Hove Reading & Writing skills Tutors and Hove Reading & Writing skills Tuition

Personal Description:
I want everyone to enjoy the ability to communicate with each other in English to make friends, do business together and to feel confident wherever English is spoken.
I have been made welcome by so many people from many nationalities all round the world and love the excitement of communicating with people from all walks of life.
I enjoy teaching face to face and online and to tailoring conversation and lessons to the ability and objectives of the student or students.
I am married with a family and am comfortable teaching all ages although I prefer teaching adults and young adults (16 upwards). I teach general English and specialize in IELTS preparation.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in Europe and Asia. For six years I lived in France teaching one to one and small groups. I returned to the United Kingdom in 2012 and live and teach in the Brighton area. The last two years have been spent teaching at Varndean College, Brighton preparing Chinese students for A levels and University entrance as well as normal individual teaching work,

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a language should be both fun and serious. If my students are preparing for examinations then a concentration on course work with homework will be important.
If students prefer to develop their social conversational ability then there may be less emphasis on grammar and more on the use of English in everyday social or business situations. Each potential student is asked to complete a simple questionaire to give me a picture of their ability level and what they want to achieve.
I teach one to one or small groups (normally no more than 8 students). Price reductions for two students or more
Most online teaching is on a one to one basis using Skype.

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Personal Description:
My name is Joseph. Please call me Joe. I am retired and enjoy water colouring, swimming and computing but most of all I enjoy the challenge of helping young people to develop their learning skills.

Teaching Experience:
Before I retired I was head teacher of a Primary School for 21 years. This allowed me to gain a great insight into all aspects of the needs of Primary age pupils. It also provided me with the challenge of how best to provide for those needs. Prior to working in Primary Education I taught in the fields of Junior Secondary Education and Special Needs (with pupils ranging from eight to sixteen years and with multiple disabilities).

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor my first aim is to establish a pleasant working relationship with each pupil. From there continuous assessment of the pupils needs and progress provides a basis for enhancing the skills which need to be developed. In order to make satisfactory progress I use a variety of materials and methods to stimulate the interest of the pupil.

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Personal Description:
Recently returned to the UK to live near my family after teaching abroad for many years. I have 2 teenagers who no longer need my constant attention. I enjoy speaking other languages and love teaching, especially one to one teaching, where I can focus all my attention on the individual.

Teaching Experience:
1976-1987 EFL teaching in the UK and abroad. 6th form, secondary and adult. Also some ESL and home teaching.

1988- 2008. Primary teaching 3-12 year olds. I am trained in Early Years teaching. For 9 years I was the English Language Support coordinator in a large international school. My responsibilities included assessing children's needs, planning and teaching English as an additional language throughout the Infant and Junior school, improving reading skills and helping train other staff in the above. I have regularly tutored individuals and small groups of children after school.
I have recently completed a course in "Big Writing" with Ros Wilson of Andrell Education, focusing on improving writing skills from KS1 to KS3

2009- present. Nursery teacher and part time Modern languages/ Supply teacher in KS2

Tutoring Approach:
Each person's needs are different and my first job is to develop a trusting relationship so that I can quickly assess the priorities. Building confidence in prior knowledge comes next. It's important to pace the lesson so that there is just enough pressure but no stress. I like to work on all 4 skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) whatever the goal of the class, and to that end use a variety of resources; books, cards, games, music, computer. I am a very good listener and have unlimited patience. I constantly make students aware of the progress they are making which builds confidence and speeds up learning. I set very high but reachable standards.

