Llandudno Entrance Exams Tutors and Llandudno Entrance Exams Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher having been awarded a PGCE from the University of Cambridge. I also have a First Class Bachelors degree. I previously taught at Queen's College Preparatory School, London and now teach online for Eton College. I am a member of the professional body for tutors.

I have four young children of my own and enjoy working with children and helping them to become interested in and succeed in school work. All of my children attend UK independent schools and I have extensive experience in this sector.

I have helped students prepare for and succeed in gaining entry to top UK selective schools at 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+. I have also successfully helped students obtain full academic scholarships to several independent schools as well as helping those secure a place who find exams difficult. All lessons are online via Zoom.

Teaching Experience:
Qualified from the University of Cambridge with a PGCE. I taught for two years at Queen's College Preparatory School, London before starting private tuition. I have been tutoring for 15 years in English, Maths, Science, Reasoning and Interview Skills. Further private tutoring for 4+, 7+, 11+ and 13+ School Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams, Common Entrance Exams and the ISEB pre-test. I also provide guidance on school selection and have written a guide to the top independent schools in the UK and their admissions processes. It is never too early to start preparation for competitive school entrance exams and many students prepare for several years.

Tutoring Approach:
Tailor made approach for each individual suited to help students get the best grade possible in exams. Homework is given after each lesson and feedback is provided to parents. My students have several online learning tools that they can use. One is very similar to the ISEB pre-test and another is an online reading platform where thousands of books can be read along with comprehension, spelling and vocabulary questions.

I teach online using Zoom and have helped UK and international students prepare for entrance exams to selective schools such as Eton, Harrow, Radley, Wycombe Abbey, Westminster, King's College School, Magdalen, Guildford High School, St Paul's, Downe House, Winchester, Brighton College, Sevenoaks, Tonbridge, City of London, Hampton, Concord College, North London Collegiate, The Perse, St Edward's, Charterhouse, Marlborough and Cheltenham Ladies' College. I regularly use WeChat and WhatsApp to communicate with parents that are overseas so I can be easily contacted. I have extensive experience teaching children from all over the world who do not have English as a first language. I have taught children in China, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, The USA, The UK, Malaysia, India, Indonesia, Dubai, The Seychelles and The Maldives.

Subjects

Personal Description:
With nearly 15 years of online and in-person tutoring French Common Entrance/13+, Westminster Challenge, Winchester entrance, GCSE, IGCSE, A-level, Pre-U, and SAT, I`m a 50-year old graduate of the excellent University of Sussex languages course with a First Class Honours degree in French and Russian. I lived for four years in Paris where I mastered the language and the accent!

I have also acted in plays in French, taking on the role of Alphonse in a production of The School for Wives, and touring to schools abroad to perform in front of students learning French elsewhere in Europe.

I like to stay abreast of French culture and society, read Le Figaro everyday, and regularly watch French TV news and discussion shows.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored students at all levels, from 13+ entrance exams, including the Westminster Challenge, to most UK exam boards at GCSE, IGCSE and A-level, and I have also helped prepare students for their SAT in French and the DELF exam. I've taught adults who are complete beginners, or have some vague memories of what they learned at school, as well as helping several students gain entry to Westminster School via their Challenge exam

Since the switch to mostly online teaching, I have become an expert in making the most of the resources available, particularly the collaborative tools provided by Google, among others, which are particularly good for working on exercises and explaining grammar in a clear, helpful way.

Successes from the last (2019-20) academic year included: an two As at A-level, and two 9s at IGCSE, as well as entrance to Winchester College via their own exam.

For A-level students, I have already taught Camus's L'Etranger, Françoise Sagan's Bonjour Tristesse, Joseph Joffo's Un Sac de Billes, and Zola's Thérèse Raquin, and am very familiar with all the other set texts. Au Revoir Les Enfants, Intouchables, Entre Les Murs (The Class) and La Haine are the films I am best acquainted with from a teaching point of view.

Here are some comments from a few previous students - originals available on request.

