Ballieston English Tutors and Ballieston English 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.

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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:
Hello! I'm Nicole.

I studied History and English at the University of Oxford (Wadham College). I graduated with Double First Class Honours in 2010, finishing top in my academic year.

My excellent results reflect several important characteristics: my exceptional academic ability, my high academic standards, my mastery of study-skills, and my dedicated and conscientious work ethic. I look to encourage these qualities in all of my students.

More importantly though, my outstanding results are a result of my absolute love for, knowledge of, and commitment to, my subjects. I am a lover of learning, and aim to help my students to find a similar excitement and passion for their studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have extensive experience working with young people and adults in educational or supplementary learning contexts.

I have been tutoring privately for over a decade. My students have come from a diverse age range - spanning from the very young to the much older. I am comfortable working with children, teenagers and adults, and experienced in adapting for a range of access needs.

I have tutored students in History; English Literature; English Language; reading comprehension; speaking, listening, reading and writing skills; primary level Maths; entrance exams; university applications.

I have tutored multiple 11+ and common entrance applicants, including those applying to competitive London private schools. I have a 100% success rate for acceptance into one of the family's desired schools.

I am also experienced in mentoring potential Oxbridge applicants, and advising on study and revision skills.

I am also an experienced theatre practitioner, working regularly for the Theatre Royal Plymouth, the Barbican Theatre, the Exeter Northcott Theatre and additional regional and national theatre companies. I am experienced working with a range of groups, including primary school age, adults, adults and young people with complex and multiple needs and/or learning difficulties, and children from migrant or refugee and asylum seeking backgrounds, and am committed to making sessions accessible to everyone.

I work regularly as a facilitator on specialist cultural educational projects in schools. This involves designing and delivering programmes of work and one off workshops or extended learning days for primary and secondary aged pupils, including those with complex and challenging behaviour.

After graduating, I spent a year working full-time as a Cover Supervisor in a secondary school, covering classes in all subjects across the secondary curriculum, for students ranging from 11 - 16 years of age, and offering specialist teaching support for GCSE and A-Level English classes. This gave me the opportunity to observe and work with students of all abilities and learning styles, and to learn how to adapt my teaching style accordingly.

Tutoring Approach:
I am passionate about learning - and look to encourage a similar excitement in my students. In History this might be through some particularly fascinating or gruesome details, or in English, through exploring a beautiful line of poetry.

I am very individual-student orientated, so I seek always to establish each individual's aims for tutoring, and then we will work together toward these. For one student, this might be to know how to deconstruct a poem; for another, how to write a good essay.

With some students, I will plan structured lessons, whereas others prefer simply to earmark time with a dedicated tutor, before deciding what to do themselves at the time. Perhaps they will bring their homework, a study-book, or something they are stuck with - whatever the case, I aim always to listen and respond to the needs of each individual student.

With all my students (but especially the younger ones) I am a big believer in making learning FUN! I therefore often design lessons which use a variety of practical learning activities to keep them stimulated, rather than just relying on book-learning. In the past, I've mummified a teddy, conducted a press conference, and taught times-tables via Grandmother's footsteps! I find this to be particularly effective for students who struggle with concentration.

I believe that when offered education through the right methods, everyone is able to maximise their own ability to learn. Having completed a full-time degree and worked extensively in educational environments and contexts, I am equipped with plenty of different learning methods - including, through my theatrical background, more kinaesthetic or practical approaches, particularly suited to students who may struggle with 'book learning'. With my students, I look to discover which approaches work well for them, and then to use these to help them master the subject material. This in turn helps students to gain in confidence and self-motivation as they discover their own capacity to learn - and enjoy learning.

If students are working toward exams, I first seek to establish what a student feels his or her weaknesses are, and then focus tuition on areas or skills which will help them to plug the gaps or grow in strength and confidence. If more general support is needed, I will combine working with core material with a focus on ensuring that they have a solid grasp of the assessment objectives, question-types, and what the exam will look like, so that they can go into the exam confident and well-prepared. I also find that practice, practice, practice is essential, so we'll often work with past papers.

I seek always to establish clear lesson goals, and to review material learnt several times within each lesson, ensuring that the student feels comfortable with using the material learnt, rather than swamped by facts and lists.

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Personal Description:
I am a confident, diligent and sociable person, with a wide knowledge of world history, and specialising in American and South-East Asian history and culture. I hold a double first class Bachelors degree in History and American Studies from Canterbury Christ Church University, and have had many years experience leading youth projects such as youth councils, young persons' scrutiny forums (YPSF) and have acted as a liasion on several historical and cultural preservation projects such as the Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE) and the Church House Preservation Committee.

