Alva Maths Tutors and Alva Maths Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an ex Headteacher of a successful local school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD mathematician, with a special interest in applied mathematics and statistics. I worked for some years in University departments as a tutor and then lecturer. More recently I have worked for almost two decades in industry as a mathematician at a prestigious research centre in Cambridge. I am familiar with many aspects of secondary education through my children who both completed their A levels at Hills Road 6th form college. My son has just begun reading Economics at London School of Economics while my daughter obtained a first class honours degree from Oriel College Oxford.
I have succesfully tutored a large number of A level students in both Mathematics and Physics from a wide variety of Sixth form colleges in the Cambridge area. I also teach International studnets who wish to gain entry to the UK University system.
My approach is interactive and encourages the student not to underestiante thier own ability. My experience is that many students are more talenetd in Mathematics than they realise themselves; the key is to gain the confidence to grow and develop to achive your goals.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Mathematics and Physics, to A level students from a wide variety of Sixth form Colleges in the Cambridge area. I have also taught International students from many different countries but especially China. I also have particular experience of teaching Mathematics to people whose primary interests lie in Business studies and in Engineering. I also gained valuable insight into adult education when I taught adult part-time students.
I have also provided tutorials for students with many different requirements including A level and undergraduate Physics & Mathematics courses and, for example, GMAT Mathematics prep for MBA entrance exams.
I am self-employed as a private tutor and employed as a University Foundation tutor in Mathematics and Statistics at Cambridge Regional College and previously at Bell School Cambridge.

Tutoring Approach:
The details of the correct approach vary from one tutee to another, but the principles remain the same. I seek to establish the student's ability within the context of a given aim and to then set realistic objectives.
I think that most students have more mathematical ability than they themselves believe; this can be brought out in a positive fashion once negative stereotypes are discarded. Also the application of mathematics to the real world can be exciting and profitable.

Parental Comment
Hi Brian,

I hope you're enjoying the Summer break.

I just wanted to let you know that Kalen has a A* for maths and an A for further Maths. He's very pleased with this and on behalf of him I'd like to say thank you so much for all your help.

Overall he got A*A*AAB and is off to Warwick to do a general engineering course.

Thanks again Brian,

Suneela


STUDENT COMMENTS
August 2018

Dear Brian,
I have just received my results and wanted to let you know that I have an A* in A level maths !!!! I am very happy thank you for all your support and help I couldn't have done it without you!

Kind regards,
Alice B :-)
September 2018 (from Durham University student)
Hi Brian,
I just thought I would let you know, that with your help, I went from a 30 to an 85 in my retake. Thank you so much for all your help.
Kind regards,
Jake

Dear Brian. I found our tutorials very helpful and feel much more able to hit the ground running when I return to Oxford. I will be sure to recommend you to anyone else I know in need of tuition.
Peter N, returning undergraduate.

Brian helped me to revise my university maths before starting an MSc course 10 years after completing my undergraduate degree. He was patient, non-judgmental of my rusty abilities, and gave useful examples of mathematical problems to help explain some very difficult concepts. He is very reliable and a pleasure to work with. I would have no problem recommending Brian to others and would certainly see him again for further tuition should the need arise.
David C, returning graduate student

Another parent comment
Brian is helping my daughter who attends Hills Road with both physics and maths and she has just had her fifth session. This is the first time with have engaged with a personal tutor so really wasn't sure what we were doing and started out with some trepidation. We soon were able to ensure that the hour we spent with Brian was really productive and useful. Brian has been really helpful and and this has increased my daughters confidence and knowledge which is exactly what we were hoping for.

New student comments
I'm just emailing to tell you that my physics unit 2 exam went quite well. There were only a few small questions that I couldn't answer. I will tell you my result when I get them on the 14th of August. I must thank you for helping me over the past few months. I really have no clue how badly these exams would have gone if you did not help me. Thank you so much for your help.
Calum M AS Physics student.

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Personal Description:
I am over 60 years old, live in Kent with my wife and 2 children. My daughter is 30, she wis working as a doctor. My son is 27working as specialist in embedded system, completed Physics degree at the Imperial college.

I have a PGCE, MSc and a PhD in Maths and Science, I am a full member of GTC.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Maths and Physics over 35 years. I first taught at a school for 7 years, then at a teachers' college, polytechnic and finally at a university.

I am now a full-time Mathematics teacher, teach at a school in Kent up to A2 level.

Tutoring Approach:
Enthusiastic and highly motivated, use child-centred approach.

