Leighton Buzzard Mandarin Tutors and Leighton Buzzard Mandarin Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese speaker from mainland China, and I have been living in the UK for more than 15 years, working as a Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher at a independent school. I earned a PhD in Educational Studies from the University of Manchester in 2015. I have excellent teaching experience in Chinese at all levels, as well as in Maths (from KS1 up to GCSE). I have received positive feedback from my previous students, who have praised my patience, clear communication, and sense of responsibility. Additionally, I have worked as a Teaching Assistant (TA) in a secondary school, where I gained valuable experience supporting young people's learning.

In terms of personality, I am very easygoing, kind, and highly responsible. Since moving to the UK in 2010, I have lived in diverse environments, working with students from various creeds and ethnic backgrounds. This experience has enriched my understanding and appreciation of international cultures and individual differences.

I enjoy travelling and experiencing new things. I have visited several places, including European countries (England, Scotland, Wales, the Netherlands, Switzerland, France, Italy, Spain, Iceland, and Greenland), Africa (Cameroon), South Korea, Hong Kong, and Macau. I love sports, particularly swimming, yoga, cycling, hiking, and horse riding.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced and dedicated Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) and Chinese teacher, currently teaching students aged 3-18, including GCSE, GCE/A Level,HSK and YCT(Youth Chinese Test) Chinese, at an independent school in the UK. With about 15 years of experience teaching Mandarin both online and face-to-face to non-native English speakers of various ages and levels in both China and the UK, I have developed a deep understanding of effective teaching methods and the ability to meet individual student needs.

As a private Mandarin tutor, I bring the same level of commitment and personalized attention to each of my students. My extensive experience has equipped me with valuable insights into creating engaging and effective lessons tailored to each student's learning style and goals.

In addition to my current teaching role, I have been a freelance Mandarin teacher since 2012, collaborating with several language organizations. I am also an experienced interpreter and translator, with over ten years of expertise in both written and spoken translation. My background includes working in various sectors, such as business (e.g., 2010 EXPO Shanghai) and education (e.g., translating articles and interpreting at international conferences).

Testimonials:
"I decided to begin learning Mandarin with Yifen over the summer for business and travel purposes.
Given that I was a complete beginner, I was heartened by the friendliness and professional nature of the lessons and was delighted by the flexibility of the lessons.
The way Yifen catered the lessons to my specific areas of interest was very encouraging. It meant I was able to cover a lot more relevant content in the short time I had with her.
Had I not had to move back to University, I would've liked to continue my lessons." Matthew, a former Student

''I had the pleasure of taking my first steps in Mandarin with Yifen. I found her very knowledgeable, understanding, adaptable and extremely flexible to my needs. Only when I travelled to China, I could really appreciate how valuable her teachings were. Before Yifen, I could not understand anything at all. After only a few lessons with Yifen, my ability to understand had greatly improved and I could even venture into dialogues with Chinese people and, lo and behold, be understood!

Yifen's approach is systematic and practical at the same time. She frequently tested my comprehension ability, and engaged me in dialogues, but also illustrated the building blocks of the language, touching on grammar rules and special usage, as needed.
She was always keen on answering any additional questions that might have crossed my mind. She was motivating and an inspiration and greatly boosted my desire to learn more about the Chinese language and culture.
Yifen is a joy to work with and I would heartily recommend her to anyone who wants to approach the study of the Chinese language with a solid, competent and inspirational teacher.

老师，谢谢'' -Fernando, A former adult learner

"Yifen has been my teacher for the past four years throughout my GCSEs and A-levels! She helped me achieve an A* at GCSE and helped me achieve my required grade to get into university! With a lesson every week I was undoubtedly able to rely on Yifen for the support I needed for my work and to achieve the result that I not only wanted, but needed. She would always write lesson reviews and summaries for me to look upon to further improve my learning of Mandarin, and even set me work to challenge me and to push my ability further. I'm so grateful for all the time Yifen gave up for me and definitely wouldn't have been able to adapt and progress my Chinese without her help! Yifen is so helpful, reliable and able to focus on anything you ask her to help you with and I would highly recommend her to anyone who would want to learn or better their Mandarin!"-Bethan, a former GCSE and A-level learner.

