Blackpool English Tutors and Blackpool English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am 48 years old and have lived in the Fylde area since 2002. I have two daughters and one son who are my absolute life. In my spare time I spend quality time with them and live life to the full!!

In 2005 I started out as a teaching assistant and enjoyed it so much that I wanted to further my career and become a primary school teacher. I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with QTS in July 2011. I achieved a good/outstanding grade on my final block placement.

I have decided to become a home tutor because I am more available in the evenings and it works well around my busy lifestyle. I have had 20 years of experience in education and can offer a high standard of teaching to all pupils, ensuring I meet their educational needs.

If your child would like tuition in preparation for SATs whether they are in Year 2 or Year 6, I will assess them using a SATs paper to identify areas they need to work on and create some lesson plans accordingly.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of roles within schools across all key stages. These roles include 1:1 support assistant, reception key worker, teaching assistant, PE Instructor, PPA cover teacher, supply teacher and nursery practitioner.

During these times I have worked with a range of pupils with special educational needs and I am very proud to know that each and every child has progressed and developed through my creativity and strategic approach. I enjoy planning and ensuring lessons and activities are delivered effectively to meet the child's needs.

I have taught groups of children, half classes and whole classes, teaching in all primary subjects and many topics such as World War 2, Castles, Ancient Greece and Titanic.

During my final block placement in a year 5/6 mixed class, I supported children in preparation for SAT's and provided various activities to consolidate their understanding in the chosen subject they wanted support for. I also entered my class into a local poetry competition which over 100 schools entered. There were twelve winners chosen to have their poems published in a regional magazine. Out of the twelve winning poems, eight children from my class were awarded places in the magazine including first and second place. A very proud moment which is just one of my achievements that have made me more passionate about teaching children and ensuring they reach their full potential.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a very calm and creative approach to tutoring and enjoy going that extra mile to ensure education is enjoyable for all children.

Subjects

Personal Description:
For over a decade now I have worked with a diverse range of students, engendering a passion for learning as well as producing tangible results. I prefer a flexible and dynamic approach crafted from an understanding that we are each upon a unique learning pathway according to our particular styles, aspirations, aptitudes and needs.

"Thank you very much for the great work you did with my daughter Sophie. She progressed from a 'C' grade to an 'A' grade in the space of 6 months and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends." - Billy, Bangor

Teaching Experience:
"The learning exercises were always set around my interest areas, making tuition both fun and effective. Following my sessions with Andrew, I have developed a more concise way of communicating. My writing now has more flow, which helps me say what I need to say." - Neil , Newtownabbey

I'm passionate about nurturing the potential of each student with whom I have the privilege to work. With over 8 years experience as a Learning Coach with countless individuals and groups, Diploma in Life Coaching as well as a successful university graduate (1st class hons in Philosophy) and additional Masters research degree in Developmental Psychology, I previously taught at Secondary school and most recently trained nursing professionals to pass their IELTS exams.

I am also a regular public speaker and workshop leader in the private health sector, delivering courses in areas from stress-management and communication skills, to self-care and personal development.

Tutoring Approach:
"Andrew was very professional in his approach to tutoring. My daughter gained confidence in her ability to understand her subject and to recall information using association techniques which proved very useful in her examinations."
Grainne, Randalstown

This coaching-based approach I take has proven highly successful. I approach each student and the sessions with an open mind to learn what I need to be of support.

Combining motivational coaching techniques, I offer a uniquely engaging, personally attuned service. The first lesson typically consists of a complimentary educational assessment (usually 30 minutes) to help identify key areas for improvement . All results can be shared with the parent/guardian. Based on this initial assessment, a 100% individual and tailored programme of learning is created. While encouraging the student to adopt high yet realistically achievable targets for their own education, I am also sensitive to the level of each student and what he or she is ready to adopt.

3 EXAMPLES OF HOW I HELP FOR LITERATURE-BASED TASKS:

1. Working from the question to the answer: appreciating and understanding key requirements of a question, and any relevant marking criteria.

2. How best to structure and qualify sentences so that the answer is complete and accurate.

3. Most effective study / revision / exam techniques such as mind-mapping, worked answers, memorising.


AREAS COVERED / WHAT TO EXPECT

My specialist subjects at all most levels are literature-based and the human sciences particularly philosophy, religion and ethics. Alongside these, I also specialise in 'study skills', offering a very personalised, tailored approach that incorporates motivational coaching on exam and essay skills, ensuring maximum value for investment of your time, money and effort.

