Llansantffraid English Tutors and Llansantffraid English Tuition

Personal Description:
Specialist in GCSE English who gains excellent results in both language and literature. Current Head of Year.

Can teach both Edexcel and AQA English language and literature.

I have completed an LLB Law degree and have furthered this by undertaking a Legal Practice Course. Having previously worked as a Legal Representative for the Home Office I have now left the legal profession; I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school in Dartford. I also volunteer as a local Magistrate. I made the decision to change career as I enjoy working with young people and I feel that tutoring is something that is underrated and hugely beneficial. I have a full enhanced DBS check.

Teaching Experience:
I currently have 12 years experience of one to one tuition.

Having left the legal profession I am now a full time English teacher at a secondary comprehensive school.

I offer tutoring in GCSE and KS3 English; Post 16 Law and IB Film.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that tutoring is a very important concept for some children. Students benefit hugely from one to one information and reinforcement; and it may be a far more effective learning strategy than classroom teaching. I think it is important to first gain an understanding of where a child's strengths and weaknesses lie, in order to focus on the areas which perhaps need improvement. I also value a child's input as they are good judges of what they feel they do well and what they may need help with. The tutoring sessions will move at a pace that the child is comfortable with, and help with homework and coursework will be available. For GCSE and A-Level tutoring of desired essay structuring and revision strategies can be discussed and learned, as these are often overlooked in schools.

I feel that tutoring outside of school may help improve a child's confidence within a school environment, be this in the work itself or in class discussions and for them as a person. It is not always easy for a child to speak up at school, and if they do not understand this may result in them falling behind. As a tutor I am able to reinforce school work at a pace more appropriate for the level of your child, and allow them to develop and learn in a way that is suitable and enjoyable for them.

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 name is Jerome and I am currently a Lead Practitioner at a school in Surrey. I live in Old Coulsdon with my wife and twin boys. I tutor from home with online via Zoom and I am willing to travel up to two miles from my home. I enjoy reading (both fiction and non-fiction) and enjoy playing chess in my spare time. I have been learning French and currently speak at intermediate level (B1).

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified English Teacher with QTS from Goldsmith's University. I have a BA in English Language & Literature from the University of Westminster. I have been a secondary school English teacher for 12 years and I have been private tutoring for 10 years. I have also taught key stage 2 and A-Level English, as well as prepare students for the 11 Plus and verbal reasoning. I have taught children with SEN and EAL requirements.

Tutoring Approach:
The first lesson is free is you choose not to continue. Lessons are calm, focussed and engaging. Each child is unique and therefore requires unique approaches tailored to their needs. I therefore tailor my sessions to your child's needs. I provide several resources for each session and identify where the shortfalls are in the child's education. All lessons are emailed as a PDF, as well as homework after each lesson. Lessons are designed to support the tutee's topics at school. I set work for the child to complete before the next session and check on the progress when I return. During exam season, I create bespoke lessons centered around time management, revision and mock papers.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Retired, deputy headteacher of a primary school in London. I have been tutoring now for 10 years.

Teaching Experience:
Taught in primary and secondary schools for 34 years. Over 20 years experience as a deputy headteacher. Have taught the full age range of primary school but mostly KS2 (age 7-11). My main role over the last 15 years has been a Year 6 SATS teacher so I have lots of experience for SATS preparation. I also did a lot of work in booster groups in Maths and English, moving children from level 3 to level 4. I have now been tutoring for a year with children aged between 7 and 14. For the last 3 years I have been a Key Stage 2 SATs marker. I can also tutor GCSE maths foundation level.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim is to improve the ability of the children in the subjects chosen. Most of my tutees find the one-to-one personal touch invaluable because it allows me to quickly identify the areas of difficulty and devise a learning programme to meet these at a pace which the tutee finds comfortable. Many of the parents have commented that one-to-one sessions have rapidly improved the tutee's confidence and has frequently resulted in them being moved up groups in the classroom. Other parents have asked me to prioritise my teaching time working with their children on school homework. I like to create a friendly but purposeful atmosphere. I always give time to the parents at the end of each session so they are kept completely informed about my aims and strategies. I have years of experience and all the relevant materials to support the children in these subjects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Highly experienced working teacher/examiner ,100% grades A*-C for GCE and grades 4-9 for GCSE, with 80% of tutees consistently reaching the upper bands. All levels catered for. DBS checked.

