Galashiels English Tutors and Galashiels English Tuition

Personal Description:
I have Special Needs University qualifications and counseling skills, which enables me to tutor students that may encounter emotional difficulties in their learning. I believe that motivation is the key factor to tutoring, as it needs to be addressed continuously in the process of learning.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught A-level Mathematics Edexcel: Pure, Statistics and Mechanics for 8 years.
I have been a private tutor since 2000, preparing students for +11, +13 and GCSE exams in English and Maths.

I am a certified therapist in PhonoGraphix method for addressing spelling and reading difficulties both for children and adults.

I could also help with learning computers (ECDL syllabus including usage of Word, PowerPoint, Internet, Excel).

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I encourage my students to reflect upon their mistakes and to understand how to tackle the next step of their learning, without having a negative response.

I usually have the first lesson together with the parents so that the student feels comfortable and parents can observe my teaching; I present a folder containing the CRB form, qualifications, QTS certificate and letters of recommendations from parents. I teach from home in a calm and stimulating environment.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

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Personal Description:
I'm a very approachable person who interacts well with students of all ages. Most would say that I have a positive outlook on life and always leave a positive impact on those I meet. I'm friendly, down to earth and honest. My philosophy is that studies don't have to be boring, and I always use my career as a teacher/tutor as testament to this.

I enjoy a variety of different things such as arts, culture and cuisine. My hobbies include drawing comic strips, magna, anime and playing electric bass. I am open minded and welcome students of any age, race, background and culture as an honour for me to teach.

Teaching Experience:
Over 19 years experience teaching and tutoring in and out of classrooms. I have taught both in the UK and abroad. I am one of the few teachers in London who is able to teach Mathematics, English Language, English Literature and the three respective Sciences to A* at GCSE.

Valid DBS
School/Classroom references available
Tuition references available

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different, and I feel it an insult to my students' integrity to tell them how to revise when first meeting them. Through my experience teaching, there is no right way to study, but there are a variety of 'better' ways to make the best grades for each person's potential.

Many students approach me frustrated that they often don't achieve the same calibre as their peers despite the hours they put in. Often it is due to the fact that they aren't their peers and a different approach to revision and homework is required. I believe in working smart before working hard.

We'll tailor a program as a team, and prioritise it factorising your: current ablities, time proximity, and scope of subjects you'd like to cover.

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am currently a primary school teacher in Wirral teaching Year 6.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for sixteen years now and thoroughly enjoy my job.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to help any child experiencing difficulties with maths and English or those who just need a boost of confidence in those areas.

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Personal Description:
As an engaging tutor with a genuine passion for my craft, I leverage my creative background to bring joy and focus to all my sessions. I help students discover their unique skills and build confidence. I believe private tuition is an excellent way to help learners un-tap their potential and move towards success at whatever they put their minds to.

In 2012, I graduated with First-Class Honours from the University of Bristol. I then cofounded a non-profit organisation which I ran as CEO for two years. In 2014, I re-entered academia and completed an MA at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, receiving a Distinction.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013 and have over 8000 hours of experience including:

• Specialised primary support for young learners aged 4-11, helping students to transition to secondary education smoothly, having built a strong foundation for their future school careers.
• Assisting older students with essay-writing skills and exam revision for GCSE, A-Level, IB and undergraduate courses; I have a thorough knowledge of exam boards, specifications and set texts.
• Successfully preparing students for prestigious schools and universities including: the 11+ and 13+ tests for the international section of the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, undergraduate entry to the University of Columbia and postgraduate entry to Central School of Speech and Drama.
• Teaching English as a Foreign Language to adults and children; I have a CELTA qualification.
• Residential placements with families in Finland, France, Spain and Italy.
• Home-schooling a 14-year old student for a year.
• My online tutoring portfolio includes working with pupils in South Korea, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Russia and across the UK.
• I bring solid time-management and organisational skills as a qualified Prince 2 ® Project Management Practitioner.

