Merthyr Tydfil Entrance Exams Tutors and Merthyr Tydfil 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 am a professionally trained actor. I have written for numerous publications, with stories and poems published regularly. I am confident with public speaking, since I have been performing in diverse venues for nearly 10 years. I have an MA in Acting and an MA in Theatre & Performance Studies. I have professional training in elocution, pronunciation as well as accent and dialect work.

I am a keen footballer, and believe in the importance of keeping fit and eating healthily. I also love travel, gardening, fixing computers and watching and critiquing films and theatre.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as a private Tutor since 2007, and am a member of a number of private tutoring companies. I have tutored in English Language, English Literature, Speech, Drama, Acting, Philosophy, Entrance Exams, and most primary subjects. I have tutored Students from all ages and abilities; including adults and teenagers, as well as younger pupils, and pupils with learning difficulties

From Aug 2009 to May 2010 I was a Learning Support Assistant, DeBeauvoir School, Hackney, London.

Main duties included ensuring that students with learning difficulties are both kept up to speed with the general classroom environment, and that this does not disrupt the other students.

Other duties include:
- To provide full time academic and pastoral support to individual learners with learning difficulties, and/or behavioural and social problems.
- To provide academic and pastoral support to all other learners when required.
- To encourage learners to pursue further academic or vocational education.
- To provide behavioural support in class and to teaching staff at all times.

July 2009 - August 2009 I was SEN Assistant at Kentish Town CE School, London

Main duties include ensuring that students with physical and/or cognitive complications are given the extra support they require within the general classroom environment, and that this does not disrupt the other students.

Jan 2009 - June 2009 I was a Cover Supervisor, Neat Education & Select Education, Sheffield

Responsibilities are that of a Supply Teacher, being responsible for the learning and conduct of a whole class of students. Maintaining discipline and focus as well as being at all times a strong leader and role model were essential at all times.

Other duties include:
- Academic and pastoral support to all other learners when required.
- Monitoring attendance of learners and set appropriate targets.
- Invigilating examinations and mark work.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that Tutoring is first about personal connection. Any learning can only be achieved given a certain level of trust, which must be established in order to create a solid platform from which further learning can then flourish. Younger students are most open to absorbing information and should have the chance to take academic information and guidance from a range of people. This enhances the educational experiences and broadens the horizons of a student.

Having myself struggled with poor teachers, or unwieldy subject matter, I know that, with the right teachers, such areas can come alive. More clinical approaches to tutoring further separate students from the learning process. Having experienced one-to-one tuition myself, I have seen the many positives and potential pitfalls the system can bring. These experiences galvanize me and help me in my own tutoring. I relish taking what I have learnt, and the exciting methods by which I have learnt it, and passing that on to other students.

Regardless of the level taught, it is impossible to make real progress unless the student first has engagement and interest in the subject. I see my task as tutor as a process of invigorating the material for those studying.

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Personal Description:
I graduated from the University of Oxford in 2011 with a degree in Experimental Psychology, and received a Masters in 2015. I have been tutoring for over 10 years, and run a company focused on inspiring students to reach their potential through study techniques based on neuroscientific evidence. This involves delivering interactive workshops for students in schools and colleges across London, as well as through ebooks and other online resources I have created!

I love teaching and thrive on the satisfaction of helping a student reach their goal; I welcome students of all abilities, motivation levels and confidence levels. What sets me apart from most is that as well as tutoring my students, I take the role of a mentor, to motivate, encourage and guide them towards success. My students also benefit from my knowledge of study skill techniques, which I integrate into my teaching to maximise students' memory retention.

For students applying for Oxbridge, I am able to provide valuable advice on interview techniques and personal statements, as well as provide contacts to graduates from Oxford University from a range of subjects. I am also able to tutor students for entrance exams e.g. 11+.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored extensively for 10 years at Primary, GCSE, A-level, and Degree level with excellent results. I have had students move up by up to 4 grade boundaries at both GCSE and A Level; for the 11+ I have helped students secure places (including scholarships) at excellent institutions such as Dulwich College. At degree level, my Psychology students have achieved 1sts and 2:1s. I am happy to provide references on request!

