Banff Entrance Exams Tutors and Banff Entrance Exams Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a very motivating person, willing to explore more opportunity, l have taught at multi cultural school and also in other European countries EU ONLY. Very flexible and open minded. Ready to work on short notices . Computer literate and have PGCE and QTS at the University of Birmingham. I also have Post Graduate in Pure and Applied Mathematics

Teaching Experience:
Over 15 years of teaching experience. l have taught at the American school, International schools and local and colleges .My main subject areas are IB, AP`s and GCSE in mathematics , Calculus, Physics, chemistry, and Further Mathematic

Tutoring Approach:
One to One approach . Make the student to participate in the explanation and check on the weakest points of the student to assist the student to improve this will enable the student to reach his or her desired grade.
Simple and straight forward explanation on any topic even those which seems difficult for students to understand.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor. I have studied modern languages, art and design and I also have qualifications in law. I have had a varied career encompassing language teaching, translation, publishing and work in the charity sector. My wide interests and enquiring nature are invaluable assets in my teaching.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teaching experience in the UK and abroad, including for large schools and within companies, and private tuition 1-to-1. Adults and young learners.

Providing corporate training in Polish to groups of adult learners and also private tutoring to individuals.
I have been learning and translating Polish for 20 years, and I have lived and worked extensively in Poland. I have Polish family links.

Coaching for 11+ grammar school entrance exams. I have also provided general teaching support up to GCSE level in English and French to private students.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, encouraging and approachable, but thorough and focussed on successful learning. Very adaptable, and able to tailor lessons to suit individual learning styles, abilities and preferences.

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Personal Description:
Experienced and well qualified tutor in secondary, adult and university Maths and Physics.
With a positive attitude and engaging personality I get on well with my students.
I have also tutored students with dyslexia and autism related conditions and aware of modern educational SEN practices in this regards.

Teaching Experience:
Tutor with over 15 years adult college training and tutor experience.
Can tutor from Nationals 4/5 through to Advanced Higher, as well as GCSE/iGCSE, A-Level, IB.
Also tutor mature students and graduate level University and Colleges NC courses.
Cambridge Entrance exams STEP (paper-1 and paper-2 only).
Registered STEM Ambassador (East of Scotland).

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in putting the students interest first and ensuring that they work at
a pace with which they are comfortable.

Regular reports on progress are available to guardians.

Available daytime, evenings and weekend (presently ONLINE only)
I offer tutor online lessons via Skype/ whiteboard app- very easy at no extra cost to students.

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Personal Description:
I am a fully-qualified professional teacher with more than 30 years of teaching and tutoring experience, both in the UK and abroad. I regard myself as a friendly and approachable tutor, as well as honest and conscientious, and I pride myself on being able to communicate with students of all ages, from pre-teen to pensioner.

I am the father of two boys, and we live in the Sutton area. My wife and I successfully tutored our sons for Sutton's grammar schools (WCGS), and they have since both graduated from top Russell Group universities. My hobbies are limited to reading these days, and I am particularly fond of English Literature. Dickens and Hardy are two of my favourites, but I am also keen on modern and less serious writers, such as Tom Sharpe and the two Rankins - Robert and Ian.

Teaching Experience:
After obtaining my first degree in Spanish with Politics and Economics, I started teaching abroad; first in Spain, then in Turkey, and later in Central Asia and the Middle East. Since retraining as a teacher of English, I have taught for more than 15 years in the UK and almost 15 years abroad, where I was Head of Department at an Institute of Higher Education for three years.

Most recently I have taught English at an independent school in Sutton, and previous to that I taught Academic Writing for East Anglia University for several years. Nowadays my tutoring is split between English for the 11+ and Common Entrance (13+) exams, English for KS2 and KS3 SATs, and English, Spanish, Economics and Politics & Government for the GCSE and A-level exams (all boards).

11+ and 13+ (Common Entrance)
I am very happy to report that all but one of my twelve Eleven Plus tutees passed the SET (Selective Eligibility Test) for Sutton's grammar schools last September. Of these, 100% of them passed the second stage exam and obtained their first choice of grammar or independent school. I use a selection of published materials and those of my own creation, and insist on a high standard of weekly homework in reading, writing and language knowledge. For 11+ pupils I start tutoring in Year 4 or 5, whereas 13+ pupils begin in Year 7 or 8.

KS2 and KS3 SATs
I usually start tutoring for the KS2 SATS in Year 5, and in Year 8 for the KS3 SATs. I tend to use a mixture of focused texts and past papers.

GCSE and A-level
I am equally happy to report that all of my most recent GCSE and A-level students have passed well, with top grades from B to A* (A-level) and 6-9 (GCSE). The majority of those have gone on to their first choice of further and higher education institutes, and in most cases this has been achieved by my insisting on regular homework done to a high standard. For GCSE pupils I prefer to start tutoring at some time in Year 10, whereas A-level students typically begin around Year 12.