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Personal Description:
I believe in a child centred approach to learning and always aim to work for and with my individual students.
As Senior Teacher/ Teacher in Charge, of a Medical Pupil Referral Unit I headed up a dedicated team of skilled teachers who worked with young people on a 1:1 and small group basis. I am well aware of the current concerns with the mental health of young people and aim to support those I work with in a positive and sensitively focused manner. Many of my student's have experienced exam anxiety, dyslexia and learning difficulties which has made school a problematic environment for them. I aim to help with those areas, working on finding pathways, approaches and methods which help individuals succeed.
I currently focus my attentions on tutoring individually. I find the one to one contact simulating and highly rewarding. I have worked successfully with GCSE and Advanced Level students enabling them to achieve the results required. I have taught for many years and am an Advanced Skills Teacher, who has effectively guided and supported trainee and newly qualified teachers. I have always wanted to teach and love what I do.
I am a published author who writes for young adults. My first book was published in December 2025. I love the creativity of writing and the manner in which it further helps me develop my teaching skills..
I am patient, understanding, supportive and highly aware of the need to enable the student to achieve. I work through praise and careful guidance to ensure the student gains the most from their one to one contact.
I am educated to Masters degree level and have taught in both comprehensive schools and special needs units.
I always put the student to the forefront of my teaching and aim to give them the most rewarding and positive of learning experiences.
Although I still enjoy face to face teaching, more of my time is devoted to preparing and delivering online lessons. I have been fortunate to teach across all exam boards including Scotland's National 5 exam areas and the National Higher exam.

Teaching Experience:
I was Head of performing arts in a school in Dorset for seventeen years. During that time I worked extensively with children of all ages. I have trained teachers and guided those new to the teaching profession successfully through the early stages of their careers. I have directed numerous school and examination productions which has given me an excellent knowledge of plays and productions for use within both English and Drama teaching. I have taught adults GCSE Psychology with a very good success rate. I have enjoyed the opportunities teaching in both the comprehensive and adult sectors have given me.

I continue to enjoy teaching students and young people with a view to supporting them through their preparations for internal and external examinations. I work with a variety of ages which enables me to expand my knowledge of exam boards, their requirements and standards. I regularly support GCSE English Language and Literature, together with A level Drama and Theatre specifications.
At the present time I mainly teach online using zoom. This requires individual learning materials and presentations to be organised, created and developed.
I am aware that anxious students can find online teaching a strange experience. I therefore aim to use their own preferences as a way of ensuring the online environment is less threatening and more comfortable for them.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is always to work with the needs of the student involved. I ensure I listen to their requirements, tailoring my teaching to what is needed. I value student interaction and would hope to use as much student based ideas and thoughts where this is possible. I have a highly positive attitude to teaching which always aims to enable the learner to succeed in a supportive environment.
I have a good sense of humour. I am patient , a very good listener and an individual who works in a proactive manner. I create and work with a range of resources which are specific to the topic and area being studied whilst creating and researching any areas required. I use praise and positive areas continually as I believe we all like to receive positive thoughts about ourselves, and this is means promoting a good and solid foundation to study techniques.
Although I have been teaching for a long time I really enjoy the challenges,satisfaction and creativity teaching offers. For every student I work with I plan and create personal , individual lessons and approaches which are appropriate for each person. This approach has led to many satisfied individuals at a variety of levels.
The demands of online teaching have led me to expand my skills. For individual students to achieve the necessary standards, I now prepare individual PowerPoint presentations which are tailor made to specific requirements. This is method which is working extremely well and all my students are able to use a screen share, screen shots and the materials I send to them. I believe this individual approach is a highly successful one which works positively with the online situation.
Students, should they wish, may receive a copy of the powerpoint we have used online, giving them extra resources and the means to further check details, lesson content and their understanding of any area covered.
I try to be as flexible as possible, aiming to negotiate time and dates which are convenient, suitable and appropriate for those requiring support.
I am confident my approach, working with the individual in whatever is best for them, is a method which enables individuals to succeed.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher of English with many years of study, research and training in some of the world's top universities. My qualifications include a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in English Literature and the Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE) in English. My Initial Teacher Training covered all aspects of English and all abilities in the 11-18 age range. My interests, of benefit to many students especially at university level, include Critical Theory, Classical Literature, and African Literature. I have guided many students doing research and proof-read their dissertations. I have also taken the official training for one-to-one tutors rolled out by the government to complement classroom teaching. I have been marking GCSE English Language and Literature exams for a number of years and served as Team Leader for the June 2013 exam series with Edexcel. Additionally, I mark A Level English Literature for OCR. In fact, I recently received certificates from OCR and from the Joint Qualification Council which oversees exams in England to recognise my contribution to examining. I am a specialist in the new (2017) GCSE curriculum with experience of teaching both the AQA and Edexcel exam board versions.

