Cottingham Reading & Writing skills Tutors and Cottingham Reading & Writing skills Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an experienced and skilled Tutor of French, Russian and English as a foreign language. I have been tutoring continuously on a part time basis for 12 years, typically working with 5 or 6 students at any one time. I have spent several years living and working abroad, so this has given me quite an international outlook. At the same time, I am quite well-travelled within the UK and have a good understanding of English history, culture and customs. As a native speaker of English, I have an excellent grasp of the English language, particularly in terms of grammar, spelling and pronunciation.

I am fair-minded, accepting of the needs of others, multi-culturally sensitive and take genuine pride in the quality of my work and going the extra mile wherever possible.

Teaching Experience:
I possess the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) and am qualified to teach in Secondary Schools in the United Kingdom. I have four years experience of teaching English as a Foreign Language, and have taught the English as a Foreign Language curriculum at all levels, from elementary to advanced. I have taught a wide range of groups of both children, from the age of 11 upwards, and adults. I am particularly strong in teaching Business English to non-native speakers - I have redesigned and delivered an Advanced Level Business English Course for Masters Degree level students, I have worked with many private students of Business English on their premises, and have also successfully prepared students for the London Chamber of Commerce Exams in Business Communication.

I am very comfortable tutoring French up to A-Level Standard. I have myself lived in France for three years and have been educated in the French Education System up to Masters Degree level. I therefore have a very strong grasp of French language and culture which I love to share. I also actively use my French skills in my everyday employment,and am well used to interacting with French native speakers on a daily basis.

I am educated in Russian up to Bachelor's Degree level and have a similarly broad experience of practising and communicating in the Russian language, having spent five years living and working in Russian speaking countries. I am comfortable tutoring Russian up to A-Level Standard and have a lot of experience working with beginner level students learning Russian for the first time.

I have also delivered private lessons in order to prepare students for Private School entrance. I typically work with students on GCSE or A-Level preparation and have an excellent track record in delivering strong results in these areas. I have worked with family groups who were all keen to learn a foreign language together, as well as those seeking to learn for professional or business reasons, and both modes of tuition have also proved to be very rewarding for me. I prefer to build stable medium term teaching relationships, and retained one student for over 5 years, even if this meant my arriving dutifully every Saturday morning for our 9am class!

Tutoring Approach:
In a word: flexibility. I make every effort to really take on board and respond to the wishes of my clients. I am clear and proactive in communication regarding expectations and always seek to ensure mutual agreement with my students and parents as to setting realistic targets and the most appropriate learning strategies for their needs.

I am a great believer that learning should be fun and always seek to make my classes varied, challenging and stimulating, drawing upon as wide a range of learning skills and strategies as possible.

I have an excellent grasp of both spoken and written English, and am a strong believer in developing confidence in these areas through regular practice, setting realistic targets and offering plenty of praise and encouragement.

I prefer to work with individuals or smaller groups in a relaxed, purposeful atmosphere where there is plenty of tutor input or explanation as required, but also where students are given every opportunity to practise and develop newly acquired skills.

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Personal Description:
I work as a Solicitor. I have been working for 20 years. I have been tutoring for the past 10 years and it is something I enjoy immensely.

I am able to obtain all exam papers and mark schemes, in order to help the students.

I am very patient with my students and can keep a calm temperament. I will assist my students in any way possible, in order for them to reach their maximum potential.

As a person, I am very approachable and like-able. This is also my approach as a tutor as I aim to make my students feel comfortable. All the students I have taught have provided me with positive feedback, as they have enjoyed sessions and feel they can relate to my style of teaching.

I am also able to provide sessions in order to assist with coursework deadlines etc and general English speaking and writing.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for 7 years, with a wide-range of students, from GSCE to Degree level. In addition to this, I have continued tutoring my younger brother, who has now completed his LLB and he further provides me with constructive feedback and the up-to date course material.