I also provide individual tutoring in ESSAY WRITING and STUDY SKILLS, as my experience has taught me that many students at GCSE, A-level and undergraduate level face real problems in these areas. By working together on your essays, substantial improvements can be made in style, organisation, argument, presentation, and much more. This way, I can teach you how produce more effective and mature essays, and thus help you to obtain better grades and increase your confidence in producing written work.

Tutoring Approach:
With every tutee I carry out an initial assessment of his/her needs and abilities, and my teaching begins from there. Typically I work on improving their weaknesses and consolidating their strengths, and this essentially involves them producing high-quality homework on a regular basis. I use both established published materials and those that I have created myself over the years. This approach appears to be successful, and I can provide references.

Over the past twelve years I have successfully tutored students for the following schools and universities:

Schools: Sutton Grammar, Wilsons, Wallington County, Wallington High, Nonsuch, Whitgift, Trinity, Wimbledon High, Kings School, City of London, Reigate Grammar, Caterham School, St John's, Westminster, Epsom College, Ewell Castle, and many others.

Universities: Manchester, Warwick, City, East Anglia, St Martins, Lincoln, Kings, LSE, UCL, Nottingham, Reading, Birmingham, Bournemouth, and several others.

Please note that my fees are very affordable, bearing in mind that I travel to your house and offer a personalised tutoring programme.

I currently charge between £45 and £50 per hour, depending on subject and level.

NB: Any tutoring that involves more than 6 miles travel (round trip) usually incurs a small extra charge.

If you are looking for a fully-qualified, highly-experienced and versatile tutor, you need look no further. Here are a few messages from some of my most recent successful tutees:

Hello Jeff, I just got my IELTS results and I FINALLY passed it! Listening 8, Reading 7.5, Writing 7, Speaking 7.5 and it's 7.5 overall. I would like to THANK you sooooo MUCH for your help and all advice you have given me! It would not be possible otherwise. (Vanja)

Sam got into Wilsons and we are pretty sure that his English performance carried him through. Sam said we ought to say 'thanks' to you as you made a massive difference to his standard of English in a very short period of time. Not sure how, but you made something click in his brain where his school teachers had failed! (Cathy)

Hi Jeff, hope you are well. I am extremely delighted to tell you that Rick has a place at Westminster, and we are going ahead with that. He has also had offers from HABS, KCS and RGS Guildford. Thank you so much for all your support. (Animesh)

Hi Jeff, just to let you know that Dillon got a place at Sutton Grammar on Monday. He also received places at Whitgift, Trinity and Epsom. We have decided to accept Sutton Grammar, and thank you for all your help and time.
Thanks - Paulomi and Dillon.

Dear Jeff! Thanks you so much for tutoring me last year. You have helped my English greatly and without your advice and guidance I would have had a nervous breakdown when I was given the task of an essay. You taught me about causal connectives, signpost words, paragraph structure and much more vital strategies of writing an amazing essay.
Finally, I am happy that I got a place at Wilsons and know I would have failed the English language test without what you taught me. I am very grateful that you gave up your time to help me pass.
Yours Sincerely, Makar

Hi Jeff, I hope you're well. I just wanted to let you know that Andriy got offered a place at Whitgift and we have accepted it. Thank you very much for helping and recommending this great school to us. Andriy is really excited about it and cannot wait to start.
(Oksana)

Dear Jeff, sorry for the delayed reply as we are in India. Rishi has done well, has received English Language 9 and English Literature 7, and scored 8 in six other subjects. He could achieve good results only because of your support. Thanking you.
(Chandra)

Hi Jeff, I am pleased to inform you that Mahati cleared the 2nd round. Her cut-off score is 354. We hope she gets into either of the two schools. Thanks a lot for your support throughout.
(Sassi)

Hi Jeff, Tamana's results have come in for the Sutton Stage 2 test. She has passed with a relatively good score of 315, and based on last year's stats, she should get in comfortably to Nonsuch or Wallington. Thanks for all your lessons that significantly helped her in the preparations.
(Vedant)

Hi Jeff, hope you're doing good. We have got the exam outcome, and Samrudha is able to apply for Nonsuch. Her score is 309, and the highest total score is 389. Secondly she has cleared Tiffin's Stage 1 test and has been invited for Stage 2 on November 11, and we would like to take your help whenever possible.
(Kirthi)

Hi Jeff, I just wanted to let you know that Ed passed the entrance exams for all three schools. Thank you so much for all your support! (Emma)

Hello Jeff, I hope you are well. Vivaan passed the exams for Wilson's, Wallington and Sutton. He also got through Tiffins Stage 1. Thanks very much for your help and support! His English improved massively under your guidance.
Kind regards
Jyothi

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Personal Description:
I am a fully qualified teacher committed to first class service.