Tutoring Approach:
My first step is always to assess exactly where my student is at so that I can plan the content for sessions accordingly and make sure that they get the best out of each lesson. If there are any gaps in the foundations of their knowledge we can then attack these head on. My approach is thus very organised and tailored to the specific needs of the student, with small goals set per session alongside a long term goal to work towards. I always ensure that my lessons are engaging, and work towards building a good relationship with my students, encouraging them to ask questions without any hesitation. I adapt my approach depending on my students' learning style as I feel this is the key to successful teaching.

At GCSE and A Level, my aim is always to make sure that students are completely familiar with the subject specification and assessment objectives as this dictates exactly where they can pick up most marks. Completing as many past papers as possible is also a step in the right direction, alongside completing assignments set by myself. I always give very detailed feedback so that my students know exactly where they can improve, and how to apply it to their work going forward.

My approach for students studying Psychology at degree level depends on what is required. Most students require guidance with essays, reports, dissertations and write ups; I usually go through the assignment with the student giving valuable, detailed feedback on what can be improved and exactly how they can go about doing so. This can involve several redrafts until the work has been completed to the students' full potential.

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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:
My name is Chris , and I am a highly experienced tutor of Maths, English and 11+ entrance tuitions for selective schools. I teach Maths at all levels up to GSCE level, and English at all levels up to Key Stage 3 level.

I am now offering tuitions both Face to Face , or on Skype.

I live in Telford, Shropshire

I have been tutoring for 23 years, and have 58 written references from parents and I also have a Maths degree.

I have for much of those 23 years worked as a full-time tutor, and I use National Curriculum Resources for all my tuitions.

Teaching Experience:
During my 23 years as a tutor, I have taught students of all ages and abilities, and have literally taught 1000's of lessons- at times teaching as many as 30 hours of tuition in a week.

I have taught every type of student from those with Learning Disabilities to the Gifted & Talented.

I am constantly recommended by parents to other parents, and I have a proven track record of improving students' grades.
I also have resources and past papers , for 11+, SATS (English & Maths) and GSCE Maths.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly person by nature , and I take this into my tuitions. I like to make my students feel at ease in the lessons , and that they have a tutor that they feel they can ask as many questions as they like.

I also believe in offering plenty of praise and encouragement to my students.

I follow the National Curriculum programme in my tutoring, to cover all aspects of the syllabus.

However, even if I have prepared a certain topic for a lesson, if the student then asks me to look over in a different topic, or wants me to help them with some school homework, then I am always flexible to do just that.

I also never move on to a new topic with a student, until I am happy that they have fully understood what I have been teaching.

My method of teaching is to teach a topic, and then set the student plenty of practice examples , to make sure they fully understand the topic.

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Personal Description:
I am an Arabic linguistics PhD student at the Language and Linguistic Science Department of the University of York, UK. I hold a BA in English literature and linguistics as well as an MA in translation studies. My study makes me familiar with written Arabic and spoken Arabic in its different forms (dialects). This is why I am quite familiar with Egyptian, Syrian, Lebanese, Gulf and Sudanese Arabic. In addition, I am also a CELTA-trained teacher and an Assistant Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught English as a foreign language for 10 years at Minia University, Egypt. I also taught Arabic to adults as well as young people for 5 years in England. I teach face to face and online.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching depends on immersing you in enjoyable daily-life situations so that you can easily imitate and, after not too much effort, read, write and speak Arabic/English like a native speaker. Culture cannot be separated from language. So, I also immerse you in the main cultural aspects of Arabic/English-speaking countries in general and offer a brief background to language as reflected in culture. Also, I try to compare Arabic and English (as a language) and the culture represented by it with other languages, including French and German (languages that I am familiar with).

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Personal Description:
Hi I'm Meghavi and I am a BSc Physics graduate from Imperial College London and I have a QTS (Qualified Teaching Status) at grade 1 - Outstanding. Currently, I work as a Consultant in the Digital Transformation space. I have always been interested in teaching, from my GCSE years, I began helping my friends with their school work. Moving to A level years I started helping out some of the teachers in my school to run after school sessions to help kids with their Homework. I would say I am very patient and will sit there till the concept is clear in their minds. I am not the kind of person who gives up easily so I will do what it takes to make sure an idea or concept is understood. As a person I am very friendly and bubbly. I like to have a good laugh and I'm a good listener.

