Knaresborough Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tutors and Knaresborough Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tuition

Personal Description:
PSYCHOLOGY
I have a BSc (First Class Honours) in Psychology from Brunel University (2007), and a PhD in Psychology from the University of Cambridge (2011). I have worked as a research fellow and subsequently as a psychology lecturer at various universities in the U.K. My research is mainly in social, health and cognitive psychology, but I also teach research methods (both quantitative and qualitative methodologies), statistics and SPSS, as well as effective academic writing, including dissertations and research projects. In addition, I have sufficient competence in personality (i.e., individual differences) and clinical psychology to be able to teach these at undergraduate level. I have published over a dozen peer-reviewed articles, including some in world-leading journals, and have over 1300 academic citations of my research. Some of my research interests are: The attitude-behaviour relationship, behavioural interventions, motivation, cognition, and emotion, dual-process models of cognition, cognitive dissonance, self-affirmation, and information processing, emotional intelligence, mindfulness, health psychology, meta-cognition and self-knowledge, persuasion and social influence, intelligence and problem-solving, psychology of music, and psychology of religion.

PHILOSOPHY/CRITICAL THINKING/RELIGIOUS STUDIES
In my own research in psychology, I have drawn on several philosophical ideas, and have integrated different philosophical perspectives into my work. In addition to critical thinking, I am able to teach humanistic philosophy, social cognition, epistemology, existentialism, and related areas. I also teach how to build philosophical arguments for academic and commercial purposes. In terms of religious studies, I have a particular interest in the Abrahamic faiths, as well as Hinduism, Buddhism, and related philosophies.

MUSIC
I am a performer and teacher of Indian classical music (Northern style), and teach the instruments of dilruba, esraj, taus, taar shehnai and a bit of sarangi. I have been learning for 18 years, and been performing for the last 10 years. I teach beginners and intermediate students in basic and advanced raagas (from Yaman to Darbari) and taalas. I also teach vocal and harmonium.

ENGLISH LITERATURE
I specialise in creative writing, particularly short stories, and can teach students techniques in textual analysis and interpretation, especially using the hermeneutic method. I am also interested in how characters in stories (all genres) are given psychological depth, as well as how story structure and character development go hand-in-hand.

URDU
Urdu is my mother tongue, and is one of four languages that I speak fluently. I can teach beginners and intermediate students in grammar, reading and writing, as well as conversations. And I also teach advanced students in conversation. My particular interests in Urdu literature are 18th and 19th century poetry, especially ghazals.

DANISH
I am a native speaker of Danish, and spent the first 22 years of my life there. I can teach all levels of the language and its literature. Some of the key authors that I have an interest in are Søren Kierkegaard, Karen Blixen, H C Anderson, and we can also discuss Danish film, cinema, and culture. Danish is very similar to Swedish and Norwegian so by learning Danish you will be able to read those languages quite well, and you might be able to understand speech in those languages to some extend. There is also some overlap between Danish and German, though not as much.

