Nailsea and Backwell Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tutors and Nailsea and Backwell Philosophy / Critical Thinking Tuition

Personal Description:
For over a decade now I have worked with a diverse range of students, engendering a passion for learning as well as producing tangible results. I prefer a flexible and dynamic approach crafted from an understanding that we are each upon a unique learning pathway according to our particular styles, aspirations, aptitudes and needs.

"Thank you very much for the great work you did with my daughter Sophie. She progressed from a 'C' grade to an 'A' grade in the space of 6 months and I would have no hesitation in recommending you to friends." - Billy, Bangor

Teaching Experience:
"The learning exercises were always set around my interest areas, making tuition both fun and effective. Following my sessions with Andrew, I have developed a more concise way of communicating. My writing now has more flow, which helps me say what I need to say." - Neil , Newtownabbey

I'm passionate about nurturing the potential of each student with whom I have the privilege to work. With over 8 years experience as a Learning Coach with countless individuals and groups, Diploma in Life Coaching as well as a successful university graduate (1st class hons in Philosophy) and additional Masters research degree in Developmental Psychology, I previously taught at Secondary school and most recently trained nursing professionals to pass their IELTS exams.

I am also a regular public speaker and workshop leader in the private health sector, delivering courses in areas from stress-management and communication skills, to self-care and personal development.

Tutoring Approach:
"Andrew was very professional in his approach to tutoring. My daughter gained confidence in her ability to understand her subject and to recall information using association techniques which proved very useful in her examinations."
Grainne, Randalstown

This coaching-based approach I take has proven highly successful. I approach each student and the sessions with an open mind to learn what I need to be of support.

Combining motivational coaching techniques, I offer a uniquely engaging, personally attuned service. The first lesson typically consists of a complimentary educational assessment (usually 30 minutes) to help identify key areas for improvement . All results can be shared with the parent/guardian. Based on this initial assessment, a 100% individual and tailored programme of learning is created. While encouraging the student to adopt high yet realistically achievable targets for their own education, I am also sensitive to the level of each student and what he or she is ready to adopt.

3 EXAMPLES OF HOW I HELP FOR LITERATURE-BASED TASKS:

1. Working from the question to the answer: appreciating and understanding key requirements of a question, and any relevant marking criteria.

2. How best to structure and qualify sentences so that the answer is complete and accurate.

3. Most effective study / revision / exam techniques such as mind-mapping, worked answers, memorising.


AREAS COVERED / WHAT TO EXPECT

My specialist subjects at all most levels are literature-based and the human sciences particularly philosophy, religion and ethics. Alongside these, I also specialise in 'study skills', offering a very personalised, tailored approach that incorporates motivational coaching on exam and essay skills, ensuring maximum value for investment of your time, money and effort.

**Upon request I am also able to provide emotional literacy around life skills such as: motivation, communication, self belief and concentration.

"I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for tutoring Philip this year; he adapted well with you as his new tutor and enjoyed your approach to teaching.
"I would have no hesitation in recommending Andrew as a tutor. I found him to be polite, courteous, reliable, and accommodating."
- Doreen, Ballyclare

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified secondary science teacher, and I have also tutored a wide range of subjects privately over the past 15 years (mainly sciences, maths and English).

I specialise in online teaching methods, including training other teachers internationally. I have degrees in science, education, creative writing, and linguistics.

Teaching Experience:
- Former Head of Physics
- Examiner for Edexcel, IB and Cambridge boards
- 20 years of private tutoring experience (all three sciences, maths and English Language and Literature to A Level)
- 10 years as a university lecturer in linguistics and academic English

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is supportive and low-key. I think that students have to have time to explore their interests in the subject by asking their own questions. This is an important part of reflective learning and will help build and maintain enthusiasm, and a calm and supportive atmosphere is essential for this.

I make extensive use of past exam questions; the best way to do well in exams is to practise doing exams! This also allows realistic monitoring of performance as tutoring continues. I normally email exam questions for students to attempt before the tutoring session.

Subjects

Personal Description:
After leaving school, I studied at Nottingham University for a BA in Music, then for a MA in Theology from the London School of Theology. Having worked for a while at an inner-city secondary school, I went on to complete a research masters and a PhD in Biblical Studies, whilst working as a teaching affiliate at Nottingham University. I have since moved to Stourbridge to work in a local church whilst continuing academic research and writing. My own interests are principally in theology, philosophy and politics, but also the arts and culture. I am married, have five children, and am a keen football fan (Manchester United).

