Kilbirnie Reading & Writing skills Tutors and Kilbirnie Reading & Writing skills Tuition

Personal Description:
My name is Laura. I am originally from Birmingham but have lived in Worthing for over 15 years. I am an intelligent, creative person. I have an English Language and Literature BA from Oxford University. As well as being a tutor, I am a copy editor for UNICEF.

In my spare time, I love reading books, watching films and travelling. I also like working with people, which is one of the (many) reasons why I enjoy tutoring. I have previous experience of working with many different young people. I have worked with KS3 pupils (Years 7-9), worked with students interested in applying to university, helped Year 10 and 11 pupils through their English Language and Literature GCSE syllabus, worked with A level students, and helped BA and MA students with their essays and dissertations. I have been a private tutor for about 15 years now, and enjoy it hugely. I have an up-to-date DBS check and am available immediately. I offer online or face-to-face tuition.

Teaching Experience:
2024
Teaching assistant (SEN support)
Durrington High School

2020-2022
Online tutor, as part of the National Tutoring Programme (a government catch up scheme for students most affected by the pandemic)

2010
GCSE English tutor, Durrington High School
I was employed through the Aim Higher scheme to work with small groups of Year 11 students, helping them to secure a C grade in their AQA English Language GCSE.

January 2007 - present
Private tutor
Since moving to Worthing I have worked with students ranging from Year 7 to degree level. I have in-depth knowledge of the AQA GCSE syllabus for English Language and Literature, as well as the AQA, Eduqas, EdExcel and WJEC Eduqas English Language and Literature A level courses.

January - December 2005
Academic Coach
Employed by the ACES ('Academic Coaches Ensuring Success') Project and Sandwell LEA, I was part of a team providing additional support and learning opportunities for Key Stage 4 (15-16 year old) pupils at risk of underachieving at GCSE level.
The role involved working closely with targeted students on a one-to-one or small group basis, developing and delivering innovative study sessions designed to overcome barriers to learning and assist underachievers in fulfilling their potential. My specific academic focus was within the English Language and Literature GCSE syllabus.

February - August 2004
Project Officer for Oxford Colleges Admissions Office
Employed by Oxford University, I took on a six-month post as Project Officer for the Oxford-Dudley Partnership Project, a scheme which aimed to work with the Year 9 Gifted and Talented cohort of all schools in Dudley LEA in order to raise aspirations.
I also organized and ran a programme of 'Aspiration Days' for Year 8-11 pupils from schools across the country, aimed at encouraging applications from students from state school and/or underprivileged backgrounds, as well as speaking with Year 12 students interested in applying to university, providing specific information and advice regarding applications.

September 2002 - June 2003
Learning Mentor
Whilst still an undergraduate, as part of the National Mentoring Pilot Project (NMPP), I was a mentor to four Year 8 pupils, providing support and encouragement in an environment removed from the classroom. This took place in weekly one-hour sessions with the individual student for an entire academic year, charting their progress in terms of behaviour, confidence and attitude.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly, patient and passionate about my subject. I am sensitive to the needs of others and strive to tailor sessions to suit the needs of the tutee. I am relaxed and enthusiastic when tutoring and aim to build confidence as well as increase knowledge and understanding.

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:
Hello, I am a well qualified, BA, MPhil, PGCE teacher who is looking to branch out into more private tutoring work. I have privately tutored for many years and have experience since 1996. I have taught at all key stages and enjoy my work thoroughly. Last year (2019) my A level tutees all raised their grades by at least one and have gone off to uni. Proud to add that one in particular achieved an A* in Geography A level. and another A* in history and is now at Exeter. At GCSE my student achieved the first 9 which is excellent.
Please note that my rates are based on one to one tuition. Should you wish me to tutor groups of two or more either at home or in school I am happy to do so but rates will need to be discussed prior to my commencing work.
I now have experience of working on the E Bacc and depth studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught to A level in History for adult ed from 1998-2006
I have taught Geography to GCSE-level and A level
History in school at KS 3 and 4 AS and A level
I have helped undergraduates and post graduates in archaeology, history and teaching skills.
I can also teach basic geology and archaeology and classical studies.
Classical Civilisation to A level

