Eaglesham English Tutors and Eaglesham English Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a 37 year old tutor based in Lewes. For the past fifteen years I have been teaching pupils of all ages and abilities in many different capacities and have an excellent success rate with my pupils.

I also work with children with MLD & behavioural challenges as with adults of all ages and nationalities.

Should you wish to use me, you would encounter a tutor easy to relate to and learn from in an enjoyable and easy environment. I believe a student who is at ease with their tutor is far more likely to progress no matter where they are starting from!

I am actively seeking more online pupils and offer a discount for all online pupils (must be of secondary age or above).

Some reviews from previous parents:

"Rob tutored our son for a few months in preparation for 11+ exams and has been amazing at it! Although we have now stopped the lessons due to moving country, we have seen great progress in our son's abilities. Rob has been very methodical and able to recognise our son's weak areas and work on them. He particularly helped our son in his creative writing tasks! We couldn't recommend Rob more. We would be reaching out to him again if we need to in the future." (Katia and her 10 yr old son Max Secondary Entrance Exams)

"Rob has been my tutor for AS AQA Drama Theory for nearly three months now and I am thrilled with the progress I have made thanks to our lessons. Rob is an encouraging and engaging teacher and his lessons have allowed me to improve from a grade C to consistent A's in a fraction of time. I cannot recommend him enough for anyone who is looking for a one to one tutor in order to boost their grades." (Kate, 18, A-Level Drama Resit)

"Excellent work in preparing my daughter for her 11+ entrance exam (English and Math). Knowledgeable, great in explaining and keeping her interested in the subjects. Great manner and dedication, always punctual and extreamely reliable. Would not wish for a different tutor in this important time for our daughter" (Davorin and his 10 yr old daughter Sana, City of London School entrance examinations)

"Rob tutored my daughter for GCSE English. She found these sessions hugely helpful and enjoyed them even. At the time of writing this she does not have her results but she she is certainly more confident than she ever has been. Rob was very reliable and punctual. I would whole heartily recommend him as an English tutor." (Deborah and her 16 yr old daughter Yael who struggled with dyslexia, GCSE English. Yael went up from a predicted D to a B)

Teaching Experience:
St Bees School 1998-present: Various unpaid voluntary work. Drama work-shop leader on summer-camp. Directing, play-writing, and work-shopping school Junior & Senior plays
2002: Clementine School, Hong Kong EFL Teaching Assistant. Assisting head English language teacher
2002: Hong Kong Institute for young offenders. Spanish Teacher. Teaching basic Spanish to young non English speaking offenders prior to their exchange to Chile
2005-2006: Private Tuition (Ashtead, Surrey) Private tutor. Various pupils for Spanish, English Literature, Drama & English language
2006-Present: Southwark Council. Supply Teaching with 'Classroom' agency. Work with children from mainstream, secondary & primary PRUs and learning difficulty schools.
Private Tuition (Paddington) Private tutor
Government-funded scheme to increase literacy levels amongst primary school pupils
2006-Present: Private Tuition in in all subjects and age ranges offered throughout London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe one to one private tuition requires a tutor who can adapt to the needs of the pupil. Ideally (although not crucially-entirely online is also possible) I would wish to meet the pupil initially to establish how they may best be assisted and what the pupil's key areas of concern are. Each mind, young or old, needs different approaches and I believe my strongest ability is an adaptability to meet the varying needs and requirements of every student.

My approach, in most cases would be to follow a curriculum, finding out where their difficulties lie within this curriculum and how it would be best to resolve them.

I tend to use past papers when it comes to exam based tuition as this is ultimately what they will be faced with come exam time! However, when I have a pupil for longer there is more scope for more imaginative teaching or simply assistance with difficult homework.

With each of my previous pupils I have needed and been able to assist them in a way that is individually appealing to them and I have never had a pupil who has not achieved their desired results.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Ed. I am the Director of a private tuition company which has been providing impactful private teaching and tutoring services in a multitude of subjects across Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, IB and University.

We take pride in helping students to expand their minds, talents and skills, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our one-on-one tutoring brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to those who strive to excel.

We offer personalised academic support, available in-person and online, to help students improve areas of difficulty and focus on exam techniques and preparation, helping them to succeed in attaining qualifications to their highest ability.

Please reach out and contact for further enquiries, look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
Director, leading a team of tutors to support across a wide range of students including Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University level - Present

Tutored a variety of subjects at different levels from primary schools, Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University.