I have taught around 40 students, with varying abilities levels, although I have succeeded in helping them improve.

Tutoring Approach:
I take tutoring very seriously and approach each student on their own merits. I am recently qualified I'm my area for work, therefore my approach to teaching is relatively up-to date and contemporary. My recollection of School confirms that the classes in which I excelled, were the ones where the teacher would take an active-role in class. I have incorporated this into my teaching method. I have an individualised teaching approach and adapt my style to the student's needs.

If any students require one-off sessions, for help with coursework or exams, I am able to provide this.
With the exam period forthcoming, I have experience in going through exam techniques and revision methods.

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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,

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Personal Description:
I am a History and French undergraduate at the University of Oxford, and have just finished my first year. I am a enthusiastic person with a variety of interests, including piano and football. I am also a trained Peer Supporter (30 hours of training) so am easy-going and warm, and particularly good at working through any concerns that tutees may have.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored in piano, and have also worked at a holiday camp with children, and at an after-school club.

Tutoring Approach:
First of all, I would want the tutees to prepare a few grammar exercises for languages, which we could go through in the tutorial. Then, I prefer to make up flash cards with either facts (for essay based subjects) or vocabulary for languages. I also find past papers very useful for those with exams, and would like to encourage further reading, watching foreign television, and playing word games, which would improve their overall proficiency in the subject.

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Personal Description:
My background is in languages and performing arts. I began studying
English at age 8, French at 13, German at 15, and have been
self-taught in Spanish since age 10. I come from a family with a
long tradition in teaching and have always been encouraged to study
and learn, while at the same time inheriting and developing a strong
capacity to explain, train, and encourage.

Teaching Experience:
Since graduating from my Master's course in 2011 I have been working
as a self-employed language tutor in and around London and have
always received more than positive feedback from my clients. My
tutees' ages range from four to seventy-four and I constantly
endeavour to improve myself and adapt my teaching method to my
clients' needs.

Some client reviews:

David
21/03/2020
5/5 Rating

"I`ve been doing Romanian with Maria for a few months now,
initially face to face and now via Skype. I enjoy my lessons
a great. Maria has excellent teaching skills, prepares well for
the class, and provides me with good feedback. Aside from that,
the lessons are fun and I look forward to them. Would definitely
recommend."

Toni
20/09/2018
5/5 Rating

"Only had 3 lessons but I`m loving the way Maria breaks everything
down and explains it. She fills me with confidence by focusing on
the positive from the lessons. Thank you for everything so far :)"

John
14/05/2018
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor, already 2 lessons in and I am picking
up the basics quickly!"

Rebecca
01/04/2018
5/5 Rating

"Prompt, organised, professional and a great teacher!"

Arshad
22/02/2018
5/5 Rating

"Very professional tutor
Highly recommended"

Otis
26/12/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very knowledgeable and her
lessons are always well structured and enjoyable. She has a genuine
passion for languages which is evident in her thorough preparation
for each lesson. I would recommend Maria."

Polly
24/10/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria has been great so far!!!"

Tracey
22/05/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria is an excellent tutor. She is very punctual and happy to be
flexible with the times we can meet. She is very patience and her
explanations are concise and clear. I would have no hesitation in
reommending her."

Mihaela
14/11/2016
5/5 Rating

"Maria is a very punctual and organised tutor and my daughter is
making good progress. She is friendly and supportive and I would
definitely recommend her."

Phillip
31/03/2016
5/5 Rating

"Absolute great tutor, who was professional, personable and patient!
Highly recommended."

Evita
05/11/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is teaching German to me and my 7-year old daughter both had
no previous knowledge and I can suggest her as fast progressing
learning teacher. She is strict and well prepared. It`s been a
pleasure working with her."

Luke
23/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"Amazing tutor, highly professional and well qualified! worth her
weight in gold!"