As I am qualified and experienced to teach four subjects: English literature and language, Drama/Theatre Studies, French and German, up to and including A level, I am in a position to offer students on alternate weeks tutoring in two or three subjects if required.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching at secondary and university level for over 25 years, my secondary school experience ranges from state schools to prestigious independent. I am an Edexcel GCE examiner and hold upper threshold status. Despite being a trained secondary teacher, I have in recent years had great success preparing students for 11 and 13 plus English exams, one such student won the English scholarship to attend Harrow public school.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are created to meet the exact requirements of the examining board the student is following and or their precise learning needs. Students with special needs and or English not as a first language, can also be catered for. Homework is given and is expected to be completed. I teach week day evenings and Saturday mornings via Zoom or in person.

In the first instance parents should email me to arrange a time to discuss how I can help their child. Testimonials, qualifications, DBS and proof of upper threshold status are available on request.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic, patient teacher, with a love of the English language, I teach English as a Foreign Language as well as English for exams. I have travelled extensively and have had a varied career.

Teaching Experience:
I taught around other jobs for over five years until I concentrated on teaching full time in 2014. I have taught all ages from 7 to 70 and lots of different nationalities including French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and Indian. I teach all levels from beginner to advanced including business English. I have taught exam preparation for Kent test, GCSE language & literature, IELTS, TOIEC and Cambridge exams, amongst others.

Tutoring Approach:
Student led, I adapt to individual students using the most appropriate method. I begin with a test and needs assessment, identifying areas of focus ensuring lessons are specific and manageable. I cover all elements of the English language ensuring improved ability in all areas.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaking fluent standard Chinese Mandarin and English, and have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 18 years in Birmingham, and currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Chinese Mandarin for over 20 years to students from different countries with diverse linguistic backgrounds in UK. I have experience in teaching Chinese at various levels including GCSE, A level and HSK. I currently work part time for a local mainstream school in UK.

I am also an experienced English and Maths tutor and a certified 11+ teacher and have a very good success rate with all of my pupils for passing 11+ tests, successfully grabbed places in local grammar schools and private schools, and achieving higher GCSE grades.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient, passionate and dedicated female teacher and have a track record of helping students achieve top grades and dramatically improve their attainment. My lessons are tailored to meet each student's need, interesting and motivating.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an avid reader who also loves singing and teaching. I studied English and Drama at Queen's University and then went to Newcastle Upon Tyne to study for a secondary English and Drama PGCE (teaching qualification). I have also worked as a full time youth worker and love working with young people. I have tutored adults and children in my spare time. More recently I have worked as a substitute teacher in Primary and Secondary and had a baby!

Teaching Experience:
I have taught secondary English for 15 years to all ability levels. I have also tutored pupils in their homes and from home and have marked GCSE English Language. I have taught primary pupils and further education pupils and taught some TEFL (English as a foreign language) too!

Tutoring Approach:
I like to get to know the person and try and tailor my approach to their needs. I have used many techniques including mnemonics to help pupils break exam questions down into smaller chunks and structure their response to ensure they thoroughly answer their questions. I also enjoy helping spark pupils' creative ideas for developing writing tasks. I try and encourage pupils to take ownership of what they write and foster awareness of how grammatical errors can go unnoticed if work is never planned or edited sufficiently.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Civil Engineering Master's graduate from UCL and can speak Tamil. I like to teach what I know, and work in the insurance industry as a Data Analyst.

Teaching Experience:
I primarily have tutoring experience online of subjects Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Art.

Tutoring Approach:
By understanding the concepts solving the problem is easy.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Free 30-minute introductory session to ensure we are a good fit.

I specialise in KS2 and KS3 English and creative writing with a particular focus on 11+ exam prep. To date, my students have a 100% pass rate for their intended independent schools.

I was not a great student as a child. Rigid and rote teaching sucked all the appreciation I might have had from learning. That is, until I returned to education in my late 20s and, over the course of two bachelor's and master's degrees, discovered just how rewarding it can be. Partly because of this reason (and partly because I simply love sharing knowledge!), I began a new career in teaching and for the past 9 years - with over 600 hours of teaching logged - I have made a point of injecting colour into a learning world that, for many students, has become drab and monochrome.

Outside of teaching, I love my arts and crafts - from drawing and painting to cross-stitching and model-building. I love being creative! And that feeds into my teaching. I'm fairly laidback and relaxed and try to instil that in my students as well and give them the confidence to ask questions without the fear of being rebuked or ridiculed.