Offered service on giving academic advice as well as interview techniques for Oxford, Cambridge and other top schools and universities in the UK, US, Europe and Asia.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach is simple and effective. The general framework is to go through general concepts that are fundamental to student's understanding on the subject through the use of simple examples. I will then reinforce the message and encourage students to work on more specific and challenging problems.

Confidence is key and it is vital that my tutees are constantly motivated and encouraged in order to self-develop both at an academic and personal level.

We strive to make lessons as interactive as possible. We understand the different learning needs of different students. We will always be flexible with our teaching style and method and we are here to help you succeed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified English teacher with QTLS and a masters degree. I am experienced and qualified in teaching key stages 2 - 5 including GCSE English language, literature and A level.

I have an excellent proven track record of enabling my pupils/students to gain high grades in the GCSE (9-1) specification.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years of experience in teaching, and have worked in 6th forms, colleges and schools. My roles have been varied including working as head of department, co-ordinator, course leader and teacher trainer. I have achieved excellent results with my tutees and can provide references.

Tutoring Approach:
I enjoy working on a 1-2-1 basis to meet the individual needs of the pupil/student. I reflect on current educational materials, colourful visual resources, and focus on exam preparation with very high success rates.

I deliver 1-2-1 online teaching on Skype or Zoom.

Tariff

1 hour & HW = £50

Subjects

Personal Description:
Online and in person tuition available!

A little bit about me: I have my own tutoring business which I am currently running during my maternity leave. I am a University of Surrey MSci Biochemistry (Master of Science) graduate. Have completed half of my PGCE in secondary science teaching and currently on maternity leave. I have 10 years experience in teaching having taught over 100 students in the last 4 years. I am young and energetic whilst being knowledgable in most curriculums from pre-school all the way up to A- level.
*** PLEASE NOTE: I offer a consultation either in the student's home, online or over the phone. ***

Teaching Experience:
As a secondary school science teacher with over 10 years of tutoring experience and my own tutoring business, I tailor my lessons to everyone of students specifically. I approach teaching with a relaxed attitude where the student can really make the most out of every session without feeling bored or uncomfortable. I keep the sessions as interactive as possible and my teaching styles can be changed to suit every learning style!

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor every single lesson to every single individual I teach. My forte is teaching students without stressing, boring or tiring them. Most of my students repeat the comment "I can`t believe it is the end of the session, it went by so quickly!"; which is due to the fact that I make my lessons as engaging and fun as possible whilst not compromising on time or amount of content. Not many tutors are able to build a good relationship with their students by showing them they care about the individual rather than just each session. I LOVE teaching which is why I have not left the industry since I started. I can provide references from other parents/students proving to you how happy they have been with my service. I will not guarantee your child will achieve an A* in any given subject as that is also up to the student but I can guarantee that I will teach them as much as they can learn and make the lessons we have as fun, engaging and informative as possible.



Please Note: A surcharge will incur if I need to travel to you depending on distance. I have a fully enhanced DBS check (former CRB).

Subjects

Personal Description:
My language learning journey started in the same way it does for most of us - at secondary school. I fell in love with the French language at an early age and went on to complete an honours degree in French Studies at the University of Birmingham. During my year abroad, I lived and studied in Montréal, where I took classes in French, Italian and Spanish at McGill University and also fell in love with the Spanish language and culture.

I am passionate languages and helping learners build their confidence and reach their language learning goals, whether it be for school, exam preparation, work or pleasure, and I aim to do so in a purposeful and structured yet fun way.

I firmly believe that anyone can learn a language and make progress, whatever their starting point might be.

Teaching Experience:
I have over ten years` cumulative experience of teaching in secondary schools and I have taught French, Spanish, English Language and English Literature. As well as my work in schools, I have been working as a private tutor since 2012,

Over the past 20 years, I have also taught on many English as a foreign language courses to young learners in summer schools and also to adults for general and business purposes in Wiltshire and in North London. I delivered a course in English for business purposes at an Italian legal firm in central London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe a positive working relationship between tutor and student is the cornerstone of a successful learning experience. I aim to make my students feel at ease and safe to take risks in order to build their confidence and experience success. I tailor lessons to each individual's learning needs and preferences so that the student is always at the centre of the learning process. I use a range of materials in my teaching including online resources, worksheets, games, speaking activities, and past exam papers where appropriate.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My aim is to help each student reach their potential through individually tailored lessons designed to make learning enjoyable. I have a strong belief that for people of all ages, learning can be fun, and if you relish the process, you are much more likely to learn something!

