Castle Douglas English (Foreign Language) Tutors and Castle Douglas English (Foreign Language) Tuition

Personal Description:
Friendly, reliable and experienced tutor, with a British English accent.

Qualified to PhD in 2014 (English & Languages Department, Surrey University), with the motivation to continue working with foreign learners of English at any stage of their development (beginner through to post graduate or business English improvers).

Based in the Borders of Scotland, with access to transport links across the city.

Other Information:
• Students' Union employee, community volunteer and 'Student Representative of the Year' during BA and MA Degrees.
• Mentor and student support worker to students with disabilities during PhD.

Teaching Experience:
Relevant teaching experience:

• TEFL training during BA (Hons) Degree at Bath University, including one-to-one tutoring of English to young adult learners.
• Two years in Paris and three months in Italy working with young children to improve their understanding of English (references available).
• Completion of the following teaching programmes at Surrey University: Introduction to Teaching; Student Learning; Assessment & Feedback; Technology Enhanced Learning; and the Graduate Certificate in Learning & Teaching (module 1 classes only).
• Provided language support (both grammatical and oral) to BA, MA and PhD students across multiple disciplines at Bath University and Surrey University.
• Marking of MA assignments, including spelling and grammar correction and feedback at Surrey University.
• Mentoring and emotional support to students via the Learning Support Team at Surrey University.
• Residential work placement in 2012 at New College Worcester, a specialist school for blind and visually-impaired students between 11 and 18 years of age.
• Involved in training and coaching new colleagues and contractors on a business level for over 25 years.
• Trained in listening, communication and empathy skills with the Samaritans, Winchester in 2015.

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be fun!

The aim is for you to enjoy speaking and writing English, whilst moving at your own pace through a programme of learning that is designed around your own requirements and interests.

We could meet: online, in a coffee shop, at a local library, at your home or office.
We could talk about: books, business, films, music, travel, culture or life in general. It's up to you!

Activities offered:
• General English conversation
• Targeted English conversation (in your area of interest, e.g. business sector)
• Help with grammar and written English, including forms and letters
• Improved listening skills using audio-visual aids
• One-to-one feedback on dissertation grammar and flow (full proofreading priced separately)
• Voice recordings of your own material offered (e.g. course notes or presentations)

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Personal Description:
I am an MFL teacher with bags of enthusiasm and an immense passion for education and children. I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent, as well as having enjoyed spells living in Quebec and Aix-en-Provence in the past. I find empathising with students easy, and have girls and boys between 6 years old and adult on my books. I currently tutor in French, Spanish, English, Maths and 11+ preparation.

In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, reading and cycling, having recently completed the London to Brighton cycle in aid of the British Heart Foundation.

Teaching Experience:
I currently work part-time in a secondary school in Surrey, and have previously in a Boys Grammar School in North Kent. I have also done a year's supply in South Yorkshire, as well as in a primary school in France. I have held departmental and pastoral TLR positions at various schools, and have tutored for over ten years. References available.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to support students in their learning by being thorough, professional, but approachable. My effective tutoring in the past has helped students to feel more confident, happier and ultimately this shows in their results. I am often very proud of my students when they make progress in areas such as confidence, as well as ability.

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Personal Description:
My name is Lenka and I am an experienced and qualified language teacher. I am passionate about languages and I love teaching. I have traveled a lot and lived in different countries. I studied Spanish and French literature at an Italian university and lived in Spain where I studied Spanish language, culture and journalism. I qualified as a secondary language teacher at Lancaster University and worked as a teacher in the independent sector for 7 years. I am a native Czech speaker. I am currently working as a freelance tutor for a language agency as well as teaching private students. At the moment I am available during the weekends and Monday and Friday afternoons. I tutor in Seaford and surrounding areas.

Teaching Experience:
• tutor in a language school teaching all year groups and individuals
• teacher in two comprehensive schools teaching KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form
• language teacher in an independent boarding school (13-18) teaching Spanish, French and Italian at GCSE and A-level
• tutor in adult education
• vast experience with private language tutoring

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is that a thorough knowledge of grammar as well as the ability to communicate is essential for learning a language successfully. I advocate a communicative approach and I teach in a relaxing atmosphere so that my students feel at ease and not afraid of communicating in a foreign language and at the same time they can learn by assessing their own mistakes.

