Strathdon English (Foreign Language) Tutors and Strathdon English (Foreign Language) Tuition

Personal Description:
Skilled, experienced and qualified in English and IT.

Teaching Experience:
English Teaching in Japan, India, Spain, UK.
Different levels, ages and class size experience.
Teaching online since January 2007

Tutoring Approach:
Intensive classes, for quick improvement; slower pace considered if requested

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified language teacher with 30+ years' teaching experience. My credentials include
MPhil, Combined Degree in teaching English and German, Cambridge Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - CELTA (Grade B), Cambridge Certificate of Achievement in Teaching English Online

I'm a highly educated native Russian speaker and
I consider English my second mother tongue (having been immersed in it since the age of 10 and having lived in the UK for over 20 years).

Having done a great deal of studying, reading and teaching through the years, I'm passionate about passing my knowledge to others. I feel that I have a lot to offer to those who're looking for extra help or guidance in improving their English skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English as a foreign language at different levels since 1984, first in Russia and since 2001 in the UK.
I've worked with students of different age groups at a range of educational levels. My employers included mainstream schools, a Teacher Training Institute, an Academy of Economics and Management, and specialized language schools.

After completing a Cambridge CELTA course, I taught English to groups of international students at Brooklands College on General English, IELTS preparation, and ESOL Skills for Life courses.

My field of expertise and special interest is the Modern English Grammar. With my help, students achieve better understanding of how the language is structured and organised; with practice, their overall linguistic performance improves as well.

I'm currently teaching private students in these areas:
- General Conversational English
- English Grammar

I provide individual tuition online using Skype, Zoom, and WhatsApp, with support via e-mail or text/voice chat.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout my teaching career I have always tried to adjust my teaching style and methods to the learners' individual needs and circumstances, my priorities being high professionalism and reliability.

As a dedicated teacher, I never stop learning and developing my professional skills, which allows me to offer my students the best in modern teaching methods.

Here is some of my students' feedback:
"I can highly recommend Galina as an excellent teacher. Her teaching materials are interesting and relevant with a lot of variety. She is always patient and her encouragement will help you to progress rapidly. Galina strives to bring out the best in every student and her experience and friendly manner will make this a pleasurable experience."
Lucy.
"Now 64, I have taken over 50 part-time and evening courses in arts, languages and computing during my adult life. Galina is one of the most inspiring and competent teachers I have had. I look forward to joining her more advanced class." Martin.

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Personal Description:
I am married and have two children in their twenties, both in Higher Education. I am a qualified teacher, hold an Enhanced DBS Certificate and am up to date with current safeguarding training.
I love music, cinema and theatre and have spent part of my working life in professional theatre and television both as a performer and in production. I am widely travelled and well-read.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher, having worked in Somerset as both a full-time KeyStage 2 class teacher (including 4 years of SATs experience) and as a Supply Teacher. I also taught pupils on the One to One Programme. My Level 5 (TQUK) Qualification in Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a useful skillset to draw upon when teaching English to SATs level pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
Often the barrier to learning is a lack of confidence and self-esteem. It's also important to be clear about what is being learned and why, what's expected of the pupil and how success can be achieved and celebrated. Above all it must be fun!
My tutoring is personalised to the individual. A positive approach, balancing the correct level of challenge with a clear set of achievable next steps should motivate a learner, create a sense of progress and should foster the desire to continue to want to learn. Be positive, Build confidence, Enjoy challenge, Celebrate Success.

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Personal Description:
I am versatile, creative and ambitious. I believe nothing is impossible. I have a passion for teaching and learning. I have been brought up in an environment where education was the most important priority in life.
Learners needs are the core of the teaching and learning environment, I have a pleasant personality and loads of patience to support students in learning and understanding their individual learning styles.
For me teaching is filling the learning gap between what the student's knowledge to what is required in terms of the specification and examination and assessment requirements of the course. I am familiar with all teaching boards to name a few include; Edexcel, AQA, OCR, Welsh and university examinations too.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 12 years of teaching in UK and about 10 years of teaching abroad. I have taught a variety of subjects including: General Science, English, Business Studies, Economics, Marketing, International Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Finance, Managerial Finance, Human Resource Management, Research Methodology, Business and Economics, Business management and many more
With regards to teaching levels; I have taught GCSE, AS/A level, Undergraduate and Graduate level as well Primary and Secondary levels too.
Currently teaching in a college in London, teaching Business Studies and Economics to A level students.
I am flexible in my teaching approach and have helped students in writing their personal statement, checking assignments, help with research dissertations, proposals etc.
Please feel free to contact me any time to discuss these.