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at secondary school (Religious Studies) and at several Universities; I have also worked as a private tutor for over a decade with students of all abilities.

Tutoring Approach:
I'm happy to be flexible in my approach depending on the particular needs of each student. I'm happy to concentrate on what is needed to get good grades, but alse believe that education is about more than being able to pass exams! I have worked hard for my qualifications and belive in disciplined, productive study; however for some students getting the highest possible grade is not necessarily the most important thing. Each person is an individual with different strengths, weaknesses and aims, so I try to structure how I teach around individual needs and goals. When teaching I also believe that giving people self confidence, an ability to think critically and an enjoyment of the subject is an important part of helping them to improve.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an Oxford Classics graduate with experience of teaching children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I have seven years experience of teaching a range of ages up to 18, both private tutoring and school teaching.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring programme designed according to the student's needs and aims,

Subjects

Personal Description:
I first started tutoring some of my fellow students in Elementary Logic during my second year at University and greatly enjoyed helping people improve their understanding of the subject and gain higher marks. Once my degree was completed I began tutoring A-Level students in Religious Studies and Philosophy in the Leeds area before moving to East Sussex.

The potential of tutoring can only be maximised if each student feels comfortable in lessons, so I actively try to cultivate a good working relationship with each student. After all, if I were not enthusiastic and passionate about the subject it would be impossible to motivate any students to be enthusiastic about it! So far all my students have improved their performance by at least by two grade boundaries following tuition with me.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with students with a broad range of abilities, from those that need some extra help to reach their full potential, to those that aren't in mainstream schooling and as such don't have any previous knowledge of the subject. Some students are very visual in their learning, others are very shy and need a lot of encouragement to speak, and there are others who are extremely capable if you ask them the right questions. Using a range of resources I can tailor a programme of study to suit each student.

During my time tutoring I have noticed how easily students can lose confidence in their abilities, which at times can be a barrier in their learning. By encouraging students to ask questions, looking at what they are doing right and breaking down topics into their simplest formulation, I help the individual gain confidence in the subject and the skills to answer questions fully.3

Tutoring Approach:
My role as tutor is not only to help the student understand the concepts involved but also to gain the confidence to discuss those concepts in an analytical manner. Religious Studies and Philosophy are disciplines that greatly benefit from one-on-one tuition due to the complexity of the issues. In large lesson groups individuals can easily become confused and aren't always able to receive the instant feedback needed to further explore the subject matter.

As a tutor not only do I expand students' knowledge base but also engage students in a positive way with the subject. If students have been finding a subject difficult their enjoyment of learning can become affected and they can lose the motivation needed to gain a broader understanding. By showing enthusiasm for my subject and using relevant examples and discussion points I reintegrate fun back into learning about the subject.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a former humanitarian worker with a keen interest in philosophy, politics, feminism, and political economy.

I love teaching 1-on-1 and take a holistic approach to helping students. That means that I can help you with both the technical academic things you are struggling with such as planning a research project, writing an essay or dissertation, or public speaking, as well as mental blocks like self-confidence, procrastination, anxiety, and mental health. Using a holistic approach means that we can discover the root cause of whatever is holding you back from being able to excel, develop strategies to overcome these obstacles, and help you become more a confident and independent student.

I have just completed my PhD thesis as part of a fully-funded doctoral candidate in Political Philosophy, during which time I was supervised in equal parts by FINO (The Northwestern Italian Philosophy Consortium, University of Turin) and the University of Vienna.

Teaching experience:

* In 2024 I was a Visiting Lecturer in Contemporary Political Philosophy, teaching first- and second-year BA philosophy students at the University of Hertfordshire.

* In 2022-23 I taught first- and second year BA students in the Government Department at the London School of Economics and Political Science. The course I teach is an Introduction to Political Theory (from Plato to Fanon).

* I have also given lectures to Master's students in Philosophy of Technology on algorithmic pricing.


My doctoral research project is a Normative Analysis of the Political Economy of Algorithmic Pricing.