Spiros
07/08/2015
5/5 Rating

"I THE LIKE THE WAY MARIA GOES THROUGH THE LESSON, AND SHE EXPLAINS
EVERYTHING, ALSO SHE IS ALWAYS ON TIME AND FLEXIBLE WITH THE HOURS
SHE DOES.
VERY PLEASED, THANK YOU."

James
20/07/2015
5/5 Rating

"Maria is efficient, focused and hardworking. My 14 year old
daughter enjoys her lessons with Maria."

Teresa
10/02/2017
5/5 Rating

"Maria tutors my daughter and me together in French. Maria is
extremely patient and we are enjoying her lessons. She is really
helping us."

Deborah
12/09/2016
5/5 Rating

"Very patient with lots of energy! Really good with my 6 and 7 year
old girls learning German."

Tutoring Approach:
Although I learned all my foreign languages through a rigorous method very much based on writing and grammar, I am happy to adapt my method to my pupil's needs. Personally, I believe that conversation is the key to becoming fluent in a language, but at the same time I do not neglect the importance of writing and reading comprehension. I therefore aim to split my lessons as evenly as possible between speaking, reading, listening comprehension, and writing assignments.

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Personal Description:
Very personable and hardworking.My teaching style can be the catered to the needs of each specific individual learner.
I also try to use humour to balance out the serious side of teaching, in order to develop a strong working relationship with the person(s) I am helping.
Teaching styles can and will include a variety of techniques, depending on the topic area at that time. I am comfortable working wth learners of all ages, and have worked with those from primary through to Adult learners.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught film and media at Knowsley community college for 13 years, and also taught communication studies in my final year at the colllege. Though it was mainly A level, I have also taught Btec units, and can teach gcse film and media studies, too. I have written one film book, and been published extensively with other journal articles for film and media topics - e.g. "Media Magazine" (English and Media centre) and "Splice" (Auteur publishing) film journal.

I have also more recently taught media at two pupIL referral units on merseyside, working with learners who are no longer suitable for mainstream education. Since 2015, I have been an examiner for A.S. film studies since 2015.
Since 2016, I have been a tutor in English, including working on on one with primary pupils (e.g. SATS exam prep, literacy and numeracy work) and also pupils studying foundation English/GCSE/igcse courses etc.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is to fulfill the potential academic ability of each student I work with, regardless of their starting point.
Though my approach is obviously a serious one, I can also ensure a light hearted tone when the time is right during any lesson, also. My significant teaching experience means I have applied a range of techniques, and methods of differentiation to get the best out of the learner.Clearly one to one teaching requires a different approach to that of one used when teaching over 20 plus learners.
My aim is to link the teaching the learning to the work the student is currently doing on their academic course, to ensure the the best outcomes for the learner, and build on the progress already being made. I always start by making contact with the teacher/tutor where relevant, and use this as a starting point before beginning my own tuition.

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Personal Description:
I have 35 years teaching experience both in the UK and overseas. I feel it's important to understand a students learning style and adjust lesson materials to suit that style whilst setting purposeful, realistic and attainable goals.

I enjoy teaching and deem it a privilege to have a share in helping others reach their aspirations.

I have a Trinity CERTTesol and an MA in English Language Teaching.

Teaching Experience:
Between 1992 & 2010 I lived and taught in Hong Kong to a variety of students from Chinese medium of instruction (CMI), English medium of instruction (EMI) and International schools. Assistance was given to help students progress towards their HKCEE (GCSE equivalent) and `A` levels, and in recent years the IB diploma, IGCSE's, and HKDSE. I continue to teach students in Hong Kong via Zoom (2026)

Topics used in the lessons cover many of disciplines in the school curriculum, including, History, Geography, Economics, Biology, English Literature. Further guidance was given to help students prepare for exams, such as: SAT; and IELTS exams and common apps for HE.

For the past 16 years, I have been tutoring students in the UK to prepare them for the 11+ entrance exams; teaching students at KS3, GCSE, A levels & IB. Additionally, I am currently guiding students with their dissertations for their chosen degrees, and proofreading BA, MA, papers prior to submission.