Tutoring Approach:
I am always keen to engage students in whatever subject they are studying. I believe in being supportive and constructive in all that I teach. I am currently working on a one-to-one project with a student with special needs.
An excellent set of results (2015) all my 10 students passed, all raised their grade levels by at least one letter. All those off to uni are about to go so I wish them all well. Three others have a year or two left at school and have asked me to tutor them over the required time span.

Subjects

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have been teaching for 12 years in a range of schools across Teesside. I will support children to achieve their best no matter what ability they are. I will work alongside and their current school to support what they find difficult. I use a range of strategies and resources to engage and enthuse my students so that they can achieve their potential. I provide a fun and friendly atmosphere in order for my students to achieve. Being a Primary Teacher I have taught all Primary subjects but my strengths are in Maths, English, ICT, Science and Music. Some of my parents said about me: "You have been such a positive influence on our daughter and she has loved having you as her teacher". "You are an exceptional tutor and I feel that the loss of your ability and personality will significantly reduce the fabric of the school". "Thank you for all that you have done for our son during Year 3. He has enjoyed everyday of school and I believe that is down to you".

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a range of schools across Teesside but have always upheld the same vision. My vision for education is one where every child is both different and special. Although each child may learn in different ways I believe that, if they are to learn to their full potential they need to be exposed to a well balanced, broad and meaningful curriculum. It is important that they are provided with a learning environment that not only facilitates their learning by different strategies but one in which the children want to learn and have fun. I believe that an atmosphere where the children are not afraid to make mistakes, where what they are learning is relevant and one in which they are treated fairly, irrespective of their social background, colour or gender, will help them to become independent learners. I believe that children have a right to their own opinions and must be encouraged to respect the opinions of others when differing from their own. They also have a right not to be bullied, ridiculed or intimidated.

Tutoring Approach:
I have tutored on a 1:1 basis during my time in school, helping one child get from L3 to L4 in maths in Year 6. My approach was to reinforce what the child needed and to always put their needs first. I would use anything that I felt appropriate that would engage and get the best out of my students. I am an energetic, hardworking person who is fully committed to raising standards. I provide a friendly and fun learning environment with excellent management skills whilst having high expectations from the children. I am not afraid to take risks that challenge the children and to introduce new methods in my teaching in order to get the best out of my students, myself and that make my lessons fun and exciting. The student is the priority in the lesson and I am prepared to make sure that they succeed in what they are trying to achieve no matter what stage the child is at.

Subjects

Personal Description:
After completing PhD in economics from Middlesex University, London i have served Nottingham Trent University as a research fellow. Currently, i am working as a Marketing Research Manager in Qmads ltd, London. . My area of specialization is economics. I am very competent in my subject.

Besides economics, I have good command on some other subjects like Math, Business, English.

I have a very friendly personality, who believes on friendly and comfortable teaching environment.

Teaching Experience:
My Teaching experience includes

Part time teaching at Middlesex University, London.

Teaching Economics to undergraduate and postgraduate level in College.

Teaching Mathematics and English to primary and secondary classes in Schools.

worked as a supply teacher in UK.

Tutoring Approach:
I engage students with subject by

providing basic facts.

building interaction.

encouraging questions from the student.

providing constructive feedback.

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.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I`m Jess and I am an English teacher. I have a BA in English Literature and a MA in Victorian Studies (an interdisciplinary course split between literature and history).

My rates are £25 p/h for most students; my A Level and Degree rate is £30 p/h. For online tuition I have a flat rate of £25 p/h.

I travel to you or we can agree a suitable meeting place (a local library or cafe). I graduated in 2015 and since then have been teaching English in Birmingham, Solihull and North Coventry.