I am flexible and adaptable. I have good communication skills.

Reliable and trustworthy. I am enthusiastic and motivated in teaching children.

I have taught children for over 40 years. I was a head teacher for 28 years and loved every moment of it. I have been a self employed private tutor for over 5 years and my work is so rewarding.

I travel to the pupil and tutor on a one to one basis . I also do on line tutoring .in particular entrance exam preparation and 11 plus.

I am an animal lover and enjoy walking my westie dog in my spare time.

Teaching Experience:
I owned and ran my own private school, namely Woodlands School in Preston , for over 28 years.

I was responsible for over 110 pupils aged from 3 to 11 years of age.

I had a highly professional team of staff. Woodlands school gained excellent comments from ofsted.

I have a great deal of experience tutoring children. I make the lesson fun, exciting and bring along many resources to assist the child in learning.
.

Tutoring Approach:
Praise and encouragement. I am patient and understanding. I make my lessons fun and interesting for the child in order to keep their attention.
I enjoy one to one tuition and enjoy teaching children of all ages.

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Personal Description:
Brilliant 2017 Results: Six students received more than 18 offers from both prestigious independent schools and top grammar schools, including City of London School Girls, Bancroft's School, Chigwell School, Woodford County High School For Girls, Ilford County High School, Forest School, Colchester Royal Grammar School. One of my clients won full scholarship from Brentwood School (only top 10 students from more than 553 applicants are eligible for full scholarship). I am pleased that this is the forth consecutive year for 100% pass rate.

My name is Yang and I am a fully qualified Maths teacher (Qualified Teacher Register no. **Telephone Number Removed** working in an Ofsted "Outstanding" rated school.I have also been appointed by the examination board - Edexcel as a senior examiner for Edexcel GCSE/ International GCSE(IGCSE) Maths.

Graduated from LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science) with first class honours, I completed my master degree from Imperial College London with distinction and obtained PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Mathematics)) from King's College London. I was working in a top investment bank as trader assistant ( yellow jacket ) before changing to become a maths teacher. I have over nine years experience in primary, entrance exam, GCSE and A-Level maths tutoring. In this capacity I have extensive experience in preparing students for 11+ entrance exams. I am very familiar with the type of questions that students will face in these exams and what is needed to do well in them. I am always passionate for tutoring and I know how to make students' learning process enjoyable. My strong reputation has been built on my ability to improve my students' varying skills, ability and exam skills. I have unrivaled patience and understanding and I am able to bring the best maths tutoring experience to my students.

I am also a member of British Mathematical Association (BMA), London Mathematical Society (LMS), Association of Teachers of Mathematics (ATM) and British Society for Research into Learning Mathematics (BSRLM).

For your peace of mind, I am Enhanced DBS checked. I will bring my Enhanced DBS certificate and school staff ID at the first lesson.

Teaching Experience:
Currently I am working as a Maths teacher in an Ofsted "Outstanding" rated school. I am also working with many Tutoring Agencies as five star rated executive tutor like Top Tutors, Griffin and Bell Education and Holland Park Education, etc. Unlike other tutors, I only teach limited number of students to ensure quality. My A-Level students successfully entered top universities like LSE, Warwick University, Imperial College and other elite Russell Group universities. 11+students successfully got through entrance examination to top schools like City of London School, Bancroft's School, Chigwell School, Woodford County High School For Girls, Ilford County High School, Forest School, etc.

Education:

Imperial College London
MSc. in Pure Mathematics (Distinction)

King's College London
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Mathematics) (PGCE)

LSE (London School of Economics and Political Science)
BSc in Mathematics (First Class Honours)

Tutoring Approach:
Quality is everything for me. International Student Assessment (ISA) shows that Chinese students ranked best in the world at maths ( UK is ranked 28th for maths, Source: google "Shanghai students ranked best in the world at maths and science", The Telegraph).

As a British Chinese, I can tell you the secret of Chinese learning maths. I have a unique method of tutoring which can be adapted whatever the skill level and also unique exam techniques. But my first objective is to target my students' enthusiasm for the subject so they will be passionate to learn mathematics. Practice is also essential for learning maths, but a good tutor knows how to design different questions for effective practice. Finally,I usually believe that learning is a continuing process and if I am honored to be your tutor, I can not only help you learn the knowledge, but also master the art of learning until one day, you will be able to help others like I do.

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Personal Description:
I am a masters degree holder with experience in tutoring up to graduate level in mathematics .

I have real flair for teaching mathematics and I get a great satisfaction from making my students learn the logic and develop an approach to solving problems.

I am also very interested in students from physics looking to learn modern mathematical techniques and actuarial students as well.