'We could not have asked for a better result - A*s! He got full marks for the reading paper. Thanks so much for all your help, and patience.' - Margaret (parent of home-schooled GCSE student)

'Henry won a scholarship to Westminster. Exactly what he was aiming for." (Leslie, student's mother)

`Thank you so much for all your patient hard work - you taught her exactly the right stuff and there is no way she could have done it without you! I really didn`t think it was possible to teach the whole year 7 curriculum in a week but somehow you managed it. Tiffin Girls is one of the top state schools in the country and rather competitive. Chatting to the other parents outside the exam, most of the competitors went to good independents or had been tutored over a long period of time. You really knew not only what to teach but how to teach it, which shows you have exceptional skills.` - Anoushka (pupil`s mother)

`Just thought I should let you know I got an A! Thanks for all your help` - Helena (A-level student)

'I ended up with an "A"... thanks for all your help, both my spoken papers improved, over my previous efforts.' - Philip, mature student sitting AS and A2 French

Tutoring Approach:
It is important to tailor lessons specifically to a student's needs, but my general method is to engage him or her at a level just above their 'comfort zone'. Learning is about challenging yourself to do better, and it is crucial for a tutor to be supportive and encouraging, and also to keep the bar high.

Lessons can be conducted entirely in French, or in a mixture of English and French. I can work alongside a student's existing course (that is, from a textbook a student is already following), or we can use course books that I recommend.

Where the level allows, I like to draw upon material from contemporary sources such as French news magazines.

For "conversation classes", I find it is useful to base the discussion on an article or a book to help build vocabulary, and also think that incorporating grammar instruction (where appropriate) can be a good idea.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a 34 year-old prize-winning Masters graduate in Mathematics from Oxford University, and I also hold Top Candidate Notifications for my performances in A-level maths and further maths, and another such notification for my performance in GCSE Statistics. I am in my eleventh year of tutoring full-time and registering interest for the next academic year 20/21.

I offer tuition in mathematics at each of the following levels: KS3/GCSE/AS/A2/AEA/MAT/Oxbridge Interview Practice/STEP. I have a CRB Enhanced Disclosure.

Teaching Experience:
I have ten full years experience as a full-time private tutor. My role addresses the pitfalls of a mainstream education by truly individualising it, and is perfected through thousands of hours of experience of striving to achieve precisely that. My thirst for knowledge has allowed me to develop a true understanding of mathematical concepts: I have frequently played the role of the consultant throughout my mathematical career, have been able to help my peers and students avoid the pitfalls usually associated with difficult ideas and am able to explain things from numerous angles.

Tutoring Approach:
Traversing the mathematical landscape is an art; it can be a very uncomfortable environment for some. I find it so important to make my students feel at ease and to find confidence in their maths and so important to be friendly and patient. I am not a suited, booted assessor, nor old-school, to be frank! The feedback I've received indicates that I am very successful in creating a supportive atmosphere that encourages discussion, openness and good effort.

As well as engaging with students in this manner, my aim as a maths tutor is to get my students to 'think mathematically'; to uncover the inherent simplicity in methods and concepts and to truly understand what is being worked with. It is my business to focus thought, prevent confusion and stimulate the development of good ideas. I employ illuminating explanations and navigate sticking points, and as a result maths should be considerably easier to handle under my guidance.

As well as offering support for those with difficulties or specific grade aspirations at standard levels, I can also challenge the very able as intensely as they could hope for, introducing them to the mindset, rigour and practise required for the more challenging AEA and STEP papers. At university I was lucky enough to find myself one to whom others turned with maths troubles: I have been depended on to explain advanced maths effectively for years. I am sure this accounts for two more areas of particularly positive feedback I've received as a tutor: in explaining concepts and in effectively dealing with problems as they arise.

I provide tuition either at my home in central Cheltenham, or at the homes of students within a 30-mile radius of it (dependent on particular location).

I am here to provide a complete teaching experience that in addition to ironing out difficulties and providing excellent exam preparation as matter of course, at no extra effort on the part of the student introduces them to the thought processes and insights of the professional mathematician. I have the STRONGEST sense of duty of care to my students and want every one who I work with to exceed their own expectations and the expectations of others and to walk away feeling truly proud of their achievements.