Teaching Experience:
I have previous experience as a teaching assistant to KS3 and KS4 level history at a state secondary school.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a holistic approach to the teaching of history, ensuring that the student becomes engaged within a fuller understanding of the period being studied. As a former student and teach of history, I realise that the principal block to a tutee's understanding of historical concepts is a lack of immersion within the relevant time-frames and thus an inability to fully comprehend why certain actions were taken, and the wider effect this had.

Thus in my approach I am firm believer that it is as important for every student to understand to a higher level than that offered by the current state curriculum the context of the period they are studying. As a consequence I offer tailored introductions to said period's culture, economy, religious and political setting, and even physical geography.

Furthermore, I offer the necessary skills to craft this knowledge into well-reasoned, informed essays. My intimate knowledge of the state education system and beyond has imbued me with the ability to gauge how assignments will be assessed and thus I can work with students not only on improving their knowledge, but showcasing this in highly-marked, structured and coherent written forms.

I use a number of methods to achieve this, including homework assignments, but also using character adoption, audio-visual aids and a mixture of written and verbal questions of varying length and form.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified and experienced primary teacher. I have taught in Foundation, KS1 and KS2 I am able to effectively support your child in Maths or English at every stage of their primary education. I can also support KS3 children who need reinforcement of the KS2 curriculum.

I tutor from my home or yours (within 3 miles). I am sometimes able to travel further if you are looking for longer sessions/holiday tuition/daytime tuition. I also offer online tuition or a mix of online and in-person which can work well.

Teaching Experience:
I am a primary school teacher with 16 years experience (importantly, I still teach part time in school so have up to date training and experience).

I have taught from foundation to year 6 and have excellent curriculum knowledge. I am skilled in teaching maths to all levels and have a real passion for English (I have an MA in creative writing). I currently work in year 6 and have excellent knowledge of KS2 SATs.

I have been tutoring for seven years and have worked with children across the primary age range. Some of my students have been with me for a short time to fill gaps and boost confidence. I have been privileged to work with some students have been for four years or more.

Tutoring Approach:
Whether your child is struggling and needs revision and reinforcement or is very able and needs extension I can offer tailored support to meet their needs. I adjust my approach to meet the needs of each individual but I am always calm and supportive while making sure learning is the focus at all times. I plan engaging activities which take account of individual interests wherever possible. I always include computer based games and activities to add enjoyment and include a sticker chart reward system which children love (even the older ones!).

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Personal Description:
I am a Primary school teacher, who has 20 years of experience working across a variety of year groups and schools. I am currently teaching in Key Stage One, however I have lots of experience tutoring children from Reception to Year six.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of schools ranging from an Infant and Nursery to a large Primary school.
I have a degree in Early Years Education in addition to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
I have had experience of tutoring children from EYFS to Key Stage 2.
I tutoring both English and Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is about personalising the teaching to meet the individual learners needs.

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I very much enjoy working with other people and passing on what I have learnt. I find it wonderful seeing people with that lightbulb moment when everything just clicks into place. I work in my local area of Plymouth and online. I use Skype and gmail classroom but can download other software if required I also use an interactive whiteboard and two monitors to help facilitate a good working environment.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten year's main stream teaching experience in a classroom environment and eight years as a tutor/specialist. I've taught Music, English, Science, Maths, Art and Primary (KS 1 - 5). I`ve run my own department. As I'm also a musician I've taught guitar, cello, violin, keyboards and music theory. I use many different approaches to encourage development. When you see someone understand, learn and expand it is (in my opinion) fantastic.
I'm experienced in working with SEN. I`ve achieved excellent results with pupils with specific learning difficulties and behavioural problems. My experiences in this area are in Down syndrome, dyslexia dyspraxia, ADHD, Asperger's, ASD, verbal dyspraxia and sensory processing disorder. I've also taught pupils with cerebral palsy, deafness and visual acuity problems. I`ve completed a basic sign language course & RPM for ASD. I did this so I could communicate with pupils, without relying on a teaching assistant to translate for them/me.
Apart from classroom teaching and tutoring I've also been a curriculum coordinator for people with ASD. I specialize in helping clients with learning difficulties and disabilities (ASD, ADHD, Asperses, & dyslexia/dyspraxia). This role involved designing a unique syllabus/curriculum and managed a group of educators.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe it`s very important to understand how people approach learning. Everyone learns differently. I like to understand a pupils strengths through looking at how they learn (Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic (VAK)). I take the information I learn and find the best way to adapt teaching/learning. I like to use a holistic approach.