Postgraduate studies:
PhD, Political Philosophy, 2020-2024

MSc, Merit in Political Theory from the London School of Economics and Political Science (2015).
Dissertation on the moral dilemmas related to Artificial Intelligence; received a Distinction.

Undergraduate studies:
BA(Hons), 2:1 in Middle Eastern Studies and Arabic from Cambridge University (2010). Included modules in history, politics, anthropology, literature, and religious studies, as well as Arabic language.
I speak the Levantine dialect (Syrian, Lebanese, Palestinian, Jordanian) as well as the Iraqi dialect, and have lived and worked in Syria, Jordan, Iraq, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories, and Iraqi Kurdistan Region.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored undergraduate and Master's-level students who need help writing essays or dissertations in the following humanities subjects:

Anthropology
Political theory, Feminist theory
Political science
Political economy, History
International Relations, Conflict studies, Humanitarian studies
Sociology, Gender studies

Tutoring Approach:
I provide detailed editing to help you improve both your written style and content. I cover everything from grammar and citations to structure, methodology, and line of argument. I give you resources to continue improving your academic writing even after we finish working together. These will equip you to continue working on things we will cover, such as stylistic conventions both in academic English generally as well as those specific to different social science disciplines. I also coach you in how to plan your research, how to structure a paper, building a line of argument, effective use of primary and secondary sources, and how to write an engaging and compelling paper.

I start by writing detailed comments in Track Changes, then talk you through the issues so that you can not only improve your paper or dissertation, but also learn how to write in a clear, confident, and persuasive style. Ideally, if there's enough time before the deadline, I go over another draft once you've addressed the comments. This back-and-forth ensures the very best final product in your authentic voice, and that the process has been a valuable learning experience for you.

I will also give you the opportunity to discuss personal hang-ups that might be impeding your ability to work well. I am not a therapist, but I can discuss personal issues affecting your studies, and direct you to helpful resources to address underlying issues like anxiety, procrastination.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an active independent-scholar and writer, living near St Andrews University. I have written numerous books and articles and am currently working on a new book as well as tutoring a handful of students. I am also a former Academic Advisor to students in the United States of America, and I have worked for two tutoring companies in Oxford since returning to the UK. I am therefore familiar with the needs of international students when it comes to navigating the English and Scottish University systems. I focus on technique over content with a particular emphasis on writing skills, though I also read all the books and articles my students are required to read, so that I can help them with content when required.

Teaching Experience:
Award winning teacher at the University of Georgia, 1999-2000
Academic Adviser to University Students from 2003-2007
Tutor Oxford International Study Centre, April 2013 - May 2014
Carfax Tutorial Establishment, November 2013 - May 2014
Freelance Tutor ongoing.

Tutoring Approach:
I adopt a holistic approach to tutoring, working with a student to address her or his individual academic needs. I am process-orientated, building on a student's strengths and eliminating weaknesses. I am also practical, constantly working towards the student's objectives. As a result, I focus very much on academic skills and developing the student's academic toolbox, so that they can gain confidence and become independent learners.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Ash! I am an experienced and approachable tutor, a husband and father, CRB and DBS checked, specialising in English, History, Theology, Philosophy, and Politics.

I hope I can help you out!

Ash
MA BA (1st Class Hons)

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2008, supporting students up to PhD level, and have taught courses for regional leaders in learning and skills development for young people and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor A Level and university students, supporting learning and achievement with a thorough, helpful, client-centred approach, at home or in other learning environments.

Please contact me to talk about your learning needs.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a BA in philosophy with first-class honours from the University of York, and an MA from the University of Birmingham. A number of my papers have been published, and I was previously an editor of a philosophical journal.

I am a professionally trained, passionate philosopher. I believe in helping students to achieve highly whilst also imparting some of what makes philosophy a wonderful subject. Despite what some people think, you absolutely can maximise both simultaneously. Learning should be fun and rewarding, but still results driven.

Please do get in touch if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you soon!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for over four years. I am reliable, dedicated and professional. I have an exceptional history of helping students achieve success.

Tutoring Approach:
I have excellent communicative and interpersonal skills. Philosophy is hard, we will look at things together that some of the greatest minds of the last two and a half thousand years have struggled to grapple with, so although I can never make it easy, I can certainly make it *easier*. I want to help you appreciate the satisfaction of understanding and working with something that was originally very challenging.