Tutoring Approach:
I make every effort to prepare lessons that meet each student's individual needs. I strive to create a comfortable learning environment because I believe a good atmosphere is crucial for learning a language and encouraging learners to speak. Lessons are carefully prepared, incorporating engaging stories and other materials, so you can learn Mandarin and have fun at the same time!

I believe that a good teacher is responsible for meeting students' needs. My work experience has reinforced my belief that it is essential to teach the students in front of you rather than just following a textbook. I endeavour to be an attentive listener, observe, and identify any problems that arise during lessons. This approach helps me find solutions and maximise my potential.

I am passionate about helping my students succeed and am committed to providing high-quality, individualised instruction. If you are looking for a skilled and reliable private Mandarin tutor who can help you achieve your language goals, I would be delighted to work with you.

There are some textbooks I have been using for the learners, such as:
Confidence Chinese Vol. Getting Started
Confidence Chinese Vol2. Living in China
Chinese Made Easy Book1, 2 and 3.
Standard Course HSK
Edexcel Chinese for AS
Edexcel Chinese for A2
Chinese Made Easy for Kids.
Youth Chinese Test(YCT)

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Personal Description:
I am a native Chinese. My first language is Mandarin. I graduated with Honours Degree in English. I had been an English Teacher in China for 13 years before I moved to Scotland. I have lived in Scotland for 14 years. I am an experienced language teacher, and I am enthusiastic and friendly. I can tutor pupils of different levels.

Teaching Experience:
I had 13 years of experience of teaching English in an university in China. I also taught Mandarin in a Chinese School in Stow College of Glasgow. I have been a private tutor of Mandarin for over 4 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I can make learning a fun and enjoyable process by using different approaches to suit the varied needs of the learners.

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Personal Description:
I am a native speaker of Mandarin. I am a graduate student who study Radio in University of London. My BA degree is Journalism and I graduated from one of top universities in Mainland China. I am good at Mandarin. I love to talk and communicate.

Teaching Experience:
attend the language exchange group and tech people Mandarin.

Tutoring Approach:
Chinese phonetic alphabet
Chinese characters and pronunciation
useful sentence and dialogue

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Personal Description:
Pearson LTL Examiner
14 years experience of Chinese teaching in
Academic:
(my this year's(2025) students are in GCSE, IGCSE;, A-level and Pre-u all got their expected results as A*, A and D3 and successfully got the offers from the first choice universities.

Experienced teaching in GCSE, IGCSE( in three different levels),
A level(Edexcel, AQA, Cambridge International esp. Literature in paper4), Pre-u,
IB (A&B), and
HSK1-6.

For university students:
2 years teaching experience in university in the UK
10 years teaching experience in university in Shanghai, China
Experienced Teaching in
HSK1-6;
Chinese Literature;
Translation Studies

For Adults learners:

Business Chinese,
&
Casual Chinese and culture.

25 years of TCFL and TEFL teaching experience in university;
Holding the national certificate of Standard Mandarin Speaking (A*)(issued by China Education Bureau), Native speaker of Mandarin. Over 8 years' supervising experience in MA & PhD Translation Studies, Education Studies.

Teaching Experience:
When you are looking for a language teacher, you may see the following key points:
1. Native speaker of Mandarin ( I am holding Chinese National Certificate of Standard Mandarin speaking (A*);
2. Majored in Linguistics (Translation Studies);
3. Highest Degree in Linguistics and Social Media Studies;
4. Practical experience as a teacher, an examiner and a marker;
5. Professional teacher (I am holding the Higher Education Teaching Certificate (only 14% university teachers who have the certificate and the PhD degree at the same time in China) .
With solid foundation of literature knowledge, applied writing skills, and cultural awareness, I can not only teach you "what" knowledge but also explain you "why"and "how" knowledge.
current teaching:
Chinese/Mandarin GCSE, IGCSE(0509;0547), ALEVEL, IB, PRE-U, and HSK1-5, Chinese Literature;
Teacher Training Course

CV:
I have experience of being GCSE (Chinese , Mandarin) and IB (Chinese, Mandarin) oral exam Examiner.
I have over 23 years' teaching experience in universities (both in China and the UK). The main jobs I am doing are teaching TEFL courses, TCFL courses (students are adults students and mainly start from 0 level), Translation Studies, and supervising students in MA Education, Translation Studies, and Journalism as their MA supervisor. Since 2017, I also supervise PhD students in Translation Studies as well. I left my beloved working university because I need to move to London with my family. From 2013-2015, during my PhD research study period, I taught in the University of Salford, the main courses I taught were Chinese Language and Culture as well as the MA course of Business Conference Interpretation. Since the university closed the school of Languages, I could not go on teaching there. Luckily, I can teach via Spires now, can go on helping the young people to make their learning target and pursuit their dreams.