TESTIMONIALS

"Eve has been a wonderful tutor. Always on time and encouraging Elliot to think outside the box,whilst following the mark scheme. Highly recommend her!"
- LEONEL, PARENT OF GCSE ENGLISH STUDENT

"Eve tutored my son in GCSE Drama, English, History and Spanish. He found her teaching to be very clear and he required a great understanding of all the subjects taught, which was reflected in his very improved grades. Eve has a natural enthusiasm for teaching and an excellent ability to communicate with people. I would give her my highest recommendation as a tutor. Eve was very keen to get the best out of her student and her encouragement yielded great results!"
- NARCISA, PARENT OF GCSE STUDENT

"Eve has tutored me throughout my undergraduate drama degree and my master's degree at Central School of Speech and Drama. I struggled with my studies until I found Eve and I'm so grateful I did because, thanks to her, I am on track to become a drama teacher!"
- SHARON, UNIVERSITY STUDENT

Tutoring Approach:
I always come prepared so as to maximise your time within the session.

If you require help with grammar, vocabulary etc. we can read through your work and identify errors. I will teach you simple techniques to make your writing more fluent and I will help you to draw out your own original, creative ideas!

I am very experienced with project management so can help you to draw up and stick to a simple study/project timetable if desired.

I work with an increasing number of students across the world, using free digital tools to make the sessions interesting and collaborative.

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Personal Description:
I am a very enthusiastic, focused, self-motivated, highly-disciplined, target-driven, adaptable, mobile and ambitious graduate of Microbiology and Biomedicine genuinely pursuing an outstanding, very challenging and motivational career as a Teacher, using my skills and knowledge to improve the quality of education of other people.
I am passionate about teaching and want to inspire and enhance the level of achievement of my tutees.

My strong desire is to see my tutees achieve their desired grades and conquer their fears, becoming what they aspire to be.

Teaching Experience:
I am experienced in SEN from EYFS to KS1/KS2, and also in teaching Science to KS3 to KS5. I am also well experienced in mentoring groups as well as providing one-to-one-support.

My tutoring skills have no bounds as I have also been afforded the opportunity to lecture in Microbiology and Biology.
With an ever-growing drive for excellence, I am on a perpetual route to keep up with the ever-dynamic teaching skills through CPDs and trainings in behaviour-management to all that is required to teach per excellence.

Tutoring Approach:
My belief is that everyone understands at different levels.Based on this, I personalize my teaching approach to suit the specific needs of my students. I believe that there are visual learners, kinesthetic learners and auditory learners. Therefore I have different interactive resources that can be used depending on the type of learner I am working with.

I am of the belief that if you aim higher, you can achieve anything you believe in your heart that you can do.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I have a BA Honours Degree in English Studies from Aleppo University in Syria in 2000. I embarked on two Postgraduate Diplomas at Aleppo University one in Linguistics (2002); the other in Education and Qualification in 2003. In both of these Diplomas I was awarded a Distinction. In 2002, I was fortunate in gaining a scholarship to study in the UK and was nominated to study in the department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex. I found this course to be immensely useful to me as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional as I was able to observe a range of different EAP (English for Academic Purposes)classrooms; make academic presentations and really developed my love of scholarship which fired me with the enthusiasm to read for a PhD degree. I finished my doctorate in TESOL at the University of Ulster entitled "EAP Teachers Approaches to Giving Written Feedback on Academic Writing in British and Syrian ELT Centres". . I am extremely interested in teaching the language skills (as my recent doctorate shows). I am extremely hard working and sociable. I have good comparative knowledge of Western and Islamic societies which I could share with students where pertinent. I also have two qualifications from Ulster University in Peer Mentoring and Counselling.

I have strong interpersonal, communication, and classroom management skills and self-motivator. Apart from being an interesting experience in itself, tutoring is an ideal opportunity for me at this stage of my career as the area of this job is interesting to me and I have got the enthusiasm and motivation and energy to do it well and to develop things.I would like consider offering online tutorials (email writing tutorials for students who can not attend some classes).