In short, work with me if you want someone:

- Professional
- Reliable
- Experienced
- Results driven
- Passionate
- Knowledgeable

We will work on understanding, essay writing, and exam technique. I will also help you to think in a more critical, rigorous manner. I offer a high-quality service that will maximise your chances of success and bring you the highest intellectual return. My excellent reviews attest to this.

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:
I'm a well-qualified teacher with working experience as an Accountant in the private sector. I have completed PhD in Accounting and Finance at the University of Glasgow in 2017. In addition, I have completed BSc in Accounting (Special) Degree from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka and MSc in Accounting & Finance from the University of Dundee (obtained Distinction). I have also completed the Associations of Accounting Technicians, Sri Lanka and the Intermediate Level of Institute of Chartered Accountants (Sri Lanka). I can teach you financial accounting, management accounting, auditing, corporate finance and finance subjects for AAT, ACCA, undergraduate and MSc levels. I am specialising to guide research and research-related subjects. Therefore, I can help you to guide you for PhD, MSc and BSC research proposals and dissertations/ thesis.

Teaching Experience:
A committed Accounting Teacher with over 20 years of experience at leading UK and overseas academic institutions teaching students from various social and cultural backgrounds. I have experience in teaching following subjects;

Financial Accounting
Management Accounting
Auditing
Finance and corporate finance
Research method ( proposal development)
Dissertation supervision
I have also experienced in supervising dissertation supervision for undergraduate and postgraduate level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I used relevant teaching materials such as textbooks, presentations, videos and journal articles to prepare the presentations and conduct the tutorials. I utilise technology in delivering tutorials to the students. In addition, I actively leading class discussions and encouraging debate among the students. I take real-life examples in delivering the lectures to provide an in-depth understanding of the subject related matters. I have focused on conducting innovative research which provides a significant contribution to the field as well as the theory. I utilised videos, case studies, online discussions (through Moodle).

Subjects

Personal Description:
Edouard was born and educated in England. He has resided in Canterbury, Leeds, Oxford, London, Shrewsbury, Ludlow and Oswestry. He gained five 'A Levels' (AAABC) at Notre Dame 6th Form College (Leeds) before attending Oxford University where he obtained Degrees in Philosophy and French. He proceeded to do Postgraduate studies in London where he was semi-resident at the British Library (1993-1998).

He has been a widely published author since 1999, being the author of dozens of essays and monographs in Philosophy, Comparative Literature, Poetry and Psychology. He is co-author of the self-help book 'Reading in No Time' and author of the forthcoming publication 'French in No Time' (2020). He is a member of MENSA, the BAJ (British Assoc. of Journalists) and A3M (Academy of the 3rd Millennium). He is currently editor of the 'Nobel Prize Collection' for Living Time Books.

Teaching Experience:
Edouard has taught pupils from KS1 to Postgraduate Level in the UK and abroad. He undertakes an equal amount of group-teaching (lecturing/seminars/classroom) and individual tutoring (mentoring/coaching/private tutorials).

He has taught in Switzerland (Geneva, Basel), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin, Munich), Italy (Milan) Poland (Krakow, Warsaw) and Slovakia (Bratislava). He is a native English speaker and also a fluent speaker of French and German.

Edouard is highly experienced in teaching children and adults with special educational needs - including Autistic Spectrum Disorders (Autism, Aspergers, Pathological Demand Avoidance), ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and other developmental conditions. He is quoted as saying: "Everyone can learn - it doesn't matter how differently we do so!"

He specializes in tutoring for GCSEs, A Levels, Entrance Exams and assistance with Dissertations, Essays, Theses & Coursework.

Tutoring Approach:
Edouard has explained his approach to teaching in the following way: "With every person that I teach, whether they are before me as an individual or as part of a group, first of all I take time to observe the way in which they learn - their own particular mode of processing information. Then, once I have understood their learning processes - be they visual, verbal, concrete, mathematical, or a combination of these - I customize my own teaching approach to that student's optimum mode of intake. This usually goes a large way toward maximizing their learning experience. What I find is of vital importance in the learning journey - and which is largely responsible for making it successful - is identifying with crystal clarity the exact goals which are to be attained. I make sure that my students do not lose sight of their goal and I make sure that their 'will-to-achieve' stays at a top level throughout the educational process. Without a goal, motivation falters".