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Personal Description:
I'm thirty and have lived, worked and studied in the south Hampshire area my whole life. I love the area and intend on staying here for the foreseeable future! I'm a doctor currently working as a GP Registrar, having completed a Graduate Entry Medicine degree at the University of Southampton. I've worked in a wide range of specialities, including Child Health, Acute Medicine and General Surgery - and a stint in A&E during the Coronavirus pandemic!
Before starting my studies in Medicine, I completed my BSc. (Hons) Human Physiology at the University of Portsmouth in 2015. I attended Hamble Community Sports College, achieving 14 GCSEs at grade A and A* - top of my year - and Peter Symonds College, studying Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, Critical Thinking and General Studies. My Mathematics and Statistics GCSE (taken a year early) were the highest the school had ever achieved, both gaining an A* (99.5% and 100% respectively).

Teaching Experience:
During my GCSE preparation and exam period, I tutored several students in my year and below for Mathematics and Statistics, alongside their current teaching at school. I have also, however, given tuition to other adults, most of whom were taking their Mathematics GCSE as an extra qualification in order to get a promotion at work. I currently tutor students of a large range of ages, covering Key Stage 2, 3, GCSE and A Level.
I have now taught many students, ranging from ages 5 - adult, and all of those which have sat exams have at least achieved the grades they were after. I have helped students to reach required grades, supplementing class teaching, catching up on missed lessons, improving old Maths skills and more recently as a standalone teacher of the entire GCSE syllabus. I have also helped individuals gain much needed confidence in their own skills and I have a lot of experience in helping students to believe in themselves!

Tutoring Approach:
Mathematics being a specific passion of mine, I encourage students to apply their own knowledge to the question, before adding any new information. By showing proof of how a calculation or question works, I believe that anyone can grasp a method if they are shown the reason behind its usage. I believe I can offer an alternative to the class driven method of teaching, and allow students to gain aptitude in spotting the need for a calculation just by reading the question, and hopefully then on to creating their own calculations and solutions! I also aim to make a heavy question of 5 or 6 marks appear to be just a group of smaller questions, making each mark easier to get. I've been teaching for twelve years now and I've seen many students suffer from a lack of confidence in their own ability, and I always ensure that not only does the person have core, and advanced knowledge, but that they have confidence in the fact that anything can be achieved!

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Personal Description:
Confidence is often the stumbling block for learners, and I always encourage all of my students to feel an early sense of achievement. Enabling students to see real progress quickly is essential to the building of self-esteem. I am very approachable and my style of teaching is relaxed and friendly. I love my job and hope that my own enthusiasm inspires my students to excel. Recently I have added French to my repertoire, for absolute beginners. I am sure French will be as popular and exciting as English and Maths have been.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a teacher since 1976. I have taught all age groups, from nursery to A Level. Teaching is a wonderful and totally satisfying vocation. I moved across to tutoring as I felt I could offer all of my experience in this role. Being a teacher is definitely something I was born to do, and I love it.

Tutoring Approach:
Students can learn by either visiting my home or at a distance using Skype. Every student is assessed as an individual and the content of their course tailored to their needs. I test my students periodically to ensure progress is going smoothly; also testing is a good way for students to observe their own progress. We use a variety of materials: books for writing and reading in English, and for revision in Maths; the computer for visual skills and games, listening and speaking is a major part of the programme for EFL students. Children learn in different ways, and I like to offer my students visual, auditory and kinetic tools, we can see which is most comfortable for the individual. The speed of learning is not as important as the confidence of the individual and their inspiration and motivation to progress.

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Personal Description:
I am a graduate of Design Engineering of London University and PGCE of Staffordshire University. I am an engaging and charismatic teacher whose supportive learning style builds confidence and achieves results.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for 15 years changing to exclusively online during the lockdown from March 2020. I teach in harmony with my wife Juliet. My specialist subjects are Maths Non-Verbal Reasoning and Interview training.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an engaging and positive style of teaching which I balance with each child's character and mood as as I read it.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic, young and passionate tutor with much experience in the field of teaching. With my confidence and ability to teach at varied ages I feel that I am a competent tutor for students struggling with any facet of the education cycle in schools.

I only teach females.

Teaching Experience:
I am the Head of English at an all-through school in East London. I have a varied and wide experience with teaching students of all abilities and backgrounds.

I am a qualified teacher who enjoys a challenge and has a passion for helping others reach their fullest potential.

I have experience with students all ages and abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
I feel that teaching learners at a personal level requires a particular mindset, the pedagogical approach would be catered to my learner's needs and ability. I would first take a diagnostic test of my student and then proceed with the best course of action for this tutee, using my experience from my PGCE year and my current teaching practice, I would teach accordingly.

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Personal Description:
I offer tuition in maths up to and including Maths and Further Maths A-levels. I coach for university entrance exams such as Oxford's MAT and Cambridge's STEP. I also offer coaching for Numeracy and Numerical Reasoning tests such as SHL recruitment selection tests. If you need a bit of extra help for an upcoming exam, or even if you are just keen to widen your skills base with some general functional mathematics coaching, I would be keen to help.