Teaching Experience:
My first teaching appointment came in 1988 in Cameroon where I taught English and African Literature, becoming an A Level examiner for the Cameroon GCE examination board in 1990. I moved to England in 1991 where I later took the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) leading to the PGCE and QTS, finishing my last year as Education Student of the Year in my university and receiving a national commendation for the quality of my work. I have since taught in different schools in Kent and Medway, preparing students for exams such as Functional Skills, IELTS, GCSE, A Level, IB and AEA. I have also given one-to-one tuition to looked-after teenagers under a government scheme as well as taught in a secure unit for which, in addition to enhanced disclosure CRBs, I was vetted over a six month period. My first long-term (over 3 months) supply position involved teaching GCSE English, A Level English Literature, and the IB. Most of my teaching has been in selective (grammar) schools. I have also given English lessons in my local community as part of an outreach programme organised for speakers of other languages by my church where I teach Bible Studies also. For the last few years I have always had KS3 to KS5 students whom I tutor privately. These students have have usually achieved or exceeded their target grades at GCSE and A Level.

Tutoring Approach:
I like to establish the needs of the students and carefully review all available assessment records. If the student is preparing for a special exam such as the GCSE, I would start by ensuring that the student is aware of the full requirements of the exam and establish a clear plan to cover these. Alongside any such programme, I believe in incorporating the fundamentals of English grammar which are sometimes overlooked in formal teaching settings. I like to build a good rapport with the student so that they are comfortable revealing possible areas of weakness that we could turn into strengths. I ensure that the student is given a clear structure for each exam task and then test the student to ensure that they are able to apply the strategies in exam conditions.

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Personal Description:
In terms of academic qualifications, I have an accountancy and finance background with further specialization (MSc) in Finance and Risk Management along with MSc Professional Accountancy. Throughout my educational years, I have been a distinction holder. During my MSc degree in UK as well, I have maintained my academic record. I can not only teach academic subjects but also assist research students in their research work as for the last three years. I am working on the dissertations as well as on the coursework for students.

I am teaching for the last 10 years to students who are pursuing accounting and business studies as their career. I also helped students for modules like Human Resource, Project Management, Process Management, Research Methods, Criminology, marketing and e.t.c.
I have done ACCA, CIA, CFE, CFC apart from this i am left with couple of exams of ACA and done CFAB. I have also done undergraduate and Postgraduate.
I am doing job since 2008 and also has an experience of working as:
Career Advisor
Course Coordinator
Teacher Assistant
Accountant
Marketing supervisor for marketing campaign in PHILLIP MORRIS INT.




IN ACCA I HAVE THREE WORLD OVER DISTINCTIONS

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of teaching all papers of ACCA even optional level.
I have experience of teaching Corporate Finance to Master level students of Aston University.
I have experience of teaching all the papers of Professional Stage Knowledge Module to ACA students.
I have experience of teaching all the papers of Certified Accounting Technician (CAT).
I also taught the undergraduate and Postgraduate students of Birmingham University, Aston University, Warwick University, Coventry University, Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University, Birmingham City University, Sheffield University, Wolverhampton University, University of East Anglia, Hull University, Derby University, University of Glasgow and several others.
I have experience of teaching AAT subjects to the students as well as all GCSE and A-Level students .
I am also assisting students with any assignment they require. I done more than 1000 research papers and taught more than 500 individual students

Tutoring Approach:
I think for teaching one has to come to the level of the student and also one must be aware of the requirement of the specific paper with reference to exam I mean exam approach teaching is the best of all. I believe in quality of the lecture not the length of it.

Firstly, the students needs have to be understood and then the tutoring phase will carefully outlined and tutees will be taught according to their needs. Questions will be encouraged throughout the session as these are important for higher understanding.