About Me
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I have a PhD Degree in Translation Studies and MA Degree in TEFL.
I have 22Years' teaching experience as a University language tutor in English and Chinese.
I have 14 years' experience of teaching Mandarin in the UK in all levels.


My Areas of Expertise
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Teaching Chinese/Mandarin GCSE, IGCSE,ALEVEL, IB, PRE-U, and HSK1-5
Teaching Chinese Literature (Classical articles in Ming Dynasty, Modern Literature works, famous poems in Ancient times)
Teaching Chinese students in preparing of IELTS, IB, AP Literature and Composition　
Supervising MA dissertation in Education ,Translation Studies.
Teacher Training Course (Theoretical and Practical Teaching skills and strategies) (Teaching Chinese as a Foreign Language); (making teaching plan, prepare the teaching materials, get to know the external examinations in the UK (GCSE, A-Level, Pre-U) as well as in other countries (IB, IGCSE), designing after school clubs, etc. )

Tutoring Approach:
textbooks teaching, useful online materials and self designed teaching materials.
According to individual client's learning target, exam target and other study plan, I would like to offer individual teaching materials varied from online resources to self designed ones.

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Personal Description:
I am a certificated Senior Chinese Language Teacher with IPA Certification. I have taught adult individual students as well as children in groups. I have lived in Beijing, Tianjing, Xi'an and Shenzhen and am well travelled throughout the rest of China. It would be a plus to choose me if you are interested in Chinese architecture, gardens, business culture, or different kinds of Chinese food, as well as Chinese calligraphy. I have lived or travelled in many countries in Europe, America, Africa, Asian and Oceania. So, with my international background, I am comfortable with a diverse range of people.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught adult individual students, individual children and children in group. One of my adult student is an university researcher. I have taught him spoken and written Chinese for several years. My children students liked my class very much. Sometime, I taught language together with sports for children.

Currently, I am teaching in a community school in Manchester. My students are 12~13 years old, a group of 24 boys and girls. They like the Chinese language class and asked many questions about Chinese language and culture. Every weekend, I teach a 7-year old girl and her father at the same time. They are learning Mandarin listening and speaking. I really enjoy teaching them all.

Tutoring Approach:
I taught Chinese language in different ways according to my student's needs. I would like to know my student's language aims and time he or she will have to spend before we start to work together. I taught my university researcher student with listening, speaking, reading and writing all together, from begining. For another student, I taught her spoken language through discusing daily life and Chinese cultural topics she was interested in. Sometimes, I taught my children students Chinese language through yoga postures and games, which they liked very much.

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Personal Description:
I am a current student of University of Exeter, pursing a degree in Law. I have recently moved here from Singapore so as to pursue further education. I have been learning Mandarin (amongst other subject, English being one of them) since the age of 7 I have also gotten an A for Chinese in my GCSE 'O' Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught a primary school student on Mandarin and Math.

Tutoring Approach:
Be patient and calm.

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Personal Description:
I am a Malaysian who can speak English, Chinese, Cantonese and Malay Language. I have completed my undergraduate degree in Food Science and Nutrition before working as a home tutor for 1 year. Currently, I study Msc in Nutritional Science at University of Nottingham.

Teaching Experience:
1 year teaching experience starting from Sept 2015 to Sept 2016 where I used to teach Biology, Chemistry, Maths and Mandarin.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a friendly tutor and patient in teaching. I guide my student patiently and slowly if they find it hard to understand the topic.

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Personal Description:
Teaching at a prestigious independent secondary school in Kent, I am a native speaker with excellent subject knowledge and language skills. Having over 8 years of Mandarin teaching experience, my students range from pre-school young learners to adult learners. I am a qualified teacher with postgraduate certificate in Education and I am specialised in tutoring GCSE and A-Level Chinese.

