Southgate Entrance Exams Tutors and Southgate Entrance Exams Tuition

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.

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Personal Description:
I have taught to all levels from reception class at primary school through to secondary school, sixth form college and university level.
I am able to offer authentic French whilst still appreciating the difficulties from an English speaker's point of view. I am also qualified to teach Spanish to all levels and have years of experience in teaching the language.
I have a friendly approach and my lessons are very well organised with a sense of purpose. They are also individually tailored to meet the student's specific needs. I have worked as a GCSE examiner on numerous occasions and have coached and taught AS/A level groups.
Should you be interested in either extra exam tuition, starting a new language or brushing up on previous knowledge, please do not hesitate to contact me. If you are willing to put in the effort, I can guarantee results from my end!

Teaching Experience:
French, Spanish and English as a Second Language - 4 years at a sixth form college
English and History - 4 years at university level
French, Spanish, History and RE - 3 years in grammar schools
French and Spanish - 6 years in adult education
All subjects - 3 years in primary schools

Tutoring Approach:
Pleasant, friendly disposition with a great deal of understanding and patience!

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Personal Description:
I graduated from Cambridge University with a BA in English Literature, and then from the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, graduating with a BA in acting, where I was the recipient of the Noel Coward Scholarship from 2008-2011. In July 2011 I won the Michael Bryant Award at the National Theatre, for verse speaking and Shakespeare.

When I'm not acting or tutoring I can be found in the plumbing, plastering, kitchen or grappling with a cryptic crossword.

CURRENT AVAILABLE SLOTS: 9-10am + 10-11am Sundays, weekly.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a private tutor since 2008.

Currently tutoring students in: 8+, 10+ & 11+ preparation (all four subjects); GCSE Maths. Adult English and pronunciation skills.

Previously: English - KS1, KS2, 7+ (Successful entry to Highgate), 11+ (Successful entry to, Haberdashers' Askes Boys, Trinity, City of London School for Boys, Alleyn's, St Alban's), A Level (A at A Level English and Extended English). Maths - KS1, KS2, 7+, 11+, 13+ (successful entry to Oundle, Haberdashers' Askes Boys), GCSE (grade improved from D to A*). University application assistance (Successful entry to Durham and Oxford). English as a foreign language - including public speaking and native pronunciation and grammar for business professionals.

During my gap year I spent some time as a special needs classroom assistant, working closely with a child with Asperger's Syndrome. This involved facilitating the social and academic change between primary and secondary education on a one-to-one basis.

Also at this time I ran Welsh language games sessions for primary children in non-first-language schools to improve and encourage their use of the language outside of the classroom environment.

Whilst at secondary school I taught reading skills to children who had low reading-ages.

I wrote a thesis on the connections between Maths and acting whilst at Guildhall.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is tailored to the individual's needs; firstly finding ways of fully explaining a concept, then cementing them with useful and memorable material to build students' confidence. My main objective would be to aid the student in understanding not only the specifics of the work but also the broader aspects of it, which I believe provides a truer grounding in - and enjoyment of - a subject. By making the work useful and enjoyable, and by finding alternative and effective approaches to study, I hope that my tuition will shed new light on subjects for students.

My passion is building confidence and fostering resilient approaches to problem solving.

I specialise in tutoring Maths and particularly enjoy helping those students whose confidence in the subject has become a barrier to their learning and enjoyment of the subject.

Previous Students' Comments:

'Before I met Alex, as a dyslexic, I was academically unconfident and dreaded having tutors who had never really helped me before. Alex tutored me from Year 8 to 11 and she completely changed my attitude to studying, helped me develop my organisational skills and gave me a huge amount of confidence in my abilities. As I approached GCSEs she tutored me particularly in Maths where I was struggling with a D grade. Without her expert tuition I doubt I would have been able to achieve my A* in Maths.

