Chessington Drama Tutors and Chessington Drama Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher with Cambridge MA, PGCE & DELTA, with 30 years' experience of teaching in a variety of contexts including general secondary school English and Drama, GCSE, A Level, IB, and tuition at university and postgraduate level, including assistance with theses and similar.
I have considerable experience of TEFL/TOEFL and a successful record in teaching Cambridge FCE, CPE, etc as well as Business English classes for non-native professionals.
I recently returned to the UK from Spain for family reasons and I am new to the York area. I'm taking time out for a while to write that elusive million-seller or sitcom! Meanwhile I am a member of SfEP and work part time as a professional proofreader and copy editor. I am very happy to help groups or individuals with their academic needs.

Teaching Experience:
15 years in all key stages of secondary school education in England.
5 years Adult Education, TEFL and private tuition in the UK.
10 years teaching a British curriculum in an international secondary school in Spain at all key stages incl. GCSE, A Level and IB.
Group and individual EFL classes for children and adults, including Business English for professionals and TOEFL in an American-affiliated college.
I have an excellent record of success in preparing students for English and Drama exams - GCSE, A Level, International Baccalaureat and beyond - as well as for Cambridge First Certificate, Advanced and Proficiency in English.
Amongst other notables, I was employed as personal tutor to the actress Rebecca Hall as a child and also to one of Tony Blair's sons!

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a supportive approach and a friendly relationship, but without forgetting it's work: you're paying me because I can improve your (or your children's) future prospects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I believe in a child centred approach to learning and always aim to work for and with my individual students.
As Senior Teacher/ Teacher in Charge, of a Medical Pupil Referral Unit I headed up a dedicated team of skilled teachers who worked with young people on a 1:1 and small group basis. I am well aware of the current concerns with the mental health of young people and aim to support those I work with in a positive and sensitively focused manner. Many of my student's have experienced exam anxiety, dyslexia and learning difficulties which has made school a problematic environment for them. I aim to help with those areas, working on finding pathways, approaches and methods which help individuals succeed.
I currently focus my attentions on tutoring individually. I find the one to one contact simulating and highly rewarding. I have worked successfully with GCSE and Advanced Level students enabling them to achieve the results required. I have taught for many years and am an Advanced Skills Teacher, who has effectively guided and supported trainee and newly qualified teachers. I have always wanted to teach and love what I do.
I am a published author who writes for young adults. My first book was published in December 2025. I love the creativity of writing and the manner in which it further helps me develop my teaching skills..
I am patient, understanding, supportive and highly aware of the need to enable the student to achieve. I work through praise and careful guidance to ensure the student gains the most from their one to one contact.
I am educated to Masters degree level and have taught in both comprehensive schools and special needs units.
I always put the student to the forefront of my teaching and aim to give them the most rewarding and positive of learning experiences.
Although I still enjoy face to face teaching, more of my time is devoted to preparing and delivering online lessons. I have been fortunate to teach across all exam boards including Scotland's National 5 exam areas and the National Higher exam.

Teaching Experience:
I was Head of performing arts in a school in Dorset for seventeen years. During that time I worked extensively with children of all ages. I have trained teachers and guided those new to the teaching profession successfully through the early stages of their careers. I have directed numerous school and examination productions which has given me an excellent knowledge of plays and productions for use within both English and Drama teaching. I have taught adults GCSE Psychology with a very good success rate. I have enjoyed the opportunities teaching in both the comprehensive and adult sectors have given me.

I continue to enjoy teaching students and young people with a view to supporting them through their preparations for internal and external examinations. I work with a variety of ages which enables me to expand my knowledge of exam boards, their requirements and standards. I regularly support GCSE English Language and Literature, together with A level Drama and Theatre specifications.
At the present time I mainly teach online using zoom. This requires individual learning materials and presentations to be organised, created and developed.
I am aware that anxious students can find online teaching a strange experience. I therefore aim to use their own preferences as a way of ensuring the online environment is less threatening and more comfortable for them.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always to work with the needs of the student involved. I ensure I listen to their requirements, tailoring my teaching to what is needed. I value student interaction and would hope to use as much student based ideas and thoughts where this is possible. I have a highly positive attitude to teaching which always aims to enable the learner to succeed in a supportive environment.
I have a good sense of humour. I am patient , a very good listener and an individual who works in a proactive manner. I create and work with a range of resources which are specific to the topic and area being studied whilst creating and researching any areas required. I use praise and positive areas continually as I believe we all like to receive positive thoughts about ourselves, and this is means promoting a good and solid foundation to study techniques.
Although I have been teaching for a long time I really enjoy the challenges,satisfaction and creativity teaching offers. For every student I work with I plan and create personal , individual lessons and approaches which are appropriate for each person. This approach has led to many satisfied individuals at a variety of levels.
The demands of online teaching have led me to expand my skills. For individual students to achieve the necessary standards, I now prepare individual PowerPoint presentations which are tailor made to specific requirements. This is method which is working extremely well and all my students are able to use a screen share, screen shots and the materials I send to them. I believe this individual approach is a highly successful one which works positively with the online situation.
Students, should they wish, may receive a copy of the powerpoint we have used online, giving them extra resources and the means to further check details, lesson content and their understanding of any area covered.
I try to be as flexible as possible, aiming to negotiate time and dates which are convenient, suitable and appropriate for those requiring support.
I am confident my approach, working with the individual in whatever is best for them, is a method which enables individuals to succeed.