Every lesson includes the use of several workbooks, learning diagrams, reading books, learning games and rewards (for younger students) ranging from stickers to special prizes for the hardest workers!

I also believe that a hugely understated part of any teachers role is to give a student confidence, as when belief is established, the student's results tend to rapidly improve as well. Therefore my extremely enthusiastic approach to tutoring is vital in building a students confidence and skyrocketing upwards in levels.

There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing a student achieve what they set out to do, be it a particular grade they need to obtain or a skill they need to develop.

Teaching Experience:
For over thirteen years I have been teaching English, Literacy and Reading from my own home. I have an Honours Degree in English Language BA (Hons).

Tutoring Approach:
Exam Results

GCSE English

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed GCSE result)

GCSE English (2023)

1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 9 (A**)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2022)

2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
2 students from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2021)

1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
2 students from a 4 (C) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2020)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

GCSE English (2019)

2 students from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 5 (C+/B-) ----> 8 (A+)

GCSE English (2018)

1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 6 (B)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 5 (C+/B-)
1 student from a 2 (E) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)

GCSE English (2017)

1 student from a 3 (D) -----> 6 (B+/A-)
1 student from a 4 (C) ----> 7 (A)
1 student from a 3 (D) ----> 4 (C)
1 student from a 1 (F) ----> 3 (D)

GCSE English (2016)

1 student from a U ----> B
1 student from an E -----> B
1 student from a D ----> C
1 student from a C -----> A*

GCSE English (2015)

1 student from a U ----> C
2 students from an E -----> B
1 student from an E ----> C
1 student from a D ----> A*
1 student from a D -----> B
2 students from a D ----> C
1 student from a C ----> A*
1 student from a C ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

GCSE English (2014)

4 Students from a D ----> C
3 Students from a D ----> B
2 Students from a D ----> A
1 student from a C ----> B

Year 6 SATS

(Grade on the left is the student's grade before lesson one, grade on the right is the confirmed SATS result)

Year 6 SATS (2020 & 2021)
All exams were cancelled due to the pandemic

Year 6 SATS (2019)

2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations

Year 6 SATS (2018)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> expected standard
2 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from below expectations ----> below expectations

Year 6 SATS (2017)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
1 student from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Year 6 SATS (2016)

1 student from below expectations ----> above expectations
2 students from below expectations ----> expected standard
3 students from expected standard ----> above expectations
1 student from expected standard ----> expected standard

Heckmondwike Grammar Entrance Tests

10 students passed
3 students failed
76.9% pass rate

QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

8 students passed on their first attempt
1 students passed on their second attempt
0 students failed
100% pass rate

Recent Testimonials:

Ellen (10)
Year 6 SATS

Ellen was described as just below the expected level for English. We also felt her spelling was often poor and she struggled with extended writing. The main thing we have noticed is Ellen's confidence, attitude to learning and overall happiness: the improvement is immense. Ellen has now adapted a 'can do' attitude and revels in articulating what she has learnt with David. David is incredibly enthusiastic and positive, an approach that has really worked with Ellen. Speaking as a teacher, it is also clear that he understands the amendment procedures for Key Stage 2 and therefore every minute of every lesson is preparing Ellen for success. Ultimately my daughter loves to attend David's lesson and loves learning now!

Score: 10/10

Jack (16)
GCSE's

Jack's mock results were an E in English Language as well as a D in literature and he wanted to do Economics A level which required a B grade in his final GCSE. Jack had two hours of tuition per week from January to May. He enjoyed going (this surprised me as he hated English before the sessions) and had a new found likeness for literacy. He received a B in both language and literature and can now do A level economics. Jack related very well to David- this made learning easier for Jack and he obtained the grades he needed. His teachers at school noticed a marked improvement in his work when he was having tuition.

Score: 10/10

Oliver (6)
Year 2

Oliver was falling behind in Math's and English. I am very happy to say that his confidence and his ability to retain what David teaches him has improved greatly. His teachers at school have also commented on his marked improvement and he now feels a sense of achievement in everything he does- he also speaks of making David proud. David was/is exactly what I was looking for. Oliver doesn't seem to think about his lesson as lesson, he genuinely enjoys spending Saturday mornings at David's as he now really wants to improve himself! Wow!!!