I think Alex is an amazing tutor because she has an extraordinary talent for making it a thoroughly enjoyable experience to the extent I would genuinely look forward to our lessons. Alex was far more than a tutor to me, helping me through such formative teenage years. I consider her a friend.'

- Tally

'Alex is a truly outstanding and gifted tutor as well as a fantastic person. I have very much enjoyed being her student for over six months, and have not only learnt a lot due to her expertise and impressive knowledge but also grew to love English Literature because of the inspirational nature of her tutoring. Previously, I used to constantly struggle with my assignments since English is not my first language, however, after a few weeks of sessions with Alex my grades and confidence significantly improved. She has an ability to keep the lessons varied and interesting; always well prepared for lessons - she was kind enough to provide me with extremely useful books and personal notes. Her incredible dedication and hard working nature also deserves mentioning as she was willing to help me even in the evenings when I was panicking about coursework and the approaching exams. With Alex's assistance and firm confidence in my ability I have achieved a high A in my A-level English Literature and even a merit award in Extended English. I would enthusiastically recommend Alex to anyone who wants to succeed in their exams and learn heaps of interesting information.

- Natasza (Graduated with an MA from Oxford University)

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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:
Hello, I'm Zoe. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Oxford, studying English Language and Literature at St Peter's College.

I'm an experienced tutor and I believe that with a good, solid education everyone's opportunities in life become better. I am patient and very committed to getting the best from my students.

Prior to university I attended Streatham and Clapham High School (8-16), and Wallington County Grammar School (16-18).

I completed A-Levels in English, Medieval History, French, Classical Civilisation and Philosophy AS Level.

My main interest is English Literature but I am ever-keen to use my French, and am also passionate about History, both ancient and modern. At GCSE level I opted to study primarily languages, namely French, German, Latin and Ancient Greek, and I am so grateful for the skills and linguistic understanding these diverse subjects have given me.

I am a keen reader, theatre-goer and traveller; I also enjoy sports, particularly running, netball and cycling. I live in southwest London and am happy to travel.

Teaching Experience:
I have plenty of experience tutoring people of all ages, and am currently specialising in English, French and History lessons and entrance/university interview preparation lessons.

I have worked as a temporary assistant at Faulkner House School in South Kensington during my Easter holiday from university in 2010 (children aged 3-11).

At school I worked on a mentor programme helping students from younger years with their French speaking practice and also with extra English.

I have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification.

I worked with a local Brownie pack from 2006-8 which involved working with children aged 7-10, running a variety of crafts activities and games.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a firm believer in the ability of each person to achieve academic success through hard work, and also understand the need for patience and perseverance to succeed.

Having benefited from one-on-one tutoring during my own education for those subjects I struggled with at school, I have first hand experience of the importance of a good tutor and just how much difference one can make.

I have a real passion for the subjects I studied at university and at A-Level and I communicate that, whilst simultaneously providing relevant and informed tuition sessions.

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Personal Description:
My name is Ed. I am the Director of a private tuition company which has been providing impactful private teaching and tutoring services in a multitude of subjects across Common Entrance, GCSE, A-Level, IB and University.

We take pride in helping students to expand their minds, talents and skills, allowing them to reach their full potential. Our one-on-one tutoring brings a wealth of professional experience and expertise to those who strive to excel.

We offer personalised academic support, available in-person and online, to help students improve areas of difficulty and focus on exam techniques and preparation, helping them to succeed in attaining qualifications to their highest ability.

Please reach out and contact for further enquiries, look forward to hearing from you.

Teaching Experience:
Director, leading a team of tutors to support across a wide range of students including Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University level - Present

Tutored a variety of subjects at different levels from primary schools, Common Entrance, GCSE, A-level, IB and University.

Offered service on giving academic advice as well as interview techniques for Oxford, Cambridge and other top schools and universities in the UK, US, Europe and Asia.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach is simple and effective. The general framework is to go through general concepts that are fundamental to student's understanding on the subject through the use of simple examples. I will then reinforce the message and encourage students to work on more specific and challenging problems.