Teaching Experience:
In the Diploma of Education and Qualification, I have been trained how to teach and how to deliver lectures in Arabic and English and also how to prepare lesson plan. I have experience of teaching university students in Syria as I was a lecturer at Aleppo University from 2002 to 2013. I enjoy teaching and lecturing and love my profession as I am particularly interested in communicating with individuals and groups. My colleagues and supervisors all say that I am a natural communicator and this, coupled with my knowledge of the field, leads me to think that I would make a good teacher. My mother tongue language is Arabic, yet my knowledge of written and spoken English is very good as well. I am also interested in materials design and curriculum development in ELT and could make useful contributions in these areas. I have also specialized in ESP, Materials and Methods in ELT, Language Teachers in Classrooms and Vocabulary and would be interested in teaching international students. My job in Syria was delivering pre-sessional programmes in academic English language to Syrian postgraduate students. Those students have to attend some EAP and ESP courses and pass the final exam which will enable them to pursue their high studies in Syria or in some English speaking countries like UK, USA and Canada. My teaching experience gives me a deeper insight and understanding of actual teaching/learning contexts. When I did my MA degree at Essex University, I taught some international students as part of the "Teaching Practice" module. I have been trained how to write a lesson plan for international students and how to use the PowerPoint for delivering lectures. Furthermore, I am very au fait with technology in the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
It is the application of an integrating approach for the development of communicative skills in the lesson, in which the four skills in the acquisition of knowledge of a foreign language can be taught in a coherent way, and practiced together, with a distinction of the importance of one upon the other. One image for teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) is that of a tapestry. The tapestry is woven from many strands, such as the characteristics of the teacher, the learner, the setting, and the relevant languages (i.e., English and the native languages of the learners and the teacher). For the instructional loom to produce a large, strong, beautiful, colorful tapestry, all of these strands must be interwoven in positive ways. For example, the instructor's teaching style must address the learning style of the learner, the learner must be motivated, and the setting must provide resources and values that strongly support the teaching of the language. However, if the strands are not woven together effectively, the instructional loom is likely to produce something small, weak, ragged, and pale--not recognizable as a tapestry at all.

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Personal Description:
I am an Italian national, living in the UK since the beginning of 2010.

I hold a BA (Hons) in Language Studies (Open University), with English and French (and a module of Spanish).

Apart from a brief teaching experience in the 90s, I have mostly worked in marketing.

Oh, yes, I also ran a restaurant for a few years (beginning of the 2000s), so I am quite knowledgeable about food, wines and stuff.

Currently, I am teaching English and Italian online, I have students from Russia, the UK, Portugal, Poland and Hungary.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Italian in the past, at a language school in Budapest.

I also have attended to a 120 hour Advanced Online Course TEFL (Teach English as a Foreign Language), back in 2013.

In 2016, I have obtained a CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) from Cambridge Assessment English (University of Cambridge) after a course at International House Budapest.

Since then, I have taught English at the International House in Moscow, at Language Study Centres and Education First (EF) in Brighton.

I am currently teaching English and Italian online, working with International House Moscow (Russia), International House Torres Vedras (Portugal), Angol Intézet (Budapest, Hungary), as well as private students.

I have been doing since 2019, when I came back from Moscow where I have had been working as a teacher from 2016.

Tutoring Approach:
Communicative approach.

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Personal Description:
I am currently in my 3rd year of studying for my BA in Journalism & Creative Writing, I am happy and capable of tutoring up to A Level English Language. I am a friendly and approachable person, with experience volunteering in schools around sensitive subjects.

Teaching Experience:
No professional experience but have tutored coursemates and friends through Degree and A Level essays and exams. An A in A-Level English Language and maintaining a 67% average in my undergraduate.

Tutoring Approach:
I will change my approach dependent on how a student learns, getting to know them and how they respond to the subject. I can also offer extraneous knowledge of linguistics and language relevant to the course for potential credit.

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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.

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Personal Description:
I am a friendly, approachable Oxford graduate and Deputy Head of English in one of the nation's leading grammar schools.
I am a passionate English tutor, and I always try to foster an enthusiasm for literature in all my students. When teaching, I aim to provide clear and concise explanation, assess understanding and provide detailed feedback and encouragement.
Education is not just for exams. I aim to build confidence, encourage independence, and inculcate positive habits which last for life.