Score: 10/10

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:
I am an outstanding,experienced Primary School teacher, specialising in 11 Plus, Maths and English.I prepare children for 11+ and Year 6 SATs exams, hence I am up-to-date with the changes and expectations imposed by the Department for Education. I hold a BA in English Literature,an MA in Media and Human Rights, and a qualification in Primary School Education (age range 5-11). I have a keen interest in Literature related to Mathematical phenomena and novels.I am a native English speaker and fluent in Turkish.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working in education since 2011 and currently a Year 6 teacher. In addition, I have previously taught Years,2,3,4 and 5, and have worked and continue to work with SEN children.

I have 11 plus students who have been offered places in a range of selective schools, i.e, Latymer, Dame Alice, Henrietta Barnett, Channing, QE, HABS,St Albans and more.

Tutoring Approach:
I like building a dialogue with my pupils which allows them to enjoy and take ownership of their learning. Once targets are identified, I put together lesson plans that will cater to my pupil's needs and learning style. At the core of my practice lies keeping my pupils engaged and passionate about learning. I succeed in this through the use of hands on resources(i.e.numicom,maths mats,word banks,puzzles), varying tasks, scaffolding and discussion.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I tutor 1 to 1 from my house in Goodmayes, Ilford (IG3 9) or online to UK/International students (through Zoom/Skype) so please stop reading if you are not willing to do any of these.

What I offer (during and outside school hours):

A-Level: Biology
GCSE: Maths, English, Science
KS3: Maths, English, Science
13+: Maths, English, Science
11+: Maths, English, Science, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
KS2: Maths, English, Science
KS1: Maths, English, Science
7+: Maths, English, Science, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning
4+: Maths, English, Science, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning

I am a First-class graduate from Imperial College London and a PGCE (teaching qualification) graduate from UCL IoE, and it is my ambition that my students surpass me.

I aspire to offer a 'super tutor' service (e.g. £1500 per hour) and help compensate for an education inferior to the best education in England (e.g. £65000 per year) at a relatively low price. Also, the coronavirus situation has caused a big dent in the education of many children and I try to ensure through my tuition that my students are successful in spite of it.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher (DBS checked) and have over 4000 hours of tutoring experience, with students ranging from 4-18 years old.

On top of that, I also helped my brother gain entry into Cambridge University for Economics and have seen countless other students succeed under my mentorship (e.g. getting entry into schools, achieving KS1/KS2/GCSE/A Level grades, getting entry into universities/studying courses). This is because I recognise that there is a process and that if students follow that process, they are guaranteed to succeed.

Tutoring Approach:
I try my best to make learning enjoyable for students but I also have high expectations as I believe every student has it in them to achieve the top grades.

Almost all the students that have come to me have improved and rapidly because of:

- First-class teaching
- Free homework after each lesson
- Mentoring/coaching/advice
- Increased confidence
- Better mental health for exams

Testimonials:

'He helped my daughter get into Forest School. The homework and regular advice really made all the difference. We cannot thank him enough.' - Mr. Atwal

'Starting with him was the best decision I made for my son's education. He did so much better in his GCSEs than we expected. He was on track for Ds and Es and managed to get nearly all A*-B! Imagine what Umar could've achieved if we'd found him earlier!' - Mrs. Ahmed

'Vinay helped me so much with A Level Biology. I got an A (very nearly an A*) and am now studying Dentistry at university.' - Raman

I look forward to working with your children and ensuring they can achieve the vision that you have for them!

Availability (may have changed by the time you get in touch so please contact me):

Mon: 11:30 am, 1 pm
Tues: 11:30 am, 1 pm, 2:15 pm
Wed: 9 am, 1 pm, 2:15 pm
Thur: 9 am, 1 pm
Fri: 10:15 am, 1 pm
Sat: 9 am, 6:30 pm, 7:45 pm
Sun: Unavailable

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:
Dedicated educator qualified in the UK and Australia. Passionate about working with young and adult learners. Strong commitment to individual development of each student through fostering positive learning experiences. Effective communicator across cultures and age groups. Taught in Sydney, Australia, Krakow, Poland and London, UK.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teacher (2005 - current)

• Thoroughly, holistically and continuously analysing individual needs of every student and creating a learning programme to meet their needs
• Working with adults and young learners one-on-one and in groups
• Assisting students in integrating into the British culture by providing systematic practice of speaking in various social scenarios
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback on their speaking and writing skills

• Subjects:
- English for Specific Purposes (e.g. English for scientists, medical professionals, psychologists, educators, businessmen, accountants, geologists, UX designers, interior designers, engineers; marketing, branding, and HR professionals)
- ESOL - English + cultural integration
- General English
- Business English
- English for Academic Purposes
- IELTS General and Academic
- TOEFL iBT
- PTE Academic
- A2 Key exam (KET), B1 Preliminary exam (PET), B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency
- OET - Occupational English Test