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching is my passion. I have a student-centered approach to teaching and believe in tailoring the teaching style to the needs of the student.
I have a proven track record of students showing great success in their exams over the years I have been teaching with 75% achieving grades A and B, and the rest as Cs. I work hard and support students in achieving their best potential.
I have over 21 years of teaching and have taught in a number of positions including a private tutor, as a lecturer in a college and as a teacher in a high school.
You can be sure you have made the right choice.

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Personal Description:
Paola
Online lessons nationwide and face to face based in Aberdeen.

I am a native Italian speaker with British nationality and fluent in both English and French.

I have a long working knowledge of English, having worked for several years as a librarian in Aberdeen and for the oil & gas industry (GE and NOV) for 8 years. I also worked for RGU prior to start teaching full time.

I offer Italian, French and English tuition at all levels, from complete beginners to advanced.

I studied English language and literature with French and Italian at La Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where I obtained my PhD.

After graduation I spent a long time working in France in Disneyland Paris. This gave me the opportunity to hone my French language skills.

I have experience teaching students of various age and nationality, both school children and adults who need to pass exams.
I have a PVG check.

Teaching Experience:
University of Aberdeen
Rosemount Community Centre, small groups - Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen language department
Tutoring agencies

Tutoring Approach:
I offer distance learning tuition via Skype for all beginners, intermediate and advanced learners.

I describe myself as enthusiastic, friendly and patient.

I am committed to delivering high quality tuition by offering tailor-made classes to suit different students' needs.

I think that a good tutor should guide the student towards the learner's goal with confidence and be able to explain clearly and in a friendly manner.

I am committed to bridge the gap between the textbooks and the demands of modern learning making the learning process fun and adaptable to each student.

Learning a new language should be fun. I am passionate about creating activities for the learners and make them feel at ease and comfortable during the class.

I have experience teaching school children and adults one-to-one, one-to-two, and small groups for different organisations across the UK such as private schools and community centres.

I offer flexible hours so my students can arrange the classes according to their needs and availability.

Learning a new language is a great opportunity to discover the culture of another country.

Cultural awareness is part of the language experience. Therefore, I love sharing the culture of my country and my knowledge of other cultures with my students.

For my teaching, I use different techniques and media. I love sharing online resources such as videos, articles and podcasts for listening activities and guided speaking exercises.

I can prepare for school and university exams, including GCSE and National 4 and 4 English, French and Italian and EFL exams.

For learners who take regular classes I can correct short written exercises.

During the first class I can assess the student's level in order to plan a suitable course tailor made to the learner's needs.

I am enthusiastic for using new technologies to add to the learning experience.

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Personal Description:
I am Argentinian from Buenos Aires and have been living in the UK for 16 years. I have a good level of experience teaching a range of age groups and in different settings, as well as a good command of both languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have a first certificate of in English qualification from the Cambridge Board as well as a secondary school diploma in education. I have taught Spanish at the Korean Institute for two years, with students ranging from 5 year olds up to adults. I spent three years teaching Graphic Design, Aesthetics and Art History to students aged 18 and older at the University of Buenos Aires, and also offered tutoring in English classes to adults, as well as English conversation classes.

I have an MA in Art History from Birkbeck University and did several courses on painting and illustration. I've been a practising artist for 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a wide experience, having taught individuals and groups, provided structured lessons as well as less formal conversation classes and used these skills across a range of age groups.

I am an enthusiastic, hard-working person and passionate about the importance of learning different languages. I see this as the best way of extending people's worlds and ideas.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor with Honour Degree in English and Russian Philology, postgraduate Certificate in TESOL and PGCE. I am Russian but now I live in Hastings, East Sussex. I love languages and enjoy teaching. I've always got very well with all my students either children, teenagers or adults. I have an updated DBS check

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary schools, private and language schools in Moscow, at summer language courses here in England. I have tutored on one-to-one basis for more than 15 years through all my teaching career.