For the past 9 years, I have been involved in intervention teaching, which involves identifying learning styles and other factors that inhibit a student`s progress, and then devise strategies to engage the student in learning, to identify and then support their current learning needs.

Tutoring Approach:
I am committed to providing students with assistance to achieve the grades they need by patiently tutoring each student according to their learning style. I trust that my student-centred approach is effective in this area. My one-to-one tuition produces noticeable improvements in student confidence, attainment and ambition.

Exam Boards I cover:
- AQA
- Edexcel
- Cambridge/ Edexcel IGCSE
- OCR

GCSE English Literature texts
GCSE English Language Paper 1
GCSE English language Paper 2
- Writing to persuade
- Writing to inform
- Imaginative/ Creative writing
- Essay writing / structuring

GCSE Poetry
Love & Relationships
Power & Conflict

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Personal Description:
Hemananda (Ravi)
Motivational and patient tutor with 25+ years' experience in IT and education. I simplify complex topics using real-world examples, interactive Q&A, and tailored practice. My lessons build confidence, clarity, and lasting understanding. With international exposure and deep technical expertise, I guide students through software engineering, programming, databases, and business concepts with precision and empathy. I'm currently writing a book to make Software Engineering more practical and accessible for learners and professionals alike.

I am well versed with the following development tools, databases and software:
- Python, Numpy, Pandas, R
- Machine Learning (KNN algorithm, Naïve Bayes, Neural Network, Decision Tree, etc.)
- PHP
- Visual Basic .Net, ASP .Net
- Oracle Apex
- Oracle Forms 6i, 9i, 10g
- Oracle Reports 6i, 9i, 10g
- Oracle SQL Loader
- Oracle Designer 6i, 9i, 10g
- Oracle Discoverer 10g (Discoverer Plus 10g, Discoverer Viewer 10g)
- Visual Basic 6.0, C, C++, 4D, Windev, Forms Designer, Prescribe, HTML, Java, Javascript,
- Microsoft Front Page, Macromedia Dreamweaver, Flash, Image Composer, XML, Seagate Crystal Reports, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Powerpoint
- Microsoft Access, Oracle Database 8, Oracle Database 8i, Oracle Database 9i, Oracle Database 10g, and Ms SQL Server, Oracle Database Express Edition

Teaching Experience:
I have been offering private tuitions since 2001 for a side income as well as for charity purposes. My students were:
1. Primary students (Mathematics, English, French, Computer Studies/IT)
2. Secondary students (Mathematics, Statistics, Accounting, Economics, Computer Studies/IT)
3. Tertiary students (Mathematics, Accounting, Computer Studies/IT), including British Computer Society (BCS) students
Notes:
(a) I am very pleased that one of my BCS students topped the Software Development module including the Database Management Systems module examinations in Mauritius.
(b) I have assisted more than 50 students in their final year IT project (including the analysis/design/development of the system).
(c) I am also proud to say that after more than 3 failed attempts in renowned institutions, I have succeeded in getting 8 BCS students to be through the Software Development module examinations in their first 6 months being tutored by me.

I have equally provided training courses on programming (to name a few: Visual Basic, Oracle SQL and PL/SQL, etc..) for at least 8 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Every new batch of tuition starts with getting to know more about the students. It is at the same time important to give the students enough space to familiarise themselves with me. A discussion will then follow to scope down what will be covered in the syllabus. A work plan is also devised with the aim to complete the syllabus well before the examinations, so as to have adequate time for revision. The following steps outline the process of each tuition session:
1. Initiate the subject or topic based on discussion of a real life example / scenario
2. Introduce the theoretical part of the subject or topic
3. Explain how the theory links to the real life example / scenario
4. Work out and explain some examples
5. Immediate evaluation of student's understanding through questions and answers
6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 until satisfactory response of the student (steps 1, 2 and 3 may also be repeated if required)
7. Give homework and a brief discussion on what will be covered in the next tuition session

Note: Each tuition session starts with the correction of the previous session's homework and explanation of any problem areas, including a summing up of what was covered in the previous tuition session.