Confidence is key and it is vital that my tutees are constantly motivated and encouraged in order to self-develop both at an academic and personal level.

We strive to make lessons as interactive as possible. We understand the different learning needs of different students. We will always be flexible with our teaching style and method and we are here to help you succeed.

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Personal Description:
I work in tutoring, teaching and PhD proof-reading. I am currently working in local colleges as an English GCSE teacher. I am currently tutoring students in English GCSE and A-Level.

I am also tutoring younger students in their creative writing. I am interested in drama, poetry and art. I have performed spoken-word poetry in Manchester and headlined a couple of nights.

I have 12 years' experience teaching A-Level and GCSE English, as well as tutoring and teaching Latin. I also have experience of teaching English to other language speakers. I have also worked with adults taking the written elements of practical exams, such as massage and nail-tech.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked for six years as a tutor to students aged 10 and over, helping with English, Maths, Latin and Creative Writing.

For the past ten summers I have taught university entrance and study-skills at Southampton University, helping students to improve their essay-writing and critical reading.

I am also confident in being able to explain English grammar and writing structure in a fun and interesting way and I can also help students prepare for university courses and to study A-Levels and Access courses.

I have also taught Latin, Study Skills and GCSE Maths. I have designed and run a Latin evening course, as well as several programmes of creative writing for children.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to make lessons interesting and encourage students to work creatively. We can work together to discuss an upcoming or recent exam and look at the strategy. We can also look at the syllabus and decide which aspects to focus on. Often it helps to work on structure and on managing time effectively in exams.

I believe that learning can combine fun and practical skills, such as self-editing, lateral thinking and creativity. These skills will help students pass formal exams through overall writing confidence.

Students need to enjoy the subject in order to understand it fully. When they approach questions from a position of confidence and relaxation, they can answer them more effectively. This sometimes involves discussion of the topics involved, especially when studying literature.

A tutor works best when they are providing an alternative to school-based education and a good tutor will enable their student to explore around a topic and to discuss any particular issues and concerns.

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Personal Description:
Online & Face to Face tutoring, located in KT3 (New Malden) and W5 (Ealing Broadway).
I`m Sam, Geoscientist and Academic Tutor, currently teaching Maths & Science at MathysicsTutor Kingston.
Having obtained my 3 degrees with scholarships in Science and Engineering at top universities, I have helped students at various level to unravel their full potentials and am determined to create enthusiasm in students to achieve the success they are aiming for.
I have experience of tutoring primary, secondary, GCSE, A level and university students with a firm knowledge of the optimal motivating and engaging approaches for each age group.

Beside tutoring, I am a knowledgeable Geoscientist and Engineer with 10 years experience in oil industry. As a Geoscientist, I combine advanced Maths, Physics and Geology in order to discover oil ad gas within the earth.

I have a strong understanding of Math, Physics, Chemistry, Geology and related subjects. I also have a B.Sc. in engineering and two M.Sc in engineering and geosceince.

As a Geoscientist, I have been responsible for managing, mentoring and training junior colleagues in a multinational team, where I have demonstrated high level of communication, interpersonal and interpretive skills. Working in an international company and also tutoring international students, has given me opportunity to work efficiently with people from variety of backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I was a teaching assistant during my academic years. Since graduation in 2009, I have tutored people in my social circle and since 2016 private tutoring through First tutors and other agencies with top reviews, 20% of my students come from referral. Great achievements such as:

Student admitted to King's Collage after 8 month's tutoring in Maths and Physics.

A* grade in GCSE Chemistry achieved by student after 2 month tutoring.

Experienced in tutoring University students from Edinburgh, SOAS, Kingston, Leeds and City universities in Maths, Geology, GIS and research/dissertation preparation.