Whether you are looking for regular weekly sessions or ad-hoc sessions to help prepare for an exam or an essay deadline I should be able to support you.

Teaching Experience:
- Over 7 years working as a private tutor

- Working in an AP teaching English Y8 to Y11

- Hourly paid lecturer at a college teaching post 16 pupils functional skills English and GCSE English.

- Lecturer at ESOL center teaching functional skills English and GCSE English.

- Guest lecturer at University giving occasional lectures to third year students

- Vast experience writing and giving papers at academic conferences

- Editorial experience

- Significant experience in producing high quality essays and papers

- Assisting with funding applications (work experience and previous personal success)

Tutoring Approach:
I am more than happy to boost your skills and confidence leading up to an exam, subject specific guidance, to assist with essay writing, dissertation support and proof reading and editing of forthcoming publications. I completed an access course (humanities route-way and passed with distinctions) so I am also available to offer support to adults completing that qualification. My specialty is literature and I focus on boosting confidence and grades, as I believe the two are essentially interchangeable and that when a rise in confidence is combined with hard work and determination an increase in grades is attainable.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Masters degree graduate with 5 years tutoring experience working with children and adults.

Often times I teach one to one or maximum 5 people at a go especially in the library and community centre.

Teaching Experience:
5 years experience and still counting

Tutoring Approach:
Face to face,one to one and small groups

Subjects

Personal Description:
I tutor all subjects. My specialisms are maths and the 11+ entrance exams (maths, English, verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning, interviews).

I have a First Class Masters of Engineering from Newcastle University and a PGCE (the teacher training qualification) from the University of Oxford in Mathematics.

I charge £50 an hour for one-on-one online lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for a year in Oxford secondary schools and taking private students online.
I have been tutoring since 2012 in London and Newcastle alongside my jobs and studies. I specialise in getting children into top private schools or to get scholarships and I teach the ages of 6-16, or adults looking to increase their maths skills for specific purposes e.g. GCSE maths.
I have experience teaching English abroad at Bukit Lawang Educational centre in Indonesia. I taught multiple classes every day, including Kindergarten, child, teenage, and adult classes.
I`ve delivered English lessons to a community in Nicaragua. I am TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualified.

Tutoring Approach:
Try to make it as specific as possible so that you get best value for money. With children I make the lessons as meaningfully engaging as possible. All activities I do are very thought-out to cater to each clients needs.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Im 20 years old.

Currently a student at uni, studying social work bsc.

I want to do this because it be a great experience, great on my CV and working with children is the key area to my career aspiration. As a bonus I get paid to study myself and for the child, that's a no brainer.

Teaching Experience:
Currently in university studying social work.
I have passed my maths, English and art at a grade C-B.
I earned triple distinction on my btec health and social level 2 and 3.

Therefore I do have a lot of knowledge on certain policies and laws, especially if your looking into health and social jobs. I can teach easy English, writing and reading.

I am special myself (autistic) so i understand how to work with special needs children.

I have worked with children at a youth club and at children's hospital based in Birmingham.

Tutoring Approach:
I don't tend believe that teaching has to be serious and strict, I believe it should be fun, so that the child would want to study not to be forced to study.

I stand by that, as it says a lot about my character, I'm friendly, open minded and always, always put the child's needs at first because how can a child succeed whilst the implements/recognition of support are not in place? Therefore I do take different approaches to studying rather than a pen and a paper.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Dedicated educator qualified in the UK and Australia. Passionate about working with young and adult learners. Strong commitment to individual development of each student through fostering positive learning experiences. Effective communicator across cultures and age groups. Taught in Sydney, Australia; Krakow, Poland and London, UK. Now based in Cambridge, UK.