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Personal Description:
I have many years experience of running companies (my own and those belonging to others), and this knowledge is extremely helpful for students seeking Business English lessons, especially in respect of business meetings, introductions and writing letters. Although born just South of London, I have spent many years in other countries (16 years in Russia).

In addition to teaching I provide a proof-reading service, write promotional articles, and frequently write News articles that have been read by millions of people (I have also written three books)

Teaching Experience:
I have more than 8 years teaching experience and hold an International TEFL Teacher Training certificate. I currently teach English as a second language in the UK and previously provided this service to students in Moscow (Russia). My students have been varied (unemployed up to company directors) and their levels have ranged from Elementary to Advanced (individuals and groups).

Tutoring Approach:
No two students are the same and I adapt my teaching techniques to take this into account, often using my own unique methods to help students with pronunciation etc. Learning a new language is never easy, but I provide lessons in a relaxed style (with some humour) to make the process more enjoyable. Most importantly, I obtain results.

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Personal Description:
My biggest passion is making people believe in themselves. I strongly believe that most people can do most things - all they need is someone to provide the knowledge, encouragement and support. And I pride myself in providing exactly this to all my tutees and students.

I've been privately tutoring for 21 years in a variety of subjects and countries; teaching and tutoring in Kenya, Canada, Australia, Hungary, Japan, France and England. Mostly this has been in English and Maths, but especially any subjects where comprehension and writing skills are at the fore.

I enjoy helping students of all ages and I've taught all the way from 4 years old to adults. I work hard to build a good rapport with all my students as this is vital for maximising their learning. Furthermore, before I begin, I make sure both parties are clear on what the goals are from my tutoring and that both are happy with how we will proceed. I also ensure I work hard to understand the learning styles and unique personalities of each of my students, so that I can tailor my teaching to suit their precise individual needs.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced tutor who has been doing it for more than ten years now in a variety of subjects and countries. I have taught and tutored in Kenya, Australia, Hungary, Canada, Japan, France and England now in mostly English and any subjects where comprehension and writing skills are at the fore.

I've taught many students with learning and behavioural difficulties too - so I'm comfortable dealing with this type of tutoring as well.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to really get to know the tutee's needs and talk extensively to them as well as his/her parents to make sure we all know what the goal/s are for my tutoring lessons.

A down to earth, relaxed approach I believe is key to tutoring being successful.

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Personal Description:
Hi, my name is Christiane and I am German. I have been living in the UK for many years. I am a very reliable and approachable, but professional and trustworthy at the same time. I am always honest and work very hard to achieve my targets. I am sure I can help you to achieve the results that you were looking for and with my support, learning German or English will be just a positive and enjoyable experience.
I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
I have been giving German lessons to students of any age for 7 years. My students are normally preparing university exams, GSCE, business people or simply people who enjoy to learn the language in order to be independent and confident when traveling to Germany.

Teaching English is something I also very enjoy. My students are normally people who want to live here for a few years or even for the rest of their life.

Tutoring Approach:
After initial assessment we will decide together how and how often I will teach you or your children. I make learning fun with games etc.
Motivation is probably the most important factor that educators can target in order to
improve learning. Student motivation is an essential element that is necessary for quality education and as far as I can, I try to adapt the lessons approach according students needs and target to be reached.

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Personal Description:
I'm a 32-year old music graduate, currently living on the Isle of Man. I completed CELTA in Budapest, Hungary in 2012 and have been teaching privately since then. With my background in music I am good at incorporating this interest into my lessons (along with a passion for films, cartoons and humour).

Teaching Experience:
Beyond the teaching practice I did as part of my CELTA course, I have been teaching private students, 1:1, since my return to the island in October 2012.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very relaxed approach to learning: my main aim is for the student to enjoy the lesson as this will help them to learn, to remember and to remain motivated.

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Personal Description:
An approachable and empathetic manager in my former profession as an IT consultant, I am now a qualified English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher who is able to encourage and motivate people to achieve their goals. I am highly organised and enjoy being creative. I make the most of my advanced IT skills to produce materials to meet the learning needs of my students. I have a lifelong enthusiasm for language, culture and meeting new people from all walks of life, to learn and share experiences.

Teaching Experience:
I achieved my Trinity CertTESOL in January 2015. The certification process included teaching both group and individual lessons for a range of abilities from pre-intermediate to advanced. I was thoroughly stimulated by this course and enjoyed it immensely. I am now capable of going into a classroom and producing a well-thought out, appropriate and stimulating lesson that will help students of English to achieve their linguistic aims. In my former career as an IT consultant I coached, trained and mentored junior staff.