**Upon request I am also able to provide emotional literacy around life skills such as: motivation, communication, self belief and concentration.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for tutoring Philip this year; he adapted well with you as his new tutor and enjoyed your approach to teaching.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew as a tutor. I found him to be polite, courteous, reliable, and accommodating."
- Doreen, Ballyclare

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher with, with 25 years experience. I have worked in the state sector and in private education facilities.
I am committed to high standards both academic and in behaviour, I believe that my encouraging and student-centred approach is effective in this area.

I am experienced at teaching key stage 2 and 3, GCSE at AS/A2 level.. I have delivered these courses effectively and with successful academic results in my teaching career.
I am AQA examination marker for A level Psychology.
I am a qualified Psychotherapist.

Teaching Experience:
Over 25 years teaching experience, in secondary schools and colleges .

Tutoring Approach:
I am a highly experienced teacher who has worked across the educational spectrum. I am committed to high standards both academic and in behaviour, I believe that my encouraging and student centered approach is effective in this area.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a degree in Journalism and English and a Certificate in Education. I am able to tutor GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature, GCSE Maths, ESOL English Literature, GCSE Psychology and Media Studies to A level. I have given tuition to individuals and small groups of students at undergraduate level and offer friendly, relaxed lessons individually, or in groups up to two people, tailored exactly to what the pupil requires

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of one to one tutoring with both school and college students and adults, plus larger group teaching. I have been doing private tuition in my own home for ten years now and its better for students to come to me as its a pressure free environment.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach from my home:
My home is quiet and fairly minimalistic. Lessons are held in my offce and I have a computer and Ipad that students can use.

I use the first meeting to talk about any difficulties in learning the subject in a formal educational setting and discuss any specific learning difficulties you may have. We can chat about strategies to help you learn more effectively and I will work with you at a pace that suits you. I will also ask the student to complete a learning styles questionnaire.


To the best of my ability I try to make subjects interesting to young people and re-engage them. I also encourage students to bring along any work they may be struggling with so I can go through it with them. I can help you get to where you need to be. Please only contact me and purchase my details if you are genuinely interested in my services. No time wasters please. Please note if you require me to travel to you there will be a charge and it will depend on my availability.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have worked with some 800+ children and have a pass rate of 91%. I recommend that children start tuition from near the beginning of year 5 and have a 50 mins-one hour lesson per week.

I am a regular contributor on 11+ website forums giving parents the benefit of my experience/knowledge.

In 2003 I produced a guide to 11+ success and have sold over 1500 copies to date.

I have been an adviser to publisher Nelson Thornes on the contents of their VR books which include the Bond range.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 21 years experience as a private tutor preparing children for the grammar school entrance exams (11+) and 11 years as a year 5 class teacher.

Tutoring Approach:
I carry out an initial assessment test which provides me with an accurate guide as to whether the child is a suitable candidate.

My aim is to familiarise my pupils with the different types of verbal reasoning questions they will encounter in the exam and teach them methods to tackle them most effectively.

As we approach the exam we concentrate on 'fine-tuning' i.e. concentrating specifically on any areas that need further attention and ensuring that the child is used to working at the required speed. Appropriate practice tests are done on a regular basis.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I want everyone to enjoy the ability to communicate with each other in English to make friends, do business together and to feel confident wherever English is spoken.
I have been made welcome by so many people from many nationalities all round the world and love the excitement of communicating with people from all walks of life.
I enjoy teaching face to face and online and to tailoring conversation and lessons to the ability and objectives of the student or students.
I am married with a family and am comfortable teaching all ages although I prefer teaching adults and young adults (16 upwards). I teach general English and specialize in IELTS preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in Europe and Asia. For six years I lived in France teaching one to one and small groups. I returned to the United Kingdom in 2012 and live and teach in the Brighton area. The last two years have been spent teaching at Varndean College, Brighton preparing Chinese students for A levels and University entrance as well as normal individual teaching work,

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be both fun and serious. If my students are preparing for examinations then a concentration on course work with homework will be important.
If students prefer to develop their social conversational ability then there may be less emphasis on grammar and more on the use of English in everyday social or business situations. Each potential student is asked to complete a simple questionaire to give me a picture of their ability level and what they want to achieve.
I teach one to one or small groups (normally no more than 8 students). Price reductions for two students or more
Most online teaching is on a one to one basis using Skype.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified registered primary school teacher. I have been teaching for 18 years as a key stage 2 teacher. I am also foundation trained.

I have taught all subjects across the curriculum. I specialise in Maths and English. I am experienced in teaching children with a range of different learning abilities and confidence issues and have taught children who have additional learning needs.