Teaching Experience:
My experience as a tutor ranges from lecturing screenwriting at Anglia Ruskin University, where I am an associate lecturer, to almost ten years of tutoring at an advanced studies summer school at one of Cambridge's prestigious colleges, and over 600 hours of private 1-to-1 tuition. In addition to these regular teaching commitments, I am often asked to give lectures on the art of creative writing to visiting international students at Cambridge University.

After some less than pleasant experiences at school, I returned to education in my late 20s. I attended an Access to HE course specialising in creative writing, English literature and journalism, from which I graduated top of my class with a distinction.
I then achieved a BA (with honours) degree in Writing and Film Studies, graduating again top of my class with a first. In addition, I was awarded the McLeod Prize for highest average mark for any student within the entire faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences and the award for Best Major Writing Project, which were the opening chapters of a novel which went on to win numerous literary prizes.

I followed this up with a master's degree in creative writing on one of the top master's programmes in the world (at the University of East Anglia), from which I graduated with a distinction.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that confidence is a big part of success, and confident students make emboldened decisions in their learning, so I will be your child's biggest supporter. Every child is a unique individual who has their own way of learning so every lesson is tailored to their needs with no comparisons or judgements.

The following topics are covered in both KS2 and KS3:
Comprehension; reading; inference skills/verbal reasoning
Grammar; spelling; vocabulary expansion
Creative writing; sentence and story structure; description and characterisation.

Monthly reports will be issued to parents of students to keep you up to date with your child`s progress.

I also provide creative writing for all ages and novel-writing mentoring; and for older students: essay writing skills and editing of university papers. I am the author of eight published novels, which have won numerous awards, and one screenplay/film. I am so passionate about writing that I am constantly reading about it and keeping on top of new techniques. As a result, I have a wealth of knowledge that is wasted on just me alone and I wish to share it with equally motivated people who want to learn more about English and/or creative writing.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi guys, to start off with my academic background: I studied at Winchester College and Cambridge University.

I was generally a straight A* student at Winchester, and in my final exams I received some of the highest Cambridge Pre-U grades in the UK for my subjects of Philosophy & Theology, Russian and French (these were D1, D1, D2 - which translates in A-Level terms to A**, A**, A*). At Cambridge I studied a mix of Theology and Philosophy, with a focus on philosophy (ethics and metaphysics), history and literature papers.

In terms of my personal background: I was born in London and have lived in Islington most of my life. I've travelled a great deal, and in my gap year I spent stretches of time living in and travelling around America, Italy, Malta, Russia, Jordan and Pakistan.

In my free time I like classic cinema (Hitchcock especially) and novels (Tolstoy, Dostoevsky and Dickens are my favourites) but I'm curious about everything really, and I read books of any kind whenever I have the time - especially those relating to History (classical and modern), Philosophy, Theology, Politics, and Literary Analysis.

For most of my professional life so far I've worked as a salesman, lawyer and corporate strategist. I like theatre and stand-up and sketch comedy - Dylan Moran and John Cleese are my favourite comedians - and at Cambridge I performed in a couple of sketch comedy shows alongside members of the Footlights.

I'm friendly, good-humoured, energetic and I love teaching more than anything else!

Teaching Experience:
I've received excellent feedback on my tutoring so far. Here are some quotes I've received from former students who've been kind enough to supply written references for me (I can provide these and their contact details to you on request) :

- "the best teacher I have ever had the pleasure of learning from"

- [different student] "I can say without any doubt that he is the best tutor I have ever had."

- "thanks to Jasper, my school results became much better."

- "I can talk endlessly about how much I loved having meetings with Jasper"

- "His ability to convey complex historical concepts with clarity and engagement is a superpower."

- "Jasper's professionalism is also worth highlighting. He is highly organised, punctual, and dependable. He never came to a session unprepared, his teaching materials were always well-structured and insightful."

- "I must give a massive word of praise"

- " I truly hope he will have more students to teach, as he is very talented and truly deserves to be recognised. I wish everyone had a chance to have such a wonderful and supportive tutor."

Please note: The website format unfortunately limits the numbers of subjects I can list; I shall therefore add three more here. In addition to Philosophy, Theology, English, History, Russian and French I am also capable of tutoring up to and including GCSE Latin, basic (ab initio) German, and Debating.

More generally, I am also happy to advise on academic interview performance for elite boarding school or Oxbridge admissions.