Teaching Experience:
3 years as primary school English teacher in Shanghai.
3 years as Mandarin teacher at Kent Adult Education.
5 years as Mandarin teacher in secondary school (11-18 ) in the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I am able to make your learning fun and enjoyable by means of creative techniques. I instil a sense of confidence in my pupils enabling them to maximise their understanding of the language. Each student is treated with respect and understanding regardless of their age, gender or personal circumstances. All my students have achieved Grade 8 or 9 for Chinese GCSE.

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Personal Description:
I am an outgoing, patient, and hard-working girl with short hair. I have finished both of my master's degrees at the University of Warwick within the field of Engineering and started to work on my Ph.D. degree from the Nov of 2020 for Autonomous Vehicle also at the University of Warwick.

Outside of my academic work, I have pursued many extracurricular undertakings throughout my life. During my undergraduate study, I served as the University of Liverpool Flash Mob Society President and led huge street performance activities which were broadcast by CCTV13 and several other television channels. Despite attending school in China, I took English A-Levels and I have attained high marks in English language exams. Further, I am a talented musician and, at the age of 11, I obtained a Level 9 certification (UK Grade 8 equivalent) in the electric organ. Also able to join several excellent internship opportunities.

Teaching Experience:
I have been worked in a company which teaches English to under-achieving Chinese children. These experiences have greatly improved my skills in self-assessment, teamwork and communication.

I have taught some friends I met at the University who were interested in Mandarin and after a term, they can do simple conversation with me.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach Mandarin based on a book with exercises on it. But I also believe that the most effective way to learn a language is freestyle conversation with different theme after several basic lessons. I am very patient and love to teach children during playing small games with them. During the current Covid-19 situations, the online meeting is preferred.

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Personal Description:
I am bilingual, cross-cultural understanding Chinese Mandarin teacher. Being a native Chinese Mandarin speaker and having about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals, I offer Chinese Mandarin classes for all age-children to adults, individually and in group, for all levels, all goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have about ten years teaching experience on private and classroom Chinese Mandarin and helping vast numbers of children and adults to achieve their goals.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor lessons for different clients on their level, age and goals. I can bring you a fresh, enjoyable Chinese learning experience. I believe that learning a language is not only about class time - it is about being immersed into a culture and experiencing everything it has to offer. It will be a fun and interactive way along your learning.

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Personal Description:
I finished my postgraduate study at the University of Birmingham in Dec 2018. I had stayed in UK for more than a year. I really love UK. The time when I was living in UK left me a great and impressive memory.

Now I have returned to China, I would like to keep contact with British people, and continue tutoring online. There are 7 or 8 hours time difference between UK and China. Therefore, someone who are interested in learning Chinese/Mandarin, or want to know the culture of China, or want to improve your Maths, please leave me a message. I will do my best to be a good tutor and also a good international friend of you.

In particular, for those who are interested in tutoring English, we can tutor each other for free.

Teaching Experience:
I was a volunteer teacher when I was an undergraduate student in China. It was in a countryside school of Hunan province. I went there with my schoolmates in a summer holiday. I taught students mathematics and introduced interesting things in the university to them. Although time passed fast, we had wonderful time together. Importantly, children and teenagers learned something from me, which is unforgettable in their life and is meaningful to me as well.

I had an experience of tutoring two junior school students for Maths of IGCSE when I was in UK. It lasted over two months. During that time I helped them make big progresses in their studies. I also gain friendship from their families which will last forever.

I had also tutored Mandarin for two kids in the UK after finishing IGCSE tutoring. It was easier for me to tutor language compared to Maths. I enjoyed the time when I spent with those two cute kids.

Tutoring Approach:
I would prepare for the lessons very well before tutoring.
Using an everyday language, make knowledge clear and easy to understand.
Develop student's interest step by step.
Providing good examples.
Give suggestions of study.
etc.

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Personal Description:
Long Distance Running.
• Table Tennis & Basketball Player.
• Piano Player and Ukulele player - currently achieved medium level.
• Continuing with my own education to improve my knowledge and understanding of the educational system materials

Teaching Experience:
Experiences from Primary school to AS level Chinese, up to adult learners; I have been working at Bohunt Secondary school, Liphook, Whitgift independent school, St Gregory's school, Bath and St Alban's primary school, Macclesfield as a Chinese teacher.
Experiences from tutoring maths GCSE (AQA and EDEXCEL Exam Board), a former AQA Maths GCSE examiner.
Also experienced in teaching Chinese on a one-to-one basis, from 4-year-olds to adult age groups; also a GCSE/A-level examiner.
I am also an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) tutor at one local school in Oxford; a freelance writer at Amazon, Jinbu 1 and 2 diary for beginners to intermediate level via Amazon。

Tutoring Approach:
Teams online or face to face.