• Teaching methods used:
Content-Based Instruction, the genre-based approach, Task-Based Language Teaching, Text-Based Instruction, Situational-Language teaching, the Audiolingual Method, Communicative Language Teaching, the Direct Method, and Total Physical Response

Academic writing and study skills tutor (2016 - current)

• how to structure: essays, reports, and presentations
• grammar, style, coherency and clarity of written work and presentations
• how to reference sources correctly
• how to make the most out of the writing cycle: first draft, research, proofreading, editing and seeking feedback
• time management and study skills strategies

English language tutor (2016 - current)

• Working with learners aged 5 - 16 years old one-on-one and in small groups
• Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and 2): phonics, reading comprehension, broadening vocabulary, writing skills, handwriting practice, communicating clearly
• Key Stage 2 (Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6): writing stories, information reports, persuasive writing; practising a range of grammatical structures
• Key Stage 3 (Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9): engage with rich literary landscape; imagine stories and rely on facts to compose fictional and non-fictional texts
• Key Stage 4 (Year 10 and Year 11): practising recognising and effectively using a wide range of literary techniques
• The Perse Prep School Cambridge Year 3 (7+) Entrance Test preparation
• Year 3 (7+), Year 5 (9+), Year 6 (10+) and Year 7 (11+) - preparation for Entrance Examination - English
• Mentoring learners on how to build relationships with peers at school and how to work cooperatively with peers and teachers
• Updating parents on their child's progress

Art educator (2015 - current):

• Working with adults and young learners
• Drawing and painting techniques: portraiture, figurative, landscape, cityscape, and still life
• Experimenting with art genres: realism, impressionism, expressionism, surrealism, cubism, abstraction, conceptual art, minimalism and relational art
• Clay sculpture
• Watercolour, acrylic, oil, pencil, charcoal, ink and mixed media techniques
• Art history and theory
• GCSE Art and Design - exam preparation
• A Level Art and Design - exam preparation
• A-Level History of Art - exam preparation

Russian language tutor (2011 - current)
• Absolute beginners, intermediate and advanced level learners
• Lessons for adults and young learners: focus on speaking skills, memorisation skills, accurate pronunciation, reading comprehension and writing skills
• GCSE (9-1) Russian - exam preparation
• The Test of Russian as a Foreign Language - test preparation


English as a Foreign Language Instructor (January 2023 - current)
The University of Cambridge
• Classes for learners with beginner - advanced levels of English to practise speaking in work-related and personally-relevant situations

ESOL Teacher (February - March 2025)
Orchard Park Community Primary School
• Worked with adult learners to practise speaking skills in a range of social scenarios

EFL Teacher (February 2025)
GL-Abroad
• Taught English to learners aged 12 - 13 years old
• Incorporated Cambridge-related cultural knowledge in a gamified form

EFL Teacher (July - August 2019)
International House London, Ellesmere, UK
• Taught English and art to learners ages 8 - 16 using project-based learning

Casual/Relief Teacher (July 2017 - July 2018)
NSW Department of Education, Sydney, Australia
• Taught visual arts, English, history, geography, PE, drama
• Worked in primary and secondary schools

Classroom Teacher (October - December 2017)
Chatswood Intensive English Centre, Sydney, Australia
• Taught: art, English, ICT and music to students aged 12 - 18 years old

Russian Language Teacher
BigWorld Pty Ltd (August 2013 - September 2017)
• Taught classes to learners with beginner and intermediate levels of Russian

Tutoring Approach:
• Using visual and audio material to accelerate learning
• Catering for a diverse range of learning needs in an interactive way that promotes students' engagement
• Analysing individual needs of students and meticulously tailoring lesson plans to address these needs
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback
• Assisting students in their careers

One-on-one lessons

30 minutes (under 8 y.o.): £35 | 5 lessons: £165 | 10 lessons: £315
45 minutes: £45 | 5 lessons: £210 | 10 lessons: £400
60 minutes: £54 | 5 lessons: £250 | 10 lessons: £480
90 minutes: £75 | 5 lessons: £355 | 10 lessons: £675
120 minutes: £100 | 5 lessons: £475 | 10 lessons: £950


Please, enquire about group lessons as the rate will depend on the number of students in the group, on the location of classes, and on learning objectives of the group.