Teaching Experience:
I taught psychology to undergraduates at the University of Cambridge from 2008-2011. I then taught at King's College London from 2011-2014, followed by the University of Bath from 2014-2017 and then Bath Spa University from 2017-2022. I also supervise BSc, MSc, and doctoral students. I'm currently lecturing at the University of Hertfordshire.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to use an interactive approach that encourages active involvement of the tutee. My main goal during tuition sessions is to stimulate an interest in the subject and facilitate independent and critical thinking. This, I believe, allows the tutee to become an independent thinker and to enjoy the learning process, which is rewarding for both parties.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have completed a Masters degree in Creative Writing. I completed my undergraduate studying BA Creative Writing and English Literature with 2:1. I'm aware that English and History are complex and intriguing subjects but I firmly believe that a thorough understanding and practise of techniques will enable to provide you with a firm base for any student to succeed. I am keen, conscientious, hardworking and reliable person.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 14 years. I have worked with a wide range of ages and academic abilities from different schools such as private, public, grammar, boarding, faith schools and academies.
I worked as an Literacy Assessment Assistant where i taught Year 8, Year 10, Year 11, Year 12 and Year 13.
I worked as an Exams Officer Assistant for 6 months. I was a English Graduate Assistant in a high school where I had exposure to lesson and administration relating to the curriculum.
I have completed a Literacy Leadership Award and I was assessed on my ability to plan and prepare a literacy activity. I had to show communication and motivational skills through delivering literacy across the curriculum. Having observed teachers, I was able to learn interesting techniques that are used to teach Key stage 3 and 4 students. From this experience, I was taught how to plan and structure a lesson i.e. the starter, an introduction, an interactive main activity and the plenary; how to use verbal and non-verbal communication successfully.
I have also worked closely with my peers on A Level courses such as English and History by delivering revision sessions and presenting my ideas on literary texts, articles and academic research.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition includes a variety of techniques and strategies in order to guide and motivate the learner. I will set personalised targets with my students and their parents in order to achieve the desired results. I also intend to provide you with a personalized programme that is best suited to your individual needs. I'm very enthusiastic and try to make learning a fun experience, using different ways of learning. Prices of lessons can be negotiated.
"She's a good listener. She tries to make people understand something in a way that makes you feel comfortable. She involved everyone in the discussion even the quiet ones and always tries to find new ways of explaining things. Revision sessions were really useful and I think the main reason was because she just loves helping other people whether it is people younger or the same age. Everyone went home feeling slightly more confident about the exam including me. She makes sure that everybody understands even if it has to be explained more than once." (Aarti, 18, student)
"Charnjit has a way of making the impossible- possible. She is patient with her students and will try her hardest to make people understand. She has a way of teaching which involves a lot of group work and a one-one session where she will answer any questions from the stupidest to the smartest. After having few sessions with her I went into my exam confidently. Most importantly, she never gives up on anyone." (Rahwa, student)
"Charnjit's teaching style is unique and possesses many qualities. She is patient and constantly checks for understanding in order to go over things if the topic is not understood straight away. She uses a variety of techniques such as group brain storming in order to get the class involved which is very effective. During our group revision sessions she used this technique which worked well as it got everybody thinking, talking and interacting which was useful when remembering theorists and certain dates. She also categorised the theorists into groups based on their research which was also helpful for revision as it broke down the amount of theorists into smaller groups which were easier to remember. In addition, Charnjit is very good at keeping the class' attention which is very important as a teacher." (Stefanie, student)

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a Cambridge graduate and Fellow of the University of London, with fifteen years of experience tutoring Religious Studies and Philosophy. My students have a strong track record of A/A* grades. I tutor it full-time across OCR, AQA, Edexcel and other exam boards. I can offer hundreds of exemplar essays and resources.

Get in touch for a free 1-hour trial session!

Extracts from letters of recommendation (available in full on request):

"James is an extremely capable and sensitive tutor."
Mother of RS (OCR) A-Level student
Grade received: A

"My daughter got a D in her mock earlier this year ... for her to get an A really was at the top end of our expectations."
Father of A-Level RS (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"I cannot recommend James highly enough. He is punctual and thoughtful and I would not hesitate to hire him again in the future."
Mother of Religious Studies (Edexcel) student
Grade received: A

"James immediately established a very good working relationship with my daughter which encouraged her to really engage with the subject…I would highly recommend James as a tutor."
Mother of Religious Studies (OCR) student.
Grade received: A

"James was brilliant."
Mother of twin daughters taught in Religious Studies (OCR) and Philosophy (AQA).
Grades received: A

RATES
Free 1 hour initial lesson. If there is a results-based bonus I am happy to negotiate the hourly fee.

Teaching Experience:
I have thousands of hours of tuition experience built up over ten years of full-time tutoring. Some of the specific subjects I have taught include:

Cambridge Pre-U Theology & Philosophy
Philosophy A Level (AQA, OCR and Edexcel)
Religious Studies (OCR, AQA and Edexcel) GCSE, A Level
Government & Politics (Edexcel and OCR)
Theology and Religious Studies at degree level (I have helped six different students receive good grades for third year RS dissertations)
Oxbridge applications and interview practice

Tutoring Approach:
Receiving tuition can be a bit daunting at first, so I try to make sure my students feel I`m on their side and there to help them with anything they might not feel able to figure out at school.

My approach to tuition is to assess what specific needs a student has and then to organise the sessions around those needs. Some students need essay technique help and some have a specific set of topics they want to go over. Others might need an entire course taught to them as they have left school or are being home educated.

In my years of tuition, I have built up a cloud-based digital archive of hundreds of handouts which can help a student get back on track and achieve the highest possible grade.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Professionally qualified (DfES number RP 04/31188).

I am a musician, qualified primary teacher (QTS) with a Master's degree in Education, Pets As Therapy volunteer, founder and facilitator at Meta for learning CIC.