As far as personal interests go; I love to travel, I love music, movies and Food. I enjoy cooking. I like trying out new things and exploring new places and meeting new people.

Teaching Experience:
My interest in teaching began when I started helping my sister with her school work. I started teaching in 2009. I worked at Kumon (one of UK's largest supplementary education provider) for a year. I then started tutoring AS Students for AS Physics at Lampton School which involved spending my free lessons and after school sessions to help them with any conceptual problems, homework, exam practice or just a recap of any topic in AS Physics. These students felt comfortable coming up to me at any time during or after school to ask any queries they had about the subject. (References Available)

I have helped out in Maths classes and planned my own lessons under the supervision of my teacher. I have also worked as a learning mentor at Lampton School and helped students with any homework or classwork in various subjects.

More recently (2013 - 2014) I have been a tutor for various students; teaching A Level Physics, A Level Maths and Further Maths, GCSE Maths, Primary Maths and GCSE Science (Biology Chemistry and Physics all inc).

Tutoring Approach:
Clearly each student is different, and so the way of teaching each one will be different. However I believe that if the foundation is strong nothing can go wrong. I will first try to ensure that the concept and the base of the subject is strong before we go on to a number of past paper questions and exercises. I believe that the best way to learn is to see how any problem can be tackled, go through the thought process and then apply what you know to the specific problem and solve it.

I will first see what the student finds most difficult and what their weaknesses are and then strive to overcome them. Each student will have their own learning methods, some may learn by understanding the whole concept then going into the exam questions, some want to go through exam questions while they are learning the concept to see how the theory can be applied to the problems. Some may learn visually with experiments or examples whereas others will learn through trial and improvement of their own. I will spend the first session finding out how they like to learn and design a program just right for that individual student.

From previous experiences I believe the key areas students need help in are:
- learning the foundation of the subject
- how to manage time in exams
- how to structure their answers in an exam
- lots and lots of practice
Hopefully once we start tutoring, the students will feel much more confident with the subject and the key to success for any exam is self confidence. I will always be their as a guide, a mentor, a friend to help them through what they find difficult.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kay and I have 21 years' experience as a tutor in all of the following subjects and levels:

1) English at Primary level (Years 1 to 6), KS3 , GCSE (Language & Literature) and A level Literature.
2) Maths at Primary level (Years 1 to 6).
3) 7+, 11+ , 13+ entrance exams.
4) History at KS3 and GCSE level.
5) Piano - from Grades 1 to 5 , as well as learning for pleasure
6) Singing -from Grades 1 to 5., as well as learning for pleasure
7) Guitar- from Grades 1 to 3, as well as learning for pleasure.
8) Music Theory- from Grades 1 to 5.

I am now offering tuition on Zoom/Skype during the Lockdown.

I also have 26 written references from parents, for students of various abilities, across all these subjects and levels.
I have an English-related degree (in History- which included some English modules within the degree), and I have a Level 1 City & Guilds Teaching Certificate in English.

I also have a proven track record of improving student's grades, regularly improving them by 1 to 2 grades, often in less than 1 year's tuition. For example, in English, I recently tutored a student at GCSE level- he had been predicted C grades in both Language & Literature, but after just 8 months' tuition with me, he achieved an A in his GCSE English Language exam and an A* in his English Literature exam. This is typical of my success over the years as a tutor.

I use National Curriculum Resources for all tuitions. Furthermore, I have great experience tutoring all abilities from the gifted and talented to those with Learning Disabilities (I have regularly taught students with Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Asberges).

I can either travel to the student's home or they can come to me. I am available to tutor on all evenings of the week, Monday to Friday, as well as in the daytime.I tutor through most of the School holidays, providing the opportunity for students to put in extra revision during these periods.

Teaching Experience:
As a full-time tutor, I have built up an extensive knowledge of the National Curriculum and the various exam boards.
I have also built up a wealth of National Curriculum Resources for English, Maths and History : my 3 main subjects.