Teaching Experience:
English as a Foreign Language teacher (2016 - current)

• Analysing individual needs of every student and creating a learning program to meet their needs
• Teaching adults and young learners
• Teaching monolingual and multilingual groups classes
• Teaching General English and Business English using the integrative approach (e.g. combining speaking and listening skills; speaking and reading skills)
• Teaching English for Specific Purposes (English for psychologists, educators, businessmen, accountants, geologists, UX designers, interior designers, engineers; marketing, branding, HR professionals)
• Assisting students in integrating into the British culture by providing systematic practice of speaking in various social scenarios
• Preparing for IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency and OET
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback on their speaking and writing skills
• Teaching primary school students using Total Physical Response in combination with art and craft techniques
• Teaching English writing, literary and poetry analysis to secondary school students

Academic writing and study skills tutor (2016 - current) teaching

• how to structure: reflective and critical analysis essays, reports, grant proposals, multimodal assignments
• how to write grammatically and stylistically accurate assignments, how to reference according to APA, Chicago, Harvard and MLA styles
• how to write a draft, do research, proofread and edit
• how to meet requirements of university assignments
• time management and study skills techniques

English language tutor (2016 - current)

• Teaching how to write and analyse various text types (narrative, persuasive writing, information report)
• Teaching students according to the national curriculum
• Preparing students for Year 3 (7+) Entrance Test and Year 6 (10+) Entrance Test
• Teaching phonics to Year 1 and Year 2 students
• Mentoring students on how to build relationships with peers at school and how to work cooperatively with peers and teachers
• Communicating with parents to provide them with an update on their child's progress

Art educator (2015 - current):

• giving precise guidance on how to develop drawing, painting and sculpture techniques
• demonstrating all techniques and giving feedback
• teaching still life, landscape, portraiture and human anatomy
• teaching realistic and abstract art, impressionism and expressionism, conceptual and relational art
• teaching watercolour, acrylics, oil, mixed media, oil pastel, soft pastel, ink, pencil and charcoal techniques
• preparating students for the A-Level History of Art exam
• preparating students for the A-Level Art and Design
• preparating students for the GCSE Art and Design
• teaching art history and theory
• giving guidance on how to prepare an art portfolio for university entry, job application, galleries and art dealers
• teaching adults and young learners aged 5 - 17 years old
• teaching one-on-one, one-on-two and groups classes

Russian as a Foreign Language tutor (2011 - current)
• Developed a bespoke, well-structured course that gradually builds skills in grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary
• Russian language is primarily used during the lessons to create a linguistically and culturally immersive envivironment
• New vocabulary is supported with pictures, gentures and occational translation into English
• Lessons include videos, audios, interactive online activities as well as role-plays and tasks that help tell a story
• Providing homework tasks after each lesson to practise what was learned in class
• Giving feedback during each lesson and on each homework task
• Teaching Russian to beginner, intermediate and advanced level students
• Teaching Business Russian
• Teaching adults one-on-one, one-on-two and in small groups
• Teaching young learners (4 - 17 years old)
• Preparing for Pearson Edexcel Level 1/Level 2 GCSE (9-1) in Russian (1RU0)
• Preparing for the Test of Russian as a Foreign Language (TORFL)

COLLEGE & SCHOOL TEACHING EXPERIENCE

English for Specific Purposes Teacher (January 2023 - June 2025)
The University of Cambridge
• Worked with multilingual groups of 3 - 20 learners with beginner to advanced levels of English
• Conducted a thorough analysis of learners' needs and institutional requirements, and designed a course based on this analysis
• Developed learners' communicative competence through a role play and task-based learning using these topics: health, daily routine, everyday problem, hobbies and travel

ESOL Teacher (February - March 2025)
Orchard Park Community Primary School
• Worked with a small mixed-level group of adults
• Analysed learners' needs and chose learning content based on their needs

EFL Teacher (February 2025)
GL-Abroad
• Taught several sessions to a group of 12 - 13 years old children visiting Cambridge from Madrid
• Incorporated Cambridge-related cultural knowledge in a gamified form
• Included memory games, kinaesthetic vocabulary games and project work