I am able to encourage children to become more confident with their school work by explaining how to complete tasks using different strategies. I look at the different areas that needs more focus and build on this. I like to make the sessions relaxed so that the child feels at ease, this way they are more willing to study at a pace that suits them.

I am available for tutoring: after school or during the school day if your child is home schooled. I also offer tutoring to international children across the world. At the moment I am tutoring children in Sri Lanka, China and Japan.

At the moment my evenings are full but I do have some spaces available during the daytime. Evenings become available as the children leave me when entering secondary schools.

If you have any questions please contact me and we can discuss it further.

Thank you :)

Teaching Experience:
I graduated in 2006 from Chester University with B.ed (hons) degree in Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status and English specialism 2:1.

Experienced in teaching all subjects across the curriculum in key stage 2 and the foundation phase.
Experienced in teaching children with additional learning needs.

Experienced in teaching Welsh up to year 6.

Qualified in foundation phase teaching 2013.

Tutoring Approach:
To provide extra support for your child to be able to complete school tasks to a good standard and to prepare them for the end of year tests.

To help build confidence and self esteem so children can progress to the best of their ability and enjoy their learning.

I use different strategies, resources, games and activities depending on the learning needed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Thank you for looking at my profile.

I want to see young people thrive within the learning environment and achieve the best of their ability.

In my previous school I was subject leader for drama. Writing the schemes of work for key stage 3 and 4 (GCSE). Leading the department, monitoring progess, scaffolding learning and applying independent learning plans for students to ensure that they reach their full potential.

The recent class that I taught for GCSE achieved 70% 3 levels of progress and over and 30% 2 levels of progress, beyond the national average.

I believe the key to learning and retaining information is for the student to believe in themselves and their knowledge.

PGCE Secondary Drama

QTS

Teaching Experience:
I have a great amount of experience within the educational system. I have worked with a variety of students. Special needs students in both primary and secondary school settings. I have done a vast amount of work with pupils with self-esteem issues and challenging behaviour. In addition, working with gifted and talented students.

I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching key stage 3 and GCSE English. I understand the challenges of this subject and how students may need extra support to excel.

I have taught Drama to both GCSE and A-level students, I have supported students through course work and controlled assessment.

I have worked in various schools in Sheffield and Birmingham.

I am currently teaching in a Sheffield secondary school.

I have worked with primary school children, building confidence and challenging behaviour. In addition literacy ( children with dyslexia).

Tutoring Approach:
To work with the student on identifying the areas in which their are struggling to reach their full potential and why. Whether it is because they are struggling to understand or they lack in confidence in the particular subject. I would then work with the student to build the gaps in their knowledge and build confidence through interactive and individual learning. A combination of both styles of learning secures knowledge and the belief that the student has the knowledge.

The students progression will be monitored through continual assessment.

The student will also be a part of self-assessment to recognise their own needs and development.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Ash! I am an experienced and approachable tutor, a husband and father, CRB and DBS checked, specialising in English, History, Theology, Philosophy, and Politics.

I hope I can help you out!

Ash
MA BA (1st Class Hons)

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, supporting students up to PhD level, and have taught courses for regional leaders in learning and skills development for young people and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor A Level and university students, supporting learning and achievement with a thorough, helpful, client-centred approach, at home or in other learning environments.

Please contact me to talk about your learning needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Depute Head Teacher based in the Motherwell area. I have fourteen years teaching experience with ten of those based in the classroom. I have taught in a variety of primary and SEBN schools in North Lanarkshire. I use a wide of range of innovative, inspiring techniques and strategies to engage the young people in my care.

Teaching Experience:
I am a Depute Head Teacher in North Lanarkshire with seventeen years teaching experience. I was classroom based for ten years and have had the pleasure of teaching a variety of young people ranging in age from 7-16 years old.

I look to build positive and lasting relationships with all young people in my care and use relationships to develop an in-depth understanding of what the needs of each individual child is. I use this information to derive a detailed individualised plan to meet the needs of your child. In addition to this I strive to use an assortment of teaching tools and approaches to ensure all learners are confident in understanding what is being taught.

Tutoring Approach:
As a private tutor I strive to give your child a positive and enjoyable learning experience, in turn enhancing their self-belief and self-confidence in a classroom environment. I use both practical and interactive teaching tools to help make all areas of the curriculum clearer and easier for a child to understand.

I use current and up to date materials to help give your child a better understanding and grasp of the curriculum as taught in his/her own classroom.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified and very experienced primary school teacher who can provide high quality Maths and English tuition in your home for primary aged and early Key Stage 3 pupils. I love being able to work one to one with pupils on exactly what they need to help them gain confidence, understanding and make progress to achieve the best they possibly can. I treat each child as an individual and aim to make every tuition session enjoyable and successful, connecting the learning with your child's interests where possible, and always giving plenty of encouragement and praise.