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Personal Description:
Highly experienced working teacher/examiner ,100% grades A*-C for GCE and grades 4-9 for GCSE, with 80% of tutees consistently reaching the upper bands. All levels catered for. DBS checked.

As I am qualified and experienced to teach four subjects: English literature and language, Drama/Theatre Studies, French and German, up to and including A level, I am in a position to offer students on alternate weeks tutoring in two or three subjects if required.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary and university level for over 25 years, my secondary school experience ranges from state schools to prestigious independent. I am an Edexcel GCE examiner and hold upper threshold status. Despite being a trained secondary teacher, I have in recent years had great success preparing students for 11 and 13 plus English exams, one such student won the English scholarship to attend Harrow public school.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are created to meet the exact requirements of the examining board the student is following and or their precise learning needs. Students with special needs and or English not as a first language, can also be catered for. Homework is given and is expected to be completed. I teach week day evenings and Saturday mornings via Zoom or in person.

In the first instance parents should email me to arrange a time to discuss how I can help their child. Testimonials, qualifications, DBS and proof of upper threshold status are available on request.

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Personal Description:
I am very passionate about films, theatre, the media industry. I am currently in my second year of a BA Hons in Film Studies at Edge Hill University, living away from home during the week but always available on weekends. I am hardworking, dedicated to my studies and after my undergraduate degree I am hoping to continue my studies with a Masters degree.

I also love to learn languages, currently able to speak 4 fluently (English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi) and also learning Spanish in my free time.

Teaching Experience:
I have a younger sister who is following my path into Film Studies, not knowing a thing before starting her A Level in it she is now predicted an A*. I have held short after school lessons for her and other family members in this particular field and the outcome has always been satisfying.

I have also started my TEFL course (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) which helps me gain a qualification in teaching the English language.

Tutoring Approach:
The lessons will be about the student, and not the teacher. Therefore everything will be tailored to areas you wish to improve (spoken communication, written skills, reading, accent, listening)

I have a calm and relaxed approach to tutoring, understanding the problems and weaknesses in people and using those to bring out the best in them. If I can see passion within the student then I will do my personal best to bring out the potential in my students.

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Personal Description:
A resident of Edinburgh for the past twenty years I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things myself. I am fairly well travelled, enjoy the arts and have a passion for working alongside others to help them achieve their goals.

I worked for 10 years as a professional actor with degree level qualifications in both Philosophy (Dundee University) and Acting (Queen Margaret University College).

Teaching Experience:
Exam season is always a great time for a little confidence boost and skills brush-up. I have worked with adults in improving spoken and written English for UK degree entry level. I have also worked with college and university students in the Middle East (UAE) to train science and drama education in both Arabic and English.

For several years I have visited schools in both the public and private sectors delivering reading, drama and science communication classes.

I have regularly taught 5-15 years drama in private classes and enjoy working with pre-drama school entrants of all ages in working on giving the best entrance audition possible.

Tutoring Approach:
I am confident at creating a structured approach that works with a pupil's own strengths and needs to provide a tailor-made package for learning.

Ideally I meet with each student to discuss their learning needs, current level and expected outcomes.

Although it is important to push the boundaries of learning, it should always be a workload that is both manageable and individually tailored.

People learn best when they are enjoying themselves, so I try my best to make learning fun and interactive.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I very much enjoy tailoring sessions specifically to each student I teach. I enjoy the satisfaction tutoring brings when the student gains a new understanding of their subject and when we unlock potential together. Confidence is key and I enjoy seeing this grow throughout our sessions.

I have been a professional theatre actor and freelance drama teacher for ten years. As an actor, my passion for language helps me to understand and analyse literature, and I enjoy applying my politics degree to the work of playwrights. As a drama practitioner, my work with a huge variety of students of different ages and backgrounds helps me adapt to student's personalities and key into their needs quite quickly.

Teaching Experience:
- Improvisation teacher for adult learners, Hoopla Impro, London. 2020 - Present

Tutor, A-Level English, OCR Board, Jan 2018 - Present

- Mentor and Improvisation Tutor, 12 year old boy, Feb 2018 - 2020

- Tutor, SATS, Feb 2015 - July 2016
Prepared an 11 year old girl for her KS2 English SATS. After 4 weeks we tripled her mark in reading and she is glowing with renewed confidence.