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Personal Description:
I am a bubbly, outgoing person who loves teaching.
I was made redundant from my role on the Crime and Disorder Partnership where I was challenged to proactively tackle crime in the area.
I then decided to persue my career as a private tutor and teacher, having done it as a hobby for 3 years and found I have a passion for this field, this is now my sixth year of tutoring and have had lots of successes and am proud of all my tutees; past and present.
I can sometimes travel to you if required but prefer if I can tutor from my home.
I am available evenings and daytime and will allow single lessons or block bookings.

Teaching Experience:
I currently teach maths in a secondary school and previously taught functional skills IT to level 1 and 2
I have 2 years experience in the Public Sector working with young people and adults tackling crime and disorder through engagement and educational projects.
I have previously tutored many children to GCSE Maths and can provide references if required

Tutoring Approach:
I treat each child as an individual and relish the challenge of helping each boy or girl achieve their targets. I have an excellent rapport with children and all those I teach feel that I am very approachable, easy to talk to, kind and caring. I try to make learning fun.
I can provide one off sessions to tackle problem areas or intense revision help.

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Personal Description:
I have a degree in Modern Languages from Oxford University and have also trained to teach English as a Foreign Language. Having done a variety of jobs over the years I currently work part-time as a private tutor of Italian, French and English as a Foreign Language. I also offer entrance exam preparation in literacy, verbal reasoning and non-verbal reasoning for children seeking entrance to selective secondary schools.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a Foreign Language abroad and, more recently, at Keele University for 2 years.
I have taught Italian both at FE college and privately. I now focus on private lessons, offering Italian, French and EFL. I have supported a large number of students through a range of exams including GCSEs and IELTS.
I am also an experienced 11+ tutor, tailoring tuition both to the individual needs of students and the requirements of a range of local selective schools, including St Joseph's, Newcastle High, Newport Grammar, Adams Grammar and Denstone.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly and enthusiastic tutor who aims to create a warm and supportive environment for students.
I usually begin with a discussion about the student's needs and aims, and then, if appropriate, carry out a diagnostic test. Tuition is then tailored to each student's requirements.
I usually ask students to buy at least one coursebook (for the 11+ there may be several), and I also provide homework between sessions.

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Personal Description:
I am a well qualified and experienced Primary School and EFL teacher. I have a wide range of experience in teaching students from the age of 5 through to adults. I graduated from Warwick University with a degree in Ancient History and Archaeology followed by a Primary School PGCE from the University of Roehampton and a Masters in Education from the University of Bath.

I am able to build strong relationships with my tutees in order to raise their confidence and attainment levels. I ensure that my lessons are interactive, enjoyable and meaningful to allow students to reach their potential whilst having fun.

I am able to hold tutoring sessions in my classroom in Farnborough or online via Zoom.

I love to travel and have relished the great opportunities of teaching in Spain, Thailand and the Czech Republic. I also enjoy adventures with my three young sons, cycling, camping, swimming, music, drawing and reading.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a Primary School teacher (state and independent) for over 20 years in the UK and at International Schools abroad. I have also had the pleasure of tutoring a variety of students and helping them to achieve excellent results in SATs tests, entrance exams and 11+ or providing them with that bit of extra help and confidence needed to succeed in the classroom. In addition I have worked with students from across the globe, helping them to improve their English language and communication skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different, not only in terms of their needs but also in terms of their learning style. I believe it is necessary to set up a clear learning programme to establish goals and targets that can be ticked off and celebrated to ensure that both confidence and attainment are improved. I am patient and supportive and try to include fun activities in each session to ensure that students enjoy their learning and strive to achieve their best. Through assessing each student's starting point and the progress they make I am able to adapt learning programmes and set appropriate challenges depending on the needs of the individual.