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Personal Description:
I consider myself to be a friendly and approachable teacher. I get on well with the children I teach gaining their respect through being firm, fair and fun.

Teaching Experience:
I have 19 years teaching experience within a primary school setting. I have taught all primary age groups from 4-11 years. During this time I have planned and assessed children and used current SAT's materials.

Tutoring Approach:
I treat every student as an individual and asses their needs accordingly. I plan my lessons to suit their needs using my up to date knowledge of the curriculum and assessment criteria. My lessons are fun and interactive wherever possible using both written and practical techniques. I have found that children gain confidence in their ability and begin to move forward and keep up with the work in class.

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Personal Description:
I'm a native English speaker (born and educated in America), currently a permanent UK resident. I've been working in schools for the past 21 years and tutoring for 13 years up to KS3. I have a Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as a TEFL certification. I also have specialised literacy training and experience, including dyslexia.

I have been tutoring for a circle of families for the past several years. They have all either moved away, or no longer need tuition, so I am lookin for new students.

I have a good rapport with the students I have worked with and am able to make learning fun!

In addition to tutoring, I am also available for application, CV and proof reading assistance.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a supply teacher, learning support assistant (special needs and behaviour difficulties), 1:1 literacy teacher and a tutor for the past 21 years in America, The Channel Islands and London.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be an enjoyable experience and try to keep my lessons lively and interactive. I welcome feedback from parents and caregivers, as I feel that family centred learning is important.

The first lesson will be to get to know the learner and make an assessment as to his/her strengths and weaknesses as well as their learning style. I can then tailor my lessons to suit.

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Personal Description:
I am a well humoured, and easy going teacher with a keen interest in Design, Technology, Engineering and SEN, who likes to keep up to date with the latest trends in many aspects of design from Jewellery to Furniture. I have a bachelors degree in Silversmithing and Metalwork and am currently working towards a masters degree in Education.

I'm also a lived experience neurodiversity advocate.

Teaching Experience:
I have just completed my 12 full time year in teaching mainstream secondary school Design, Technology and Engineering. I've worked with pupils from KS2-KS5 in my subject specialism in a range of different schools including a specialist SEMH provision, and sixth form college but predominantly mainstream secondary schools.

I worked as an Assistant SENCo for four years and have experience of delivery specialist interventions, including toe-by-toe, IDL and IEP's as well as acting as a keyworker to support pupils with emotional and behaviour support, when they are finding it hard to communicate their needs with others.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a pupil focused tutor who believes that a variety of short, varied activities keeps students focused, productive and able to learn more effectively. My experience with SEN students has made me patient and believe that the key to successful tutoring is being well resourced. I undertake a limited amount of tutees in order to ensure increased availability for my tutees and to ensure that I am focused on the individuals I tutor and their needs. Above all I believe the students need constant positive reinforcement to increase motivation, self belief and therefore success.

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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:
I previously worked as a global spokesperson for the United Nations and consultant to governments across the world for over a decade and am a graduate from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). I am available for tutoring on a variety of subjects, particularly politics, economics, journalism, history, philosophy, media and communications and general writing skills. I am particularly adept at helping students develop their essay writing skills, with a structure and tone that secures high grades. I'm also available to provide help with exam revision, revision techniques, entrance exam preparation, university applications and general reading and writing skills.

Teaching Experience:
I have multiple years of experience of tutoring social science subjects to students from a range of different nationalities and backgrounds. I have a strong track record of improving grade scores and passing exams first time. I have proof-read essays for a large number of students who have all subsequently scored top marks for spelling and grammar. I have also formerly proof-read documents in a professional setting for businesses from across Europe and Africa.

Tutoring Approach:
I am flexible in my approach and am happy to adapt to any student's needs. I look to work on all aspects of a student's approach, including revision technique, writing style and exam preparation. My preference is for committed students who will practice and implement what is learnt outside of lessons. I typically set students exercises for completion before the next lesson in addition to revision work for practice essay questions. The more committed a student is to our classes, the more they will gain from them.

