Cranleigh Entrance Exams Tutors and Cranleigh Entrance Exams Tuition

Personal Description:
If you choose me, your child will see a marked improvement in their results and confidence levels. I am a highly experience, professional and friendly tutor with advanced DBS clearance. My teaching experience includes GCSE, iGCSE and A level (Edexcel, AQA, OCR (A and B for Physics), WJEC), University level Maths and Physics (including Oxford entrance exams MAT and PAT) as well as assisting PhD students to improve their thesis writing skills.

I pride myself on making lessons fun and informative which I believe provides the right environment to get the best out of my students. (2022 results: 100 percent pass rate at GCSE and A-Level. 77 percent got A*/A or 7/8/9)

As well as being a tutor, I work in research and development where I lead programmes that use Physics to understand complex problems. This experience allows me to inspire young people who have a love for the subject. I am also a STEM ambassador and would happily come to your school (for free) to inspire children in both science and maths.

I was awarded a First Class Honours degree from University College London in 1997 and went on to study a PhD in Quantum Mechanics. On successful completion of my PhD in 2001 I started work at Thales Research and Technology (TRT) where I led projects on Adaptive Learning Systems and Information Management. I initiated the first programme to span the three TRT laboratories in France, Netherlands and UK in the area of Cognitive Systems research. I then went on to set up and lead a large collaborative team between TRT and University of Surrey to study remote collaboration technologies. I joined General Dynamics United Kingdom Limited in 2005, primarily to ensure exploitation of DIF DTC technologies into the UK Ministry of Defence Equipment Programme. I received my Chartered Physicist status in 2004 and am now a director.

Teaching Experience:
Several students have improved by more than 4 grades after just six months of tuition with me, and commonly students improve by at least one or two grades. Many of my students who previously had lost their passion for Maths and Physics, go on to take these subjects to a further level. Apart from the usual syllabuses I am experienced at teaching students the Maths section of the SATs and ACTs in order to get scholarships to American Universities.

Tutoring Approach:
My tuition method involves making Maths and Physics fun so that children and young adults will remember their lessons and overcome the "I can't do science" syndrome. So that you can assess whether or not I am the right tutor for your child I offer the first lesson for free.

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Personal Description:
I specialise in Maths, English & Science at GCSE level and AS/A-level Maths. I cover all 3 main exam boards including Edexcel, AQA & OCR. I also tutor for 11 plus entrance exams including Verbal Reasoning, Non Verbal Reasoning, Maths and English. I have a high success rate for entrance exams for Grammar & Private schools within South East England.

I have 8 years tutoring experience and am qualified to post graduate level. I have achieved over 90% for most of my A-level modules and `A` grade for GCSEs.

I teach out of a dedicated office space at home. I am available weekday evenings and Sundays and hold a current CRB clearance certificate. A free trial lesson for new students can be arranged on request.

Teaching Experience:
With over 8 years tutoring experience, I am very confident in my teaching. I am qualified to post graduate level and am a high academic achiever.

Over the years I have developed various teaching techniques which I adapt to varied level of abilities in my students. I prioritise on student`s weaknesses and explain key concepts in a way which they understand.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is in accordance with the exam specification requirements and I focus on what the examiners expect. Each lesson is tailored to meet the needs of each individual student.

I believe past paper practice is essential in ensuring students experience exam environments and get familiar with the format of questions. I have seen a dramatic improvement in my student`s performance improving from E to A grades.

I provide access to a range of preparation material such as past papers, topic specific worksheets, recommended workbooks etc. for my 11 plus entrance exam students. I explain all techniques required to do well in the entrance exams, rather than relying purely on past papers only.

I give weekly homework to my students to ensure learning during the lesson is not forgotten and is reinforced. Regular assessment and review of topics covered previously helps to ensure progress is being made

I have a track record of enabling pupils secure a place at their chosen school and achieve a high grade at GCSE and key stage level. I achieve this by focussing on the pupils weaknesses and explain key concepts and techniques in a way which they 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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Friendly private tuition available from highly experienced PhD qualified, DBS certified tutor and examiner from the award winning top 3 private tutors in Oxford
Maths, further maths, science, engineering, statistics, computer, Economics, Business studies
Essay/thesis structuring and editing
FACE-to-FACE/ ONLINE tuition

For GCSE, igcse, A-levels, IB, HND, diploma, University and adult learners

Common entrance exams- GMAT, GRE, SAT, STEP, GAMSAT, UKCAT, BMAT,
psychometric test, interview preparation

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for more than ten years.