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Personal Description:
I am an extremely well qualified and experienced teacher of modern languages. I worked in many schools in the UK and for the most part as head of MFL. I also worked in China and Germany teaching English. Since retiring from full time teaching I have been teaching private lessons. I have extensive knowledge of the GCSE and A level courses and I have been very successful with my students. On average their grades have improved by at least two from their mock exams.

Teaching Experience:
I started teaching after leaving university when I went to China and worked for a United Nations Development Project. I then worked for a private language school in Germany. I became a qualified teacher and worked in several schools in Essex. I quickly worked my way up the ranks and became Head of Modern Languages. My last full time position was as Head of MFL at Medina College on the Isle of Wight. Since then I have been successfully teaching private lessons to students aged 5 to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I use a variety of techniques adapted to my student's needs. I like to make my lessons fun and interactive. I follow the syllabus closely in the case of exam students and make sure that students are confident in all four skills. I elicit information from the students rather than just teach them how something works. By using this method students are more likely to retain the knowledge. I am happy to teach students individually or in pairs or groups.

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Personal Description:
Fully qualified teacher of Mandarin (all levels).

I prepare students for GCSE and A-level exams, as well as conduct and assess these exams for schools. I also provide teaching services for higher education establishments, government departments, and corporate entities.
I assist students with all levels of the Chinese Proficiency Test (HSK), and all my students have a very high success rate.

Teaching Experience:
I have been professionally teaching Mandarin for 15 years +.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a passionate teacher and like to keep my lessons interactive and fun.

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Personal Description:
Hello! I'm Dongni. UK Global Talent Visa holder for children's book authorship and illustration. Award- winning, four-time monograph published, children's picture book author and illustrator.

Teaching Experience:
I taught Chinese for both children and adults in an aritist way.
In the past 5 years:
I ran art workshops in both China and UK.
I designed art course for both adults and children.

Tutoring Approach:
I love helping students to achieve what they want in an relaxing way. So let me know what is your purpose to learn Chinese. I will make a personalized plan for you!
INTO: Art, live music, sport (swimming, Pilates, Yoga, hiking, playing basketball), museum, gallery, cooking, etc
These can be our topics in class.
Bonus:
If you choose me, you will get opportunities to read my books.
If you are into art, after language class, we can sketch together and you will get an extra art tutorial.
If you like cooking, I can share my secret Chinese recipes.

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Personal Description:
I am graduated from the University of Stirling with a Master's degree in Finance. With over a decade of experience, I have been dedicated to teaching A-Level and GCSE Chinese at a private school. My approach to tutoring is highly effective。

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching A-Level and GCSE Chinese at a private school for over 10 years. I I have successfully guided numerous students through A-Level and GCSE Chinese courses. Many of my students have achieved outstanding results under my guidance, including a remarkable 90% of students who attained an A grade in A-Level Chinese in 2023.

Tutoring Approach:
During the initial session, I work closely with the student to set clear objectives based on their individual needs. My teaching methodology involves designing tailored assignments that draw from a range of subjects and past papers. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also equips students with the skills to apply their knowledge effectively.

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Personal Description:
Hello, You may call me Gavin. I am from Hong Kong and is now living in the UK. I have expertise in multiple languages and has recently graduated in the London School of Economics and Political Science. I can help with Secondary School level or even University Level history or history learning in general. Feel free to talk to me even if you are not interested in history, I also offer classes in teaching Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching private tutoring since my university years. I have experience teaching children ranging from age 8 to 16. I am expert in teaching Secondary School History and languages (Cantonese, Mandarin, English and Japanese)

Tutoring Approach:
Let's make learning fun and exciting together! I'm Gavin, a multilingual tutor with a passion for history. Whether you need help with history or want to learn Cantonese, Mandarin, English, or Japanese, I'm here for you. Let's embark on this educational journey with enthusiasm and joy!