- Tutor, London International Tutors Jun 2014 and Feb 2015 - Present
Intensively prepared a 17 year old student for his International Baccalaureat in Drama. Advised on essay structure and strategies, time management, clarified and deepened his subject knowledge, improved his public speaking and presentation abilities, developed his motivation and confidence. All of his other subjects also improved as a consequence of the strategies I used. He is mow ay university doing his first-choice course.

- LAMDA Exam Coach Sep 2011 - Present
Preparing adults for drama school entry, professional actors for auditions and 6-12 year old students for LAMDA Examinations.

-Sep 2015 - Present.
Freelance workshop facilitator and drama coach. Clients are community groups and charities, which include DreamArts Westminster, High Trees Lambeth and Studio 23.

- Drama Teacher, Stagecoach Theatre Arts Sep 2007 - 2015
Planning, designing and facilitating drama and movement workshops for young people aged 7-16, and writing and producing work for performance.

- Venue Director, The Shakespeare Schools Festival, 2011 - 2014
Completed an acclaimed training course in Shakespearean workshop facilitation based on research by the Central School of Speech and Drama and the National Theatre. Ran workshops with students based on Shakespearean text, delivery and movement. Oversaw the production of Shakespeare plays presented by schools in professional theatres throughout the UK. Delivered critical appraisals of the students' work, and wrote reports on the events.

- Drama Teacher, Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 2010 - 2012
Taught an internationally acclaimed curriculum in speaking, vocal technique, movement and performance to students aged 5 to 16.

- Drama Teacher, North London Schools International Network 2010
Commissioned to deliver a drama workshop with the aim of fostering cooperation and respect between Tottenham primary schools.

- Drama Teacher, Improvisation, Arcola Theatre, London Sep 2007
Designed and delivered an improvisation workshop for children aged 10-14 for the Arcola's Outreach Education programme,
to nurture their confidence and creativity.

- Creative Director, Creative Station, Co. Clare, Ireland Mar 2006.
Founded 'Creative Station', writing and delivering a summer course in Drama, Music and Art, based on Roald Dahl's James and the Giant Peach. We nurtured 'The Three Cs': Confidence, Creativity and Communication.

- Teacher, Extra Language Needs, Holy Family School, Co. Clare, Ireland 2004 - 2005
Devised and taught programmes in spoken language and literacy to children aged 4-8 who were falling behind their mainstream learning targets. Taught English as a Second Language.

Tutoring Approach:
Every student is an individual and learns in a different way. I like to work with the student to identify any blocks that are holding them back; we gain enormous satisfaction from us moving past these blocks together.
I help students develop their confidence in their own abilities through achievement, and I find that this confidence helps them do better than they ever thought they would. The relationship between tutee and tutor is important and I find building trust is essential for success.

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Personal Description:
Sarah began her acting career by winning a prized place with the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, receiving the Princes Trust Mercury Communication Award for her achievements. The National Youth Theatre of Great Britain, being an organisation for whom she later worked in many theatre disciplines. To consolidate her talents, Drama Studio London awarded her a full acting scholarship to attend their Post Graduate Acting Course. She has extensive experience both as a teacher and professional actor. Theatre credits include playing the leads in Deadly Night Cap, Popcorn (National Tour Bruce James Productions), This Happy Breed (Grange Court Theatre) and Miss Julie (winning both the Dorris Berryman and Wakeman Trophies) as well as commercials and TV, including Eon Energy, Hitman and Her and numerous voice overs for prime time TV Shows including Orange Play List, UK Music Hall of Fame and Strictly Come Dancing. Recently, Sarah recorded voice-overs for a well known Microsoft computer game at Pinewood Studios.Sarah was a Main Stages Drama teacher for Stagecoach Theatre Arts and Cover Principal. Sarah has taught over a 100+ students as a Lead Drama Practitioner for The National Citizen Service and has continued to acquire a wealth of teaching experience from Secondary School to private institutions, youth theatres and as an actress in Theatre in Education Tours.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years experience ranging from Secondary Schools, Universities, Drama Schools and Theatre In Education Companies. I specialize in preparing students for UK Drama School auditions, bursaries and LAMDA exams. I also work with actors (child and adult) gleaning experience for professional TV and theatre auditions and adults entering the profession for the first time. I am an experience acting tutor and public speaking coach whom will work with you to select original and captivating audition pieces and perform them to the highest possible standard. I do this by creating a safe,fun and immersive environment whilst working on performance, stagecraft and improvisation techniques. Enabling originality and empowering natural performances that will better prepare you for a very competitive industry. I also offer up to date industry and career advice as a matter of course.