Lessons with 2 or 3 learners are also possible, please enquire.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher with over 30 years teaching experience, mainly in KS2. I have QTS to teach English and maths / any National Curriculum subject, to any age group. Also I teach adult literacy and numeracy.

Teaching Experience:
KS2 / KS3 supply teacher and private tutor in London, Sheffield, Rotherham and Doncaster (1980 to present)

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly and patient approach. I build my student's confidence by differentiating work to match their individual abilities and interests.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced lecturer in English Literature. I have many years' experience of tutoring across different levels - from entrsne exsms to GCSE to postgraduate - and tailor sessions through discussion with each student regarding what they want to achieve.

Central to my teaching practice is supporting students to achieve their full potential, through developing confidence in independent and critical thinking, understanding difficult concepts, close textual analysis, and academic writing skills. Sessions can be discussion based, structured around a particular text, or focused on essay feedback or exam practice, among other things.

My wide-ranging and supportive approach has led to me achieving an Outstanding Teaching Award, voted for by students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been lecturing and teaching at university level since 2007, and also have significant experience of tutoring GCSE and A-Level students where I have a consistent track record in supporting students to improve their grades in the period between mock and final exams.

The efficacy of my teaching has led to most of my dissertation students achieving a 2:1 or higher, and GCSE and A Level students achieving B grades or higher. I have also successfully tutored students for their 11-plus exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Specific strengths here lie in developing students' ability to justify, explore and argue for their responses to texts, and offering feedback on written work that supports them to articulate their ideas more clearly and persuasively.

Student feedback has also commented on my teaching style as making them enthusiastic to learn, and helping them understand challenging concepts and texts.

Subjects

Personal Description:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

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During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a teacher with over 20 years' English teaching experience who has seen the benefits that tuition can provide. I am a keen advocate of how tutoring can make a positive difference to a young person's progress and achievement.

I am an enthusiastic and reliable teacher, and gain great satisfaction from working with students to help them achieve and progress.

Unsurprisingly for an English teacher, I can often be found with my nose in a book and am a fan of all types of texts from the latest Robert Galbraith thriller to Jane Austen's timeless classics.

Teaching Experience:
I have been an English teacher in further education for over 20 years and am passionate about my subject of English! I have experience of teaching GCSE English Language and Literature with the 9-1 specification as well as Functional Skills and English for Speakers of Other Languages. I have worked as a private tutor for over five years teaching KS3 students in years 7-9 and KS4 students in years 10 and 11. I am familiar with a range of exam boards for English Language and English Literature as well as the texts included within the literature courses.

I have also worked with home-schooled students and successfully supported them in the achievement of their target grades in English.

I have an up to date DBS check which is available for inspection on request.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring takes place either in the student's own home if you are in the Lichfield area, or alternatively online using Google Classroom and Google Meet. This is a reliable platform which enables parents/carers to access materials and work done on a 'teacher' basis so that you can monitor work being completed, and which also allows the student to build up a successive range of work done and materials accessed as the weeks progress.

I work closely with parents/carers as well as the student to assess any immediate needs that the student has in their English studies. I have liaised with school teachers at parent/carer request to gain a clear insight into areas that school teachers believe would benefit from additional input. This means that the tuition I provide can support targeted areas that need further development and help each student fulfil their potential. If short-term tuition is requested, I will put together a brief plan for you to consider and address any key areas that are needed in a logical and structured way so that you can be assured tuition is going to be suitable for your child's needs.

All materials, whether face to face or online, are prepared in advance and are produced to support achievement in English. After each tuition session, feedback is provided to parents/carers either verbally if the session is face to face, or via email/conversation online if the session is remotely delivered. Any feedback is always welcomed.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Simon, a dedicated tutor specialising in Functional Skills English and ICT. With a background in coaching, person-centered therapy, and alternative education, I bring a holistic approach to tutoring that focuses on both academic success and personal development.

Teaching Experience:
I bring over 20 years of experience in personal development coaching, therapy, and alternative education to my tutoring practice. My background includes working with diverse individuals to help them overcome personal challenges, build confidence, and achieve their goals. In my role as an alternative education tutor, I specialise in Functional Skills English and ICT, focusing on students who thrive outside traditional learning environments. My extensive experience in coaching and therapy allows me to integrate therapeutic techniques into my teaching, providing a unique, holistic approach that supports both academic success and personal growth.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is deeply personalised and student-centered. I integrate therapeutic techniques to help reduce anxiety and build confidence, ensuring that each session is tailored to meet the unique needs of the learner. I focus on creating a supportive environment where students can grow academically and personally.

Subjects

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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