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Personal Description:
I am a former teacher at a GCSE and Sixth Form college in west London. I currently work in the E-learning industry. I also have my own podcast about education, Education Bookcast. I cover a book a week about education research, for the benefit of teachers, parents, and anybody who takes an interest.

I am a Chemical Engineering graduate from Trinity College, Cambridge.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a tutor for 7 years in total. My students vary from 11+ to Key stage 3 to GCSE to A-level as well as university level students. I have taught over 70 students one-on-one so far, as well as many more in school and in private courses for examinations such as STEP, usually for several months at a time.

Here are some of the things that my students have said about me:

"Stas is an excellent tutor, I am studying Mechanical Engineering and his knowledge of Maths, Mechanics and Thermo Dynamics is extensive. He explained things in a clear and precise way and was always well prepared for the sessions. He was also punctual and reliable; it was a pleasure to learn from him."
Jack, Liverpool University

"I am currently studying Chemical Engineering, and Stas tutored me for Process Engineering, his teaching was nothing but the best, i understood the course in no time. He explains everything from the basics, something i wanted. Honestly, I will recommend him any day! He is a brilliant tutor."
Zahra, Manchester University

"Stas is an enthusiastic and patient Maths tutor. He has provided me with some very good examples, and has been a great help."
Jim, Manchester Metropolitan University, MA Bioinformatics

"Stas is a great tutor. I feel much more confident with Maths now then I did when we first started. It is evident in my grades that Stas has helped me improve in Maths. He is very good at explaining the material that I don't understand; he uses different scenarios to help explain them which enables me to apply Maths to real life situations. I enjoyed our tuition sessions, as Stas made Maths fun!"
Sehr, Manchester, AS Maths

"My son, Alex was having problem with Biology, so far he had only few lessons with Stas but there's been a huge improvement in his grade already. We have been so impressed with Stas's teaching techniques, that we are taking on extra lessons in Maths and Physics with Stas. Stas is the most genuine teacher I've come across, there is no nonsense with him. I can see that Stas truly enjoys teaching and more importantly my son finds learning from Stas is so enjoyable."
Mel, Cheshire

"Stas has tutored me in Maths, Chemistry and Physics at GCSE level. He is very clear and explains things well. He is also very patient, will listen and when I don't understand will try to explain things in a different way. He has been very supportive throughout my exams and has helped me to feel more confident about them. We went through all of the difficult things I struggled with, so that I had a better understanding of them.
I got A*'s in all the subjects he tutored me. He is helping me with A levels now."
Kaija, London

"This has been our first experience of using a tutor and it has been very good, thanks to Stas. Not only is he very reliable, but my son has enjoyed the sessions and learnt a great deal in terms of problem solving with his maths, Further Maths and Physics. Stas has also been able to help with some more complex Chemistry work. So far, they have worked through the more challenging sections of the Further Maths syllabus and past papers. Most importantly, my son finds their sessions extremely useful and Stas inspirational to work with."
Tamlyn, London

"Stas is extremely easy to get on with, always polite and extremely patient with me.
He maintains a constant positive approach and encourages me dutifully regardless of how badly I perform.
He helps me keep track of how I am improving so that I can watch my progress based on timely reviews of what we have achieved.
Stas is a fantastic guy and a terrific teacher. Based on my experiences I would certainly be able to recommend him to anyone.
Overall Rating (10/10)"
Joe, London

Tutoring Approach:
It is easy to overcomplicate things.

- Anyone can learn anything. It's a matter of method, support, application, and belief.
- Students learn new material at first by seeing a need to learn the new thing (e.g. because they don't know how to solve a new problem), and connecting new information to things they already know.
- They then need to strengthen this understanding by engaging in problems themselves and trying to remember what they have learned.
- Many students need to gain confidence. This partly comes from encouragement, but true confidence comes from progress and success, which comes from following the above.
- Students need guidance. It's challenging enough to try to focus on the material. Teachers need to make sure that all of students' focus is placed on thinking about the content, rather than on sideline issues like trying to figure out what comes next.
- Efficiency is important. Most people have specific targets (e.g. passing an exam). Things need to happen quickly.
- At the same time, early stages sometimes need to take longer in order to build a foundation for what follows. Taking a step back can be important in order to be clear on what's really going on, and avoiding rote memorisation or "going through the motions".

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