Do not provide academic essay writing services or services that allow people to hire others to take standardized tests for them.
Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all to share this commitment.
Supports Pratham UK, a charity organization for children, which works to help make a difference through educating children.

Tutoring Approach:
I am very friendly and patient.

Service offered
Special attention to students with learning difficulties i.e. dyslexia
After school support/ homework help
Help in UCAS application
Entrance/ mock exam preparation
Interview preparation
Thesis writing and structuring
School/ University/ Course selection
Motivating students to be more focused and organised
Unique strategy for individual student based on their ability and requirments
Ready to travel to students place

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Personal Description:
The University of Nottingham: BA Joint Honours Spanish and Portuguese
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French
TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

I have completed my PGCE with Canterbury Christ Church University where I have had the opportunity to teach in both the Primary and Secondary School Setting. I have over 10 years experience in teaching and working with young people in a variety of settings.

I am also a qualified TEFL teacher and I have experience teaching all ages.

Teaching Experience:
Canterbury Christ Church University: PGCE Spanish and French

-Year 6 Primary School teacher
-Experience Teaching across Key Stage 2
-Key Stage 1-5 Spanish and French Teacher

TEFL Barcelona: TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign language certificate)

St Joseph's R C Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2012-July 2014

St Leonard's C E Primary School
KS2 teacher September 2014 - July 2016

Vinehall Preparatory school
Year 3 teacher September 2016- July 2018

Private tutor 2011- present day

Tutoring Approach:
-One-to-One lessons
-Group Lessons
-lessons to cater for diverse needs and abilities
-Home tutoring and lessons from my home
-Online tuition available

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Personal Description:
I am flexible and calm. I am always well prepared and very patient. I am punctual and try to make my classes fun whilst ensuring steady progress is being achieved.

I have learnt many teaching techniques over the past 22 years which allows me to adapt my style as per the clients requirements. As a result I have been able to maintain high standards.

In addition, I ensure key mistakes that are being made are noted and not repeated. I've found this has helped gained significantly more marks in the final exams.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored for 22 years and am vastly experienced. I teach across KS1 to GCSE's and entrance exams (11plus).

The subjects I focus on are maths, English and science ( biology, chemistry and physics).

Typically under my supervision my students achieve grade 7 or above for core subjects.

I'm confident I can help identify your weak areas too and help make significant improvements.

Tutoring Approach:
All my tuition lessons are tailored to students individual needs.

I carry out an initial assessment to gauge level of understanding and prepare exmaples tailored to their needs.

I focus on exam techniques to pick up as many marks as possible.

Under my guidance many of my students have improved from obtaining relatively low grades, (C/D) to A/B.

Happy to offer FREE 15 mins consultation.

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Personal Description:
Having completed my first degree in French and German at Oxford University in June 2013, I returned to Belfast to complete first a MA in Medieval History, and then a further MA in Translation Studies.

At the same time, I began building up a portfolio career as a freelance tutor and translator, allowing me to live out my passion for language, literature, and culture (alongside digger manuals, pharmaceutical texts, and other oddities) on a daily basis.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience dates back to my undergraduate years. At Oxford I gained two years' experience with Jacari, a charity that teaches English to local children of a different mother tongue. I also provided tuition to students of GCSE history in local Oxford schools.

I spent my year abroad teaching English to pupils aged 10 to 19 at a German grammar school, and have since instructed a number of tutees of ages 8 to 65+ in English Language, French, German and Italian.

I can also provide help with Oxbridge entrance examination and interview preparations for languages, English, and history, as well as general advice for personal statements.

Tutoring Approach:
This variety of experience has taught me the importance of varying my teaching approach according to the needs and interests of the pupil.

While I keep a keen eye on the intended curriculum or goals at all times, I am used and open to changing from more formal to more informal (i.e. games-based) tutoring methods as appropriate.