Teaching Experience:
I have 7 years of experience in teaching. Have taught several hundred graduate students to prepare for high-school and university level Maths and Statistics


Great detailed knowledge in all branches of mathematics up to graduate level.

Tutoring Approach:
Individual approach

Understand my students approach to analysis and problem solving. Challenge and channel their thought process to reach the result so that they always be successful in getting the problems solved.

Also upon request can intensely focus on achieving great exam results in short span of time.

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Personal Description:
I have seen students` confidence in their abilities increases and their understanding deepens. Both students and parents have offered positive feedback from the great improvement in their grade as a result of my tuition. For example, a student`s grade in A Level Physics improved from originally an E to an A after my tuition, while others attend their preferred schools after help revision for their entrance exams.

Teaching Experience:
After various school placements, such as teaching classes at St Aidan`s (ranked amongst the highest achieving comprehensive schools in the country), for over five years I have helped a multitude of pupils ranging from as young as six through to mature students.
Having experienced rigorous training, I am an Examiner for a major board and have relished the challenges of marking
candidates` papers. I feel this gives me an invaluable perspective when preparing my students for their own tests.
I am familiar with the different examination boards, particularly AQA, Edexcel, OCR, CIE and ISEB. Covering English and Reasoning where desired, I have prepared students for 7+, 8+, 11+ and 13+ entrance examinations as well as the STEP and PAT tests required for the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge. With my tuition, students have gained entrance to the schools of Aldenham, Fulham Prep, Harrogate Ladies, Sedbergh, Charterhouse and Latymer. After my tuition, candidates attained the necessary grades for their university offers, including from Oxbridge, to study courses relevant to our preparation. I also have experience aiding with IB and professional skills tests together with Pre-U and IGCSE.
I am happy to offer tuition for all other syllabuses as well, for example WJEC and for free-standing maths qualifications.
I also offer tuition to adults wanting to improve their own maths understanding and skills, for example to help with their career or to pass graduate skills tests such as Kenexa, SHL and numeracy for QTS etc.
I have helped several students with Asperger Syndrome, those with dyslexia and students who are home schooled, have conditions including severe physical handicaps, speech and language difficulties or have had to change school due to behavioural difficulties. Furthermore, I have been trained for and have taught looked after children and also have experience of helping those for whom English is an additional language.

Tutoring Approach:
I find I can relate to students in a calm and patient manner and I have enjoyed helping them through difficulties with their subjects. I endeavour to find and solve the problems students have in their understanding to give them a firmer grasp of the topic, with the benefits from this being increased confidence and improved results.

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Personal Description:
I have over 15 years teaching experience, the majority of my work has been at secondary level, where my specialisms are Drama, English, English Literature, Film studies and History. However, I also have extensive experience in primary education where I have taught across the breadth of the curriculum.

My preoccupation with academia was nurtured at a competitive Grammar School, RGS Worcester, a top school with high expectations. I went on to acquire a first class degree. I remain now, as I have always been, a high achiever.

I also work in the creative arts, as actor, tutor and director, inspired by performance art in all its forms. My current artistic interests include revising classics, puppetry, theatre in non-traditional spaces, and working as a freelance drama consultant to help smaller scale theatre companies realise their artistic aims and consolidate their working practices.

Recreationally I enjoy martial arts, exercise and the outdoors. As an avid reader I am particularly drawn to epic literature and sprawling worlds, beguiling first person narratives, comparative religious and spiritual studies, psychology, philosophy and history.

Teaching Experience:
Secondary Level Education:
- I worked for 6 years as a secondary school teacher, delivering Drama and English lessons, including GCSE and 'A' level, from year 7- year 13.
-I devised and delivered a formal curriculum to teach Year 9 Drama (in line with Key Stage Guidelines).
-Extensive experience in coursework, marking, moderation and exam preparation.
-On 2 separate occasions, following Ofsted observations, I was given an 'Outstanding' classification (the highest classification).
-Quantitative end of term reports always placed my classes amongst the highest in terms of achievement and student retention.

'A' level Education:
-I taught for 6 years at 2 different Further Education Colleges. I taught English Literature, Drama and Film Studies 'A' level.
-Students were offered extra-curricular tutorials to help them achieve their desired results according to their own set of educational needs.
-I emboldened students for university entrance with interview techniques, UCAS procedures and university level preparation.
-The coursework I devised with students for their final A2 Drama and Theatre Studies was picked up as an exemplar of excellent practice, and is still used to this day by Edexcel examination board.

Primary:
-I devised a range of workshops, and delivered these to selected primary schools. These workshops raised literacy levels, written and oral communication. They were delivered to year 4, year 5 and year 6 students.
-My work with Redditch Borough Council as Literacy and Outreach Officer earned me an 'Outstanding personal Achievement Award'.