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Personal Description:
My name is Lenka and I am an experienced and qualified language teacher. I am passionate about languages and I love teaching. I have traveled a lot and lived in different countries. I studied Spanish and French literature at an Italian university and lived in Spain where I studied Spanish language, culture and journalism. I qualified as a secondary language teacher at Lancaster University and worked as a teacher in the independent sector for 7 years. I am a native Czech speaker. I am currently working as a freelance tutor for a language agency as well as teaching private students. At the moment I am available during the weekends and Monday and Friday afternoons. I tutor in Seaford and surrounding areas.

Teaching Experience:
• tutor in a language school teaching all year groups and individuals
• teacher in two comprehensive schools teaching KS3, KS4 and Sixth Form
• language teacher in an independent boarding school (13-18) teaching Spanish, French and Italian at GCSE and A-level
• tutor in adult education
• vast experience with private language tutoring

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching philosophy is that a thorough knowledge of grammar as well as the ability to communicate is essential for learning a language successfully. I advocate a communicative approach and I teach in a relaxing atmosphere so that my students feel at ease and not afraid of communicating in a foreign language and at the same time they can learn by assessing their own mistakes.

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Personal Description:
I am a Cambridge University educated, fully-qualified teacher. I am available to tutor in English, French, Spanish, Italian and EFL. I tutor all levels from KS2 upwards and I am also an experienced 11 plus and Entrance Exams tutor. I also tutor at KS3, KS4 and KS5 and for all the main exam boards at G.C.S.E, I.G.C.S.E and A'Level. In addition, I currently deliver online tuition to students, many of whom I prepare for the academically selective school admission process. I also deliver EAL and exam tuition to Chinese students who are preparing for Entrance Examinations and support those already at independent schools in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have many years of teaching experience, having started out as an EFL teacher before gaining my P.G.C.E. After graduating, I also spent time tutoring in London and often received requests to travel with international clients to continue tuition. I hold UK Qualified Teacher Status [QTS] and have taught Modern Foreign Languages at Secondary School. In addition, I have taught Adult Education Language Courses for East Riding Council.
I also run regular group courses in French, Spanish and Italian for Adult Learners. In addition, I run small Literacy support groups to help students improve their reading, grammar, spelling and punctuation. I also tutor student teachers for the QTS Literacy Skills Test and have achieved passes for students who had failed the test on previous attempts.I also continue to teach English as a Foreign Language and have taught students from all over the world from Russia to Japan and India. For example, I have successfully prepared UK and Chinese students for interviews and examinations at the following schools: Cheltenham Ladies' College; Badminton School; Queen Anne's School; Roedean School; Bruton School; Bromsgrove School; The King's School Canterbury; Woldingham; Godolphin; Queen Ethelburga's; Ashdown House Prep; Queen Elizabeth's, Barnet; Dame Alice Owen's; Sevenoaks; Latymer.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor my approach is patient and flexible. The learner is at the heart of what I do and my aim is for all students to make rapid progress but also to enjoy their learning. As a result I enjoy planning varied and engaging lessons which are tailor-made for my students. I strongly believe that one-to-one and small group tuition can deliver real results for all types of learners due to the focus on individual learning needs and styles.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor specialising in maths, science and entrance exam tuition. For over 10 years I have helped my students achieve their goals. Whether it's pushing for the top grades for your university course or getting that all important GCSE pass to access your dream college course, I will equip you with the knowledge and techniques you need to succeed.

I know what it takes to get the top grades, having achieved a clean sweep of A*s at GCSE myself. I continued my education journey studying Maths, Biology and Chemistry A level at The Blue Coat School Liverpool, before graduating from the University of York with a BSc (Hons) Chemistry.

Fast forwarding to today, I am a leader in education policy with a deep and broad understanding of the UK education system. But just as important as my "day job", I am fortunate to still do what I love - helping students achieve their goals through my one to one and group tuition sessions.

Teaching Experience:
I began tutoring over 10 years ago, initially focussing on 11+ entrance exam tuition, but later diversifying to cover GCSE maths and science, and then A level Maths, Biology and Chemistry Tuition.

I have helped many primary school students pass entrance exams to get into the top grammar and private schools in the country, and in many cases continued to support their Maths and English development to help them get ready for secondary school.