Tutoring Approach:
Professional acting coaching, specialist with Drama School Auditions, Child Actors and Adults entering the profession. I train with a great sense of fun and humor, ensuring that students feel relaxed and achieve a "sense of joy" from their tutoring. Coupled with this, I apply immense attention to detail within the craft, ensuring that audition pieces are immersive and powerful across all facets (voice, physicality, truth and performance). I am also very adept at working with children whom are primarily seeking confidence and life skills as opposed to a professional acting career, enabling growth and increased confidence that can be applied to everyday living and their school environments.

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Personal Description:
You will find in me an extremely calm, caring and committed teacher. Kensington-based, I have over thirty years teaching experience both as a class teacher and one-to-one tutor. Identifying gaps quickly and working with a student's learning style is key. I believe confidence in speaking and writing grows with exposure to high-quality conversation and reading as well as active vocabulary extension. I focus on all three as well as on exam technique and content.

I bring my extensive background as a teacher of English as a Foreign Language and also as an actor to bear on teaching the deeper mechanics of the language in addition to its its more poetic and literary aspects.

As a mother of five, I am family-oriented and often teach entire families. I have an active interest in history, philosophy and politics, enjoy cycling and am a huge Led Zeppelin fan.

Teaching Experience:
Key Stage 2, Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4, ISEB, CAT, Common Entrance, 7+, 11+, 13+, GCSE, Personal Statements, Interview Practice, Academic English

General, Business , Conversational and Legal English; Interview Practice; Presentation skills; Email English; Proof Reading; Citizenship Preparation

Tutoring Approach:
My goal is to adapt to your learning style and help you reach the targets you set yourself. Good rapport and a relaxed environment are essential for learning. I work hard to establish both. I am comfortable with all ages and stages and try to make both my teaching and your learning a pleasurable experience.

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Personal Description:
Jamie is an award winning writer director of feature films, short films and music videos incl. Radiohead & Coldplay. He has made four feature films to date, 'The Low Down' (2001) starring Aidan Gillen (The Wire/Game Of Thrones) and Kate Ashfield (Shaun Of The Dead), 'The Cry Of The Owl' (2006) starring Paddy Considine (Dead Man's Shoes) and Julia Stiles (The Bourne Identity), 'Treacle Jr' (2010) starring Aidan Gillen and 'Pickups' (2016) also starring Aidan Gillen. All his films have had cinematic releases and have been televised on Channel 4, Film 4 and the BBC.

He has directed many award winning short films. 'I Just Want To Kiss You' starring Martin Freeman won the Fox Searchlight Prize for Best Short Film at the 1997 Edinburgh Film Festival.

His music video for Coldplay's 'The Scientist; won three MTV awards in 2003, Best Director, Breakthrough and Best Group.

Teaching Experience:
Jamie has taught at Reading University for the MA Course in Film Studies, Kingston University BA Film Studies/ The Royal College Of Art, The London College Of Communication, The London Film School/ Central Film School and currently teaches at MET Film School in Brighton.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach every aspect of film making from writing screenplays to editing, shooting, acting workshops, producing and film studies. If you want to make a great short film, or music video, I can help.

I want my students to achieve their full potential. I have a very direct, honest and encouraging approach.

I still continue to make my own films. I teach because I love sharing my knowledge of the film industry.

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Personal Description:
I have over 15 years teaching experience, the majority of my work has been at secondary level, where my specialisms are Drama, English, English Literature, Film studies and History. However, I also have extensive experience in primary education where I have taught across the breadth of the curriculum.

My preoccupation with academia was nurtured at a competitive Grammar School, RGS Worcester, a top school with high expectations. I went on to acquire a first class degree. I remain now, as I have always been, a high achiever.

I also work in the creative arts, as actor, tutor and director, inspired by performance art in all its forms. My current artistic interests include revising classics, puppetry, theatre in non-traditional spaces, and working as a freelance drama consultant to help smaller scale theatre companies realise their artistic aims and consolidate their working practices.

Recreationally I enjoy martial arts, exercise and the outdoors. As an avid reader I am particularly drawn to epic literature and sprawling worlds, beguiling first person narratives, comparative religious and spiritual studies, psychology, philosophy and history.

Teaching Experience:
Secondary Level Education:
- I worked for 6 years as a secondary school teacher, delivering Drama and English lessons, including GCSE and 'A' level, from year 7- year 13.
-I devised and delivered a formal curriculum to teach Year 9 Drama (in line with Key Stage Guidelines).
-Extensive experience in coursework, marking, moderation and exam preparation.
-On 2 separate occasions, following Ofsted observations, I was given an 'Outstanding' classification (the highest classification).
-Quantitative end of term reports always placed my classes amongst the highest in terms of achievement and student retention.