Edouard specializes in enabling his students to apply 'Advanced Learning Techniques' in the mastery of their learning goals. These include: visual reading skills, memory techniques, thought-mapping, accelerated learning and the use of 'progress planners'. Through his publications and courses he has enabled thousands of students to achieve their dreams already. - Could you be next?

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a philosophy student at Roehampton University. I am from the South Downs in Hampshire, where I lived until I was 18. I have been studying here in London since September 2017. Back home I am the oldest of four, and this had enabled me to be able to understand how to make learning fun for a wide range of ages, as our ages vary from 8 to 20 years. My hobbies include playing football, listening to music, and reading. I was previously employed as an after school nanny so have a DBS check that is valid.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching assistant every Wednesday for an academic year at the infant school in my home town.
Shadowed History department at my secondary school the year after I left.
Working as a nanny I had to help the boys I looked after with their homework. They were 6 and 8 so was helping them learn very basic skills.

Tutoring Approach:
I have always been naturally able to write especially well, and am enthusiastic about the subjects I study. I have found it easy to pass on this enthusiasm for learning to younger people, and I especially am able to connect with younger kids on tasks they would usually struggle to find fun. I am basically happy to tutor any subject at GCSE level apart from maths, science (natural, computer, etc). Social sciences are my particular strength.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a full-time teacher, an examiner and an education writer, with experience teaching students from every background.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught GCSE and A Level since 2006, in Religious Studies, Philosophy and in Law.

I also have extensive examining experience across a number of exam boards, including for the recently reformed GCSE and A Level examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is patient, structured and meets the student where they are in terms of the level of challenge.

Over time, I aim to instil confidence as well as a deep understanding of the principles studied. Frequent assessment, using low-stakes quizzes enables students to see how well they are progressing.

Subjects

Personal Description:
A Cambridge graduate and a very experienced maths tutor - with over twenty years of helping pupils to really understand what maths is and why it works. I am also a full time story teller and infuse my lessons with stories, that embed maths in its own history - and make the dry problems of today sing with the stories of the past.
I specialise is helping pupils to really understand how to use paper, and how being a mathematicians is like being an artists or a poet, it is a method of writing as much as a means of reckoning - and there are always more ways than one to under stand and draw a problem.

Teaching Experience:
And am a fully qualified maths teacher with for twenty five years experience in teaching kids in small groups and home education.

Tutoring Approach:
For so many maths can be so daunting. My approach always and at all elves is to demystify maths, and make it feel possible and fun. As such I use stories, I use rigours writing strategies, I use humour to allow my pupils to understand how maths made the modern world, and hw they are part of that story,

Subjects

Personal Description:
I knew early on, that I wanted to teach.

I have committed the last twenty years of my life to education working as a private teacher in a variety of schools and colleges - teaching an eclectic range of pupils; from special needs students to scholars to adults. I am particularly committed to building confidence and skills in pupils whom may not feel they fit the typical mould.
I am humbled and honoured to be listed as a "distinguished former pupil" of Carlos Bonell, Senior at The Royal College Of Music

Teaching Experience:
I'm current a Licensed teacher with Bexley Music Service and have taught at a variety of schools over a period of twenty years including; Eltham College, Bexley Grammar School and a variety of secondary and primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
Lessons are relaxed, good humoured, but also highly informative with attention to detail, with each pupil's specific needs catered for.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a qualified solicitor in Greece, having completed my Bachelor and Master Degrees in UK. I am currently working on my PHD thesis on the philosophy of UK Criminal law. I am really enthusiastic to pass the knowledge I have acquired all these years studying and practicing law to aspiring new students and at the same time, learn from them, their ideas and enquiries.

Teaching Experience:
I have given private tutorials, online or in person since 2014 and 9 of my students are studying law in Universities in UK, all of them achieving at least 1:2. My specialization is to work mainly with Greek and Cypriot students who want to study law, either graduate or post-graduate, in UK.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to be as straightforward as possible, believing that law is a quite straightforward matter if you can have a deep and thorough understanding of it. I love philosophy and try to follow Socrates' and Plato's way of teaching, through dialogue and permanent questioning.

I believe that studying law is the most exciting thing there is, the philosophy of law is the foundation that every social science is build upon and I feel glad that I can pass this passion for learning to my students.

Subjects