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Personal Description:
I have worked for over 20 years as a full time teacher and subsequently as a private tutor. I enjoy establishing a rapport with my students and guiding them through their journey to achieving academic success. In my free time I enjoy reading, walking and making jewellery.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 20 years teaching experience in both the public and private sector, as well as an online tutor. During my career I have been a member of the senior management team, maths coordinator and SEN coordinator for a number of years, which means that I have kept up to date with the developments in all areas of the curriculum.
I have in-depth understanding of progression in both maths and English, which enables me to successfully plan the next steps in their learning for each of my tutees.

Tutoring Approach:
Each child is different so my approach to tutoring depends on the child's needs and individual learning style. I assess each child and devise a learning plan to map out the steps to achieving their goal. At the end of every lesson I have a brief discussion with the parents about the material covered and the progress made in the lesson and suggest follow up activities they could use at home to reinforce the child's understanding. I use a range of age appropriate resources to support the students' learning and whenever possible computer based activities.

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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 UK qualified teacher with 20 years teaching experience. I graduated from Loughborough University with a BSc in Medicinal and Pharmaceutical Chemistry in 2003 and a year later completed my post graduate certificate in Education at the same university. I have taught in 3 secondary schools in Buckinghamshire and Derbyshire.

I currently teach all GCSE sciences as well as Year 12 and Year 13 A Level Chemistry at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School in Ashbourne, Derbyshire. I am a designated Advanced Skills Teacher; recognition of my outstanding classroom practice and the excellent results that this generates for the young people I teach. I work for the Cambridge International Exam Board, being an experienced marker of A Level chemistry. In 2024 the A-level classes I taught achieved on average a whole grade higher than other students studying AQA chemistry nationally, which put my results firmly in the outstanding category as measured by ALPS.

In person I am able to offer in-person tuition in and around the Derby, Ashbourne and Uttoxeter areas. I also offer remote learning via MS Teams.

I am currently taking on students for the academic year 2025-2026. My services are usually very popular so I would suggest booking in early to secure a slot.
I charge £50 per hour, regardless of whether this is in person or online. That fee also covers my preparation for each hour long session and my time spent reviewing a students mock exams, class tests etc. The first lesson is half price :-)

Having been a 6th Form tutor for over 10 years, I am also able to offer support and guidance regarding the UCAS process, and in particular the writing of UCAS personal statements and I am able to offer preparation for interviews, including mock interviews, for courses including dentistry, medicine, veterinary medicine and Oxbridge applications.
I am also able to tutor Maths, particularly those wanting help and support with the 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Year 7-9 Science, Year 9-11 GCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics and A Level Chemistry. I also teach BTEC Applied Science to Year 9-11 and Level 3 Applied Science to Year 12-13. I am equally at home delivering AQA and OCR specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to accurately asses the needs of the student, plan short activities to address those needs and re-assess to ensure the student has made progress. I am able to explain complex science in a way that makes it accessible for young people. Sessions mainly involve looking at past paper questions and working on exam technique. In my experience most students are able to understand the science involved in a particular question, but lose marks by not presenting their answers in a format that hits the required marking points. This is where students can be coached by myself and make the most progress in academic outcomes.

I am confident that I am able to forge positive working relationships with children and unlock their potential in the sciences. I am friendly, have a good sense of humour and English is my first language.

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Personal Description:
Welcome! A freelance tutor and singer, I give "Personal tuition in the right key". I can help you get the highest grades in exams, and study in the "key" that best suits you. Like the right song choices, I often inspire my students to succeed.

- Which subject(s) do you teach?

French, Spanish, Latin, Ancient Greek, English as a Foreign Language, Creative Writing, Singing, Oxbridge Interview preparation.

- Tell me about your qualifications.

Master of Studies in European Literature (Spanish) from Exeter College, Oxford University;
Master of Arts in Classics and Modern Languages (French) from New College, Oxford University;
PostGraduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status from the Department of Education, Oxford University;
Diploma de Español como Lengua Extranjera (Spanish Diploma) from Salamanca University, Spain;
Advanced Certificate in Careers Education and Guidance from Canterbury Christ Church College;
Certificate in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (Level 5, CELTA equivalent, 140 hours) from EDI and i-to-i Volunteering.
Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts ("Working for 21st century Enlightenment")

- Where do you teach?