Tutoring Approach:
The teaching approach will be tailored to match the learning style and pace of the student.

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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 work in tutoring, teaching and PhD proof-reading. I am currently working in local colleges as an English GCSE teacher. I am currently tutoring students in English GCSE and A-Level.

I am also tutoring younger students in their creative writing. I am interested in drama, poetry and art. I have performed spoken-word poetry in Manchester and headlined a couple of nights.

I have 12 years' experience teaching A-Level and GCSE English, as well as tutoring and teaching Latin. I also have experience of teaching English to other language speakers. I have also worked with adults taking the written elements of practical exams, such as massage and nail-tech.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked for six years as a tutor to students aged 10 and over, helping with English, Maths, Latin and Creative Writing.

For the past ten summers I have taught university entrance and study-skills at Southampton University, helping students to improve their essay-writing and critical reading.

I am also confident in being able to explain English grammar and writing structure in a fun and interesting way and I can also help students prepare for university courses and to study A-Levels and Access courses.

I have also taught Latin, Study Skills and GCSE Maths. I have designed and run a Latin evening course, as well as several programmes of creative writing for children.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make lessons interesting and encourage students to work creatively. We can work together to discuss an upcoming or recent exam and look at the strategy. We can also look at the syllabus and decide which aspects to focus on. Often it helps to work on structure and on managing time effectively in exams.

I believe that learning can combine fun and practical skills, such as self-editing, lateral thinking and creativity. These skills will help students pass formal exams through overall writing confidence.

Students need to enjoy the subject in order to understand it fully. When they approach questions from a position of confidence and relaxation, they can answer them more effectively. This sometimes involves discussion of the topics involved, especially when studying literature.

A tutor works best when they are providing an alternative to school-based education and a good tutor will enable their student to explore around a topic and to discuss any particular issues and concerns.

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Personal Description:
I like to tutor targeting problem areas if any in order to get all areas on the same level. If my student is a beginner which ever style makes them comfortable and confident is my style.

Teaching Experience:
5 years tutoring in private households in Turkey, Students aged between 7-14

Tutoring Approach:
Patience is a virtue :) I enjoy end results so my approach is effort wins

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Personal Description:
ESL teacher with over 8 years experience in both classroom and private settings to a range of ages and backgrounds specialising in bringing creativity skills, social media expertise and innovation to the classroom. Professional, creative with proven analytical skills, crafting well thought out plans which, sometimes can be considered as daring, to exceed expectations.

Teaching Experience:
8+ years in UK, Italy, Morocco, Canada & Nigeria

Tutoring Approach:
Creative and relaxing. Always trying to make the subject as easy as possible to make comprehension possible. I am passionate about teaching so I use many types of approaches and materials to create a unique experience. Whatever you want out of language learning you will get...just ask!

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Personal Description:
I'm a native Spanish speaker with a degree in Modern Languages in English and French from the Open University. I'm from South America, from Italian and French family origins. I lived in Italy for about two years and therefore I speak Italian too.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of experience teaching Spanish to students of all levels, from beginners to advanced.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I prefer a personal approach to teaching, since I believe that every person is different and thus may have particular interests and ways of learning. Most importantly, I consider that I can help every student to reach their full potential. I can tailor the teaching to the student's needs. I can give face to face, one to one or small groups. I can also do Skype online teaching. Tutoring can be based on school curriculum or based on particular student's needs such as travel, business, or just fun. Conversational practice courses.

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Personal Description:
I am a 57 year old lady, born in England and I have a passion for teaching English as a Foreign Language.
I originally qualified as a nurse and spent many years working within the NHS before moving to Malta in 2014 and completing my TELT and TEFL qualifications.
I really enjoy working with students from different backgrounds and cultures and get tremendous pleasure from helping them and supporting them to achieve their goals.
My husband and I have recently moved back to the UK to be closer to our family, but I still feel that I have so much to offer to all age groups who want to learn English as a Foreign Language.