EFL Teacher
International House London, Ellesmere, UK (July - August 2019)
• Taught EFL to 8 - 9 and 14 - 15 years old
• Incorporated game-based learning strategies to engage students of all levels of English
• Created highly immersive environment where students worked in small teams, pairs and individually
• Using the theory of multiple intelligences, organised project-based learning

Casual Teacher (July 2017 - July 2018)
NSW Department of Education, Sydney, Australia
• Taught Levels 1- 3 (Intensive English Centre) and Year 7-12 (High School), and Special Education classes
• Taught English, history, art and drama classes

Classroom Teacher (October - December 2017)
Chatswood Intensive English Centre, Sydney, Australia
• Taught art making and art theory to 12 - 18 years old students who spoke English as a Foreign Language
• Developed a scheme of work that focused on visual and conceptual qualities of Australian Archibald Prize artworks
• Taught ESL, ICT and music

Russian Language Teacher
BigWorld Pty Ltd (August 2013 - September 2017)
• Taught beginners and intermediate level learners
• Created online quizzes, videos, and presentations to encourage students to study independently
• Organised cultural events

Tutoring Approach:
• Using visual and audio material to accelerate learning
• Catering for a diverse range of learning needs in an interactive way that promotes students' engagement
• Analysing individual needs of students and meticulously tailoring lesson plans to address these needs
• Consistently providing students with homework and extensive feedback
• Assisting students in their careers

Rates

One-to-one lesson

30 minutes (under 8 y.o.): £35; 5 lessons: £165; 10 lessons: £315
45 minutes: £45; 5 lessons: £210; 10 lessons: £400
60 minutes: £54; 5 lessons: £257; 10 lessons: £486
90 minutes: £75; 5 lessons: £357; 10 lessons: £675
120 minutes: £96; 5 lessons: £456; 10 lessons: £864

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a well-qualified and experienced private tutor working online, providing preparation and support for GCSE and IGCSE in English Language, English Literature and French (AQA / Edexcel / Cambridge etc) and for 11+ entrance exams in English and Verbal Reasoning (including CEM/GL style 11+).

I also teach English as a foreign language at all levels, including preparation for PET, FCE, CAE & CPE exams and IELTS and 'Life in the UK' for UK Citizenship, covering all aspects of English from Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing to Grammar and Pronunciation.

Teaching Experience:
On leaving Oxford University, I started out as a lecturer in French and English at Fareham College, Hampshire, where I taught Higher Education courses to both young and mature adults and was commended by the Principals for my students' achievements.
I used this initial experience to launch a successful career of private tutoring in England and France, with many students coming to me through personal recommendation.

Now, with over 20 years of teaching experience, I privately tutor a range of school-aged pupils from 6 to 16, both native English speakers and those for whom English is a second language. At 11+, 13+, GCSE and IGCSE, most of my pupils have successfully obtained places at top private secondary schools and 6th form colleges.

I also have a portfolio of private Chinese, Ukrainian, Russian, French and English adult students learning English as a foreign language, many of whom return year after year to pursue their learning to ever-higher levels and for the considerable pleasure that brings.

Tutoring Approach:
In my opinion the huge advantage of private one-to-one tuition, for both student and tutor, is that each lesson can be tailor-made to suit the student's particular needs perfectly, targeting and strengthening weaker areas while continuing to develop all-round confidence and ability. Lesson content can adapt flexibly from session to session and skills needing more attention can be frequently revisited.

My approach is caring and friendly, and I possess both endless patience and a sense of humour! I am enthusiastic about the subjects I teach and time and again I have seen that enthusiasm transfer itself to students as lessons progress. Encouragement is a great aid to achievement and it is very rewarding to see how this, in turn, leads to excellent results.