'A' level Education:
-I taught for 6 years at 2 different Further Education Colleges. I taught English Literature, Drama and Film Studies 'A' level.
-Students were offered extra-curricular tutorials to help them achieve their desired results according to their own set of educational needs.
-I emboldened students for university entrance with interview techniques, UCAS procedures and university level preparation.
-The coursework I devised with students for their final A2 Drama and Theatre Studies was picked up as an exemplar of excellent practice, and is still used to this day by Edexcel examination board.

Primary:
-I devised a range of workshops, and delivered these to selected primary schools. These workshops raised literacy levels, written and oral communication. They were delivered to year 4, year 5 and year 6 students.
-My work with Redditch Borough Council as Literacy and Outreach Officer earned me an 'Outstanding personal Achievement Award'.

Adult Education:
-I've worked with young people trying to get back into education following exclusion, this involved working with charities like CentrePoint.
-I often work with adult learners re-taking their GCSE English.
-Postgraduate students have sought my help in the past, particularly International Students looking to improve the precision of their essays.

University Level:
-Delivering Theatre and Drama lectures, seminars and workshops to students at university level, including The University of Birmingham, University of Worcester, University of Bristol, and University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring involves the mutual balance of 2 equally important intentions: a sensitive awareness of what a student needs and establishing a conducive rapport.

I have a flexible communication style, informed by exposure to hosts of different students, I am adaptable and responsive, a necessity built on the recognition that effective learning can only happen when tutor and student understand each other, and are mutually inspired.

At first, my focus with a new student is to provide gentle provocations on different aspects of the subject matter- a process which allows me to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie, also allowing the student to start seeing the subject matter from varying perspectives, and to extend their range of problem-solving and communication strategies.

My approach always depends on the specific needs of the student, most commonly students ask for:
-Information building and comprehension
-Essay writing technique
-Filling in historical/ social/ political or cultural context to areas of study (particularly at 'A' level)
-Response to examination questions
-Improving literacy level, reading and comprehension, grammar (particularly at primary level)
-Extending and developing powers of expression

You will find me a generous tutor, I am not a clock watcher, it does not matter, for instance, if a class runs over. I will work hard for you between lessons, marking, researching, and developing new lessons and academic exercises. My tutoring style is tempered by profound understanding and experience of examination board and national curriculum requirements. Moreover, my many years working as an educator entailed the need to develop a flexible range of teaching strategies correspondent to the varying learning preferences of my students.

Some recent feedback:
'I wish you had been my tutor before, I feel a lot more confident'
(Chitra, GCSE English, Adult Learner)
'Great attitude and rapport with my son very engaging'
(Sarah, mother of 'A' level; Film and Studies student)
'We are delighted to have Chris helping my daughter and her friend with the written exam In the last few weeks of their Drama and Theatre `A ` level. Inspiring, flexible, fun -knowledgeable about the plays, their history and context- he is a fantastic tutor.'
(Felicity, mother of 'A' level Drama and Theatre Studies student)

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Personal Description:
I am a 36 year Deputy Head Teacher living in Glasgow. I relocated from Blackpool 12 years ago! I have a degree in drama followed by a post graduate degree in primary education from Lancaster; as well as various sports coaching qualifications.

I am able to teach a variety of subjects and I have also taught maths up to national qualification levels.

I am GTC registered as well as PVG cleared to work with children and vulnerable adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher but I also have experience of working with high school aged children, particularly in maths. Most of my experience comes in the 5-11 age bracket.

I have worked in both England and Scotland and I currently hold a post as a Principal Teacher within North Lanarkshire. I have a particularly good knowledge of phonics and helping children develop strategies to enhance their reading skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have high expectations of children as I believe this then fills them with the confidence to push themselves to achieve. I enjoy working with children and like to teach rather than give worksheet after worksheet, I like to use a mix of interactive resources along with more traditional approaches. I am also willing to set and leave homework if that is required.

I enjoy working one to one with children and find it really rewarding seeing the progress children can make in this environment.

If you find that you are out of my tutoring radius you can still contact me and I will try my hardest to accomodate you.
My hourly rate includes travelling costs so there are no hidden charges, however if you are out of my usual radius of travel this can be discussed.

I am available any weeknight after school hours and have some weekend availability too. Sessions usually last an hour, with around 45-50 minutes quality tutoring time, allowing time at the start/end of session for feedback with parents.

If you have any questions please get in touch!

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Personal Description:
I have recently graduated from LAMDA which is a professional acting school in London. I can help with monologues in Shakespeare/contemporary or any text you desire to work on. I would be happy to help on anything!

Teaching Experience:
I have taught children from the age of 5-17 at two different acting schools - I love seeing children improve in confidence and ability.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is simple but effective. You must strip everything back and play the real truth of the character to convey the real emotion, then this will affective the audience. I like to work in a fun and safe environment but which also challenges you to achieve the best of your ability.