For English, I have resources covering the following: Spelling, Punctuation, Grammar , Phonics, Vocabulary, Sentence structure, Comprehension and Creative Writing.

For Maths, I have resources from the very basics: Number Bonds and Counting up and down at KS1, to the 4 operations & main topics : for example Fractions , Decimals and Percentages at KS2 . Also, I have books for Gifted and Talented Maths students at the top of KS2 level.In addition, I have an extensive resource base of past exam papers in all subjects and levels.

For History, I have National Curriculum Resources for the various exam boards and plenty of past papers.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in making students feel at ease in the lessons, and in offering plenty of encouragement during the tuitions to build the student's confidence in the subject I am teaching.

I generally teach a topic to a student , and then set practice questions for the student to attempt based on my teaching.I am open to setting homework for the students, but always liaise with the parents as to whether they want their child to have any and if so how much.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of the University of London (SOAS) with a degree in Korean Language and History. I am 44 years old and married with one daughter.

Teaching Experience:
I enjoy teaching and I have four years experience tutoring English and Maths at primary level as well as three years teaching in a classroom. My daughter has recently passed her 11+ so I am familiar with the requirements to pass these exams, as well as the stress parents feel in the build up to the exams. I have a good knowledge of the local schools and application procedures.

Tutoring Approach:
Each student is different but I like to work from set books suitable for the child's level in order to closely monitor progress. I focus on the skills and knowledge necessary to pass the 11 plus and year 6 SATS.

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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 see myself closer to the role of a mentor rather than a tutor, with my goal being to help students maximise their potential and achieve their set goals. These can range from academic excellence to securing a full-time job in investment banking or joining a top university.

I have studied Economics at UCL, where I graduated at the top of my class with First Class, Russian Studies at OXFORD, and Management at the Judge Business School in CAMBRIDGE (Distinction). Moreover, I hold a PhD in Economics (UCL, 2016).

As you can see in my profile, I characterise myself as an Investor, Entrepreneur, and Academic. As a university lecturer, I primarily taught Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, Finance, and Industrial Economics to undergraduate students and International Business and Finance to Postgraduate students. Through this work, I identified various gaps in the educational sector, and as a result, I decided to start my own tutoring company and my own educational consulting group. Yet I am still very passionate about teaching, so apart from running the companies, I have kept the role of the head tutor. At the same time, I am passionate about the world of finance, so apart from being heavily invested in the academic aspect of finance, I also have my own investment company.

Despite my various professional endeavours, I still consider myself a professional tutor. Tutoring for me is not just an additional source of income but a significant source of creativity in my life. In fact, I believe that there are strong complementarities between my two, as, through my entrepreneurial activities, I get the chance to give real-life examples to my students as well as help them understand the real world.

My students have achieved outstanding results, and I believe that I have all the necessary skills required to improve their academic performance and help them fulfil their potential. Throughout my career, I have had extensive experience with families of high-net-worth individuals, primarily from the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and the United Kingdom.

Looking specifically at the SERVICES I offer:

■ Regular Tutoring for GCSE, IGCSE, IB, A Level

1. Tutoring subjects include Economics and Business across all major exam boards, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR and iGCSE.
2. Intensive exam preparation sessions
3. Homeschooling students (resits, gap years, and extenuating circumstances)

■ University Admissions (Undergraduate + Postgraduate + PhD)

1. Assistance with personal statements for UCAS applications
2. University and Programme Selection
3. Proposal Drafting (research degrees)
4. Interview Preparation (MBA, PhD)

■ University Tutoring

1. Assistance with undergraduate and postgraduate subjects in Economics, Finance, Accounting, Business, and Management.
2. I have extensive experience in thesis writing and assignment supervision, research guidance, and academic writing.
3. I also tutor students studying for foundation degrees in order to assist them in achieving the grades required for universities they aspire to join.