Since certification I have been fortunate to be employed by Language Schools in Winchester and Bath and have taught teenagers in multi- and mono-lingual groups. I have also taught English for Special Purposes with individual adults including Legal English and Business English.

Tutoring Approach:
I see the learning experience as a partnership between the teacher and the learner. I particularly enjoy working with an individual learner as I am able to focus on their personal needs and at our first session I will work with you to determine what you would like and need to achieve and to design a programme tailored just for you. In my Trinity CertTESOL course I was awarded an A grade for the needs analysis assignment.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Anna. I'm an author and a poet, I have had many poems published, won first prize in an international poetry competition (2011) and have also brought out two collections, which are on sale on Amazon. In 2015 I published my memoir A Hippopotamus at the Table. Set in South Africa in the 1970s. I'm about to publish my second memoir and published a book called Writing Memoir. How to Write a Story from Your Life in 2017. Formerly I taught memoir writing to small groups. I have a blog which is updated regularly with articles about writing, poetry, my travels and events.

Teaching Experience:
I taught in Adult Education at a variety of colleges for approximately 10 years (until 2000) - my main subject was Ancient Egyptian History - one of the colleges was Birkbeck University (University of London) I taught undergraduates. I ran a class for a number of years before that for City University on Ancient Egyptian History. For 6 years I taught Information Technology (seminars) at London Metropolitan University, to first year undergraduates. More recently (2000-2014) I worked in Criminal Justice delivering Cognitive Behavioural programmes to offenders and also on another programme supporting victims of violence.
I used to host language students for St Giles English Language school and also for a year taught TEFL one-to-one.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is Socratic in delivery, to draw from the student what they know, what their interests are and expand on that. I like to bring students to poetry, and know about poetry from a variety of cultures from Moslem (like Rumi, Omar Khayam) to French and Afro Caribbean writers. I think learning English should be broad and interesting and make people think. My teaching method is through a conversational approach, short written exercises for identifying strengths and weaknesses, building on strengths and working on areas that require a structured approach for improvement. Learning should be interesting and it should be fun.

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Personal Description:
I am an outgoing, patient, and hard-working girl with short hair. I have finished both of my master's degrees at the University of Warwick within the field of Engineering and started to work on my Ph.D. degree from the Nov of 2020 for Autonomous Vehicle also at the University of Warwick.

Outside of my academic work, I have pursued many extracurricular undertakings throughout my life. During my undergraduate study, I served as the University of Liverpool Flash Mob Society President and led huge street performance activities which were broadcast by CCTV13 and several other television channels. Despite attending school in China, I took English A-Levels and I have attained high marks in English language exams. Further, I am a talented musician and, at the age of 11, I obtained a Level 9 certification (UK Grade 8 equivalent) in the electric organ. Also able to join several excellent internship opportunities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been worked in a company which teaches English to under-achieving Chinese children. These experiences have greatly improved my skills in self-assessment, teamwork and communication.

I have taught some friends I met at the University who were interested in Mandarin and after a term, they can do simple conversation with me.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach Mandarin based on a book with exercises on it. But I also believe that the most effective way to learn a language is freestyle conversation with different theme after several basic lessons. I am very patient and love to teach children during playing small games with them. During the current Covid-19 situations, the online meeting is preferred.

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Personal Description:
I have a Bachelor degree in Music. I finished university 2 years ago (The Sage Gateshead). My majors were music production, composition and vocal.
My journey with music started when I was 7 years old. I was in a music school for almost 10 years, learning piano, vocal, music theory, harmony and having choir classes. The same age I started singing and playing piano at my local church.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching children from age 6 to 14 for almost three years. I gave group and private classes teaching not only English, piano and vocal but also music theory and harmony.

The last year I was working in a language School teaching english and in a kindergarden teaching english and Music.

Tutoring Approach:
Private, online classes.
I always prepare the classes depending on your level and your needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a 25 year old musician living in Brighton who is a friendly, approachable people person who loves Languages, Music and Politics.

Teaching Experience:
As a Music Graduate, I am experienced in teaching both one to one lessons and in larger classes.