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Personal Description:
This year, 14 of my 17 Higher students received an A Grade, two received a B and one received a C grade, which was a personal achievement for that individual. All five of my Nat 5 students achieved an A.Therefore, if you're looking for top grades for your child, you are in the right place. With twenty years of experience, I have a consistent record of helping tutees achieve A passes at Higher. I am a fully-qualified, GTC registered, English teacher with over fifteen years of classroom experience. Moreover, I was an SQA marker for more than a decade, with several years experience marking the new Higher's RUAE. I am a mum of two adult children who no longer live at home. My adorable Ragdoll cats, Oliver and Louis, still keep me on my toes though!

Tuition is very rewarding for me because I like working with young people and supporting them to consistently achieve excellent results. With their whole future before them, they are often refreshingly full of new perspectives. Working hard to build a warm, but professional, rapport with my tutees is the key to bringing out the best in them.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully-qualified, GTC registered English teacher with over fifteen years of classroom experience. Moreover, I was an SQA marker for more than a decade. This included marking both critical essay for the exam board and Higher Paper 1:Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation or RUAE (previously Close Reading)

I have taught in several schools in East Renfrewshire, including Williamwood and Mearns Castle.

Tutoring Approach:
In Reading for Understanding, Analysis and Evaluation (previously Close Reading), my experience as an SQA marker provides tutees with an invaluable insight into exam strategies needed for success. Certainly, this experience leads me to use a specific question type / specific formula answer approach. Tutees are encouraged to identify a particular question type, e.g. 'the context question', and then use the appropriate formula to gain maximum marks. Thereafter, the tutee is asked to practise this particular type of question whilst also undertaking whole close reading passages containing said question type.

In the critical examination of literature, particular attention is given to structure and developing a mature, yet fresh, personal response. I tend to adopt a modelling approach. Effectively, the tutee and I draft a first core essay on a given text, say, for example, 'Romeo and Juliet' Using this exemplar, the tutee is then assigned further essay questions, drawing upon this core essay as a guideline. Support is given throughout the writing process and constructive feedback is offered in the form of stage-appropriate targets to ensure progress.

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Personal Description:
I am Jackie. I have been Acting professionally for over twenty five years and have had a very varied career I trained at The Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London gaining the A.G.S.M Diploma in Professional Acting. I also have extensive teaching experience from working in both the Private and Public Sector, and established Stage Schools.
My many theatre credits include appearing in London West End Musicals, e.g. ('The Pirates of Penzance' (with Tim Curry and George Cole, 'Theatre Royal Drury Lane'), 'Budgie' (with Adam Faith and Anita Dobson ,'The Cambridge Theatre London'), and at The National Theatre of Great Britain ( 'Guys and Dolls' and 'The Beggars Opera') and in many straight theatre roles in various Theatres across the country.
I also have many diverse Television credits specialising in Television Comedy. I have worked with such renowned writers as Carla Lane at The BBC (appearing in 'Bread' and 'Luv' ) John Sullivan at The BBC, (appearing in 'Heartburn Hotel ') Roy Clarke at The BBC (appearing in Rosie',) and Victoria Wood at ITV( appearing in 'Dinner Ladies) My favourite role was as 'Glenys Pike' in the very popular comedy series 'The Brothers McGregor' written by John Stevenson for Granada TV which ran for four series. ) as well as many other TV appearances such as 'Cracker', 'Brookside', and 'Coronation Street'.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive teaching experience from working in both the Private and Public Sector, and established Stage Schools. I teach all ages up to degree level or privately,specializing in one to one tuition. I have helped many young people with Drama School auditions with very good success. I also coach actors on audition technique and on audition speeches or scenes.

Tutoring Approach:
Do you need help with auditioning for Drama Schools ? Need help selecting pieces ? Need help with Drama as an academic subject? Want to improve your communication skills or a professional preparing for an interview ? My approach to tutoring is that I am here to help you and lift you up, not drag you down. With my experience there is nothing I have not seen or done performance wise and I understand it takes courage for some people to come to classes. I try to create a warm and pleasant teaching atmosphere for all my students and I have had great successes.

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Personal Description:
I have a strong foundation in Film and Media, which is clearly exemplified by my degree and my experience in the media prior to becoming a teacher. A key focus within my degree was the making of new and innovative content for emerging new media technologies, digital broadcasting underlined by learning traditional narrative structures and learning the production process from pre-production to post-production for Film and TV. My degree gave me a strong foundation in the skills required for creating creative media and film productions across a range of media platforms, as well as providing me with the fundamental theoretical concepts underlying film, digital media and communication technologies.