Teaching Experience:
Deputy Head Of English
3 years experience as a full-time classroom teacher
Currently working at a top 10 ranked grammar school in the UK

Tutoring Approach:
I can offer:
- Tailored lesson plans to suit the learner's needs.
- A comprehensive program for all main exam boards and literature texts.
- Verbal feedback during sessions and detailed written feedback on optional assignments.
- Lessons adapted for a range of abilities.
- Warmth, enthusiasm and (occasionally good) humour.
I am well versed in the most popular English Literature Exam texts and well acquainted with the Edexcel and AQA exam boards.
In addition to my teaching responsibilities, I organise the school's debating team, guiding them to the finals of the English-Speaking Union Public Speaking Competition.
My students typically go on to achieve the top grades in GCSEs and A Level.

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Personal Description:
I have an excellent ability to analyse pupil's needs in a preliminary session as well as in the ensuing teaching which enables me to create a teaching plan to support any weaknesses or extension that may be required. I can do this quickly and capably.
I have a range of teaching styles and skills that I can use to differentiate between the needs of the different key stages and to engage with pupils according to their personality. Where appropriate, I like to use practical materials to reinforce concepts if necessary.
I can extend pupils beyond the average expectation to higher, or I can support through concepts that need understanding in order to attain average expectation.
I am extremely organised and efficient. On the other hand, I can be flexible and fluid, depending what style might be needed for the individual pupil.
I have a huge bank of tried and tested resources both in my head, on computer and on paper. I am always keen to find new ways of supporting pupils, tailored to their favourite topics and hobbies where possible.
I am a good listener so that I can understand the concerns and important issues of parents/carers and the pupil themselves.
At the same time, I am confident in being able to talk to families about their needs and issues.
I am studying on an extended creative writing course with the National Centre for Writing affiliated to the UEA.
I have two adult children and 7 grandchildren whose ages range from aged 3 to aged 12. I am often called on to help their understanding of English and maths concepts or to help them with their humanities projects.
I have a comfortable, spacious home where teaching can take place. Parents are always welcome to sit in on any sessions providing it doesn't affect pupil behaviour.
I have travelled within all seven continents (yes, including Antarctica!).
I love reading and all different kinds of music and dance. I love nature, particularly birds.
Most of all, I love working with children and I love teaching.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for 40 years in a variety of settings ranging from areas of poverty and social deprivation to academic private schools. I have worked in large city schools with over 300 pupils and village schools with 40 pupils.
I have worked with all year groups from Reception to year 6.
I have been responsible for maths throughout the whole school and acted as deputy and head of school when needed.
I ran a British Council Comenius project where I worked with schools in Poland and Northern Spain. This involved visits, taking year 6 pupils to Warsaw and Oviedo.
Over the last 15 years, I have been working on a one-to-one scheme where I work with individuals or groups within the school setting in supporting and extending pupils' abilities. I have been successful in helping schools to attain above average scores in KS2 SATS and in building confidence for the future as well as supporting children with anger management needs.
Prior to that I worked in the Junior Department of Norwich High School for 17 years.
I have a current DBS and can provide references where needed.

Tutoring Approach:
I have covered a lot of my approach in the paragraph above "About Yourself" as I feel that my teaching and my personality and interests are pretty much entwined!

I would like to add that my approach is one of flexibility and understanding based on huge banks of experience.
I can coach to a higher than average level or support where the building blocks have been missed.
I have no problem in supporting pupils with challenging personalities and adapting my teaching style to meet their needs.
Apart from providing the necessary teaching concepts, I offer a sense of humour, dedication, acute awareness of needs and hope to provide confidence and instil a sense of exciting, extension and pleasure in learning.

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

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

Teaching Experience:
Qualified teacher (secondary)

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

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

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Personal Description:
First-class graduate of the University of Cambridge, I have tutored professionally since January 2023 and have worked in secondary schools in the UK between March 2017 and July 2018 full-time, working supply between February 2023 and July 2024.