Adult Education:
-I've worked with young people trying to get back into education following exclusion, this involved working with charities like CentrePoint.
-I often work with adult learners re-taking their GCSE English.
-Postgraduate students have sought my help in the past, particularly International Students looking to improve the precision of their essays.

University Level:
-Delivering Theatre and Drama lectures, seminars and workshops to students at university level, including The University of Birmingham, University of Worcester, University of Bristol, and University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring involves the mutual balance of 2 equally important intentions: a sensitive awareness of what a student needs and establishing a conducive rapport.

I have a flexible communication style, informed by exposure to hosts of different students, I am adaptable and responsive, a necessity built on the recognition that effective learning can only happen when tutor and student understand each other, and are mutually inspired.

At first, my focus with a new student is to provide gentle provocations on different aspects of the subject matter- a process which allows me to see where their strengths and weaknesses lie, also allowing the student to start seeing the subject matter from varying perspectives, and to extend their range of problem-solving and communication strategies.

My approach always depends on the specific needs of the student, most commonly students ask for:
-Information building and comprehension
-Essay writing technique
-Filling in historical/ social/ political or cultural context to areas of study (particularly at 'A' level)
-Response to examination questions
-Improving literacy level, reading and comprehension, grammar (particularly at primary level)
-Extending and developing powers of expression

You will find me a generous tutor, I am not a clock watcher, it does not matter, for instance, if a class runs over. I will work hard for you between lessons, marking, researching, and developing new lessons and academic exercises. My tutoring style is tempered by profound understanding and experience of examination board and national curriculum requirements. Moreover, my many years working as an educator entailed the need to develop a flexible range of teaching strategies correspondent to the varying learning preferences of my students.

Some recent feedback:
'I wish you had been my tutor before, I feel a lot more confident'
(Chitra, GCSE English, Adult Learner)
'Great attitude and rapport with my son very engaging'
(Sarah, mother of 'A' level; Film and Studies student)
'We are delighted to have Chris helping my daughter and her friend with the written exam In the last few weeks of their Drama and Theatre `A ` level. Inspiring, flexible, fun -knowledgeable about the plays, their history and context- he is a fantastic tutor.'
(Felicity, mother of 'A' level Drama and Theatre Studies student)

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Personal Description:
JULIA
Drama, Performance and Voice Tutor
English Tutor

I am an enthusiastic and dynamic individual and am passionate about all aspects of performance. As well as going to the theatre I enjoy singing and going to festivals
I gained my LLAM Diploma from London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in 2003 and since then I have been teaching hundreds of students across the country.

I can tutor English Key stage one and two. Each lesson will be a combination of grammar and writing.

Are you keen to learn more about acting but not sure where to start?
Desperate to perform but too shy to audition?
Do you need help to improve your public speaking and presentation skills?
Does your voice require further development and training?
Interview skills need further attention?
Struggling with GCSE or A level drama?
Do you want help with drama school auditions?
Do you want to enter drama examinations and festivals?

I can help with all these.

Teaching Experience:
In 2000, I created "Stand and Deliver" Drama Schools which I ran for 15 years.I have taught Speech and Drama at a number of major schools in Bristol and the South-west including Taunton Preparatory School, Red Maids School, Redland High School and Clifton College, For the past 15 years I have been a Drama, Performance and Voice Tutor at Bristol Grammar School. I also ran my own boutique theatrical agency in London and Bristol. Many of my students appeared on television and in theatre. Credits include "Skins", E4, "Larkrise to Candleford", BBC1, "Mistresses", BBC1, "Billy Elliot", West End Production,

In January 2019, I formed Stand and Deliver Youth Theatre and now have 2 successful youth theatres in Bristol. I also tutor from home,

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching English and Drama is not a job but is a passion for me - I believe every student has a unique voice and that is my philosophy when teaching. My dynamism and passion is infectious and promotes excellent learning. My aim is to ensure that students have the same passion as I do, by fully involving them in all aspects of my sessions.
.

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Personal Description:
I am a specialist English tutor. I am an expert in this subject, and have successfully taught up to Undergraduate level. I also teach Science up to GCSE level.

- Over 8000 hours experience
- Mentoring and tutoring for the last 10 years.
- 100% achievement record. All my students reach (or exceed) their targets.
- Successfully mentored students to gain 11+ scholarships.
- Track record of helping to improve by two or more grades.
- Successfully tutored students in the new syllabus to achieve Level 9.
- I have a wide range of highly specialist resources.
- Experienced in assisting students with SEN, including dyslexia and ASD.
- I am currently studying at the prestigious Institute of Education, London.
- I apply the Growth Mindset to unlock student potential.
- I use the latest research in pedagogy and child psychology to plan and deliver my lessons.
- I am mentored by world-class English teachers and have been graded Ofsted 'Outstanding'.