Throughout my teaching career, I have regularly achieved grades of 'outstanding', which has been consistent throughout by PGCE and NQT, leading me to deliver whole school insets on teaching and learning on creative and innovative strategies using new media technologies to raise standards. My teaching is constantly recognised for my creative approach to resources and the use of visual media technology. I am a strong believer that there must be a consistent delivery of high quality lessons by theoretical and practical approaches to learning. I have produced the Media and Film curriculum two-year programmes for the past 10 years and designed several schemes of work for GCSE and A Level. All students in the last 10 years I have taught have achieved excellent results, achieving in the top 5% nationally. Under the new grading system all my GCSE students achieved 8-9 and my A Level achieved A*-B. I am a moderator and examiner for WJEC GCSE and A Level Courses. I teach individual and group sessions.

The ability to teach acting and filmmaking has allowed me to explore in-depth the different focuses of screen acting. Exploring the inner truth of character development using Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Larry Moss and Stanford Meisner has consistently developed my directing skillsets in understanding the director actor relationship, sharing my skillset has developed pupils directing tools bringing out stronger emotional driven performances. I enjoy anthropology, studying human societies, cultures and their behaviours allowing me to explore a vivid pallet of interests, which informs my teaching.

The ability to teach acting and filmmaking has allowed me to explore in-depth the different focuses of filmmaking. Exploring the inner truth of character development using Stella Adler and Uta Hagen. Teaching Stanford Meisner with a focus on screen training has allowed me to continually develop my directing skillsets in understanding the director actor relationship. The feeling of exploring characterisation and developing characters is an opportunity to explore in-depth ideas about the world, aiming to find the truth and aspiring to entice the audience to explore their own inner thoughts, excites me greatly. I value the importance of exploring psychological decisions characters make, what leads to their actions or not in an incurring way showing the human condition at its best and worst. I think emotionally and focus with students on making strong psychological choices, raising the dramatic values and a sense of urgency in scenes has influenced my teaching through Larry Moss and Stanford Meisner's teachings.

I've been teaching and lecturing for 15 years on different film movements and periods through early cinema to present day. I regularly analyse key film texts exploring all areas of film form and the aesthetical quality. I have a strong knowledge on the histrionics of film through intellectual engagement. My ability to teach practical filmmaking from production and post-production has driven my love for cinema. I use the study of film scenes to support actors in analysing actor's choices, tactics and objectives, voice, movement and how actors work in different screen compositions and frames.

Teaching Experience:
I was employed at Arts Educational Schools in the role of Head of Media and Film Department and was previously employed as a Teacher of Media Studies and BTEC Film and TV production at Twyford Church of England High School in Acton. I joined Twyford in 2010 as an NQT. My PGCE placement schools were Charles Edward Brooke Girls School (Media and Performing Arts specialism) and St Francis Xavier College. Twyford was graded 'Outstanding' by Ofsted during my time under the last inspection. During my time at ArtsEd the school won the ISA Award for best Independent School 2015, Stage Award 2015 and gained Arts Mark Gold, thus I have learnt a lot from excellent practitioners and leaders throughout schools.

I am currently working as a Screen Acting and filmmaking practitioner. I am currently Programme leader for BA Screen Acting at Met Film School. Previously I use to be the Head of Filmmaking at City Academy Film School and led on the BFi Filmmaking programme. I was the curriculum lead design and taught Screen Acting at Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Year (BA Hons) Acting programmes. I am a private acting coach preparing professional actors for casting in TV and Film. I taught at Identity School of Acting focus on screen and text for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am driven by a great desire to educate, motivate and to inspire young people through exciting and innovative teaching and learning practices. I have the skillset and capabilities to lead by example and ensure that those that students - are supported and encouraged at all levels. The development of each pupil's work ethic and hunger for learning, aspirations, celebrating excellence, teamwork, inspiration, commitment, professionalism and positivity. All students get detailed feedback on written assessments and performances on how to improve their techniques. I provide reading material and additional resources to support their development.

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Personal Description:
I live in Edinburgh with my husband, two sons and our dog. I have had a varied career path, starting as an English Language teacher working in Italy, London and Edinburgh for ten years. In my early thirties I decided to start working as a theatre director and moved to combine EFL teaching with theatre work. Since 2005 I have also worked as a university teacher and have developed a strong skill-set in study skills teaching.
I enjoy reading, hill walking and gardening and home cooking.

Teaching Experience:
I am a highly experienced teacher and have worked in education for over twenty-five years. I have worked part-time as a university lecturer for fifteen years across undergraduate and post-graduate programmes and have particular skill in developing students' study skills and supporting reading and writing development. I can tutor students across a range of arts and humanities subjects to develop the skills they need to succeed at university.