Tutoring Approach:
1. So first of all we'll have an introductory session to determine what your interests, strengths/weaknesses and ultimate aims are. If you like me then we can have another session!

At the end of this I'll set an assignment for you to work on before our next session. The assignment may be easy, it may be tricky, it may be normal, it may be quite unusual! It will depend on what your aims and interests are and what I can come up with etcetera.

I'll also try to recommend some valuable learning resources and techniques for you to work with as you prepare that assignment.


2. In our second session we'll go through and discuss the assignment and your answers to it, focusing on different ways of looking at the issue and thinking around it, or effective ways to internalise that knowledge. This will take the form of a dialogue and a conversation that I hope you'll find stimulating and rewarding.

Note: You are welcome to stop sessions with me at anytime; it's entirely up to you and I won't be offended at all. But if you let me, I truly hope to teach you as much as I can.


- In summary the fundamental idea is to make the ideas as fun as possible, to assist you in learning them effortlessly and wanting to learn more. Education is always self-motored; the trick is helping you to fall in love with it. It is also to expose you to a wide array of alternative perspectives to broaden your bank of wisdom. Finally, I can recommend books and podcasts and resources to you that can have enduring value for you far beyond our own sessions, perhaps even for your entire lifetime.

I believe in sparking creativity and helping students make the ideas their own. My aim is to ignite imagination and enthusiasm as I put your intellect to the test, because only then will you really enjoy learning, and only then will you truly do well. Therefore I'll do my very best to generate an enthusiastic but rigorous atmosphere.

My enthusiasm can be pretty infectious... I promise you our conversations will be the opposite of boring!

At the same time, many of you will have real goals : to get better grades on your essays, to pass a crucial academic interview, or to smash your final exams. I believe utterly in studying carefully how to do that, and devising a strategy, so you can work "smart", not just "hard", and achieve your goals. I did this with great success for my own exams, and for many former students. I'm a former corporate strategist at an industry-dominating company! This is a real passion of mine.

Finally I also promise you that I'll also prepare carefully in advance of every session you have with me, to ensure you get the most out of me that you can. I have immense respect for my responsibility to you and your development.

Feel free to try a preliminary session with me!

I so look forward to talking with you,

All the very best,

Jasp

Subjects

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!

Subjects

Personal Description:
With a BA Hons degree in Early Childhood Studies, I've delved into various educational philosophies like Steiner, Frobel, Montessori, and Reggio Emilia. I firmly believe that each approach offers unique benefits to every child. My journey includes extensive experience in preparing children for 7+, 8+, 11+, SATs KS2 tests, and ISEB Common Entrance exams. I've successfully guided students to prestigious schools like Royal Grammar School, Queen's College, and St. Paul's Prep School. Specializing in interview prep for 11+ school entrance, I focus on core subjects for ages 3-11, including early years and primary/elementary levels. My passion lies in supporting children with dyslexia and autism, empowering them with strategies to boost confidence, overcome challenges, and realize their potential. Equipped with a TEFL certificate, I'm committed to enhancing my skills with an upcoming course in teaching young learners.

Teaching Experience:
With 3 years of experience in Sunday school, I meticulously planned weekly lessons. As a classroom assistant, I focused on aiding the lowest ability groups, and providing crucial support with classwork. Specializing in English, maths, and science for ages 5-11, I'm passionate about helping dyslexic children thrive in reading and writing. My tutoring approach revolves around understanding each child's learning style, and tailoring lessons accordingly. I love incorporating educational games, particularly for younger learners aged 5-7. Successfully preparing students for 7+, 11+, and SATs KS2 tests is a testament to my dedication.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy revolves around infusing fun into focused learning. I believe in creating an engaging and dynamic environment where students not only grasp concepts but also enjoy the process. By understanding each child's unique learning style, I tailor my lessons to ensure maximum comprehension and retention. Whether it's incorporating educational games for younger learners or employing interactive activities for older students, I strive to make every session both enriching and enjoyable. With a balance of fun and focus, I guide my students towards academic success while fostering a lifelong love for learning.