I help students engage with texts, learn how to extract meaning and improve their written communication. I work with students who are struggling to connect with the subject or just need an extra boost to reach their target.

I assess a student's strengths and weaknesses and create a bespoke tuition plan. We then work together to tackle their weakest areas and enable them to reach their goal. I have curated a wide range of engaging resources, and utilise different mediums to add interest to my lessons.

I strictly work with only a handful of families at a time, so I am able to give you focused support. Please contact me for availability.

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Teaching Experience:
Testimonials

"Bushra is a devoted focused person who teaches with passion and great depth of knowledge. She cares about my son and really wants him to do well and achieve his full potential."

"You have opened my eyes."

"You are the best English tutor we have ever had."

"The lessons are over so quickly, I really enjoy English now."


Top Student Achievements 2016/2017

Student studying new GCSE syllabus achieved the highest grade possible, Level 9.

11+ student secured scholarship for London School for Boys and Merchant Taylor School.

Undergraduate student, after mentoring and tutoring, went from 3rd to 2.1

A-level student achieved grade `A` in coursework assignment after a few months mentoring.

GCSE student went from grade `D` to a final grade of `B` within 3 months.

Tutoring Approach:
I assess students strengths and areas for developments. I then create a bespoke tuition plan.

All lessons are tailored and resourced. I have an extensive range of resources, including model answers and examiner's guidance.

I believe in building students confidence and appreciation for the subject and coaching them to apply their knowledge effectively.

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Personal Description:
I am a Qualified Engineer (D.Phil, Oxon, MSc, BSc Imperial College), Qualified University Educator (PG Dip) and Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) with over 20 years' experience teaching university engineering, including 13 years as an Oxbridge lecturer, 7 years as a Senior Lecturer at an elite Russel Group university and a year as a Professor at a highly-ranked US university. I also have over 10 years' experience in aerospace and defence research with Rolls-Royce PLC, Qinetiq, Volvo Aeropsace in Sweden, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan.

My work has given me the privilege of working with many hundreds of student-engineers across all branches of engineering. I know how difficult and challenging university engineering can be. My approach is warm, open and professional.

Teaching Experience:
In my 20 years of professional and private practice I have taught all branches of university engineering and engineering science including Aerospace, Mechanical, Civil, Electrical and Electronic, Chemical, Bioengineering, Materials, Design, Motorsport, etc. and even related subjects such as Physics, Architecture etc. Whilst most of my work is with undergraduates I regularly teach Masters/MSc students and doctoral/PhD students, as well as professional engineers.

I hold a PhD in Engineering Science from Oxford University (where they call it a D.Phil), an MSc in Mechanical Engineering and a BSc in Physics, both from Imperial College London, as well as a PGdip in University Learning and Teaching.

I also have over a decade of experience in experimental aerospace and defence research, as part of which I conducted ground-shaking jet engine tests at military and civilian test sites in the UK and Europe, working with companies including Rolls-Royce aero engines, Qinetiq, Volvo Aeropspace, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in Japan.

As well as having designed numerous large-scale experiments, my practical hobbies include classic car restoration and designing and building the places where I live. This hands on engineering experience means that I don't just teach the theory, I teach the reality and how the theoretical concepts you are learning in class relate to the real world around you. This is the beauty of Engineering.

Outside engineering, I enjoy freeride skiing, ice and inline hockey, and downhill mountain biking. I travel extensively with sport and have played hockey in almost every country in continental Europe and skied in virtually every country in the alps.

I am comfortable teaching in French as well as English.

Tutoring Approach:
Engineering is one of the hardest subjects you can study, and it doesn't help when module content is disorganised, learning materials are messy and hard to follow, and when lecturers are too busy to respond to your questions. If you are not getting the support you need, I know how this feels and I can help.

My overall aim is to teach you to become an independent learner, to teach you how to learn, so that you can learn regardless of the support from your university, and so you can continue learning when you leave university into whatever career path you take.

If you have a set budget for lessons then we won't go over this, even if we overrun the hour.

I offer an initial meeting free of charge to discuss your learning requirements, so you can show me what you need help with, what your learning aims and objectives are, and to plan our sessions together.

I am flexible in terms of scheduling, I'm happy to reschedule with sensible notice etc.

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Personal Description:
I am a Classics Graduate from St. John's College, University of Oxford. I have been teaching for six years now, both online and in person, one-on-one and for classes across a vast range of subjects. I focus primarily on History, English, Latin and Classical Greek, but I have experience teaching Maths, Sciences, and Psychology. I have extensive experience preparing students for the 11+/13+, GCSEs and A-Levels: my students consistently achieve the highest grades in public examinations, and admission to prestigious schools, including Eton, Harrow, Charterhouse and Winchester. Whether applying for school admission or public examination, I provide comprehensive courses that leave no space for the unexpected in a student's exams. I have experience across OCR, Edexcel, AQA and Eduqas exam boards at both GCSE and A-Level.