My interests in education are in Open Learning, Outdoor Learning, Animal Assisted interventions, Blended learning and helping learners build international links.


As part of a distance-learning Masters degree in association with FUNIBER and the Universidad de León, I carried out an ethnographic action research project using a democratic approach called Community Language Learning. In this approach there is no syllabus or textbook to follow. It is the learners themselves who determine the content by means of meaningful conversations.
It incorporates translation, transcription and recording techniques.

When I am not working I love volunteering, practising ice skating or track cycling with my daughter and also growing an edible garden !

Teaching Experience:
I was born in Madrid where I trained as a primary teacher and classical musician (cello and chamber music).

I worked in Escuelas de Musica in the outskirts of Madrid which are inclusive socially-minded music schools where I taught cello lessons and support the development of the String Department by assisting during orchestra rehearsals. Both adults and children of all ages are welcome to take lessons.

Shortly after moving to the UK I started a part time job teaching Music to 5-7 yo children at the Rowans Prep school in Wimbledon alongside studying a Mater's and working in Adult education- I carried out a 2-year ethnographic action research project at St Luke's centre in Islinghton.

I then applied to a position in Esadst London and started working for Children's language services teaching at several primary schools in Tower Hamlets. My roles were to deliver the MFL primary curriculum; coordinate the implementation of new initiatives in schools ie use of the European Portfolio for language Learning which was being developed between the Council and universities, provide class teachers with CPD training; undertake tasks such as EAL First Language assessments.

After taking maternative leave I trained to become an online tutor and worked part- time for Own Tutors, Clapham.

In 2019 I founded a learning community Metaforlearning Cic where I run Self-Manage Learning programmes for young people.

In my tutoring work I am reliable, flexible and experienced. I have been working in the UK, Ireland and Spain and have experience in exam preparation for the Spanish internationally recognised DELE junior and DELE for adults; Spanish GCSE, IGCSE, Spanish A-LEVELS with AQA, OCR and EDEXCEL exam boards; and IB ab initio and Language B international qualifications. In the past I have prepared young cellists for 1-8 ABRSM performance grades.

Tutoring Approach:
Students set their own learning goals and I assist them in order to map the neccesary learning to achieve them and also by working at the level that they feel comfortable with at each stage of the process.

With young learners I make use of VR, AR and gamification for enhancing engagement in language learning.

If your enquiry is regarding learning for either improving wellbeing, traveling or living in a Spanish speaking country then we will be looking at different learning objetives and skills than for example an enquiry regarding accessing an university of your choice.

I have wide experience supporting international students in understanding and preparing to access Universities in the UK.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and enthusiastic tutor with a passion for learning. I have over 8 years experience as a maths and science tutor. I studied Politics, Philosophy and Economics at Oxford University and subsequently completed an MSc in the History and Philosophy of Science at the London School of Economics. I am fascinated by the natural world and by scientific enquiry. When I'm not teaching or learning I enjoy foreign cinema, playing squash and strumming the guitar.

Teaching Experience:
After completing my undergraduate degree, I worked as a full-time teacher at d'Overbroeck's Sixth Form College, Oxford. During this four-year period, I taught A-level Philosophy, Sociology and Religious Studies (all AQA examining board). More recently, I have worked as a teaching assistant at Canterbury High School, focussing on struggling students and helping them achieve their potential. Concurrently, I have also worked as a private tutor teaching GCSE and A-level Maths, GCSE Chemistry and Physics as well as providing 11+ Maths preparation.

Tutoring Approach:
Once I understand exactly what a tutee hopes to achieve (e.g. A* Maths GCSE, or simply understanding algebra) I have three main priorities as a tutor:

i) to identify a students strengths and weaknesses through short tests

ii) to provide a course of study and assessment that will focus on the weaknesses and monitor progress

iii) to give the student belief in themselves and their abilities and to instill a love of learning!

Subjects

Personal Description:
A resident of Edinburgh for the past twelve years I enjoy meeting new people and learning new things myself. I am fairly well travelled, enjoy the arts and have a passion for working alongside others to help them achieve their goals.

I am a professional actor with degree level qualifications in both Philosophy (Dundee University) and Acting (Queen Margaret University College).

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with adults in improving spoken and written English for UK degree entry level. I have also worked with college and university students in the Middle East (UAE) to train science and drama education in both Arabic and English.