For secondary school students, I have provided support to students across each of the key stages, each with different goals. In the earlier years, I have coached my students across maths and science to make sure they are on top of the course content. The difference made by offering a recap to content covered in school is really quite astounding, with my younger students excelling in end of topic tests and avoiding the dreaded homework struggles for that topic they just didn't quite grasp the first time.

At GCSE, I have supported my students both in getting across the pass line, and pushing students sitting on a Grade 7 in class to a Grade 9 come GCSE results day. In all cases, I am experienced in identifying areas of weakness, making sure my students have the fundamentals to understand the topic, before drilling exam questions and considering from all different angles.

Nothing is more rewarding than coaching my A level students to get the grades for the course of their dreams. I have been fortunate enough to help many students on their journey, with former students reaching the grades they need to study courses including medicine, veterinary science, biology, chemistry and biochemistry.

Tutoring Approach:
It's all about the foundations. When students start lessons with me, I find even the brightest students almost always have gaps in basic knowledge. Often these are not picked up at school, masked by exam technique or being good at past papers. However, when the real exam comes round, only a mastery of the foundations of each topic will allow students to access the highest-grade questions.

In our first lesson together, we will speak through your goals - is it getting into a grammar school? Passing your GCSE Maths? Getting an A in Chemistry A level? Whatever the goal, I will then talk you through what is needed to get there. And to be upfront, that will mean work outside lessons as well which I will help guide you through. We will then speak through your progress so far - recent test scores, topics you're struggling with, revision habits - and I will use this to build up your bespoke programme for our lessons.

In our lessons I will then focus on mending the foundations of each topic. This is achieved through a combination of explanations, focussed practice and past exam questions. Before we move on to a new topic, my students should be able to explain the concept back to me in detail, ensuring all the needed content is covered.

When explaining a topic, I will ask LOTS of questions to make sure learning is active throughout. For example:

A proton has a positive charge, neutron neutral charge, and electron negative charge. Now tell me what charge a proton has.

This type of questioning is critical and is really the difference between learning in lessons at school compared to one to one or small group tuition. Making sure my students have a comprehensive understanding of each topic is critical to success.

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Personal Description:
I want to motivate and empower my pupils to help them become the best that they can be. After five years working in various financial analysis roles across London, I have spent the last two years working for myself as a consultant for charities, Escape Room owners and creative entrepreneurs and as a tutor as well. I enjoy any opportunities to help others achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring University students and adults in business subjects and Microsoft Excel for the past four years whilst working in Finance. Prior experience has also included children of ages 5-12 in groups and 1-1 tutoring at ages: 5-8 (for Maths and English) and 10 (for 11+ exams). Over the past few years, I have been tutoring my current tutee in English and Maths, first at primary school level and now beginning preparations for GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my tuition largely to the needs of the student, depending on their requirements and working style. However, my preferred method is to split each session into covering material being learned at school and taking short practice tests to assess weak areas and revise for exams. While tutoring to any required curricula I will also try to instil the love of a subject into a student by guiding them to other fascinating areas of the subject and discovering areas of interests to support the subject's framework.

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Personal Description:
I am a proactive, dedicated teacher hailing from Montpellier, southern France, with a passion for teaching. Based in the UK, I have worked across 3 continents in a variety of education institutions and universities in the last few years, and have always enjoyed making a difference in the learning experience of my students and tutees.

I completed a PhD in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths, University of London, in 2018, and became an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (now Advance HE). I have gained relevant teaching skills, valuable insights and a solid experience in the UK and abroad both during and after my doctoral programme, and currently teach French language in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

I am involved in scholarship and have a huge academic interest in American and comparative literature. My research portfolio contains a dozen publications in peer-reviewed outlets, including Academia Letters, The European Journal of American Culture and The Literary Encyclopedia, and a research monograph about two writers from the Beat generation - Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg - published by Peter Lang in May 2022, which has been nominated this year for a BSA Book Award. I am currently working on a research project with Cambridge University Press on the Beat poet Allen Ginsberg.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in a variety of high schools and higher education institutions, both in the UK and abroad, since 2009.
I taught as French Instructor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, USA, for 6 months, and as a French Language Assistant at Dunraven School and at Greenford High School in London (1 year in each).
I went on the work as an Associate Lecturer in the Department of English and Comparative Literature at Goldsmiths for 3 years, and as a Pre-Sessional Lecturer at the University of Southampton in the Academic Centre for International Students.
I also taught as an Assistant Professor in English at Istanbul Kültür University in Turkey for 18 months, and currently teach French in the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Warwick.