Subjects

Personal Description:
As a passionate advocate for technology and innovation, I hold a degree in Artificial Intelligence & Data Science from Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute, where I developed expertise in Python, machine learning, and data analysis. machine learning enthusiast, currently diving into Neural Networks, particularly NLP and Computer Vision. Since joining the Women Techmakers and Microsoft student learn ambassador community ,I've enhanced my technical and presentation skills, Also in my university journey I have contributed to projects that increased team efficiency by 60%.My confidence help me to tackle complex challenges, and I'm committed to creating impactful solutions that empower others through technology. With a focus on fostering collaboration and promoting continuous learning, I aim to drive growth and innovation within the tech space.

Teaching Experience:
As a member of the Women Techmakers and Microsoft Student Learn Ambassador communities, I have enhanced my Teaching/guiding and presentation skills while fostering collaboration within diverse students. During my university projects, I contributed to initiatives that increased team efficiency by 60%, showcasing my problem-solving abilities and tutoring mindset.

Tutoring Approach:
With my strong foundation in computer science I believe in making the foundtion of my students to be strong My tutoring philosophy centers on fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment tailored to each student's needs and learning style. I focus on simplifying complex concepts by breaking them into manageable steps, using relatable examples, and encouraging active participation.

I believe in a hands-on approach, combining theoretical understanding with practical application to deepen comprehension and retention. For instance, when teaching concepts like machine learning or data analysis, I incorporate real-world projects and coding exercises to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

I also prioritize promoting critical thinking and problem-solving by guiding students to explore solutions independently while providing constructive feedback. By fostering curiosity and building confidence, my aim is to empower students to tackle challenges with resilience and enthusiasm.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hola/Bonjour/Hello!

My name is Ella and I am Head of Spanish in a leading Independent School in Cardiff.

I have taught both French and Spanish to A Level for 10 years, and have experience teaching WJEC, AQA and Edexcel specifications. I hold a BA (Hons) in French and Hispanic Studies from King's College London, for which I received a 2:1, an MA in Art History with a particular focus on Spanish Art History and socio-political artistic exchange, for which I received a Distinction, and I completed my NPQML qualification in 2021.

In my spare time, my passions are art, history, European cinema and keeping fit. I have also begun learning Arabic, Catalan and Mandarin myself!

Teaching Experience:
I received my PGCE in Spanish with Subsidiary French from King's College London, and have worked in both the independent and state sector in England and Wales. I assumed the role of Head of Department in my current school in 2024 after being the Spanish Subject Coordinator for 2 years prior, and have been Second in Department and Head of French in previous schools. Recently, I became an examiner for WJEC/Eduqas, and have marked for these exam boards. For the past two examination series, my results at both GCSE and A Level were 100% A-A*, proving my dedication to my pupils and an exceptional track record.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always student-centred, and I like to establish a rapport with pupils which enables me to help them in a way which best matches their personality and needs. I like to flip the learning, enabling pupils to 'have a go' at particular activities or concepts first, before addressing any difficulties or misconceptions. This ensures that my support is always specifically targeted to the needs of the student.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am Head of Department in a very successful boys school which has a mixed sixth form, and as a teacher with 26 years experience, I am committed to helping my students and tutees grow in confidence to realise their true academic potential in English. I am very proud of the fact that I lead a department in which our student pass rates at GCSE are consistently in the top 10% of the country.
I also have an interest in supporting the mental health of the young people I teach and gained counselling qualifications in order to be a better and more informed support to them. I have worked one to one with some of our students over the years within this capacity.
Although I have always taught English Literature at A level, in recent years I have taught English Language A level and have thoroughly enjoyed it.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English Language and English Literature at both GCSE and A level across a range of exam boards and I am very confident about what is needed for pupils to be successful at these levels. My own students have consistently achieved grades considerably higher than their predicted grades and those whom I have tutored in the past have also excelled beyond predictions in exams.
A good lesson should leave a student or tutee feeling that they have not only enjoyed the lesson but that they want to do well and try hard. I aim to plan lessons that are interesting and that support students through the necessary skills needed to make progress.

Tutoring Approach:
After assessing the strengths and weaknesses of my students in order to target what skills they need most to develop, I can structure the lessons to support them. I come to lessons prepared with the necessary resources in order to utilise the time we have effectively. As an English teacher, I have exam board resources that may not be available to other tutors and I am able to share these with students. Using model answers or model paragraphs is a particularly effective tool to support students in developing their own answers and this is something that I regularly utilise with the students that I teach.
It is important to develop an effective exam technique and this is something that I work on with GCSE and A level students so that they are more confident going into their exams. In addition, I will always leave some homework for tutees to complete and give them feedback on this in the next session.

Subjects