For several years I have visited schools in both the public and private sectors delivering reading, drama and science communication classes.

I have regularly taught 5-15 years drama in private classes and enjoy working with pre-drama school entrants of all ages in working on giving the best entrance audition possible.

Tutoring Approach:
I am confident at creating a structured approach that works with a pupil's own strengths and needs to provide a tailor-made package for learning.

Ideally I meet with each student to discuss their learning needs, current level and expected outcomes.

Although it is important to push the boundaries of learning, it should always be a workload that is both manageable and individually tailored.

People learn best when they are enjoying themselves, so I try my best to make learning fun and interactive.

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Personal Description:
I am a French philosopher based in Paris and London. I have graduated from Sorbonne University in 2006. My approach to philosophy tries to blend the Continental and the Analytic Anglo-Saxon tradition. I have been teaching classes in General Philosophy, Metaphysics and Logic.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching in various contexts: in high school (A-Level) as a Teaching Assistant at Sorbonne University, on the Paris campus of Saint John`s University in New York. I have also been occasionally tutoring some students. I have also written many popularization articles.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is based on an understanding of the needs of the tutored person with regards to the academic requirements in vigour and his own interest in the discipline. Depending on the context, I offer a approach based on the history of philosophy or on given philosophical problems, putting the emphasis either on culture or on the acquisition of an aptitude to sound reasoning or critical thinking.

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Personal Description:
Dr Sheraz is currently associate lecturer in Lincoln International Business school, University of Lincoln. He was previously Business Lecturer (Marketing & Project Management) at the Nelson College, London. Prior to his current appointment he was seminar teacher and PhD researcher in Value Chain Research Centre at the Kent Business School, University of Kent Medway campus. Before joining Kent Business School, he was a professional trainer and practicing aeronautical engineer at the National University of Science & Technology, Pakistan and Aviation Maintenance Organisation. He also served as Lecturer in Supply Chain Management at University of Engineering & Technology, Pakistan.

Teaching Experience:
• Module Leader - Marketing Principles, BTEC Level 5 HND F/601/0556 (Unit 4) at Nelson College, London, UK.
• Co-Lecturer on Project Management BTEC Level 5 HND F/601/1036 (Unit 42) at Nelson College, London, UK.
• Seminar Leader on CB313: Introduction to Statistics for Business (on BBA Buisness & Management programme) Kent Business School, UK.
• Quantitative data analysis support for BBA, MSc and PhD Students' Disserations Kent Business School, Canterbury and Medway Campuses.
• Lecturer for professional diploma in supply chain management at Professional Development centre at National University of Science and Technology, Pakistan(Top university in Pakistan)
• Provided MBA Dissertation supervision for over 10 graduate students of the University of Science and Technology, Pakistan.
• Curriculum Development Coordinator for Pre-Masters Business & Management at Centre for Advance Studies(CASE),Islamabad, Pakistan.

Tutoring Approach:
I have an extensive teaching experience both at the undergraduate and professional level. As required, I would be happy to contribute to undergraduate and postgraduate modules of both a research-led and a methodological nature.I am also aware of the importance of the pastoral care of students and take the role of tutor very seriously. I am experienced in liaising with colleagues to help students with a variety of problems. I was involved with undergraduate business students at Kent business school for tutoring and mentoring.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a helpful and caring individual with experience working with students between the ages of 11 - 18, including students with special educational needs. I have taught History, Religious Studies and Sociology at GCSE level. Additionally I have also tutored for English and Maths GCSE.

Teaching Experience:
Completed 2 placements during my university degree,
Worked for 1 year in a Special Educational Needs department, as a TA, and teaching Literacy.
I have worked in Secondary Education for three years, teaching Humanities.

Tutoring Approach:
Structured learning, encompassing important skills, including essay writing and analytical thinking.
Learning should be enjoyable and motivating and therefore work will be both fun and academically challenging - meeting the needs of the individual being taught.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Are you looking for some extra help with your projects? If so, you don't need to search any further.

I currently work at a prestigious international law firm. I have an LLM in International Tax Law with a High Merit, an LLB Bachelor's in Law with a 2:1, and an LLM in International Maritime Law with a High Merit. I'm good at staying organized, always show up on time, and make sure to meet deadlines. I have a lot of experience in helping with all sorts of projects and tasks, like drafting essays, providing guidance, structuring coursework, and offering tutoring.