■ Casual Learners

1. Support for CFA Level 1, 2
2. Tutoring for different subjects outside the normal university curriculum such as (such as Applied Finance, Stata Masterclass, and Day Trading)
3. Practical/ Mini MBA (mostly relevant for those running a business and are interested in developing further skills)

■ Job Applications

I help students with their job applications and interviews, primarily those interested in graduate programmes within the financial industry, especially investment banking and private equity. This includes:

1. CV guidance,
2. help with motivation letters and psychometric tests (SHL, Kenexa, CEB, Gartner, etc.)
3. interview preparation (competency, motivation, technical), including financial modelling for M&A and Leveraged buyouts.
4. For those interested in consulting, special case-study interview sessions can be organised with real consultants working in top consulting firms (such as BCG and McKinsey), where the student will be coached to excel in these interviews.

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION + QUALITY ASSURANCE

After purchasing my details, and so as to ensure the compatibility between the student and myself, I will organise a free 15-minute consultation, where we can discuss in more detail what are his/hers key objectives, the way I can support him/her in his/her studies, and devise a way to move forward. After the meeting, we can schedule our first session, and in case the student does not feel satisfied with it, I will provide a refund. Note that references are available on request and that I usually become fully booked by late February/early March. An enhanced DBS certificate is also available.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past 15 years, I have been helping more than 300 students with their studies in Economics, Finance, Statistics, and other Business-related subjects, primarily at the university level.
Looking specifically at the subjects I have experience teaching:
1. Finance: I have focused on: Corporate Finance, Time Value of Money, Bond Valuation, Stock Valuation, Advanced Corporate Finance, Financial Management, Derivatives, Decision Making and Simulation, and CFA Levels 1 and 2.
2. Accounting: I am in a position to teach courses related to financial and managerial accounting on various levels of study. Some intermediate topics in accounting can also be covered during our sessions, including leasing and consolidated financial statements.
3. Statistics and Statistical Modelling: I have in-depth knowledge in areas such as Regression with Cross-Sectional Data, Logistic Regression, Panel Data, Variable Instrumental estimation, Time Series, Econometrics, Financial Econometrics, Parametric/Non-Parametric Test, Analysis of Variance, Multivariate Analysis, Statistical Hypothesis Testing, Fundamentals of Probability, and Probability Theory.
4. Economics: Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Financial Economics, Industrial Economics, Labour Economics, International Trade, Emerging Market Economics, Pricing Strategy
5. Management Related courses: Marketing, Management, Sustainability, Human Resources, Quantitative Methods, Business Analytics, Operations, Entrepreneurship, Business Planning, Strategy
I have a strong track record of performance improvement for all the students that join me in their educational journey. My students come from a wide variety of backgrounds, including; Russell Group Universities, leading Independent Schools, and Adult Learners studying for Professional Qualifications in Finance. An indicative list of the previous academic year is presented below:


2024-2025

Tutoring support to students attending the following courses:
• Wharton Business School - Economics Major
• University of Westminster - BA Business Economics
• University of Westminster - BSc Financial Economics
• Bayes Business School - BSc Investment and Financial Risk Management
• University of Essex - BA Sociology with Social Psychology
• UCL - MSc Finance
• UCL - BSc Economics
• UCL - MSc Management
• Imperial Business School - MSc Investment and Wealth Management
• Kings College London - BA International Development
• Kings College London - BSc Computer Science with Management
• QMUL - MSc Finance
• INSEAD - Global Executive MBA
• Kings College London - Law LLB
• Regents - MSc International Fashion Management
In addition, every year I assist my students with their applications (undergraduate and postgraduate)
Successful Undergraduate Applications
• UCL - BSc Economics
• University of Edinburgh - MA in Economics with Finance
• LSE - BSc Economics and Management
• Kings College London - BSc Management
Successful Postgraduate Applications
• Imperial College Business School- MSc Investment & Wealth Management
• Imperial College Business School - MSc Financial Technology
• UCL - MSc Real Estate Economics and Investment Analysis
• Kings College London - MSc Banking and Finance
• Bayes Business School - MSc Shipping, Trade, and Finance
• Bayes Business School - MSc Energy, Trade, and Finance
• University of Oxford - MSc in Economics for Development
• University of Cambridge (Judge Business School) - MPhil in Management

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailor-made, meaning that I am always seeking to adjust to the particular needs of each student. In some sessions, especially those that are close to the exam period, I focus on developing their exam skills and go through some well-tested revision techniques.