My GCSE and A-level students have come from:
King's College School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Tiffin School Surbiton
Tiffin Girls Kingston
ACS Cobham
Kingston College
Kingston Grammar
Hampton School
Sutton Grammar
Esher college
Coombe School New Malden
Surbiton High school
Wimbledon High school
Lady Eleanor Holles Hampton
Box Hill School Dorking
Royal Russell School Croydon
Nonsuch High School Cheam
Grey Court School Richmond
Twyford Church of England High School Acton
Royal Grammar School Guildford
Esher High School
Ursuline High School Wimbledon
Whitgift School Croydon
Latimer school Hmmersmith
St Dominic`s Sixth Form College Harrow
Notting Hill and Ealing High School
International School of London Ealing
Moulsford Preparatory School Oxfordshire
St John's Beaumont School Windsor


TESTIMONIALS:

"Sam goes through examples well and has a lot of practice questions ready. He explains the topic well and is very thorough with his explanations. I will continue to use him as I prepare for my A2 physics exam." Ryan, A level, Surrey

"Sam has helped my step-son with both Computing and Geology. From C grades he is now getting As in his tests. Sam is well prepared and thorough and has been a great help. I have no hesitation recommending him to other students. Sarah,A level, Purley.

"Sam helped me with maths for my last year exam he is an excellent tutor. He was very helpful and I definitely recommend him if you have any problems with maths." Tasio, University, Surrey.

"Sam is an excellent tutor who really goes out of his way to make sure you understand every aspect of the task at hand. Thanks to him I know feel far more comfortable in Maths. I would be very happy to recommend Sam and will continue to rely on him in the future." Diego, Year 12 IB Student.

Tutoring Approach:
Enriketa raised her maths grade from C to A; you can too, ask me how!

I believe the most efficient approach is the most engaging one. It is important to appreciate that students have different attitudes towards learning and hence tutoring should be about helping them to get the best out of their education through discovering their potential and developing interest in the subject.

METHODS OF TEACHING:

Online & in person

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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 have been a teaching assistant for 5 years, working with a range of abilities as well as within a variety of year groups.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently working in year 6 and have experience teaching SAT's booster groups and have good knowledge of the year 6 curriculum. I can offer tuition in maths, reading comprehension, writing or spelling and grammar including practice of SAT's style questions and any other areas where the pupil may struggle. I can also offer preparation for entrance exams including maths, English (reading and writing) and also verbal reasoning.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient, friendly and approachable as well as encouraging and willing to work through any difficulties the pupil may have by taking an individualistic approach to the pupil's learning.

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

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

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

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

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

If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Teaching Experience:
Testimonials

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

"You have opened my eyes."

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

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


Top Student Achievements 2016/2017

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
Stop Struggling... Relieve Anxiety...Start Achieving...

I can help you improve your grades and increase your interest in the subject.

I am a full-time tutor. I have been tutoring since 1994, have got 25 years of tutoring experience. This adds to more than 60,000 hours of tutoring. A lot of my students are now also tutors!

I offer customized lessons, suitable for each student as per his or her needs.

I provide complete notes + question bank to practice more questions + a lot of past papers practice.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full-time tutor. I have been tutoring since 1994, have got 2 years of tutoring experience. This adds to more than 60,000 hours of tutoring. A lot of my students are now also tutors!

Following is the list of few of the schools/colleges and universities, whose students I have taught.

Harrow College
Cardiff Sixth form College
Hamptons School
Dulwich College
St Aloysius' School
Wetherby Senior School
Queen Elizabeth`s School
David Game College
St. Benedict's School
University College School
Westminster School
Aiglon College
Gems World Academy
Wellington International School
Raffles World Academy
Jumeirah College
London Business School
LSE
SOAS
Kings College
Queen Mary
University of Manchester
City Business School London
Middlesex University
University of Leeds
The University of Wollongong in Dubai
University of Toronto
University of British Columbia
UCL
The University of Leeds... and many more

Tutoring Approach:
I usually start with the current topics that student is studying in the school and explain to the student that topic and related background knowledge. As I teach one to one, my pace is faster than school and we usually finish the topic in one or sometimes two classes. And then we do previous topics and I explain doubts on those topics. I usually do not teach students that they already know, instead, start topic wise past papers of the topics students feel he or she knows well.