Tutoring Approach:
My main approach is one that aims to teach my students to be a, real life English speaker, not a Shakespearean school book! This is based on my own experience of learning a new language to communicate in every day, real person life. Last year, i decided to live in Brussels to learn french by living with local people, where I developed a healthy respect for slang and idiomatic language (not to blow my own trumpet). From this experience I have created my method of English learning.

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Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic and patient teacher who enjoys getting to know new people and help them achieving their goals. I have got several years of experience in teaching on various levels and I find the whole process of language learning equally fascinating and motivating. It's a great pleasure to see my students reach their goals and find joy in learning something new and being able to communicate in a second language.

• Qualifications: B.A. History and English (2013)
• M.A. Teacher training - Teaching English as a Foreign Language, History (2017)
• CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (2017)
• History, English (A Levels equivalent) (2009)

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching English on a 1-1 basis 6 years ago during my university studies. In the last 6 years, I have managed to gain experience on many different levels of the education system. I taught classes in secondary schools, worked with adults in language schools and most recently on university preparation courses. I've been lucky enough to work with people from all over the world, from many age groups (13-60) and all the different levels starting from complete beginner to advanced (A1 - C1).

Classes taught:

- General English
- Business English
- Exam preparation (FCE, IELTS, ELPT, TOEIC)
- Academic English

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly and most importantly, I believe in the step-by-step approach which means that I understand that we need time to build knowledge, therefore, patience and understanding are key parts of my teaching.

I also believe that we are all different, so I put a lot of emphasis on getting to know my students' individual needs and attributes so I can tailor the classes according to these. I consider my students as partners in the work together and I like to call it "learning together".

Last but not least, I think it's important to set clear goals, have a personalised approach and a friendly atmosphere during the classes combined with continuous feedback.

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Personal Description:
Hi there! I'm Emily. I grew up in London, and I am a native English speaker with a British accent. I find languages fascinating, and have studied French, Spanish and Russian, so I understand the experience of a language learner. As well as language learning, my hobbies include swing dancing, reading, art and watching films!

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher with a native British accent. I graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Education Studies and English Literature, before completing a PGCE in Primary Education. I am fully TEFL certified and DBS checked, and teach both adults and children.

I have taught in several London Primary Schools, and continue to teach Primary School children part-time.

Tutoring Approach:
I offer conversational English classes for intermediate-advanced students.

My lessons use art, music, literature and film to create stimulating conversations. I have a rigorous approach to grammar and pronunciation, but prefer not to use coursebooks. I will listen and respond to your needs in real time, identifying and working on your weaknesses with you, meaning that my lessons are fun and tailored to your interests! If you choose to study with me for the long term, I will create a personalised syllabus for you to ensure that you achieve your language goals.

I teach all my lessons over Zoom. When you start learning with me, I will share a Google Drive folder with you in which I will put all your lesson resources and extra support for self-study.

Please send me a message for more information. I look forward to learning with you soon!

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Johnette and I have a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a post-graduate teaching qualification in Secondary Education. I have over ten years teaching experience in bilingual, state and international schools.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching KS2 - A levels History and Geography, Humanities and English as a Foreign Language in classroom and online settings (majority of my students are from Asia, the Middle East and Europe). I used to work in a secondary school in England and have a full DBS/ police check. I'm also a CIE History Assessment Specialist/ Assistant Examiner.

I'm offering tailored lessons to help you or your child learn History and/or Geography on all specifications (eg. CAIE, IB, Edexcel International, AP) as I have a thorough knowledge of the requirements for all of these. I can help you learn the content, give exam techniques or if you just want someone to chat with/ practice your oral English with! I'm available to mark exam papers for IGCSE- A levels History and Geography.

I have a proven track record including helping my students achieve the highest marks for Cambridge International Examinations IGCSE History in the whole of China (in June 2010 and June 2016 examinations).

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy teaching students of different ability levels and cultural backgrounds and take pleasure in making the subject interesting for my students. When teaching, I aim to provide a stimulating and interactive learning environment. I plan my lessons with care to make sure that I've included appropriate activities and exercises for the students' level by using a variety of teaching strategies and methods to support the engagement of all learners (including making provisions for students with learning difficulties by differentiating activities that are suitable for the different learning styles). I also like to help students achieve their full academic potential and get them inspired about the world around them.