Teaching Experience:
I am a full time sixth form maths teacher in the Nottinghamshire area with 15+ years' experience both tutoring and teaching, and currently teaching A-level Maths and Further Maths. I am a Maths graduate from the University of Warwick, and I hold a PGCE from Warwick Institute of Education. I have a full Enhanced Disclosure CRB.

Tutoring Approach:
I appreciate how difficult and disheartening it can be to struggle with maths, but I also believe that, when presented in the right way, it can be both interesting and enjoyable (as well as extremely useful!) I favour a student-driven style of tutoring, with an emphasis on finding the root causes of any difficulties in order to strengthen a base of understanding before jumping forward to new topics.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and Cambridge graduate with 15 years of experience tutoring both science and maths. I focus on improving confidence and fostering a deeper understanding of each topic. By relating theoretical concepts to everyday ideas, I help students find the common-sense structure hiding behind abstract numbers and theories. I also provide guidance on revision technique and intensive exam preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I grew up in Bedford, UK and attended Dame Alice Harpur School (now Bedford Girls' School) before moving to Cambridge to study Natural Sciences at Queens' College. In 2008, I started tutoring during the evenings and weekends. Upon the completion of my M.Sci, I relocated to Oxford to create science and maths teaching resources at a local publishing firm - all the while continuing to tutor in my spare time.

Whilst living in Oxford, I found I enjoyed being a tutor so much, that I chose to leave my day job and pursue tuition as a full-time career in December 2012. Two years later, I transferred to London to set up home with my now husband and continued to work as a tutor. However, I found that I had free time during the school day and I wanted to improve my teaching skills, and gain formal recognition for those I had already acquired. I embarked on a two-year part-time teacher training course - secondary school science with a specialism in physics.

I was offered a role at my training school, and took up a position at a local Academy as a teacher of both science and maths. During this period, I undertook extensive training regarding the change to the new (9 - 1) GCSEs and became familiar with the International Baccalaureate - both the diploma and the career-related programme.

In 2016, my husband and I returned to Bedford to start our family and I accepted a position at a local boys' school, teaching science from year 6 to A-level. Following the birth of our daughter 5 years ago, I decided to once again return to full-time tuition in order to spend more time with my growing family.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor each lesson to suit the student's needs. The first few lessons usually focus on getting to know the student and their strengths and weaknesses. I identify areas for improvement and use subsequent lessons to work on these, as well as ensuring that the student is comfortable with the whole of the syllabus. Closer to the exam season, we will focus on improving question technique and creating links across the curriculum.

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Personal Description:
I am a primary school tutor from Yorkshire and a modern foreign languages graduate from the University of Edinburgh. I have spent time teaching EFL in France and Spain and primary subjects in the UK both in schools and as a private tutor. I am now offering primary tuition services online in York during this time when parents might need to be working from home and need extra support with their child's homework.

Teaching Experience:
I taught as a private tutor in Salamanca whilst studying for my degree and for one year in Barcelona following this in a nursery, primary and secondary school. I additionally taught in two primary schools in Paris. I have worked as both a teaching assistant in the UK and as an English as a foreign language tutor in a Languages College. I have a PGCE in primary education and now teach in schools in and around York.

Tutoring Approach:
I have had experience of teaching all age groups from early primary to adults, of planning lessons and carrying out assessments. I know how to encourage all students to achieve their full potential and believe that appropriate challenge and enjoyment of learning is the key towards achieving success. I have a positive outlook and aim to develop a good rapport with all pupils and create a cooperative and calm atmosphere. It is my aim to deliver exciting and engaging lessons using familiar, real life experiences, engaging and fun games and tailored resources using a variety of teaching methods best suited to each individual child. I am patient and flexible with my time and I am willing to persevere in order to ensure that all students have fun whilst succeeding in reaching their goals.

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Personal Description:
I am a very calm and disciplined person who has so much passion for teaching and helping people grow to discover their intellectual capabilities.

I found it very easy working with people regardless of their age, race and gender.

Teaching Experience:
During my undergraduate days, I always give tutorial classes to students who need assistance in mathematics, Computer/IT courses, and business-related courses.

I lectured for a year in a higher Institution after graduating from the university, where I taught mathematics and Computer studies.

I have also taught students in various levels of Mathematics, ICT and Business Administration.

I'm currently teaching business-related courses at Further and Higher education levels.

Tutoring Approach:
My Approach to tutoring depends on the student level of understanding. I always try to understand my students' academic ability, help them improve from there, and make it both effective and enjoyable. This method has helped both my students and myself in the past because they are doing well in their various fields of study.

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Personal Description:
Morning and afternoon sessions available during weekdays for home schoolers!