I explain to students how to write the answer to the questions asked,... not what they know... in a very concise and complete manner and relate the answers to the mark schemes of the past papers... and there is a lot of similar things that I explain...

Subjects

Personal Description:
A very warm hello!

I am experienced and reliable, knowledgeable and empathetic, organised and conscientious, creative and passionate, and, patient and down-to-earth. I have over 10 years of classroom teaching experience as a fully qualified teacher and over 8 years of extensive tutoring experience.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught both KS1 and KS2 in a variety of locations around the UK (Durham, Essex, Norwich, Bradford and Halifax) and have taught all National Curriculum subjects. I completed an undergraduate degree at the University of East Anglia, a Primary PGCE at Durham University followed by a Masters of Education at Durham University too.

I offer private tuition all over Calderdale at a location of your choice (including from my house in Ripponden) at a time of your convenience. Please note, I do not charge an initial joining fee.

Tutoring Approach:
Every pupil is an individual and every pupil develops their knowledge and learning differently. I begin by building a rapport with each pupil, getting to know how they learn best. I start with the knowledge they already possess and build upon these. I try to make my teaching varied and fun and ensure that pupils experience success quickly, no matter how small the steps are. I believe that private tuition is the first step in facilitating future success in life. I work efficiently and professionally to ensure your investment in private tuition meets and exceeds your expectations.

I am passionate about teaching and love to see pupils do well and achieve their potential. My teaching style centres around personalised learning: tailoring my lessons to the individual learning styles of my pupils. I have the ability and patience to work well with a range of pupils and have had a lot of success motivating those who struggle. I get an invaluable sense of satisfaction from seeing pupils experience 'light bulb' moments.

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:
Hello, my name is Luisa. I'm a 20-year-old medical student who speaks English, German, Hungarian, and French. Subjects such as business and economics interest me outside of Medicine, and I'm based in Scotland. As a native German, Hungarian, and English speaker (having learned all three at the same time while growing up), I offer a natural teaching approach that matches the way one would learn as a native speaker.

Teaching Experience:
Thus far I have only tutored in German, but I have assisted others informally in subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Maths, and getting into Medicine.
[As a Medical student my CRB check has also been done.]

Tutoring Approach:
I love past papers! These for me were key when I was revising for my Highers, Advanced Highers, and even for the Medical School entrance exams such as the BMAT, UCAT, and TMS (Germany). I believe they offer key information on what exactly it is you need to know, and to what standard/ depth one must answer questions. At the beginning I like to get a feel for what level of knowledge students have, and together we set goals for what we wish to achieve (e.g. time remaining until the exam, what grade they wish to achieve, if there is any particular section they are struggling with, etc..). Preferably, I like to communicate with my students before the lesson, so we can decide what learning outcomes to focus on during our session, so we can both prepare beforehand.

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Personal Description:
Hi there,
My name is Kassam and I have completed my Masters and PhD at Aston University and now I work as a Development Chemist. Throughout my studies I had a passion for sharing my knowledge to others in various formats, such as, home tutoring students for 11+ entrance exams, online tutoring GCSE and A-level Maths and Chemistry, tutoring several modules for BEng Chemical Engineering and Chemistry at Aston University as well as lecturing modules over the years.
I cannot wait to meet some of you and share this passion that will encourage you to reach your potential and provide a strong foundation for further education and onward.

Teaching Experience:
Provide 10 years experience with the following age groups and subjects, with expertise in standardised test preparation:
11+ entrance exams
GCSE Maths and Chemistry
A-level Maths and Chemistry
BEng Chemical Engineering
BSc Chemistry

Tutoring Approach:
I have a modern tutoring setup that will provide Tutees with an authentic tutoring experience.
Accessible approach with proficiency in using Skype, Zoom or Teams for effective communication and visual aid.

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