Tutoring Approach:
I view tutoring as a means to empower learners and facilitate knowledge acquisition. The student-centred approach with which I work is tailored to the specific needs of each individual learner - an approach I have used in my 1-2-1 private tuition for over 10 years, and in the different teaching appointments I have held so far as a French Language Assistant and as a university lecturer.
This personalised approach is forged with respect to the uniqueness of each individual profile and learning style, increasing the opportunity for success. My aim is not only to fulfil the learner's scholarly potential; it is also to foster his or her confidence in the language over the longer term by creating an awareness of its greater cultural significance.

I cater for all levels and needs, from A1 to C2 and from Y1 to Sixth Form and beyond, and have worked with children, teenagers, young adults and professionals. Over the years, I have achieved a good grasp of the educational challenges that students face in the UK at various stages of the curriculum. I have worked with various exam boards and am familiar with the current requirements of the GCSE, A-Level, I-GCSE, I-B as well as private school entrance exams.

Owing to my academic background, I am also very keen on developing an awareness of study skills and critical thinking in higher education.

The tuition is delivered either face-to-face, or via Zoom or any other online platform such as MS Teams or Skype. After listening to the learner's needs, which can be discussed through e-mail or on the phone, the tuition will start with an assessment of the learner's linguistic skills, which will enable me to identify a series of specific learning objectives and create an individualised road map towards the achievement of these objectives.

This road map will constitute our programme, and each tuition will cover a part of it. The sessions, based on dynamic exchange, will involve a series of engaging materials and resources carefully selected to meet the learning objectives. These materials, which include videoclips, podcasts, literary texts, translations, news articles, practice sheets or former exam papers, can also be edited or designed from scratch (such as homework or exercise sheets for example), in order to concentrate on a specific point, embed newly-won knowledge.

My private tuition in French covers all language skills, whether it is writing, listening, speaking through thematic conversation with a native speaker, building an ability to read texts in the target language with various degrees of complexity, or developing French cultural awareness - beyond the stereotypical.

A high level of service is maintained throughout the tuition delivery programme, and careful attention is given to the learning experience, which remains my top priority.

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Personal Description:
I am happy to offer you English, French, Spanish and Russian lessons tailored to your needs.

I am a qualified teacher with 13 years` experience in Moscow, Paris and London.
I graduated from Moscow Pedagogical State University and Pushkin Institute. I hold a Master of Education (distinction). Additionally, I passed the CELTA in Paris and acquired a further DELTA qualification.

I am bilingual in English and Russian and fluent in French and Spanish, so I have always been a part of improving children's cognitive development and helped navigate three different worlds as a majority of my students have been more or less exposed to two or three cultures simultaneously.

I am a well-organised strong classroom performer who is able to effectively communicate with students from diverse backgrounds, varying degrees of ability and ages. Teaching groups and one to one teaching is equally rewarding. However, this is the latter one that gives you an amazing possibility to tailor the session towards the needs, level and capability of a student.

By using my enthusiasm felt by learners and readiness to experiment, I can maintain a positive climate where students can reach their full potential.
As an inspirational teacher with high personal standards, I am committed to the learning and development of my students. I have high expectations of both myself and my students, and show an interest in every student as an individual.

I feel that my greatest strengths are my ability to inspire love of languages in students, to motivate them in developing a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.


I work with students of different levels (Beginner, Elementary, Pre-intermediate, Intermediate, Upper-Intermediate, Advanced) and age groups (preschool children, schoolchildren, students, adults).