I am a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with 30 years experience. I am committed to helping children to achieve their full potential in becoming well rounded, happy individuals who are independent learners. I believe children become successful learners when they are given the right tools for the job. The most important of these tools is confidence in their own ability! I am friendly, approachable and reliable.

Teaching Experience:
I have vast and recent experience of teaching at primary schools at Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I have supported children with a variety of conditions such as ADHD, ADD and ASD. I have prepared children for the Year One Phonics Screening, the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and for Year 6 SATs. I have a full and detailed knowledge of the National Curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible and centred around the hopes and aims of the child and their carer. I offer a bespoke curriculum tailored to the needs of the individual child. During our first session I will take the time to get to know you and your child. I will build up a picture of your child's interests, strengths, and also try to identify areas where they feel less confident. There will be some short assessment tasks to complete during this session. These will be delivered as activities and games and not as tests! Then we will discuss possible next steps and objectives. I will use all this information to develop your child's individual scheme of work. This learning path is adaptable and can be changed and modified to suit your child's ongoing progress.
Thank you for reading my profile.

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Personal Description:
Engineering student at Exeter University with industrial experience in finance and turbine engineering, having studied Maths, Economics and Chemistry at A Level.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored at GCSE on and off for the last two years. My younger sister is currently GCSE age also so I am familiar with the current syllabi.

Tutoring Approach:
I am familiar with the current GCSE syllabus, and with different methods students may be asked to solve the same question. I focus on identifying a students weaknesses early on, then providing a simple solution. Additionally, I can help students with exam technique and offer methods to maximise the time given for the paper.

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Personal Description:
Quality Tailored Language Teaching Turkish and ESOL in All Levels
As a Qualified Language Teacher with Degrees in teaching ESOL and Turkish Language, I have over 10 years` experience in working with young people and children to improve their command of Turkish and English language as well as GCSE / A Level Turkish students to develop advanced knowledge and understanding through transferable skills reflected on their grade.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching in mainstream schools and private tutoring in languages for many years has been a great opportunity to work with a wide range of learners from children to adults which enhanced my skills to create individually tailored lessons that spot-on target the points my students want to improve.

Tutoring Approach:
I pride myself on being highly focused on personal main aim of the student which brings out the ultimate teaching plan for the unique learner. Whether it is the ability to use a variety of sentence structures, vocabulary, and tenses in order to access the full range of marks available in a GCSE / A Level Exam, general proficiency, Dyslexia, school support for your child or simply gaining that confidence in a new language that you`re looking for, I `d be happy to help.. Both one-to-one, groups and online lessons are available.

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Personal Description:
I have been tutoring on a full-time basis for over 20 years, including teaching abroad as part of my degree at Cambridge University. Over this time, I have taught pupils across the whole range of ages and abilities. I offer professional, qualified, friendly tuition in English, maths and foreign languages, always tailored to meet each individual student's needs. Travelling is not a problem, and is included within the fee quoted.

Teaching Experience:
Please see above

Tutoring Approach:
Please see above

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Personal Description:
I am 43 years old and live at home with my partner and our two boys, both aged 6 and 8.

Teaching Experience:
I have nine years teaching experience in good and outstanding secondary schools. I have taught key stage 3, GCSE/IGCSE, A Level and IB maths and further maths. I have experience of the AQA, Edexcel and CIE specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a calm approach to tutoring. I try to make students feel comfortable. I use a lot of praise and encouragement and really try to improve their confidence.

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Sophie - a fully qualified primary school teacher with over 10 years of classroom and leadership experience, specialising in Key Stage 1. I'm passionate about creating positive, confidence-building learning experiences for young children through patient, engaging and carefully tailored tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I am a fully qualified primary teacher with over 10 years of classroom and leadership experience, specialising in Key Stage 1. I offer warm, engaging and confidence-boosting tutoring that's carefully tailored to your child's individual needs and learning style.

I'm a phonics expert with a proven track record helping children build strong foundations in reading, writing, spelling and maths. Whether your child needs a gentle boost, phonics intervention, or stretch towards greater depth, I create fun, focused sessions that truly make a difference.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is child-centred, nurturing and positive - helping every learner feel seen, supported and empowered. I use creative resources, active games and visual tools to keep children motivated and proud of their progress.

A typical lesson is lively, purposeful and personalised. We'll begin with a quick warm-up to spark focus and confidence, then move into tailored activities based on your child's goals - from phonics games to hands-on maths tasks. I use a mix of visual, verbal and practical methods to suit different learning styles, and always end with a short reflection to celebrate progress and build self-belief.

Having worked closely with families, SEND learners and children with a range of needs, I understand the importance of adapting my teaching to suit different personalities. Every child learns at their own pace - and I'll be right there encouraging each small step along the way.

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