I teach online via FaceTime and/or Skype from my home and at students' homes. I live in Abingdon, in Oxfordshire, in the UK, and am prepared to drive up to c30 miles from home if online lessons are not possible, to include nearby towns such as Oxford, Wantage, Bicester, Henley, Reading, Newbury, Thame, Wallingford, Marlow ... I teach pupils online anywhere in the world, latterly in UK towns such as Northampton, Cheltenham etc. and abroad in Hong Kong, Russia, Kazakhstan ...

- Describe your arrangements for online tutoring.

I use Skype or Apple FaceTime. The video feed can be switched off at my student's request, or if it degrades the sound quality. Tests and exercises are sent to the student and returned to me for marking by email.

Teaching Experience:
- What kind of experience do you have?

Two years teaching Scholarship Latin and Greek in a local prep school (Cothill House);
Previously spent 25 years in the classroom in independent and state schools in the UK, France and Peru, teaching all ages;
Sometime Head of three academic departments (one of which I founded at Abingdon School);
c10 years one-to-one private tuition to all ages, latterly often online or through local agencies.

- Do you have an up-to-date DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service, formerly CRB) Certificate?

Yes - fully listed on the DBS update site.

- Where and with whom did you train?

University of Oxford, New College and Exeter College;
University of Oxford Department of Education;
Salamanca University;
Christ Church College Canterbury;

- Do you belong to any professional organisations?

I am a member of the General Teaching Council, the Association for Language Learning, sometime Chair of the Oxford Education Society, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the Academy of St Cecilia.

Tutoring Approach:
"David has been tutoring our son via Skype for the last year, since his Spanish teacher said she did not want to put him in for GCSE Spanish as she thought he would fail. David has been marvellous with coaxing and coaching him and giving him confidence. Just the one to one attention has been hugely beneficial, and the bonus that "tech"� was involved, and that there was no time lost in driving to and from lessons has been a real godsend too. David is incredibly supportive and encouraging without being at all patronising, and really strikes the right balance to get the best out of his students. Can recommend unreservedly."
Mrs F, Gloucestershire,

"Our son has flourished under David's tutelage; the balance and content of homework and classwork has been very carefully gauged and enabled our son to progress rapidly, with great enthusiasm for his studies. The weekly reports David submits have been of immense value to us as parents trying to support our son's learning, as has the clear structuring, marking and regular review of work." Dr M. and Mr E.

"David has provided my daughter with an excellent grounding in Spanish prior to her starting the subject at school. He has guided her through the basics in a clear, thoughtful and well-informed way and has formed a very good relationship in which she has felt engaged, supported and motivated." Mrs W.

"My two children (ages 9 and 10) have progressed rapidly in their French learning with David. His lessons with them are focused and thorough, and his approach is patient and clear. He has great enthusiasm for languages and significant experience in teaching them, which show through in his lessons. My children both very much enjoy their lessons and are even happy to do the homework! David is also very helpful in working with us to find the best ways to support their learning between lessons. " Jenny T

"Dear David, Thank you so much for all your help and guidance when I applied for the Chaplaincy. It was good, too, to see you there when I went for interview" Revd. Michael P"

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Personal Description:
I am 49, married and a proud father of two lovely daughters. I enjoy keeping fit and have recently discovered running and the sense of achievement and pride one can get from it. I am an approachable person who enjoys the company of family and friends. I like to visit new places and try to make the most of what comes my way.

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified teacher with experience in teaching and preparing students for 11+ / entrance exams in English and Maths. With 20 years teaching experience, I have worked in both state and Independent school settings. I have prepared many children for their examinations in the schools I have taught at and individually through tutoring. All children are successful in attending their chosen school.

I currently enjoy teaching in an independent primary school setting from 4 - 11 year olds and have experience in teaching all subjects to a wide age range.

As well as specialising in preparing children for entrance exams and 11+ I have a masters level qualification in Special Educational Needs (SEN). I am genuinely passionate about helping those children with barriers to learning succeed, and to become happy and confident learners.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe fun, enjoyment and confidence are the key elements of learning. It is imperative to teach in a variety of ways and establish the best learning style for each individual pupil exploring Visual, Auditory and Kinaesthetic methods of learning. By 'doing' a learner learns and remembers. My initial training as a teacher has helped me to teach any subject effectively. Helping students overcome barriers to learning and making progress are the things I enjoy the most about teaching. I am genuinely passionate about my subjects and in seeing learners reach their potential. I too enjoy the challenge of mastering new things and embracing the notion that you never ever stop learning.