I've been a part of the European and Hellenic Youth Parliament, which has improved my communication skills in a professional setting. I've also represented Swansea University in various national law-related competitions, which has boosted my confidence and decision-making abilities. I'm resourceful and believe there's a solution to every problem.

Lastly, I've volunteered with UNICEF, which made me realize the importance of helping others in meaningful ways.

I'm flexible when it comes to working hours and would be happy to assist potential students. If you have any questions or need more information, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Teaching Experience:
-Teaching Assistant/Support Worker at Swansea University: Assisting students with learning difficulties to understand their subjects.
-Private tutor for more than 3 years.

Tutoring Approach:
-Resourceful
-Always willing to assist and explain things twice/thrice if needed.
-Supportive at all times.
-Straight to the point tutoring.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over 20 years' teaching experience. I am a retired A Level teacher but continue with private tuition. I teach both the OCR and AQA new specifications at A Level, in Philosophy, Ethics and Christianity, for Year 1 and Year 2. I have testimonials which show that most of my tutees go on to attain A grades. As a mother, I know well the anxieties which accompany these important school years. I aim for academic excellence, bringing out a student's confidence, alongside teaching important critical thinking skills and exam technique. If the student is willing to learn, higher grades are guaranteed.

Teaching Experience:
27 years tutoring privately; 15 years teaching in Further Education; OCR and AQA A Level mostly. I'm very familiar with the specification.
I can supply many testimonials ftom students upon request.
The latest one is from a student who came to me at a low C and attained an A* at OCR A Level 2025 (available on request).

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor by ZOOM mostly these days, as it so successful. Many of my past tutees I have never even met yet they have gone on to achieve As and A*s, last year one going to Oxford, another two to Newcastle... testimonials are available. I work very closely with the specification, using resources for each topic which I attach for the student before the session. I give detailed feedback on essays I set, which most find extremely useful. With other essays asked for, there is a small charge. I keep individual progress records e.g. weak areas etc to build on. I am also only a phone call or email away for students in between tutorials as this is an important element in confidence-building, I feel.

Subjects

Personal Description:
With over 90 dissertations completed with a specialist in Qualitative Research (Critical Discourse Analysis, Grounded Theory, Thematic Analysis, Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Heuristic and Relational Analysis) all achieving 2/1's and above I can offer complete support.

I also provide essay support for students, teaching content style, how to research, reference and build an argument to achieve a good 2/1 with quick results or for the student who wants to learn about critical analysis and logic a more comprehensive support to gain a 1st.

I also provide exam preparation and support for those who have anxiety and need to prepare well ahead for the examination. As a trained therapist I adopt a person centred style to achieve results.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching experience is extensive, having taught at Kings on the Medical Course for a number of years, Birkbeck and SOAS as well as South Bank University. Currently I teach on the Masters Course and have supervised numerous dissertations to a high level. My expertise is in qualitative methods where I did one of the first phenomenological Doctorates looking at the lives of male substance users, whilst working with them therapeutically.

I currently work with students to do qualitative dissertations ranging from Kings, UCL, LSE, Goldsmiths, Queen Mary's and City Universities. I can work all the way up to Doctorate level and have worked with four counselling psychology students, two criminology, one Sociology and a Psychology student. At Masters level I have worked with law students, nurses, Social Workers and Sociology students.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is drawn from Bruner, Vygotsky and Rogers, based upon scaffolding the student to build their confidence and expertise so they begin to develop their own expertise. Within an exam for example students require a deep knowledge of understanding of what is required and therefore need support to be able to do this. Essay writing requires a different set of skills, such as being able to research a topic and move to building an argument. For many students this requires considerable scaffolding at first.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have over thirty years experience of teaching Latin, English, French and essay-writing skills, both in schools and as a private tutor. I specialise in helping students write their Personal Statements when applying to university or to postgraduate courses.

I am the mother of five grown up children, three of whom went to Cambridge, one to KCL and one to Oxford, and I have also guided many other students into achieving offers from top universities, including many to Oxbridge.

After graduating from Cambridge with a degree in English and Classics, I taught for 2 years before going to Drama school, then moved to Granada TV as a researcher and presenter. The next 14 years were spent working for various TV companies, while also writing for national newspapers and magazines.

In 1992, I moved with my family to Salisbury and went back to teaching, first in a college of Further Education, then at a prep school, and subsequently in independent schools: nine years at St Mary's Calne from which I retired in 2015. I was then invited to , come out of retirement to teach at St Swithun's in Winchester and The Oratory School Oxford.