Teaching Experience:
After I qualified in 2016,I worked at an English Language School on Gozo, Malta and I originally started teaching small groups of students at an elementary level. My lessons included all aspects of English.For example, grammar, vocabulary, speaking, writing, listening, spelling and pronunciation and I taught all age groups from the ages of 5 years of age to 80 years of age.
After teaching one particular student on a one to one basis for a number of months, I soon realised that I really enjoyed this method of teaching as opposed to teaching groups of students, as my lessons could be tailor made to suit the individual's needs.
As a result of my Nursing background, I also found myself teaching English to Paramedics, Medical Students and Midwives which I thoroughly enjoyed as I could combine both my medical knowledge with my knowledge of the English language.
I built a particularly good, professional relationship with one student who, once she had left school and returned to her native country, we continued to have Skype lessons in pure, conversational English.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that each student has individual needs, strengths and weaknesses and these should be discussed openly at the initial meeting in order for lessons and their content to be planned according to the student's requirements.
The relationship between Teacher and Student should be relaxed and both should feel comfortable to express their feelings as regards to lessons and progress etc freely to each other.
I also feel that both Teacher and Student should set realistic learning goals together, with regular assessment and re-evaluation from both parties.
Most importantly, both Teacher and Student should enjoy their lessons together, which I feel is the best environment in which to learn.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching French and German for the past 30 years.
I retired from classroom teaching in July 2022, in order to focus on offering private tuition.
The bulk of my private tuition is French and German GCSE. However, I am also delivering German IB (diploma) and A level, as well as English as a second language.
I also have some adult learners as well as children from age 6-10.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching French and German at all levels but mainly secondary school.
I have worked for 27 years in two London comprehensives.
My results have always been excellent.
I have outstanding subject knowledge and am familiar with the main exam boards.
I also have access to all relevant materials.
I am currently working part time in a local secondary school teaching French and German A level.
My current tuition timetable includes:
French GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Edexcel IGCSE)
German GCSE (AQA, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE)
German A level (AQA and Edexcel)
German adult learners - beginners.
English as a second language - IGCSE, IELTS
Beginner's German to adult learners as well as children aged 6-11

I have students attending UK top grammar and independent schools, as well as state comprehensives. I have experience in stretching and challenging the most able as well as helping students gain an acceptable pass in what is sometimes their weakest subject.
In the last two years, those of my tutees taking higher GCSE, have all gained grades 7-9 and those taking foundation, a grade 5.
All of this information can be verified on request.
I also have a number of adult learners for beginner's German. This has been very successful. Current students can provide testimonials if required.

Tutoring Approach:
I have done a lot of private tutoring, mainly GCSE but also some A level and adult learners.
I am a calm and patient teacher and know how to get the best out of my students.
Each lesson is tailor made to suit the needs of the individual.
I pride myself on being flexible and as a parent myself, understand that unforeseen circumstances can crop up. Therefore, I do not charge for late cancellations.

Recent, verifiable testimonials (updated August 2023, following GCSE results)

Alison was a great tutor. She is very easy to understand and made french as a subject a lot more simple for my son to understand. My son was originally getting 3s and 2s in his mocks, but she was able to assist him in getting a good result in the GCSE. I can't thank her enough for the help. She's a great tutor.
I would like to recommend her to everyone.

Allison has tutored my son for the past 2 years and I was delighted that he got a 9 for his GCSE German exam this year. My son took his GCSE exam early at the end of year 9 and his grade is a true reflection of what an exceptional tutor Allison is. Allison has been a truly amazing tutor and my son has thoroughly enjoyed his lessons with her. He will continue his tutoring with Allison as he has now opted to take A/S Level German next year. I highly recommend Allison if your child needs tuition for German.


Allison has been tutoring our daughter in French for the last few weeks, to help her prepare for GCSE's.
I cannot recommend Allison highly enough. She is easy to contact and on time to every lesson. My daughter was initially sceptical about having a tutor, but from the first lesson she soon saw the benefits. Allison is very personable and gave me feedback on what our daughter should be focusing on and how she has improved. Allison has great knowledge of the school syllabus and gave my daughter key areas to focus on outside of the lessons. I would like to thank Allison for giving our daughter more confidence in what used to be one of her weaker subjects

Allison provided tutoring for our daughter ahead of her GCSE in German. She knows the syllabus extremely well and identified the main areas on which to focus. She was very flexible on when she could come to our house and helped our daughter get the most out of each hour of tutoring. The overall impact was very positive with our daughter getting a 9 in her GCSE. I can thoroughly recommend Allison to anyone looking for help in either German or French.