I also prepare students for Cambridge (Starters, Movers, Flyers, KET, PET, FCE, IELTS/TOEFL)
Oxford (SELT) exams,
TOEFL,
GESE (Trinity),
IELTS Academic, General training, Life skills
GCSE in French, Spanish and Russian,
TRKI in Russian.

Teaching Experience:
Welcome Language School - Moscow
ENGLISH & FRENCH TEACHER 2008-2010

PRIVATE ENGLISH, FRENCH, SPANISH & RUSSIAN TUTOR 2010 - present

Duties:
• Giving one-to-one tuition in English, French, Spanish and Russian and offering
personalised lessons, tailored to students' needs.
• Teaching Russian as a first and foreign language.
• Planning and teaching a high quality academic programme.
• Teaching different aspects of the language: vocabulary, phonetics,
grammar.
• Teaching students how to work with text as well as specifically reading,
writing, listening and speaking.
• Preparing handouts, presentations and other forms of material to help
students learn, remember and use vocabulary in speech correctly.
• Teaching grammar through conversation.
• Preparing students for examinations, such as GCSE in Russian, Spanish and French, TRKI in Russian, IELTS, TOEFL, GESE.

Lyceum "Arc-XXI" (private school) - Moscow
RUSSIAN & ENGLISH TEACHER 2010-2012
International English School (private school) - Moscow

ENGLISH & FRENCH TEACHER 2012-2016

Duties:
• Teaching Russian, English and French to mixed-level classes.
• Tailoring teaching methods to suit the needs of individual students.
• Teaching Listening, Writing, Speaking and Reading skills.
• Helping students to improve their conversational and vocabulary skills.
• Preparing and performing short plays during class-time.
• Preparing course material and creative handouts.
• Teaching with project-based learning.
• Marking students' work, giving appropriate feedback to students and
encouraging them to ask questions and express their difficulties.
• Arranging motivating homework for students.
• Devising and writing new curriculum materials.
• Taking schoolchildren on educational trips to London as a group leader.
• Organising school events for British Holidays.
• Jurying scientific conferences.
• Preparing students for examinations, such as SELT, Cambridge English:
Young Learners, KET,PET, FCE, IELTS, DELF/DALF, The Unified State
Exam (ЕГЭ, ОГЭ) and administrating examinations.
• Teaching students who have experienced difficulty with mainstream
education.

Frances King School of English - London
EFL TEACHER SUMMER TEENAGER PROGRAMME 2017, 2018

Regent London - London 2018

Speak Up London - London 2018 - present
EFL TEACHER

Duties:
• Planning and teaching a high quality academic programme.
• Providing students with an exciting and stimulating experience of
London, supervising students during activities in the afternoon.
• Teaching different age groups and making lessons as
alive and interesting as possible.

International House - London 2019 - present
RUSSIAN & FRENCH TEACHER

Duties:
• Teaching the languages to groups of adults.
• Arranging motivating and engaging activities for students.
• Teaching grammar through conversation.
• Teaching the languages through culture.
• Developing own syllabus.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer teaching language through culture, teaching with project-based learning. The most important duties are those of
✓helping students to improve their conversational and vocabulary skills,
✓arranging interesting homework for students,
✓teaching grammar through conversation,
✓giving appropriate feedback
✓encouraging them to ask questions and to express their difficulties,
✓preparing students for external examinations,
✓keeping up to date with development in the world of teaching.

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Personal Description:
I'm an enthusiastic and patient teacher who enjoys getting to know new people and help them achieving their goals. I have got several years of experience in teaching on various levels and I find the whole process of language learning equally fascinating and motivating. It's a great pleasure to see my students reach their goals and find joy in learning something new and being able to communicate in a second language.

• Qualifications: B.A. History and English (2013)
• M.A. Teacher training - Teaching English as a Foreign Language, History (2017)
• CELTA Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (2017)
• History, English (A Levels equivalent) (2009)

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching English on a 1-1 basis 6 years ago during my university studies. In the last 6 years, I have managed to gain experience on many different levels of the education system. I taught classes in secondary schools, worked with adults in language schools and most recently on university preparation courses. I've been lucky enough to work with people from all over the world, from many age groups (13-60) and all the different levels starting from complete beginner to advanced (A1 - C1).