I also have experience in teaching English as a Foreign Language to all levels from Begnner to Advanced levels including preparation for Cambridge exams and IELTS.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and reassuring tutor and I really enjoy getting to know my students and taking time to ensure that they feel comfortable and clear with what they are learning.
I am highly organised and punctual and like to be well-prepared for the sessions I deliver to ensure students get the most out of our time together. I usually set independent work between sessions and mark prior to a session so no time is wasted. I am happy to teach students in my home or at their home.

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Personal Description:
I have been a professional performer for over 14 years with experience in all different types of acting. From voice to physical theatre! I've done it all!

When I was very young I starred in multiple theatre roles, developing various skills and delving into the works of many drama and theatre practitioners such as Stanislavski, Brecht, Artaud, Chekhov, Berkoff and many, many more!

After many years in theatre I decided to branch out into other forms of acting, I moved to voice acting in which I developed a personal method to help keep and maintain a healthy voice as well as using pre-established methods to create and enhance my repertoire of characterized voices

Teaching Experience:
I started giving private lessons to a few friends and associates back in college, helping them get higher grades as well as preparing them for a future in the acting industry. One of my original students in particular, Stephen, was recently accepted into Manchester school of theatre, an esteemed drama school in one of the top universities in the country!

Tutoring Approach:
My Courses are designed to help the student gain a better understanding of themselves as a young performer, gain the skills and the knowledge to further progress to where they want to be and involve themselves in a creative process that they designed for themselves. Through this, they will develop the toolset that essential for working in the performing industry

As an actor I have developed a teaching style which lets the student learn and develop with a sense of independence and confidence. I believe that confidence or lack of confidence can be the biggest restraint for people learning and developing something new. I will assert myself as someone who is friendly and approachable, assessing their confidence levels and making sure that I am as friendly as I can be

Once the student feels that they are ready I can begin to develop the lessons to their specific needs. Analysing the student's strengths and weaknesses and overall helping them overcome said weaknesses and reinforcing their strengths, giving them a firm base that will help them succeed in whatever is thrown at them in the future.

This method is completely adaptable from beginners to advanced learners. What I am looking for is personal development, and I reward it, there is no negative criticism at all. Negative criticism of any kind can crush a persons spirit and make the idea of learning less appealing. This being said, constructive, helpful criticism can be the most useful tool to develop the student not only as a learner but also as a person

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Personal Description:
Heya ! I'm going to start off strong by saying I grew up with failing primary school grades, but the problem all along wasn't because I'm not a 'gifted kid' but instead - I couldn't discover a suitable studying/learning method most efficient for myself !

If that sounds like you, I'm here to guide you by devising personalized notes and techniques on key to mastering the concept of "Study smart, not hard!"

September 2024 - Present 2025
University of Edinburgh
Degree - Master of Arts (MA) with Honors International Business

August-June 2024
Creative Secondary School (CSS), 3 Pung Loi Road, Tseung Kwan O
Diploma - International Baccalaureate (IB)
Subject Details and Grades (out of 7 or A) :

[5] MAY 2024 - CHINESE A: Literature SL in CHINESE
[6] MAY 2024 - ENGLISH B HL in ENGLISH
[6] MAY 2024 - BUSINESS MANAGEMENT HL in ENGLISH
[6] MAY 2024 - BIOLOGY SL in ENGLISH
[5] MAY 2024 - MATHEMATICS APPLICATIONS AND I SL in ENGLISH
[C] MAY 2024 - THEATRE EE in ENGLISH
[7] MAY 2024 - THEATRE HL in ENGLISH
[C] MAY 2024 - THEORY KNOWL. TK in ENGLISH

EE/TOK points: 1
Total Points: 36
Result : Bilingual Diploma awarded

Teaching Experience:
Since I'm a University student, I prefer conducting online classes the most where it can suit my lecture/tutorial schedule the best ! I'm a very bubbly and cheerful person, so studying won't all just be books and papers, chit chats will be coming in the full package as well ! I've tutored kids between the age of 5-10 before for English so I believe my patience level is well equipped as one the top qualities I have as a teacher ! You definitely won't be studying alone on your learning journey with me !


Just remember, being 'gifted' or not doesn't matter ! Studies all honestly revolve around your effort and originality to it ! If 'gifted' people can memorize/learn content easily on their second try, I'll just do it on my fifth try then. Resilience and uniqueness are the key of honing yourself from an academic victim to an academic weapon, no matter the age, place, subject or even difficulty of it !

Tutoring Approach:
What are my lessons like ?
- Patient and accommodating to students
- Targeting weaker areas but also boosting strengths
- Encouraging critical thinking
- Hybrid styles of learning (passive + active)
- Maximizing learning efficiency without burning out
- Personalized advice according to student's level/pacing
- Mistakes are the best teachers
- Find balance between studies and your personal life
- Grades don't define your future
- "Study smart, not hard"

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