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Personal Description:
I have been a fully qualified teacher for over 6 years and I absolutely love what I do! I have particular interest in working with children on a 1-1 basis as I love to personalise their learning and help them to see things in a different way then they may have been taught and not quite understand before.

I strongly believe that if children are having fun then they will learn and be able to reach their full potential. I have seen such wonderful results with this over my teaching career so far. I create small achievable targets for my children so not only their learning can progress but so can their confidence!

No child should ever be worried about learning as we all learn things at different rates and in different ways! It's our job as teachers to ensure we find the best way for them!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a qualified teacher for over 6 years and I have been lucky enough to teach in London and in Wales. I am currently a full time class teacher in a Welsh primary school.

I have been running my own private tuition sessions for over a year now. We do have lots of positive feedback that has been left and there are lots of lovely pictures of the children on there taking part in some of the activities we do.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor children in my own purpose built classroom in Mold - just off the A55.

There is a coffee shop 2 mins drive away if parents want to stay close by or a soft play center (Infinity) just on the corner if little ones need entertaining whilst waiting for a sibling.

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Personal Description:
Currently a University of East Anglia student heading into my final year of an Environmental Geography and International Development.

Teaching Experience:
No formal experience but have helped children with homework and used to have study groups at school and university.

Tutoring Approach:
Kind, considerate and looking for the tutee to get the answer for themselves without interfering but with small hints.

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Personal Description:
As a fully qualified primary school teacher with fifteen years experience in the classroom and five years as a tutor working privately and in schools, I understand that all children are different but all can be successful with an approach tailored specifically to them. I use a wide range of strategies appropriate to the individual needs of your child based on my teaching experience in every year group from Year 1 to Year 6 and leadership in core subjects at several schools rated Outstanding by OFSTED.

Teaching Experience:
With significant experience in teaching the full national curriculum to every year group in key stages 1 and 2, I can provide an enhanced learning experience for every child in all aspects of Maths and English and their application in other curriculum subjects by drawing on the very best of modern and traditional teaching methods. I also have experience working with children with a range of additional needs. These include Aspergers, Autism, Downs Syndrome, ADHD, Global Delay, Dyslexia, Dyspraxia and Discalculia.

Tutoring Approach:
I use quality resources to make learning accessible and meaningful, creating and adapting everything I use to ensure the learning is tailored to the learner. Interesting, engaging and constantly adapting to the needs of your child as and when they emerge I ensure learning is enjoyable but also challenging. I tutor both privately and in schools, where much of my work has been through the National Tutoring Program - enabling children to catch up from learning missed during the pandemic.

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Personal Description:
Hello everyone Γεια σας!!

I am Kyriaki and I am from beautiful Cyprus. I am a native Greek speaker with an excellent knowledge of English Language. I studied English Language and Literature and I always wanted to include something more active in my teaching. For that reason, I did my Master in Drama and Theatre Education where I learned how to use drama as a method to teach English.

Would you like to speak Greek in only 3 months? If that's what you are looking for then you are looking at the right profile.
I am offering packages for May June July now available. Booking begins from the 1st of April.

Teaching Experience:
I have 3 years experience in teaching English to young individuals and 2 years experience in teaching Greek to adults. I always want to give students an active learning and the opportunity to speak and "play" with the language. I can also teach Drama and help with undergraduate and masters. Moreover, if you need any help with your Undergraduate Degree based on English Language and Literature, you are on the right place! :)

Tutoring Approach:
I am really approachable and flexible with days and times. I am using an interactive book and I have the patience and knowledge to improve your language skills.