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Personal Description:
My name is Elliot and I am an English tutor based in Central London. I have been tutoring since 2018 but my background is in Law. I have a Bachelor of Laws (2.1) from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Laws (LLM Human Rights Law) from the University of Nottingham (Distinction). For three years, I worked as an immigration lawyer in the UK before deciding to tutor full-time. I have lived in several different countries and am a keen language learner myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and writing. I have written for publications such as Reader`s Digest UK and am currently working on a collection of fictional short stories to be published late 2023. I enjoy entering my stories into short story competitions.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as an English tutor since 2018. During this time I have taught hundreds of students and acquired thousands of teaching hours. I have taught students from three years old all the way up to adults. I have a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of abilities from complete beginners to proficient students. I have successfully prepared students for a range of exams including (but not limited to): IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Young Learners, UKiset (for entrance to UK independent schools) and much more. I have particular experience in teaching essay writing skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible, patient and rigorous. From the very outset, I will ensure that we determine your specific academic goals and move towards them a little bit each lesson. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy our lessons and have a fun yet productive experience.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Kallia, an experienced, qualified teacher. I mainly teach English and support students of ages 4-18, in a variety of skills such as reading, writing, comprehension and exam practice.

I am currently in training to become a dyslexia teacher and hopefully progress into becoming a dyslexia assessor.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in inner city schools since 2016, when I qualified. Previously I used to work as a teaching assistant rural and city schools, starting in 2013.

My teaching experience comes from teaching across primary full time, working as a reading and numeracy support teacher with SEN children of ages 8-14 and teaching English GCSE, iGCSE and IELTS to students in the UK as well as across Asia and Europe.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approaches depend on the needs and goals of my students. Not one approach fits all and therefore communication is key in establishing good working patterns that will support the student in progressing and succeeding.

I have the tools to adjust my lessons to meet the criteria for those with Special Education Needs.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I´m Matt, a qualified Spanish teacher from Belfast. I hold a Master's degree in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language and a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages. Over the past decade, I have gained extensive teaching experience in both the UK and abroad, including five years in Spain. My experience spans teaching students from primary school through to adult learners, both in classroom settings and online environments. I have also collaborated with academic institutions such as Queen's University Belfast, leading workshops for PGCE students. In addition to my teaching qualifications, I have managed curriculum development, welfare, and safeguarding responsibilities for summer programmes, demonstrating strong leadership skills. I am currently focusing on providing high-quality tutoring services online, while also exploring ways to grow my educational business.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native English speaker and CELTA-qualified teacher with extensive experience teaching both English and Spanish. I hold a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and I recently completed a Master's in Teaching and Linguistics. Additionally, I am a degree holder in Spanish with a certificate from the Instituto Cervantes, showcasing my deep understanding of the language and its pedagogy.

Throughout my career, I have worked in various educational settings, including language academies in both Spain and the UK, as well as extensive online teaching experience. I have also served as a GCSE and A-Level examiner, which has given me invaluable insight into the examination process and what students need to succeed.

Beyond teaching, I have held roles as a Safeguarding Manager, where I ensured the safety and well-being of students in educational programmes. I have also developed learning resources, worked with academic institutions such as Queen's University Belfast, and led workshops for trainee teachers.

With my diverse background and dedication to language education, I offer a well-rounded, professional, and personalised approach to help students achieve their goals. Whether it's exam preparation, improving conversational skills, or mastering grammar, I am fully equipped to guide students every step of the way.

Tutoring Approach:
I have extensive experience teaching online, and it's been one of the most rewarding parts of my career. Over the years, I've worked with students from all over the world, helping them achieve their language goals from the comfort of their own homes. My approach is highly interactive and engaging, ensuring that each lesson is tailored specifically to the student's needs, whether they're preparing for exams, improving their conversational skills, or building confidence in grammar and vocabulary.

What sets me apart is my ability to create a structured, yet flexible, learning environment that combines professional expertise with a personal touch. My students appreciate the in-depth feedback I provide after each session, the custom-made homework assignments that reinforce what we've covered, and the clear progress they can see after every class. With a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages, a Master's in Teaching and Linguistics, and years of online teaching experience, I know how to use technology to its fullest to make lessons as impactful as possible.

I'm not just delivering lessons - I'm crafting an immersive experience that makes learning a new language enjoyable and highly effective. Whether it's through screen sharing, interactive exercises, or real-time language practice, I ensure that every session leaves my students more confident and equipped to reach their goals.

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