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Personal Description:
I am a very experienced teacher of English and Drama at GCSE, A-level, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. I believe that every student has the potential to make progress and that with the right direction this is possible. In my experience students develop in a supportive environment and I work hard to make this a key part of my teaching practice. This is based on my teaching experience that ranges from year 7 to postgraduate, through which I have developed an excellent understanding of learning styles and how they impact exam results.

Teaching Experience:
GCSE - English Literature, English Language, Media
A-Level - English Literature, English Language, Media, Drama
Undergraduate - English Language, Media, Drama
Postgraduate - Media, Drama

I am currently Curriculum Leader for KS4 GCSE English Literature/Language in a school. This means that I manage the progress of 1200+ students as they prepare for exams. I provide GCSE English training to staff and have consulted at other institutions.

I have also had Examiner training for GCSE English Language.

Tutoring Approach:
I work to identify areas of concern and ensure that we are focused on closing any gaps in knowledge in a friendly and supportive way. Lessons and homework is supported with excellent quality materials, which I write myself. These and other strategies ensure that students feel confident about their work and are able to apply their knowledge in exams.

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Personal Description:
I have spent many years travelling the world. I am an exponent of Tai Chi, karate and have a particular interest in world religions.
I am a life long lover of cinema, keen amateur photographer and a prolific reader.
I am a winter sea swimmer and a hiker . I am attracted to wild environments and spent much time in ashrams in India and the the Himalayan foothills.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced drama teacher, having worked right through the UK educational system from pre-school to university level.
I worked a great deal with children at risk of exclusion and with general behavioural problems.
I taught screenwriting at Swansea University College, Wales.
I have also been a European screenwriter, having written four produced films. I am also an actor having performed in film, TV and theatre.
I worked as a creative writing tutor at Holloway women's prison.
I have a particular interest in the therapeutic importance of myth and the possibilities of narrative therapy in addressing teenage marginalisation and isolation.

Tutoring Approach:
I am less interested in simple academic tutoring and more concerned with the relevance of the subject to the students actual life. I want to enrich the student's life by using the subject to better understand themselves and the world around them. As far as Film Studies are concerned, my interest lies in helping the student to see film as a user-manual for actual living. Therefore I see Italian 50s neo-realism as pertinent as the latest Mission Impossible movie. Ideally the student's exploration of the subject is an exploration of themselves.
With photography I teach that a photograph is a language whether is modern expressionalistic, surreal or journalistic. We have to try to understand what the photographer is in fact seeing. Don McCullin and Man Ray are both expressing not only a critique of the outside world but are providing a window into themselves, their deeper nature.
With drama I want the student to experience somehow what the actor is experiencing of what the director wants the audience to feel and/or learn. I'm particularly interesting in conveying the immediate appeal of Peter Brook and finding out, with the student, where Brook and all the other dramatic explorers, what they are saying to us and where they want to take us.

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Personal Description:
Hi! My name is Kathryn and I am a primary school teacher and mummy to two young children. I have been teaching for 9 years and my specialism is Early Years, although I have plenty of experience across the primary age range. I am hoping to do some online tutoring on the side of my day job. I am able to work evenings, weekends and occasional weekday hours. Looking forward to hearing from you and your little ones!

Teaching Experience:
I achieved a BEd in Primary Teaching with specialism of Early Years at Chester University in 2011 and achieved Qualified Teacher Status in 2012. I have always been in a permanent job role and worked my way up to become and Early Years Leader. I am currently teaching in Year 3 and have experience across Foundation Stage, KS1 and KS2.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to build up positive working relationships with children and their families and get to know the learning styles of individual children. I then deliver my tutoring in a way that meets the needs, abilities and interests of the children. This ensures we get the most out of the time we spend together in a session and enables children to work towards their full potential.

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Personal Description:
Having tutored for 12 years and been in mainstream education for the past 9, I am more than ready and willing to work with young people who are in need of a variety of different approaches:

- Stretching and challenging the most able
- Going back to basics with exam content
- Handwriting
- Organisation
- Revision skills and independent learning

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher (secondary)

Most recent tutee Results
Student 1: GCSE Spanish - Grade 9
Student 2: SATs 101 / 102 / 102
Student 3: GCSE English Language-Grade 8
Student 4: GCSE Spanish - grade 6
Student 5: GCSE French (current)

Tutoring Approach:
There is no right answer to "what is the best approach" - my first session will always be one hour to formulate a plan based on the requirements of the parent(s) or carer(s), to meet the learner in question, and to come up with a plan of action based on a variety of factors. This will incorporate target grades in school, achievements so far, existing attitudes to learning amongst other things.

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Personal Description:
Hey I'm Tau
Thought this would be a good way to make money on the side as my friends and family have always informed me I would be a good tutor, I focus around maths and English mostly for primary to secondary level, my rates are somewhat negotiable so contact me further for more information.