Tutoring is available for children being home-schooled as well as for children requiring a little extra help out of school hours.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified teacher who taught locally in primary education for 21 years before starting to home tutor children in 2015. I have successfully taught children with a wide range of abilities, including children learning English as an additional language and pupils with special educational needs.

Tutoring Approach:
Building good relationships is very important to me as a basis of effective teaching. Parents and pupils consistently testify to my professional, patient and friendly approach. Every lesson is specifically tailored to each pupil's needs, with pupils enjoying their lessons and quickly seeing the difference that their time with me makes. As far as possible, I channel lessons through the pupil's interests as well as using games, practical resources and visual aids, amongst other resources. Plenty of praise and encouragement is given in recognition of their efforts and to help motivate pupils further. Feedback is provided to parents/ carers at the end of each lesson to keep you fully informed.

If you have any questions or would like more information, I would be pleased to hear from you.

45 minutes and one hour sessions are available - rates vary accordingly.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a primary teacher with many years experience teaching in a wide variety of primary school settings. I feel that learning is really important at all ages and am continually expanding my knowledge using online courses.

Teaching Experience:
As a qualified primary teacher I have over 10 years experience working in schools as a classroom teacher and PPA teacher. I have a strong knowledge of the national curriculum and regularly keep up to date with any changes to education. I work well as a team and am very organised. I have also lead choirs and directed many shows within primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable. My lessons are fun and informative and I adapt my teaching style to the needs of the pupil. I am passionate about teaching and am keen to share my knowledge with others. I have some experience of teaching SEN children within a mainstream setting and have recently completed an online diploma in SEND.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I very much enjoy tutoring pupils on a one to one and in small group situations. I am currently Head of Department in ICT and Computing. My particular strengths lie in creating Websites, Flash, Programming, Python, Binary Code and Computer Science Theory to A Level. I can also teach up to University undergraduate level and have achieved very successful results.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in the following curriculum areas: IT and Computer Science at KS3. KS4 and KS5. I am also qualified to teach Mathematics. I have taught in sixth form colleges and mainstream mixed schools (averaging 1600 students). My teaching has span over 20 years because for me teaching it not only job it is a passion and helping the young of today achieve academically is a wonderful outcome for me and my students. I have also managed my own IT department, where I have achieved very good GCSE and A Level results in IT and Computer Science.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to set achievable smart targets and setting goals for all my students. Deliver sessions at a pace that is comfortable to my students. All of my teaching resources are inclusive, differentiated to suit all learners and where possible all students are stretched further to enhance their learning abilities and well-being. I also engage in using different teaching styles to suit each student accordingly. All students are regularly assessed and monitored to ensure that adequate progress, good attainment and all targets are being met.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A good knowledge and a passionate interest of many areas in IT and smartphone. With over a year varied IT experience, included in these are PC build and repair. A good knowledge of Microsoft Systems and products. An understanding of the IOS model. An excellent grasp of Windows XP Pro and Windows 7,8,10 and Apple systems. A good Apple products repair both hardware and software. An honest and reliable person, with a passionate outlook towards a challenge. Having a flexible can do approach with the ability to work well under pressure to agreed deadlines. Giving attention to detail and a commitment to quality, willing to learn and develop skills according to the job in hand. Experience working in several different environments, adapting various developed skills and knowledge accordingly. Great customer service skills gained from previous sales and work environments and being able to hold discussions at all levels. Constantly studying towards developing knowledge and qualifications to enhance a career in IT.

Teaching Experience:
Self-Employed July 2018 To Present
Smartphones & Tablets Technician
• Repair smartphones, tablets, laptops, PC and MacBook hardware & software.
• Sale all products at online such as Gumtree, Facebook, EBay and Amazon.
• Troubleshooting and resolution of problems and provide data recovery.
• Software/hardware installation/configuration/repair.
• Installing and configuring computer hardware, software, systems, networks, printers, scanners, Internet.
• Troubleshooting system problems and diagnosing and solving hardware/software faults.
• Hardware/Software add-ons.
• Smartphone repair (iPhone, Samsung. Etc) a Plus* Replacing Memory/Hard Drive/Motherboard Non-technical tear down of towers, displays and handheld.
• Supporting the roll-out of new applications and hardware.
• Responding within agreed time limits to on-site requests.
• Setting up new users' accounts and profiles and dealing with password issues.
• Testing and evaluating new technology.
• Disassemble/reassemble down to board and component levels.
• Handles customer requests for technical assistance in a mobile capacity, ensuring timeliness and proper customer care.
• Completes repairs to the required standard and within the designated time period.