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Personal Description:
I am an Oxford graduate and a qualified teacher with over ten years of experience.

Teaching Experience:
I am a very experienced, qualified teacher with more than a decade of experience in excellent schools. In this time I have taught at all levels from 11+ to A-Level, and have also tutored pupils through Oxbridge entrance exams. I have been a senior member of staff in several leading independent schools and as a result have worked with a very wide range of pupils.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in a supportive and friendly approach to tutoring and making learning enjoyable as far as is possible. I make a bespoke plan for each of my pupils so that every pupil has their individual aims and needs met. I have worked with pupils of all levels and abilities with superb results.

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Personal Description:
I am a passionate, hardworking, skilled, and outstanding teacher. I am fully qualified and experienced Primary School teacher specialising in all primary phase subjects. I am extremely professional, energetic, and up to date with the demands of the current Primary Curriculum and the requirements for Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, preparation for SATs, SEN and learning support.

Teaching Experience:
Throughout my 15-year teaching career, I have gained extensive skills in teaching and working directly with children within the Primary Phase (4-11 years). I have an excellent proven track record of students achieving way above what they may have been predicted.

I have considerable experience in helping students who are on the SEND register and most recently I have worked as an Acting SENCO. This involved devising, delivering and monitoring the curriculum for students with moderate and severe learning difficulties as well as those with highly complex needs. I have recently attained the SENCO award qualification from Edge Hill University.

Tutoring Approach:
I am extremely positive, calm, and nurturing. I believe that every child can reach their goals in learning and I will help them to realise their true potential, improving academic performance and developing self-esteem to build a successful future.

After an initial assessment, I will create a personalised learning journey plan and I will ensure that I use motivational interests and strengths to work on areas of new learning and any misconceptions.

I aim to do much more than just increase grades, however I am to inspire, increase confidence and show that learning is something that everyone can do.

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Personal Description:
Electrical Engineer with 15+ years of experience in Electrical Design, Engineering, Project Management

Teaching Experience:
Have tutored professional Engineers for more than 5 years

Tutoring Approach:
Interactive
Feedback

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Personal Description:
With over 20 years of teaching experience, I bring a proactive, supportive, and results-driven approach to every learning session. My teaching style is patient yet highly focused on identifying and prioritizing areas for growth, ensuring we address what matters most to your development. I specialize in helping students improve their English language skills for various purposes, from academic success to specific business needs, and I offer targeted support for BA/MA work as well.

Currently, I manage large-scale global social media communities for the U.S. State Department and direct my own summer camp in Italy, experiences that give me unique insights into effective communication, cultural nuance, and tailored content creation. Through my sessions, I aim to make language learning accessible, impactful, and directly applicable to your real-world goals. Whether you're aiming to refine your academic English, advance in business communication, or achieve specific language goals, I'm here to support you every step of the way.

Teaching Experience:
Experienced Educator: Over 20 years in teaching and curriculum development across diverse settings, from rural areas to international programs.

Broad International Background:
Worked in the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S..
Diverse experience from teaching ESL to university students at Columbia University to directing large-scale English programs at EF and St. Giles in New York City.
Directed summer English programs in Italy and New York, managing staff, curriculum, and daily operations for large-scale programs, ran EF's Academic Department in Tarrytown, New York, training teachers, coordinating schedules for 1,000+ students, and fostering collaborative learning environments.

Student Advancement:
Assisted students in obtaining scholarships and advancing their academic careers.
Helped university students with their BA/MA dissertations, providing guidance on research, structure, and writing.

Digital Content Creation:
Designed webinars, educational videos, and interactive content for the U.S. Department of State, engaging a global audience.
Grew the American English for Educators Facebook page by 300,000+ followers, bringing resources to teachers worldwide.

Tutoring Approach:
I take a collaborative and student-centered approach to tutoring. I am patient, proactive, and dedicated to creating inclusive learning experiences that prioritize each student's unique needs and interests.