I no longer teach in the classroom, but continue to offer tutoring in Latin, English, French and Writing Skills. A particular speciality is Personal Statements - helping students with their applications to university. I have helped very many students (both pre-university and postgraduates) write successful personal statements for their chosen courses.

As well as the academic subjects mentioned above, I help with any writing task from an A level or IB essay (especially Theory of Knowledge) to university theses and dissertations. I specialise in Oxbridge help, including suggestions for reading, preparation for entrance tests and interview practice. So far I have helped over 20 students gain places at Oxbridge.

Teaching Experience:
Personal statements

I have helped very many students write their personal statements for application to university - both at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This does NOT mean writing the statement for the student - I do not have the breadth of knowledge to write about Astrophysics or Zoology, but it does mean helping the student clarify his or her thoughts, explain what has prompted the interest in the subject, how he or she has developed this interest, what extra-curricular choices have been made, and why, and how current A levels (or degree subjects) have prepared the student for this application.
For many students, the Personal Statement is the first time they have have to talk about themselves, and for many, it is bewildering knowing how to approach it and what to include and what to leave out.

I help the student by asking him/her to fill in a preliminary questionnaire, (Why this subject? What sparked the interest? Why it's important for the student and for society etc). Next, I ask for a first draft - it doesn't matter how bad or poorly expressed this is. Then, I work with the student - either at home or by Skype/Zoom, talking through the first draft and suggesting adjustments, improvements etc. Next the student writes a second draft, and the process continues until the students is totally happy that the statement says exactly what was intended, and show the student at his/her best.
I have many testimonials from happy students (including over twenty five to Oxbridge) which I would be happy to share on request.

Latin
I teach Latin at Latin Common Entrance, GCSE, A level, and university level. The great majority of my students achieve 9s at GCSE, and As and A*s at A level. Many have gone on to read Classics at university.

English
I teach English literature and language - both critical analysis of texts and and writing skills - from GCSE to university level and beyond. Many students whom I have helped with A level essays have come back to me for help with their university dissertations, applications for Masters, or covering letters for postgraduate job applications.

Essay writing
As well as helping with A level essays in all the humanities (RS, Philosophy, Psychology, History etc) I am an experienced tutor for IB Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essays. I have also advised and guided many students with their EPQs.

French
I teach French to A level and

I teach Classical Greek to GCSE.

Tutoring Approach:
1. My first priority is to let the student know that they are not alone - I am here to help. Just being told this can be immediately reassuring, especially if the student has been worrying for about a subject or project for a long time.

2. The next step is to establish exactly how much the student already knows. Nothing surprises or shocks me, but I have come across students seeking help who haven't got a copy of the relevant book or haven't read beyond the title page. I understand this - life is busy.So I am never critical or judgmental, I am always on the student's side. If necessary, I will provide a copy (years of teaching and a large family mean I usually have several).

3. The next step is to encourage the student into thinking of the subject as interesting. This may mean overcoming any resistance, by chatting, discovering how much they already know (always more than they think - another source of encouragement) and relating it to other areas of interest. One ideas have started to flow the student will begin to realise that not only might this subject/essay not be as bad as feared, it's possible they might find something enjoyable about it.

4. Now we look at the project and ways of approaching it. The key here is structure. Quite often the student's lack of confidence has led to panic and accompanying lack of organisation. So I help sort out files, help put notes in order, and encourage the student recognise which bits of paper are/aren't relevant to their work. This is mental housekeeping - and once order has been established, the student is in a better frame of mind for doing the work.

5. The next step varies according the to the subject.

LATIN.
I ask the student translate until he meets a problem. I then explain the topic- taking care to base it only on what the student already knows and feels confident about. If there are big gaps in knowledge, I start filling them, teaching vocabulary, grammar and syntax in an orderly way and asking the student to record what we have covered in his own written file.We then continue the translation, making sure the student has understood everything we have covered so far. This process is designed to lift the fog and give the student the tools needed to translate confidently

WRITING.
If it's an essay, I encourage the student to look at the title and think about (a) what is it really asking and (b) what ideas can he or she think of in response? These can be written down in any order - at this stage it's a question of getting the thought processes going.
We then discuss how to organise the student's thoughts into a coherent whole. This can be painstaking process - it involves teaching essay structure, and and sometimes even working backwards - going from conclusion back to introduction - but we always finish by knowing exactly what direction the essay is taking.
The final step is to ask the student to write something for next time. It doesn't matter if it's short or badly-expressed, and I always make it relevant to school work. The reason I ask for a piece of writing is
a) the act of writing enables a student to know what he/she wants to say
(b) seeing a student's writing shows me how to approach the next lesson. I can see what element of the writing need work, and plan my lesson accordingly.