Ability Net Volunteering May 2017 - July 2018
C/O IBM Ltd
• IT supports external visiting the clients at their homes.
• Supporting the clients by email and phone line offering advice and information.
• Providing tutorial support to individuals IT capability.
• Solving all problems within IT sector including network, software and hardware issues.

IT Trade Services Ltd Dec 2016 - Mar 2017
Smartphones & Apple Products Technician:
• MacBook & iMac repairing including installation IOS software.
• Apple smartphone and iPad repairing and change parts.
• Laptops repairing and system install windows 10.
• Hardware & Software upgrading.


Pearl Linguistics Ltd Aug 2016 - Jan 2017
Arabic Language Interpreter:
• Engaged freelance for Arabic language with NHS clients.
• Provided Arabic Interpreter with all public services.
• Dealing with private and charity organizations internal and external for Arabic Language interpreter.
New Walk, Job Centre July 2015 until Sep 2015

Department of Work & Pensions (DWP).
Job Title: Computer work Coach Assistant

I worked as part of a proactive team of support staff responsible for delivering a high quality, customer focused professional service. Providing the highest level of technical support and customer service to DWP claimants.
Engaged with Job Centre Plus (JSA) Customer's on a daily basis consistently delivering excellent customer service.
Managed and promoted JCP digital service to support claimants into employment.
Assisted customer on Web Accessible Devices (WADs).
Provided tutorial support to individuals with limited I.T. capability.
Successfully setting up new users e-mail accounts and Universal Jobmatch profiles (GOV.UK jobseeking platform).
Dealing with password issues.
Prioritising issues in a fast moving environment.
Liaising and supporting JCP staff providing first Line Support.
Escalating problematic issues to relevant support staff.
Adhering to DWP digital policies and legislations.
Recorded statistical information to improve customer service.
Developed work experience staff new to the team



Higher Professional College, Libya Jan 2006 until Mar 2011

Job Title: IT Teacher

Specialised in IT teaching skills to adults about different Microsoft packages, such as Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Teaching adults how to problem solve hardware and software issues.
Preparing lessons and lesson materials, Marking and assessing exams.
Liaised with other professionals and students to discuss progress.
Attended meetings, conferences and events

Tutoring Approach:
I know that every parent wants to help their child perform well and enjoy school. And also know that for many, academic success doesn't always come easily. This is where I really can help.

I offer affordable home study programmes for children aged between 6 and 16, that put a virtual teacher for one-to-one tuition in your home, seven days a week. This virtual teacher will explain and re-explain the hows and whys of each step of the learning process in Arabic, IT and English.

My materials has versions directly based on the National Curriculum and the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence and consider the latest Government advice on teaching children and adults these core subjects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a fully qualified primary school teacher with fifteen years experience in the classroom and five years as a tutor working privately and in schools, I understand that all children are different but all can be successful with an approach tailored specifically to them. I use a wide range of strategies appropriate to the individual needs of your child based on my teaching experience in every year group from Year 1 to Year 6 and leadership in core subjects at several schools rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

Teaching Experience:
With significant experience in teaching the full national curriculum to every year group in key stages 1 and 2, I can provide an enhanced learning experience for every child in all aspects of Maths and English and their application in other curriculum subjects by drawing on the very best of modern and traditional teaching methods. I also have experience working with children with a range of additional needs. These include Aspergers, Autism, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Global Delay, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Discalculia.

Tutoring Approach:
I use quality resources to make learning accessible and meaningful, creating and adapting everything I use to ensure the learning is tailored to the learner. Interesting, engaging and constantly adapting to the needs of your child as and when they emerge I ensure learning is enjoyable but also challenging. I tutor both privately and in schools, where much of my work has been through the National Tutoring Program - enabling children to catch up from learning missed during the pandemic.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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Personal Description:
I have worked as a teacher in the UK for 22 years with a range of age groups. Before teaching I was a Registered General Nurse and worked in hospitals both in Birmingham and Worcester.

Teaching Experience:
I have 22yrs experience in English primary schools teaching from Reception to Year Four. I have worked with children with a variety of special needs and have acted as Senco for 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make my lessons fun and interesting. I am able to use a child's interests to engage them in their learning and provided regular encouragement and feedback to motivate each child to progress and achieve their potential.

When working with adult learners I seek to build a mutual respect and friendship whilst structuring the lesson to meet their individual needs and interest.

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