We had Allison for about a year, and my son continues enjoying the lessons. Allison is very reliable, personable and flexible. She understands the help and support that is required for my son and applies her skills and knowledge to help. Her calm manner and being very accommodating are helpful add-ons to the help we get from her.

I was so busy to let you know how impressed my boys are of both of you. Because of you and his German teacher now, D. studies German with pleasure.

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Personal Description:
Hello everyone,
My name's Danny (for short from Yordanka) , I'm 44 with 15 years of experience in tutoring English as a foreign language. I tailor all lessons to your needs, be it Spoken English or preparation for an exam. I go with your pace and your availability. Affordable and discounts available when paying in advance.
I hold a Master's degree in English Language and Literature from Bulgaria and have been teaching English as a foreign language since 2004. I have lived in England since 2008 and have helped many Bulgarians with their settling to the life in a different country - Spoken English lessons, document translation, job hunting advice, childcare etc.

Uchitel po angliiski - Kazvam se Dani, na 44 sum s 15 godishen opit v prepodavaneto na angliiski.
- Diploma po Angliiska filologiq , Cambridge izpiti
- Angliiski za vsichki vuzrasti i niva
-Razgovoren, profesionalen, biznes angliiski
- Urocite se planirat spored vashite iziskvaniq i vuzmojnosti, angliiski obqsnen po lesen i dostupen nachin
- Prevodi na vsqkakvi dokumenti, email, pisma

Teaching Experience:
Over 15 years I have taught and translated English for people of all ages and walks of life - from school children through pupils facing exams to grandma who needs to understand the lady on the phone better. I have taught business professionals, butchers, catering assistants, waiters, retail assistant, chefs, doctors, the list goes on. I have taught small groups and classes but always preferred face to face 101 lessons as it shows quicker and better results.

Tutoring Approach:
Strictly individual approach, tailored to student's needs, pace and availability. I explain English patiently in a simple way, with few general rules in an effort to make it enjoyable and easy to grasp. Working with a vast variety of people have made it possible for me to quickly adapt to the person and their way of learning to make sure we're progressing quickly and effectively.

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Personal Description:
I am currently studying Medicine at university. Before then I undertook a gap year, where I spent the time tutoring students. I have managed to tutor students who were failing in their prelims, helping them to achieving an A in their final exam. I have also worked with students with Dyslexia. I enjoy teaching and helping other people with subjects that I myself really enjoyed doing. I primarily tutor English and entrance into medical school. I am friendly, patience and professional.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored many clients, friends and family and I myself have undergone many years of tutoring. I have also volunteered in classrooms, where I've helped students with their work. Furthermore, I am also part of the charity organisation, where I mentor students applying to Medicine. I believe that everyone learns differently and I strive to find the best teaching methods for everyone.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout the years, I have made many resources and learnt different ways to effectively approach coursework and exams. I will make sure that my clients are thoroughly informed on the structure and marking requirements for each exam question. I will also provide a wide range of resources to my tutees. I will share my valuable knowledge, tips and tricks during the tutoring sessions; ensuring that all my students reach their own potentials.

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Personal Description:
Outside of tutoring, I enjoy photography, baking, wildlife gardening, health and fitness, including swimming and woodland walks, as well as spending time with family and friends.

I'm very proud of my daughter and three young grandchildren who also share my interests in photography, forest adventures and baking!

Since becoming a vegan, I have enjoyed creating a wide range of delicious meals which are also enjoyed by family and friends!

I am also passionate about wildlife conservation and have initiated campaigns in my local area to conserve areas of habitat for wildlife. For example, two years ago, I collaborated with local schools and councillors to stop the felling of 43 healthy trees at a historic green space in the town centre.

Teaching Experience:
I am a PGCE qualified teacher in Primary Education, specialising in Special Educational Needs, with 15 years of school teaching experience.

I chose to reduce my hours as a school teacher five years ago so that I could focus my attention on my tutoring business full time.

My main areas of expertise are English and Maths, where I can quickly diagnose a student's tuition needs and plan personalised lessons to help them to reach their learning targets.

I have taught many students with a wide range of learning needs, including learning difficulties such as dyslexia. For example, I recently tutored a boy with moderate dyslexia who was in Year 6. During this time, his confidence in his abilities in English increased significantly to such an extent that his grade increased from below to the above expected levels in Year 9.