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 am currently a graduate student in Psychiatry at the University of Oxford. As a curious and driven learner, I am eager to teach what I have learned, as well as learn from those I teach.
I specialise in teaching Biology, Math and English until GCSE level, and as a fluent speaker of Mandarin I am also able to teach the language to younger students. I am able to teach both GCSE and those working towards the International Baccalaureate (IB). Scored 42 points doing the IB in Singapore myself, having done Higher Level Maths, Chemistry and my favourite- Biology. I was a Triple Science (I)GCSE student, scoring above 90 in all subjects, and tutored 2 IGCSE students myself as a Senior in high school. As a university newspaper editor and columnist, I love to write and communicate science, therefore am inclined towards teaching the sciences and English, but am also open to teach Maths, Chemistry and Mandarin.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with Oxford Tutors since October 2019, until the pandemic took its stride. I tutored briefly while studying in London for my undergraduate studies (Imperial College London). I tutored math and chinese (mandarin) to younger students during my last two years of high school in Singapore.

Tutoring Approach:
It is both fulfilling and enjoyable to help others realise their potential. During class, I typically first unravel important concepts to ensure the student grasps the topic well, avoiding rote memorisation, before assessments are provided. People describe me as friendly, encouraging and approachable, and I hope this demeanour makes my student feel at ease whilst bringing out his/her own enthusiasm and excitement for the subject. My patience is endless, especially with experience teaching my three younger sisters in Maths and Biology.

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Personal Description:
I am an enthusiastic psycholinguist, currently completing her masters project on language acquisition. I enjoy exploring language in all levels in terms of learning, teaching and doing research. I am also interested in the evolution of natural languages. I also have simultaneous translation experience from Turkish to English and vice versa. I am quite friendly and understanding. For more information do not hesitate to reach me.

Teaching Experience:
I have been giving private English lessons to adults and worked as a nursery teacher by using psychological methods. I also moderated lessons & discussions about Cognitive Science.

Tutoring Approach:
You learn by living and experiencing. I will be your guide and my primary role is going to be proving you and/or your children that learning should not be necessarily boring.

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Personal Description:
I am a profound tutor who provides personalized academic assistance and educational support to students to achieve their educational goals and obtain high-level success to achieve great academic excellence. Furthermore, I provide and actualize limited group instructions for those students who need tutoring lessons to address certain academic issues.
I work to ensure a clear understanding of various topics for my students by clarifying difficult topics, answering questions properly, and creating keys to principles. In addition, I foster approaching academic learning challenges with patience, understanding that every student has an exclusive pace and pattern of learning.

Teaching Experience:
Online, part-time tutor at Christ The King College, Enugu, Nigeria
subject thought: English and Religious Knowledge
2017-2021

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor, I use a student-centered approach to tutoring, taking into account each person's exclusive learning style and history. Students may ask questions, make errors, and participate fully in their education in the safe and accepting learning atmosphere that I provide. I think that receiving individualised attention may help students reach their full academic potential and develop a lifetime love of studying.

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Personal Description:
My name is Kierri & I've been a professional tutor for the last 15 years. I genuinely love to learn and believe I learn as much from my students, as they do from me. I'm a writer & a poet & though young people don't always favour these topics, I believe my passion for English, really inspires and motivates students and if they don't catch the inspiration for learning, their grades naturally raise as they go along. So it's a win win for me and for the student.

Teaching Experience:
I've dedicated my professional life to teaching & I much prefer teaching students one on one. They get the generalised teaching at school & then they get the attention they truly deserve in the comfort of their own homes. Schools teach students to pass exams, I tutor to encourage a love for learning and overall development. I've been dedicated for 15 years and have taught hundreds of children and adults, of all ages and at all levels and abilities - including children with SEND needs.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to teaching is tailored to the individual in front of me. If they need a conservative, structured lesson or a more casual, relaxed environment - then that is what they will have. A completely personalised experience, yet not stuffy or boring. Students must take a role in their own learning & not feel like they're under constant authority. Every student learns in a different way and I adapt my teaching style to suit each person.

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