For all sessions, the objective is to make the class as interactive as possible. I follow the "Socratic" approach to learning, whereby I guide my students towards obtaining the correct answers with a series of well-placed questions rather than providing the answers straight away. Lastly, I advocate an empirical understanding of theoretical concepts, thus frequently referencing real-world examples from my work in finance and seeking to bring theory to life through life examples, cards, games, and financial trading.

I am very patient and endeavor to build a strong working relationship with my students based on honesty and openness. I have high expectations of myself and my students, and as a result, I can be very demanding yet always committed to helping them achieve their goals. I pride myself in my RELIABILITY - meaning that I will never abandon a student before the exams or any other key commitments that he/she might have. I ensure **CONTINUOUS SUPPORT** for students, and I make myself available for questions via phone or e-mail throughout the day, outside class hours, and free of charge. I am always OPEN TO FEEDBACK from the student, and I expect an honest relationship and communication with them. To achieve this, I aim to create a strong rapport with them while patiently helping them deal with any difficulties they face.

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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 an environmental scientist by training and I spent 16 years in the environmental chemistry sector before deciding that I wanted to teach.
I live in Little Sutton with my partner (also a teacher) and I have three children: Eleanor (19), Sarah (16) and Francis (13).
I have wide interests that include being out in the countryside a lot, cooking, fishkeeping and reading.

Teaching Experience:
During my time in industry I was heavily involved in the training and development of staff and this led neatly to my teaching career. I trained at the outstanding University Of Chester and worked across Wirral and Liverpool in a wide variety of primary school settings before teaching my own classes permanently and full time at schools in Birkenhead.
I relocated to North Wales in 2016, where I started to learn Welsh and to teach right across North Wales, from Wrexham to Llandudno and in primary and secondary schools. I have recently moved back to Wirral and so I teach in both countries now and I have built a reputation as a teacher with an outstanding rapport with children and the ability to teach children most subjects from age 4 to 16.

Tutoring Approach:
I will assess your child first, in order to gauge their strengths and areas for improvement and to benchmark their attainment, against which improvement can be measured.

I will spend time working with your child to understand their learning style 'mix' - this will allow me to tailor my approach to my teaching and to their learning.

It is important that children enjoy sessions, so wherever possible there will be fun!

My curricular strengths are English and maths, but I can also help out with 11 Plus and entrance exam preparation - verbal and non- verbal reasoning and mental maths. I am available in holidays also, if you want your child to catch up, or 'hit the ground running'on their return to school.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hannah has worked as a full-time registered private tutor since 2009, and has taught over 250 students, both from the UK and abroad. Hannah graduated with a BSc (Hons) Biology from the University of St Andrews, where she was awarded a First in her research project on the neuromuscular disorder, Parkinson's disease. She then qualified as a Bowen Therapy practitioner, before completing her teaching degree at the University of Sheffield.

Teaching Experience:
In 2009 began working full time as a private tutor. She has since taught over 500 UK and international students in one-to-one, classroom, and online lessons.

Alongside this, Hannah also taught in the French private sector at the prestigious Epitech Montpellier (École pour l'informatique et les nouvelles technologies, also known as the European Institute of Technology) and currently works as a university application adviser. In addition, Hannah has built up strong relationships with a variety of schools within the UK and she specialises in tuition for students with dyslexia or slow-reading speeds, and is currently studying a Level 5 CPD award in Dyslexia Learning Support.

Tutoring Approach:
During her time teaching, Hannah has authored detailed notes on each topic on the A-Level course. She also has an extensive collection of exam questions and mark schemes, grouped together by topic to break down revision into manageable pieces.

Using their unique log in details, each registered student will have access to all these documents on the Tuition Matters website.

To supplement written notes, students often watch short videos that can help explain difficult topics more easily. Some students also choose to have homework to build upon ideas covered in the tuition lesson, this will then be marked together using the official exam mark schemes so that the student knows exactly what examiners are looking for in a high-level answer.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading

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

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

Writing

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

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

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

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

Why study English?