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Personal Description:
I decided to start tutoring after my experience in trying to get tutors for my own children. As a professional working internationally I thought it would be easy to hand over this important element of their education to someone with both experience and patience. My notion was quickly turned on its head. The Tutors I found taught textbook style with the one shoe fits all approach. My children and others didn't fit into that mould. I very quickly realised that I could do a better job and took the role in house, initially teaching my own daughters before extending out to their friends.
To date I have tutored over 50 children who have gone onto their chosen schools and streams. I believe that tutoring should be about delivering skills to children that they can carry with them throughout their young lives and provide a solid platform on which to develop.

Teaching Experience:
Have tutored key stage 2 and 3.
11 plus students and common entrance applicants.
Recently started to tutor mildly dyslexic students in English comprehension and Language.
Currently writing essays for publication in English Literature and Sociology and Business GCSE and AS level. As well as E papers for 11 plus students.

Tutoring Approach:
I love seeing peoples enthusiasm toward a subject which I also share the same excitement towards however I am also passionate about helping people who may need help or are looking for methods to improve their skills in these topics.

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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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an outstanding,experienced Primary School teacher, specialising in 11 Plus, Maths and English.I prepare children for 11+ and Year 6 SATs exams, hence I am up-to-date with the changes and expectations imposed by the Department for Education. I hold a BA in English Literature,an MA in Media and Human Rights, and a qualification in Primary School Education (age range 5-11). I have a keen interest in Literature related to Mathematical phenomena and novels.I am a native English speaker and fluent in Turkish.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working in education since 2011 and currently a Year 6 teacher. In addition, I have previously taught Years,2,3,4 and 5, and have worked and continue to work with SEN children.

I have 11 plus students who have been offered places in a range of selective schools, i.e, Latymer, Dame Alice, Henrietta Barnett, Channing, QE, HABS,St Albans and more.

Tutoring Approach:
I like building a dialogue with my pupils which allows them to enjoy and take ownership of their learning. Once targets are identified, I put together lesson plans that will cater to my pupil's needs and learning style. At the core of my practice lies keeping my pupils engaged and passionate about learning. I succeed in this through the use of hands on resources(i.e.numicom,maths mats,word banks,puzzles), varying tasks, scaffolding and discussion.

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Personal Description:
My approach to teaching is friendly, supportive and fun. I can instil confidence in students which allows them to believe in themselves and make good progress. I have experience teaching students who are neurodiverse as well as students from ages 6 to 11.

Teaching Experience:
I have 20 years of teaching experience mainly in primary schools. I have also taught many students who have English as a second language

Tutoring Approach:
To develop genuine, honest relationships with students. Get to know them and their backgrounds and discuss the areas they need to work on. I would like to make tutoring interactive and fun whilst still teaching a particular concept.

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:
I have completed my scholarship PhD in sociology and ethnomusicology. I hold a Joint BA in English Literature and Creative Writing and an MA in Sociology and Social Policy.

Teaching Experience:
I am an experienced teacher and tutor, having taught GCSE and A Level English Language, Literature, Citizenship Studies and Study Skills in London at a Further Education college, independent school, and a faith based academy.

I have taught and tutored students at universities in London and Hull. I can give guidance and support for university students that need help with essay writing, proofreading and research methods.

Tutoring Approach:
I encourage students to understand the process and purpose of assessments so they become confident and independent learners. My teaching style is praised for being friendly, effective and confidence building.

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Vicki and I am a fully qualified primary school teacher with over 12 years experience teaching across key stage one and two in Lincolnshire schools. I hold QTS and an enhanced DBS certificate.

Teaching Experience:
During my career I have been a literacy specialist and tutor for 11+ entrance exams. I have taught whole classes, intervention groups and tutored on a 1:1 basis.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is the perfect opportunity for me to get the most from your child, Working one to one gives me the privilege of being able to tailor and personalise my tutorials to your child's learning style and ability. I am able to assess for next steps in learning in a way that the classroom environment often does not allow and I can develop your child's confidence where it really matters and challenge and extend where needed.

Currently, due to Covid restrictions I am tutoring through Zoom and Bitpaper.

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