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Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaking tutor in the Westminster/Victoria area with a university degree in English Literature and Creative Writing.
I developed a love for reading at an early age, which eventually expanded to writing as well, and which led me to study English Literature and Creative Writing at university. I started off teaching English in Japan, but through a strange turn of events ended up in the Financial Industry, where I worked for over a decade. However, through the process of tutoring my own son, and then his classmates and friends, I re-discovered my passion for English, and teaching, and decided to pursue it as a career. It has been an incredibly rewarding experience so far, and I've enjoyed it every step of the way.

Teaching Experience:
I have in-depth experience teaching children composition, comprehension, verbal and non-verbal reasoning for 7/8+, 11/13+ and Common Entrance, and have helped a number of children get into schools such as Westminster, King's College Wimbledon, St Paul's and City of London.
In addition, I work with children already in these schools, and others - including top Grammar schools such as The Henrietta Barnett School and Queen Elizabeth - improve their overall English ability and performance.
I also teach GCSE English Language and Literature, and the SAT/ACT exams (US University Entrance), as well as Common Entrance History.

In the last year I helped children of a variety of ages get into the following schools:
- Westminster Under
- St Paul's School
- King's College School Wimbledon
- City of London boys
- Godolphin
- Alleyn's

Tutoring Approach:
I try to encourage a love of reading and writing in all of my students, both by making lessons enjoyable and by building their self-confidence. While English can sometimes seem a dry and boring subject, I believe it shouldn't be, and that any child can learn to enjoy it given the right approach. A large part of the enjoyment comes from children learning to stretch themselves beyond their existing boundaries, and learning to think in new and creative ways.

For this reason, I approach lessons with patience and humour, but most of all with the intention to help children push past what they think themselves capable of. I find that children usually respond well to this approach, and often develop and improve rapidly as a result.

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Personal Description:
Passionate about the 11plus. Experienced 11plus tutor, after teaching English in London for over 15 years. I hold a BA/LLB from an Australian University.

Teaching Experience:
Taught English in London for over 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an excellent teacher with the ability to explain things very clearly to my students so they can approach exams with confidence. & pass easily.

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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.'

*

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.'

*

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 knew early on, that I wanted to teach.

I have committed the last twenty years of my life to education working as a private teacher in a variety of schools and colleges - teaching an eclectic range of pupils; from special needs students to scholars to adults. I am particularly committed to building confidence and skills in pupils whom may not feel they fit the typical mould.
I am humbled and honoured to be listed as a "distinguished former pupil" of Carlos Bonell, Senior at The Royal College Of Music

Teaching Experience:
I'm current a Licensed teacher with Bexley Music Service and have taught at a variety of schools over a period of twenty years including; Eltham College, Bexley Grammar School and a variety of secondary and primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are relaxed, good humoured, but also highly informative with attention to detail, with each pupil's specific needs catered for.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am currently studying Medicine at university. Before then I undertook a gap year, where I spent the time tutoring students. I have managed to tutor students who were failing in their prelims, helping them to achieving an A in their final exam. I have also worked with students with Dyslexia. I enjoy teaching and helping other people with subjects that I myself really enjoyed doing. I primarily tutor English and entrance into medical school. I am friendly, patience and professional.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored many clients, friends and family and I myself have undergone many years of tutoring. I have also volunteered in classrooms, where I've helped students with their work. Furthermore, I am also part of the charity organisation, where I mentor students applying to Medicine. I believe that everyone learns differently and I strive to find the best teaching methods for everyone.

Tutoring Approach:
Throughout the years, I have made many resources and learnt different ways to effectively approach coursework and exams. I will make sure that my clients are thoroughly informed on the structure and marking requirements for each exam question. I will also provide a wide range of resources to my tutees. I will share my valuable knowledge, tips and tricks during the tutoring sessions; ensuring that all my students reach their own potentials.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'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.

Subjects