Many of my students have gone on to receive successful Oxbridge admission during their time with me, with three successful applicants in the last cycle alone. I've taught ages three to sixty-five, and am always excited to meet new students and work with various needs. I believe the student-tutor dynamic should be at the heart of a good tutoring set-up, and I have seen this proven in the excellent improvement and results of my past tutees. My students learn to love their subjects and develop a high quality of written communication and critical analysis.

I OFFER A FREE INTRODUCTORY SESSION TO DISCUSS YOU OR YOUR CHILD'S GOALS AND REQUIREMENTS BEFORE WE BEGIN OUR COURSE.

A little bit about my qualifications:
- Oxford Classics undergraduate degree.
- Four A*s at A-Level in History, Ancient History, Greek, Latin.
- 13 A*s at GCSE.
- Prizes in international essay competitions, including the National College of the Humanities, Fitzwilliam College Cambridge.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Teaching Experience:
Professional Experience
- Over five thousand hours of private tutoring experience, online and in-person, across Latin, Greek, Ancient History, History, and English at KS1-3, GCSE, AS and A-Level, undergraduate and for 11+/13+ preparation.
- Supported students aged 4 to 63, helping them to achieve their goals, including top grades at GCSE and A-Level, successful university applications (Oxbridge and Russell Group), and high performance in competitive exams such as Eton's King's Scholarship. Successful admission to Eton, Winchester, Charterhouse among others.
- Worked with tutoring agencies, who specialise in preparing high-ability students for Common Entrance, with a particular international focus, and an agency preparing students for IELTS exams as part of their applications to British universities.
- Taught English grammar and speaking skills to classes of international students at Oxford-based holiday camps.
-Specialised in tailored tutoring for disadvantaged students, including those with autism, dyslexia, and dementia.

Voluntary Work
- Latin Mentoring with Local Primary School
- led a partnership programme, creating videos and resources to introduce children 9-11 to Classics.
- Science Mentoring with Local Primary School
- tutored underprivileged children at Fen Ditton Primary School, running weekly science lessons.

Please get in touch with any questions!

Tutoring Approach:
As a student myself, I'm acutely aware of what works and what doesn't - my lessons involve getting to know the student, and building a rapport to bring the subject to life! I love working with the students I teach to figure out their best approach to each topic; I believe this is the route to achieving the best results. My lessons are highly interactive, involving active learning and recall, and making use of a variety of resources to best fit any individual's learning style. I tailor my courses specifically to my students' goals, whether entrance exams or public assessments, with a focus on weaker areas. Continual recap and revision play an important role in my lessons, as evidence-supported routes to long-term understanding. My students tend to enjoy my lessons, and develop a real love for their subjects! Having studied the languages for 10 years now, I have a full understanding of all the difficulties of Latin and Greek - whether prepping for common entrance or studying towards Classical GCSEs, I take my students step-by-step through everything they need to know. As a successful Oxford applicant, I'm also on hand to help with any application troubles - I'll be happy to read personal statements, give pre-interview test coaching and interview practice: just reach out! I am on call 24/7 to provide support, as well as marking homework outside of lesson time. With six years of experience teaching across all ages, I'm highly flexible and keen to work to each individual situation - please get in touch with all and any questions!

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!'

*

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 have a First Class law degree from the University of Oxford and have almost 10 years of tutoring experience. At university, I was the Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal. During my time at Oxford, I also published an article in the journal which was awarded the 'Best Private Law' prize, as adjudicated by the former President of the Supreme Court, Lord Neuberger. I also regularly won prizes for my academic work. Alongside my academics, I also mentored several students with various access schemes and assisted with outreach programmes.

I have been tutoring law to undergraduates from diverse law schools for the past three years. We have covered core subjects such as Tort, Land and EU law in the run up to exams. In addition, I have marked past papers, created notes and tweaked exam technique to give students the best chance. I developed my tutoring skills by teaching a range of disciplines, from Maths to English, with the UK access scheme `Into University`. I have also supported students with their Oxbridge applications. This has consisted of fine tuning their personal statements, holding mock interviews and discussing important debates in order to foster a deeper understanding of the discipline of law.

Teaching Experience:
As Editor-in-Chief of the prestigious Oxford University Undergraduate Law Journal, I spent a lot of time reviewing academic work and collaboratively fine tuning scripts to publish in the journal. In addition, I launched a blog which published more accessible legal articles. I have therefore had the privilege of working with an even wider pool of students then perhaps I would have done had I only worked with authors of journal submissions.

With regards to tutoring undergraduates, I have covered Contract, Public/Administrative, Jurisprudence, Medical, Land, Tort, EU and Trusts and am comfortable teaching any core subject. I can also assist students in writing their dissertation and essays.