I embrace all opportunities to keep up to date with developments in the National Curriculum by continued research in the public domain as well as attending training webinars and conferences

Since becoming a Private Tutor 20 years ago, I have helped over 1000 students to increase and exceed their grades in Maths and English Lanuage and Literature, sometimes by up to three grades.

I have also successfully coached adult learners for Functional English and Maths tests from Level 1 to Level 3, as well as students who speak English as a second language, for GCSE and IGCSE English and Maths exams.

Additionally, I tutor students in entrance test preparation skills for the 8, 11 and 13 plus exams.

I am always extremely proud of them when they exceed their predicted grades in their exams and gain entry into their chosen independent school.

Here are some recent reviews:

`Thank you Tina for helping me to take a long way in a very short time. My English was grade 2 at the beginning of the year 11. With the support from Tina, I have achieved grade 5 in both English Language and Literature. Thank you so much.`

`Tina`s teaching style allowed me to learn at my own pace and she always had a clear plan for each lesson.`

`She is patient and thought provoking, encouraging her students to `learn to learn`, rather than reproducing someone else`s ideas.`

"My daughter`s confidence in English has dramatically improved in both herself and in the classroom, thanks to Tina."

Tutoring Approach:
I would describe myself as a friendly and inspiring tutor who works with students in a calm and encouraging way.

I have been fortunate to teach in a variety of learning contexts, including nurseries, primary schools, secondary schools and colleges, which has enhanced my ability to adapt my expertise to a wide range of differing tuition needs.

I believe that by engaging with each student on a cognitive level, I am able to establish a positive rapport with them.

It is very rewardingl when I see a 'light bulb' moment happen when a student seems to glow from feeling a renewed sense of understanding and achievement.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced English and History tutor specialising in 11+ and 13+ entrance preparation, GCSE and A-level tuition, and independent-school admissions.

I have delivered more than 6,500 hours of one-to-one tuition and have over 16 years' tutoring experience. My academic background includes a BA in History and an MA in Cultural History, and I have also taught undergraduate seminars. I have extensive experience in assessment and examining, including work as a Senior Examiner for the British Council.

I particularly enjoy working with students who need to develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity, as well as ambitious students who need to be stretched beyond the standard curriculum. My aim is not simply to improve a student's next grade or entrance-exam result, but to make them a stronger reader, writer and thinker.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English and History from upper primary through to A-level, with particular expertise in 11+ and 13+ school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE History, and A-level English Literature and History.

I have prepared students for admission to leading independent schools including Winchester College, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary's Ascot, as well as a wide range of other selective schools. My admissions teaching includes English entrance examinations, ISEB and other pre-tests, interview preparation and the broader academic skills students need to thrive after gaining a place.

At GCSE and A-level, I combine detailed subject knowledge with extensive assessment experience. I teach students how to analyse texts and sources precisely, construct convincing arguments, plan effectively and write with clarity and sophistication. I am familiar with the requirements of the major examination boards and adapt lessons closely to each student's course and objectives.

I have taught students with a very wide range of abilities and personalities, from those who have lost confidence or developed gaps in their knowledge to highly able students aiming for the highest grades and most competitive schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is highly individualised. I begin by identifying what is actually preventing a student from progressing: this might be a gap in knowledge, weak analytical habits, difficulty organising ideas, lack of confidence, inefficient exam technique or simply not having been sufficiently challenged.

Lessons are active rather than lecture-based. I use questioning, discussion, modelling, targeted practice and immediate feedback to make students think for themselves. Instead of simply supplying an answer, I break difficult skills into manageable stages and gradually remove support as the student becomes more confident and independent.

In English, I place particular emphasis on close reading, vocabulary, analytical thinking and developing a controlled, engaging writing style. In History, I help students move beyond memorising information towards understanding causation, significance, change, interpretation and the construction of evidence-based arguments.

For entrance examinations and interviews, I avoid teaching students to reproduce formulaic responses. I develop the underlying comprehension, reasoning, communication and writing skills that enable them to respond confidently when faced with unfamiliar material.

Above all, I want students to understand why something works. Good tutoring should produce more than a short-term improvement in marks: students should leave with better habits of thought, greater confidence and skills they can transfer to new subjects and challenges.

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