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
Master of Science in Teaching and Learning from Oxford University
Currently taking bookings for Entrance exam tuition (11+ and 13+) and specialist tuition in Latin, RE and History.
My credentials:
* Former GCSE Examiner
* Current Examiner for Common Entrance / 13+ Scholarship exams
* Head of Department with senior leadership / management experience
* 17+ years teaching experience
* Taught pupils who have gone onto achieved academic scholarship awards at their schools and places at Oxbridge
* Hundreds of hours experience of teaching online effectively via Zoom to enable pupils to reach their full potential.
* Experience as a school governor.

Teaching Experience:
17 years teaching experience. GCSE Examiner. Head of Departments of RE and Latin at multiple schools. Master of Science in Learning and Teaching awarded by Oxford University. Member of a school leadership and management team and a school governor. Hundreds of hours of experience of online teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a personalised approach that takes account of the student's learning style and preferred pace of learning. As part of my tutoring service I also provide homework for pupils which is marked, and free access to a range of different learning resources which can be used outside of sessions.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Elliot and I am an English tutor based in Central London. I have been tutoring since 2018 but my background is in Law. I have a Bachelor of Laws (2.1) from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Laws (LLM Human Rights Law) from the University of Nottingham (Distinction). For three years, I worked as an immigration lawyer in the UK before deciding to tutor full-time. I have lived in several different countries and am a keen language learner myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and writing. I have written for publications such as Reader`s Digest UK and am currently working on a collection of fictional short stories to be published late 2023. I enjoy entering my stories into short story competitions.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as an English tutor since 2018. During this time I have taught hundreds of students and acquired thousands of teaching hours. I have taught students from three years old all the way up to adults. I have a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of abilities from complete beginners to proficient students. I have successfully prepared students for a range of exams including (but not limited to): IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Young Learners, UKiset (for entrance to UK independent schools) and much more. I have particular experience in teaching essay writing skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible, patient and rigorous. From the very outset, I will ensure that we determine your specific academic goals and move towards them a little bit each lesson. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy our lessons and have a fun yet productive experience.

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Personal Description:
Law tutor, Barrister (16 years call). I specialise in Criminal Law and Criminal Litigation. I also have a postgraduate Certificate in Criminology. I can also help with any science-based subjects you require, as I am working to be dual-qualified in law and medicine. I am tutoring around my current medicine degree at BSMS in Brighton, where I am in the second year.

Teaching Experience:
I can help you with all your tuition needs at any level. Please contact me with your requirements for essays/coursework and individual study plans on any subject. I also have experience with SEN students, particularly those with dyslexia, Autism, and dyspraxia.

I am also studying medicine at BSMS in year 2, so I can tutor Medicine / STEM-based subjects. I have a Master's in Global Health and medical law and Ethics and a postgraduate diploma in Nursing and Tropical Medicine. I also studied immunology and infectious disease at Cambridge University. I can help with Biology and a range of other relevant subject areas, such as interview preparation, personal statements, UCAT / GAMSAT, etc.

I have a current DBS certificate.

I can help advise on CPE, LLB, LLM, LPC / SQE A level, BPTC gaining mini pupilage, pupilage, training contracts, advocacy, public speaking, and the whole range of law-related subjects.

I have taught lots of students before I have been teaching for 20 years and five years at two private universities post-graduate level (Level 7) in law on the CPE, LLB and at masters level LLM and on the BPTC in advocacy and criminal litigation and at College in A level criminology ( Level 3) both in content and preparation for the profession. I am teaching legal apprenticeships at Level 3 in criminal law at a private education provider, working with adult apprentices in the criminal justice system.

I have studied Legal Studies BA, BVC, CPE, Post Grad Criminal Litigation and Sentencing and Criminology at the Postgraduate level and a Global Health Medical Law and Ethics Masters.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a relaxed teaching style I try to understand what the student really needs and hone in and focus on what will best help them improve study skills and academic content.


I believe in fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making mistakes. I understand that each student is unique, with their own learning style, strengths, and areas of improvement.

I am committed to my own continuous improvement. I stay up to date on the latest teaching methodologies and resources to ensure that my students receive the best possible guidance.

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or specific learning needs or requirements and would like to schedule a tutoring session.

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