OTHER IDEAS FOR READING ETC
I often recommend extra-curricular ideas to make the subject more engaging - films, YouTube extracts, magazines, even books - the student doesn't have to read a whole book - even dipping in and out is helpful and there is nothing more deadening to the love of books than being told you HAVE to read them.

STUDENTS WHO ARE STRUGGLING.
. I do not only help academic high-flyers. I am also offer warm and sympathetic help to students who - for whatever reason - find academic study challenging. I help develop study skills, suggest organisational strategies (for student and parent) and above all, restore lost confidence by showing the student that he really can tackle - and overcome - any problem - just by taking it slowly and making sure he or she understands each step before going on to the next.

WELCOME TO MY HOUSE.
, I'm a great believer in the comforting powers of a cup of tea and a chocolate biscuit, as well as the presence of my 2 cats (who, despite being to every lesson I've given, are still rubbish at Latin). For allergic pupils, however, the cats are banished to the garden.

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Personal Description:
Hello, my name is George and I am a PhD student settled in Durham during term-time. I am passionate about teaching children and grown-ups of all ages in a manner that is both educational and enjoyable for the students by incorporating their hobbies and interests in their education. I have been a private tutor for a year, but I have always been eager to help people whenever in need. I have been tutoring mainly in English grammar and foreign languages such as German and Russian, but I am also interested in teaching subjects such as history, sociology, critical theory, and humanities in general. I have taken education related modules during my BA, and I also possess a Developing Your Potential certificate for education after completing a series of online courses.
In case you are interested, please do not hesitate to contact me at any time. I am more than happy to teach online, especially in the given circumstances, but if this were not the case, I would be happy to drive up to 30 miles from Durham during term-time. I am available any time of the day, including weekends, unless specified otherwise.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a personal tutor for English grammar, German, and Russian for two years now. I have been teaching my students regularly once a week, and I have received positive feedback for my teaching methods, as well as my approach when helping to improve my students' language levels.
I possess a "Developing Your Potential" certificate, which I acquired after attending online courses that related to teaching. The courses included lessons on the British curriculum, as well as advice and skills on how to approach with children with disabilities such as dyslexia, dyspraxia, and autism. These courses have helped be gain an understanding and insight in the ways I should approach students with special needs, and I see it as a very important skill as a person who supports the right for equal opportunities in education.
I also taught in classroom environments while taking modules in education during my Eramus+ exchange studies in Sweden. This has helped me gain experience working with pupils in primary schools, which also helped me familiarise myself working with more than one student as well.

Tutoring Approach:
I usually teach a student once per week, but if it is necessary, I am willing to top it up by teaching the same student twice a week even. I also offer the first lesson at half price as a an introductory lesson.
My lessons usually last an hour, but I am also happy to top it up to two hours, with a 5-10 minute break, upon request.
Any cancellations or changing of schedules should be noted within 24 hours at least.
I am also more than happy to teach more than one student at the same time within a "classroom style setting" online, given that the students are doing the same subject at a more or less equal level.
I am available every day, including weekends, and I am flexible with time as well.
At the end of every lesson, I will always give homework to students and expect them to do it until our next lesson. I am however tolerant in unforeseen circumstances, or if any other personal issue arises.
At the beginning of every lesson and after checking the homework, I shall ask short questions related to previous lessons. Thus, I expect students to learn and take notes from every I teach on their own initiative, although I will remind this every now and then.
As a tutor, I am also aware that time is very valuable for every lesson. This is why I ensure that no lesson will be wasted by teaching topics already known by the student.
Finally, I also like to make my lessons fun and entertaining, as I have always found this the best way to learn. This is why I will offer the students the freedom to choose which topics to discuss that would fit with their interests or hobbies, as well as offering them tasks that would make learning more entertaining as well as educational.

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Personal Description:
I'm a Music Graduate, and will soon be a Philosophy Graduate [Edinburgh Napier University and University of Wales TSD, respectively]. I work in the third sector covering off humanitarian needs in Africa, Animal welfare in Asia and the care environment/Homelessness in the UK.