Classes taught:

- General English
- Business English
- Exam preparation (FCE, IELTS, ELPT, TOEIC)
- Academic English

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly and most importantly, I believe in the step-by-step approach which means that I understand that we need time to build knowledge, therefore, patience and understanding are key parts of my teaching.

I also believe that we are all different, so I put a lot of emphasis on getting to know my students' individual needs and attributes so I can tailor the classes according to these. I consider my students as partners in the work together and I like to call it "learning together".

Last but not least, I think it's important to set clear goals, have a personalised approach and a friendly atmosphere during the classes combined with continuous feedback.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading

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

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

Writing

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

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

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

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

Why study English?

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I 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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Vicki and I am a fully qualified primary school teacher with over 12 years experience teaching across key stage one and two in Lincolnshire schools. I hold QTS and an enhanced DBS certificate.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I have been a literacy specialist and tutor for 11+ entrance exams. I have taught whole classes, intervention groups and tutored on a 1:1 basis.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is the perfect opportunity for me to get the most from your child, Working one to one gives me the privilege of being able to tailor and personalise my tutorials to your child's learning style and ability. I am able to assess for next steps in learning in a way that the classroom environment often does not allow and I can develop your child's confidence where it really matters and challenge and extend where needed.

Currently, due to Covid restrictions I am tutoring through Zoom and Bitpaper.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Having gotten straight A stars at GCSE and A-levels I definitely know the best way to revise and study to achieve the best grades. I am a medical student in the UK and I currently am part of 3 tutoring companies which are all reputable companies which allow me to gain sufficient experience. I am a caring, compassionate and knowledgeable tutor to all my students and have been tutoring for the last couple of years, I feel teetering is a way for myself to connect with students at a level to help them reach their academic goals. I am a fun person and a self disciplined tutor that can also teach your child to fall in love with academics and push them to their limits in their academic work.

Teaching Experience:
I have ample amounts of teaching experience starting from teaching at my local tuition centre when I was in year 12, I then decided in university to start teaching online and have been teaching for about almost a year at a number of different tutoring agencies and teacher in companies I teach a load of different subjects from stem subjects such as Biology, chemistry, physics, English and maths. In these tutoring agencies I teach a range of kids from age 13 to 18 from academic subjects to entrance exam preparation for medical school in the entrance exams and the interviews.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teetering is a very a structured but relaxed way to ensure the child is comfortable enough with the teaching and a lesson. I first try to examine the student and get a sense of what their strengths and weaknesses are in a particular subject or ask them what they are struggling with in school. Then I tried to get as many resources and lessons to be able to teach them in a way and explain in a way that they can understand using diagrams pictures and any other resources. Finally I think this is the most crucial part of learning is practice questions whether it be the entrance exams or subjects I will give them past paper questions for them to work on.

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic and hardworking private tutor, currently studying Engineering at St John's College Oxford, tutoring during the holidays and term time. I'm offering tutoring for the PAT entrance test and advice for Oxford admissions, as well as lessons in Further Maths, Physics and Chemistry up to A-Level, in person (in Cambridge) or online.

Teaching Experience:
I've gained 6 months experience tutoring students up to A-level, both independently and as part of the tutoring agency UK Study Centre. I'm providing guidance and support for Oxford admissions, specifically for subjects requiring the PAT entrance exam, including personal statement writing, interview and exam preparation. I've achieved top grades in 12 GCSEs and 4 A-levels, giving me experience in converting understanding and exam technique into results in exam situations. I've been awarded a scholarship at Oxford in 1st year, which has required a diligent work ethic and thorough preparation for deadlines, skills that help me to provide well planned and entertaining lessons for students.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to provide an interactive and engaging learning experience, and be flexible with lesson content and resources suited to your needs and expectations. I strive to teach through underlying concepts and understanding, producing a genuine interest in the subject matter. I combine this with a focus on good exam technique and practice to help you achieve the results you want.

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