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Personal Description:
I have a MA in Production Design for Film and Television from Kingston University and a BA Hons in Furniture Design and Applied Arts from Edinburgh College of Art. I have worked in the film and television industry since 2004. I lead large teams of specialist designers, art directors, junior assistants, crafts people and construction teams. And I collaborate closely with other experts within the industry including cinematographers, directors and screenwriters.

A production designer designs the worlds in which the TV Drama or film is set. That includes working with location people to choose locations in which to film - and building sets in studios. It can also involve working closely with SFX teams. The role juggles creative vision with practical project management. It's a collaborative media/ industry and relies heavily on communication skills- visual and verbal.

Teaching Experience:
I've tutored students looking to win a place in art schools/universities and specialist creative high schools. Students looking to better their results at A level, and I've taught larger classes of young adults in university and workshops. I help my four year old with his art and design too : )

Tutoring Approach:
My approach depends on the students needs and I am very flexible. I can work in a very focused way with the students brief on course curriculum. Or more loosely- developing verbal and practical skills for a portfolio for art school/media design or communication courses. I'm down to earth and structured in my approach.

If it's face to face tutoring, I may charge a small fee for travel time/costs dependent on how far away and dependent on whether the session is one or two hours long, etc. Please message me for further details, thanks.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced English and History tutor specialising in 11+ and 13+ entrance preparation, GCSE and A-level tuition, and independent-school admissions.

I have delivered more than 6,500 hours of one-to-one tuition and have over 16 years' tutoring experience. My academic background includes a BA in History and an MA in Cultural History, and I have also taught undergraduate seminars. I have extensive experience in assessment and examining, including work as a Senior Examiner for the British Council.

I particularly enjoy working with students who need to develop confidence, independence and intellectual curiosity, as well as ambitious students who need to be stretched beyond the standard curriculum. My aim is not simply to improve a student's next grade or entrance-exam result, but to make them a stronger reader, writer and thinker.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English and History from upper primary through to A-level, with particular expertise in 11+ and 13+ school admissions, GCSE English Language and Literature, GCSE History, and A-level English Literature and History.

I have prepared students for admission to leading independent schools including Winchester College, Hampton, Abingdon and St Mary's Ascot, as well as a wide range of other selective schools. My admissions teaching includes English entrance examinations, ISEB and other pre-tests, interview preparation and the broader academic skills students need to thrive after gaining a place.

At GCSE and A-level, I combine detailed subject knowledge with extensive assessment experience. I teach students how to analyse texts and sources precisely, construct convincing arguments, plan effectively and write with clarity and sophistication. I am familiar with the requirements of the major examination boards and adapt lessons closely to each student's course and objectives.

I have taught students with a very wide range of abilities and personalities, from those who have lost confidence or developed gaps in their knowledge to highly able students aiming for the highest grades and most competitive schools.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is highly individualised. I begin by identifying what is actually preventing a student from progressing: this might be a gap in knowledge, weak analytical habits, difficulty organising ideas, lack of confidence, inefficient exam technique or simply not having been sufficiently challenged.

Lessons are active rather than lecture-based. I use questioning, discussion, modelling, targeted practice and immediate feedback to make students think for themselves. Instead of simply supplying an answer, I break difficult skills into manageable stages and gradually remove support as the student becomes more confident and independent.

In English, I place particular emphasis on close reading, vocabulary, analytical thinking and developing a controlled, engaging writing style. In History, I help students move beyond memorising information towards understanding causation, significance, change, interpretation and the construction of evidence-based arguments.

For entrance examinations and interviews, I avoid teaching students to reproduce formulaic responses. I develop the underlying comprehension, reasoning, communication and writing skills that enable them to respond confidently when faced with unfamiliar material.

Above all, I want students to understand why something works. Good tutoring should produce more than a short-term improvement in marks: students should leave with better habits of thought, greater confidence and skills they can transfer to new subjects and challenges.

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