firmly believe that I can help all students to achieve their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught A-Level Accounting in sixth form colleges for over 10 years. Prior to that, I taught the professional accounting qualifications: CIMA, ACCA and AAT. I am a fully qualified teacher. Since 2019 I have also offered private tutoring for students to support and help them prepare for the A-Level Accounting exams.
I am an expert in A-Level Accounting, and have attended AQA training sessions. I am a fully qualified CIMA accountant, and have worked in industry, meaning that I have 'real life' experience of accounting and finance.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that the key to successful tutoring is to listen to what a student needs, and then to respond by providing support and guidance that target those particular areas. A key component of tutoring is explaining key terms and concepts and answering questions. Practise is vital in A-Level Accounting, and so I provide lots of opportunity for the tutee to answer accounting questions. I provide support during this, and feedback. Developing a good working relationship with the student is very important - the tutee needs to trust me to do a good job. I think I can provide this: I am patient, understanding, kind and considerate. I can offer these things in addition to the technical knowledge and skills that I have, and as a result, dramatically improve the tutee's chances of success in the A-Level Accounting exams.

I offer tutoring at my home (Dickens Heath, Shirley), tutoring at your home (dependant upon distance and travel time), or tutoring in a central Solihull location (walking distance from the train station and convenient for bus routes and the Sixth Form College).

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Personal Description:
I am a chartered software engineer with decades of experience in the industry. With a Cambridge degree and doctorate in AI I have performed a wide variety of roles including AI research, technical support, network engineering, software development, web development, software engineering, systems analysis ... as well as teaching GNVQ, A Level and University Level. Most recently I have been working as a senior manager in a software engineering company. I am approaching retirement age and returning to teaching. I also work in the Prisons Service and the NHS as a psychodrama psychotherapist and have an enhanced DBS. I will be accepting new students in September 2025.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught GNVQ and A Level at Oxpens FE College in Oxford, and I have taught on the Open University Databases and SQL Level 3 (advanced degree) course. My teaching for the Open University was literally exemplary: samples of my teaching were included in their Best Practice guide for lecturers for 5 years. I also tutored privately for 5 years and ran my own evening class courses before taking on my most recent software engineering role.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my approach to the needs of the student. At one extreme I will encourage an A* student to follow their curiosity and will support them to find information proactively and develop their problem-solving skills. At the other extreme I will work with a remedial student to identify weak areas of the syllabus, and will provide support on the specific topics we identify. I enhance engagement from students with the use of improvised drama to illustrate and develop themes.

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Personal Description:
My name is Carla and I am originally from the UK. I previously lived in Hong Kong for 10 years, followed by the Netherlands for 8 years. I now live in Aberdeen, Scotland. I am married with a 13 year old daughter. I love to meet children and adults from around the world, as I can teach them English, but they also teach me about their interesting cultures. I am an accomplished tutor who specialises in tailor made lessons for children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with 16 years experience in international schools in the Netherlands and Hong Kong. I am a qualified EAL (English as an Additional Language) tutor. I specialise in teaching children and adults, and I am a native English speaker. I have helped students improve grades, support them in essay writing; assisted students in their journey starting and thriving through school; helped foreign students settle into their new life with the development of their English skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient, creative, organised, reliable and professional and I build up an excellent rapport with my students. I create tailor made lessons catered towards the needs of the student. My lessons are fun, yet productive and I provide valuable feedback to the student or parent. I thrive on observing progress in a student. I have been teaching a number of students for over four years and I have witnessed them achieving excellent grades and results. I can teach online or in person within the Aberdeen area.

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