At the moment I manage volunteering contracts with Goldman Sachs, National Grid, Moorhouse Consulting, Visa and Prysmian Group.

I'm quite relaxed about most things, I do some consulting with small charities and I play a lot of music!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching music and English language periodically for around 20 years. I have taught privately, at Music Workshop Bath and Bath City College. I taught English language at a number of summer schools in Edinburgh, Bournemouth and at Cardonald College in Glasgow.

Tutoring Approach:
My style prioritises the needs of the student. Sometimes this is in relation to their immediate curriculum and is supplemented with a view to future study, if there is expectation that future study is probable. Sometimes, if the focus is solely on lifting a grade or working on soft skills around the subject - research/focus etc. then I make that the priority. All in agreement with the student.

In short - student focused.

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Personal Description:
I am a scholar with experience in scientific writing, critical thinking, research and communication. As a researcher, my personal motto is that all of your academic writing ought to be the layman version of your work. This because a scholar - in my case, a philosopher - who cannot ground his reasoning in ordinary intuitions (or at least some intuitions the reader/hearer can grasp) is doomed to produce meaningless contributions to the debate. In addition, putting yourself into the perspective of a non-expert is a good technique for analyzing your own thoughts and spot the potential flaws. Thus, being able to communicate concepts to non-expert is a skill which for me is instrumental towards my own research goals, and one which I took great care in developing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring students since the time I was going to high-school. I have also some teaching-assistant experience as a doctoral student. Furthermore, I am currently working on a teaching and orienteering project alongside some teacher of my former high-school.

Tutoring Approach:
First and foremost, I run some quick tests in order to assess the general skills of the pupil within the relevant field, taking notes on his/her flaws. Once I have identified the area where the pupil has difficulty, I employ a goal-structured teaching strategy: first of all I verify whether the pupil has understood which is the application goal (or one of the goals) of the skill he is trying to (and currently has difficulty to) develop. In case he/she has not understood, I try to explain to him/her, i.e., I frame the relevant skill (for instance, derivative calculus) with reference to a general or specific application goal (for instance, the framing of the relationship between speed and acceleration). I find that often pupils lack cognitive incentive because they have not been presented with the practical application of the knowledge they are trying to acquire.
Regarding language learning, I first try to understand which communicative faculty the individual is more inclined towards to (speaking, listening, reading, vocabulary memorizing, etc.). Then I try to create a bedrock by developing his proficiency in that area, while at the same time encouraging him/her to go out of the comfort zone towards communicative areas where he/she is not confident. On that regard I apply a learning process based on increasing levels of contextual stress (for example, in the case of learning to listening a foreign language, I suggest to start from a situation where the hearer is speaking slowly and then I encourage the pupil to build up his confidence step by step by adding elements like a noisy environment, increased talking speed, lack of background context for the conversation, etc.) This because I believe emotional factors like self-confidence and stress-control are key in catalyzing the cognitive process of acquiring proficiency in a new language.

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Personal Description:
I am a Philosophy and English language teacher from Southampton, England, currently residing in Stapleton, Bristol.

I hold a First Class Honours degree in Philosophy from Cardiff University (2017-2020) and a Master of Research in International Development from the University of Bath, awarded with Merit (2020-2021). Additionally I have a TEFL diploma.

Teaching Experience:
My teaching journey began in Granada, Spain, where I worked at ITACA Centro de Formación, instructing students across various proficiency levels (A1-C1) and preparing them for IELTS and Cambridge examinations. I developed engaging lesson plans tailored to students' educational needs and provided targeted interventions to enhance learning outcomes. Upon returning to the UK, I began to work as a Philosophy tutor adapting lessons to individual learning styles and supporting students in improving their communication skills. This diverse experience has honed my ability to teach complex subjects effectively to a wide range of learners.

Tutoring Approach:
In my philosophy tutoring, I emphasize a personalized and student-centred approach. I believe in adapting my teaching methods to meet the unique needs and learning styles of each student, fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment. My focus is on developing critical thinking and analytical skills essential for success in philosophy. I am well-versed in the AQA A-level Philosophy specification, which offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to develop students' interest and knowledge in the subject, as well as their analytical and critical thinking skills. Additionally, I am knowledgeable about the Edexcel Religious Studies A-level.. My goal is to equip students with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their examinations and to cultivate a deep understanding and appreciation of philosophical inquiry.

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