Teaching Experience:
As said prior I have helped a lot of my friends with tutoring and desire to help more people develop and improve with their subject

Tutoring Approach:
My main method is to figure out what type of learning your child is most accustomed to and what type they learn the most with and teach them how to understand their subject in that way.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic, kind and patient primary school teacher. Have been teaching for 10 years but left full time work to have three children. Have experience in lower secondary too. Specialism in Maths and Phonics but can offer coverage of all subjects. Get in touch to find out more.

Teaching Experience:
Taught all ages within primary school for 10 years.
Have mostly taught early years (age 3-7).
Specialism in teaching early reading, writing and maths.
Whole curriculum coverage.
Also worked for over a year with Year 7 pupils.
Have done supply teaching to keep up to date and stay in touch while having the children to ensure my knowledge is current.

Tutoring Approach:
Each child's tutoring will be personalised to suit their needs. I can offer a creative, challenging, nurturing but structured approach. I am flexible between schemes of work and can adapt to accommodate methods taught by different schools. I am kind, patient and positive to support those who need their confidence building, however have effective behaviour management skills and teachings methods to suit children who may be harder to engage. I have worked with children who are reluctant to go to school and am also happy to work alongside parents homeschooling children.

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Personal Description:
I am an international student in London seeking to be a private tutor. I am good at teaching English and I have a strong passion for the language. I have achieved an overall band score of 8.0 in IELTS. I can help you learn English and Computer Studies. I can also help you prepare for Cambridge English exams and IELTS.

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of tutoring juniors at high school as they prepared for the university entrance exam in my country.

Tutoring Approach:
I will prepare PowerPoint slides as well as interactive online activities such as Kahoot for children to learn. I can do in-person tutoring as well.

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Personal Description:
Welcome to my tutoring page! My name is Roisin and I'm dedicated to helping students not only grasp the material but develop a true love for learning. With a focus on English and Biology, I bring enthusiasm, patience, and a kind, supportive approach to each session. I believe that every student has the potential to excel when given the right guidance, and I'm committed to tailoring lessons to suit individual needs. I value learning from mistakes and see them as a powerful part of growth. As a hard worker, I take pride in creating a positive, encouraging environment that helps students build confidence and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
While I may not have extensive formal teaching experience, I have had the rewarding opportunity to volunteer and assist students with their schoolwork. Through this hands-on experience, I've helped children improve their understanding of subjects like English and Biology, guiding them towards better grades and increased confidence. I've always enjoyed working one-on-one with students, providing personalized support and encouragement. These experiences have shown me how impactful patience, clear explanations, and a positive attitude can be in helping students overcome challenges and succeed academically.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is centered around fostering a positive, encouraging environment where students feel comfortable learning and growing. In English, I focus on helping students refine their own writing style, teaching them to be clear and concise while also nurturing a genuine love for the subject. I aim to expand their creative and analytical abilities so they can approach writing and literature with confidence. For Biology, I like to break down complex concepts into simple, foundational ideas that students can build upon. This way, they gain a deep understanding from the ground up, which strengthens their overall knowledge. I don't believe mistakes are a setback-they are a part of the learning process. I encourage students to learn from them, using each challenge as an opportunity to improve and grow.

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Personal Description:
I am a dedicated and passionate teacher currently working with primary 1/2 students, and I have had experience working with children of all ages. I am GTC registered and have an PVG to work with children. Outside of the classroom, I have been involved in Girl Guiding and have had various opportunities to engage with children in different school settings. This has allowed me to develop a well-rounded understanding of how children learn and grow in different environments.

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my teaching career, I have had the privilege of working with children from ages 4 to 16, and I am now offering tutoring in subjects such as maths, literacy, and social studies subjects including sociology, criminology, and modern studies for National 5 students. I take pride in tailoring my lessons to suit the individual needs of my students, helping them not only meet but exceed their learning goals. My experience with a range of age groups and subjects has provided me with the tools to create engaging and effective lessons.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in creating an engaging and interactive learning environment where students are actively involved in their learning process. I focus on active learning techniques and repetition, ensuring that key concepts are fully understood and retained. I always strive to align my lessons with the Curriculum for Excellence, ensuring they are both relevant and challenging. By incorporating various strategies such as hands-on activities, real-life applications, and positive reinforcement, I aim to help students build confidence in their abilities while achieving academic success.

I will be offering opportunities from now until August to get your child ready to begin Primary 1 in regards to literacy and maths. This can be in the form of 1-1 sessions or group sessions that will help develop social skills too! In addition to this, I will be offering sessions for current school children to both revise and learn maths and literacy knowledge and skills to ensure they have the best start in their next academic year.

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