I have also helped numerous students with their Oxbridge Applications as a tutor for 'Oxbridge Applications'. My work has consisted of holding mock interviews, reviewing personal statements and setting exercises which provide a good insight into how best to tackle the LNAT. I am also currently a mentor for Brightstart, which supports students going into their A-Levels and with the university and subject choices.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a very hands on approach by closely following the relevant curriculum and asking students to submit answers to past paper questions. I regularly mark answers, and have provided sample answers so that students have a better idea of the level of detail required to get a First Class mark.

Students have thanked me for my 'understanding teaching skills', and I have only ever been awarded 5 stars from former students.

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Personal Description:
I am currently an Academic Foundation Doctor at University Hospital Southampton. I studied at Westminster School as a Queen's Scholar and secured 14 A* at GCSE and 4 A* at A-level. In 2020 I received first class honours in Natural Sciences and was awarded a scholarship by Jesus College in 2020. I graduated Cambridge University in 2023 (MBBChir)

I am also a keen musician and played the clarinet with the National Youth Orchestra of Great Britain between 2014-2017. On holidays you might see me climbing and camping around Scotland or catching up with close friends in London.

What do I offer?:
• 13+ entry scholarship examination to Westminster School; 'The Challenge'
• Oxbridge interview preparation for medical applications
• BMAT (BioMedical Admissions Test)
• UCAS personal statement
• Other; please reach out to discuss

Teaching Experience:
Between 2020-2022 I have taught the neuroscience course (NHB) for 2nd year undergraduates at Jesus College Cambridge. Supervisions comprise of weekly small group teaching. I have also taught the NHB course privately 1:1. I regularly teach younger students (10-14).

Tutoring Approach:
I am a kind and supportive tutor looking to work with my tutees to identify and consolidate areas of weakness. In addition, I hope to provide insight into the skills required to tackle competitive application processes, including scholarship exams and medical interviews.

I prioritise improving exam performance and I encourage the development of critical thinking skills at all levels of learning. In undergraduate supervisions, I aim to tackle difficult concepts from first principles and question underlying assumptions, as well as help undergraduates develop their written communication. I believe these skills are highly valuable for writing personal statements and for success at interview.

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Personal Description:
I'm a current second year student at the University of Bath, studying mathematics. I have a passion for my subject and that comes through in my lessons, this helps to enhance my teaching. My aspiration one day is to become a lecture in my chosen subject, and this is a great way for me to learn and become experienced early on in my potential career.

Teaching Experience:
I currently tutor one student in maths, However my experience stems further than this as I have always tutored and taught friends through GCSE and A-levels. A key highlight of my background is that I self taught A-level further maths as it wasn't a subject they offered at my school. This choice further shows my passion and drive for learning, but gave me a deeper understanding of studying and learning.

Tutoring Approach:
my tutoring style is highly adaptable, as I tailor make/ plan my lessons based on the student. No two lessons on the same topic are alike, ensuring a fresh and engaging approach each time! I have good ability at explaining complex concepts clearly and effectively, making my lessons more accessible and enjoyable as nothing is better than understanding a hard concept! my focus on getting students to challenge themselves with the harder problems builds confidence and results in excellent progress.
I always begin my tutoring with an introductory lesson ( a quick chat ) just to get to know the needs of the student, and so you can check to see if you match with my styles.

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Personal Description:
I am a third-year medical student at Medical University Pleven with a strong academic record and a deep understanding of the competitive medical school admissions process. I achieved a high UCAT score of 2920, and received offers from all three universities where I was interviewed-success that reflects not only academic ability but also strong communication, preparation, and critical thinking skills.

What sets me apart from many other tutors is that I've recently gone through the exact same process, giving me unique insight into what current applicants truly need to succeed. I combine this up-to-date experience with a patient, structured, and supportive approach that helps students build confidence as well as competence.

Teaching Experience:
While I may not have formal tutoring experience, I treat every student with the care and attention I would give a younger sibling. Parents can trust that I'm committed, organised, and fully invested in helping their child succeed-not just academically, but also personally, as they take on the challenges of applying to medicine.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is personalized, goal-oriented, and focused on building true understanding rather than just providing answers. I begin by identifying the student's current level, goals, and specific challenges to tailor the learning experience to their needs. I break down complex concepts into clear, manageable steps, often using analogies, examples, or visuals to make the material more relatable. I encourage active learning by asking guiding questions and prompting students to explain ideas in their own words, which helps reinforce their understanding. Practice and immediate feedback are key parts of my process, allowing students to apply what they've learned and quickly correct any misunderstandings. I continually adjust my approach based on the student's progress, moving at a pace that supports both comprehension and confidence. Ultimately, my goal is to help students become independent, critical thinkers who feel confident in their abilities.

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