I have tutored 4 students thus far, from Year 10 or 11 until their GCSE exams. My students have had great successes: my first student climbed 2 and 3 grades in their English GCSEs, passing them and allowing them to move on to sixth form without resits; another student achieved 8s in both English GCSEs, way higher than expected, and climbed grades over time in Maths; whilst another student also passed GCSE English Literature first time, with a Grade 4, well above his initial starting grade when we began tutoring.

My secondary school experience includes time as a full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017), full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018), as well as supply LSA, Cover Supervisor and Exam Invigilator work.

I work with whoever, whatever your current grade, and I always aim to listen and understand who you are and what works well for you. Perhaps you're creative and into drawing; perhaps you are more analytical; perhaps you want to cover the basics. I always ensure my teaching is bespoke - I pay attention to what works and what does not.

My references attest to my good nature and personable qualities, as well as real results in helping students improve their grades.

At a fundamental level, any student of mine will tell you I am reliable, engaging, caring, fun, honest, and, equally, challenging and encouraging. I also offer a reasonable rate compared to other tutors in the area.

Please get in touch with any queries. I can tutor online, in person, and, within a certain distance, at your home.

Best wishes
Laurence,
Brighton and Hove

Teaching Experience:
- Private Tutor since 2023
- Full-time Cover Supervisor (March - July 2017)
- Full-time Learning Support Assistant including sole teaching of KS3 SEN Literacy classes (September 2017 to July 2018)
- Supply LSA (February 2023 - July 2024)
- Supply Cover Supervisor (September 2023 - July 2024)
- Exam Invigilator work (2023 and 2024 exam seasons)

Tutoring Approach:
- Person-centred
- Engaging and fun
- Reliable and caring

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Personal Description:
Hi, I am Ana, the founder of a company. It was created from my own passion for languages and entrepreneurship. I am here to help you to learn Portuguese in line with your desired pace and previous experience of learning languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have attended João de Deus University in Lisbon and I also hold a QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) recognised by the National College for Teaching and Leadership UK. João de Deus was a poet and pedagogue whose teaching methods I have adopted in my practice. I work as an Examiner for UK examination boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education & Pearson Edexcel UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I am here to expand your language skills, help you to speak confidently and to achieve your true potential. Positive minds, positive vibes! Learning a language does take time, so be patient and have fun!

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Personal Description:
I'm 55 years old, married with two children and three grandchildren. I'm patient and personable, relaxed and professional. My hobbies currently revolve around entertaining my young grandchildren, and reading and gaming when I have time. I am also a part-time pastor of a small Christian church in Southport.

I attended Liverpool John Moores University as a mature student and was awarded a first class degree in English Literature and American Studies. I subsequently completed a PGCE course at the University of Liverpool and qualified as a secondary school teacher in 2000.

Teaching Experience:
For 23 years, I was a member of the English Department at Sacred Heart Catholic College (now Academy) in Crosby, Liverpool. In that time, I taught students from 11-18 and gained experience in whole class teaching and individual and small group tuition. I helped develop schemes of work and lesson plans, and was also a head of year for three years. For many years, I ran after school clubs including a role playing group and a school fiction magazine.

Since 2023, I have been working as a supply teacher at a range of schools in the area, including a year-long stint at Meols Cop High School in Southport from September 2024-July 2025.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had limited experience of private tutoring, but my approach is to assess tutees' strengths and weaknesses through fairly straightforward baselining and focused questioning. Once areas for improvement have been identified, more specific activities will be designed depending on the needs of the tutee. These will invariably involve practice of some kind - whether of writing or reading skills - followed by a discussion of how to improve.

English is a more skills-based than knowledge-based subject. In my experience, most students are well aware of the areas in which they need more help, but struggle with how to develop those areas - precisely because they are not something which can be addressed simply by acquiring or reinforcing knowledge. Having a tutor to talk to helps - to identify and improve those skills which students need to succeed. My aim is to provide practical, easily understood advice, tailored to the tutee's unique circumstances and structured to give them confidence in the subject.

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