Liverpool Reading & Writing skills Tutors and Liverpool Reading & Writing skills Tuition

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 am a friendly encouraging professional teacher with a BA Hons degree in English & Spanish with Art History;. I have over 25 years experience teaching in schools, adult education centres. I am a Specialist SEND tutor/ Learning Mentor, 11+ entrance exams and IELTS for overseas students, private colleges. I regularly teach private companies such as Jaguar Land Rover, INEOS, Santander Bank .
On line and in person. Although If I have to travel cost may differ.

I thoroughly enjoy seeing students develop and improving their knowledge. I am a specialist in preparing you for the IELTS exam for Australia and the spouse visa for the UK.
Together we see your progress. Regular assessments and feedback are available.
Good IELTS results achieved with overseas students who want to enter UK universities . International doctors who need IELTS score 8/9.T I teach on -line using Teams or Zoom.

Teaching Experience:
Over 25 year experience teaching at various levels, from entrance exams at primary to university IELTS and degree level Spanish.
I have recently taught adult English to Chinese graduates at Grant Thornton's Accounts company.
I provide professionally recognised materials that comply with exam requirements.
I have supported many adult learners with English as a second language.
I presently teach Academic Skills for various universities including LJMU, Liverpool University, Manchester Univ. and many others.
Specialist Mentor for SEND students.

Tutoring Approach:
I listen carefully to your requirements and tailor make a course to suit. I use multi media materials including. past papers, exam practice and listening podcasts for GCSE and A Level, .etc... I will direct you to good learning websites.
- I give clear goals for each session .
- Continuous assessments and feedback.

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Personal Description:
I am a 30 year old History and Politics graduate, with ten GCSE's and three A Levels.
I am passionate about education and very keen to help students improve and reach their potential.

Teaching Experience:
I have acquired a lot of experience in schools and tutored both small groups and one to one.

I have also tutored privately, for eighteen months. All of the students that I have tutored thus far, have achieved or exceeded their targets.

Tutoring Approach:
My effective approach to tuition has been complimented, by experienced teachers who have observed my sessions. I am happy to adapt to the needs of individual students and work at an appropriate pace. I will tutor primary aged children one to one or in groups of two or three and older students one to one.
I firmly believe that everyone can succeed, with the necessary help and I strive to ensure that all of my students do just that.

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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.

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.

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Personal Description:
- qualified ex-secondary MFL teacher (PGCE, QTS obtained), familiar with and taught Mandarin Chinese GCSE specifications (AQA and Edexcel), A Level Chinese specifications at UK secondary schools. My students have great exam results.
- Native Mandarin and Taiwanese speaker, Excellent communication skills
- Experienced Mandarin Tutor. I worked with pupils at different levels: pre-School/ KS1- 5/ FE/ HE/ adults/ retired/ business Chinese/ tourism Chinese, including those with SEN and from diverse cultural background using English as an additional language)
- Freelance translator (television programmes subtitles, between English and Mandarin Chinese)
- Freelance interpreter (legal/Immigration)
- Experienced in tailor-making and delivering one-to-one tutoring lessons
- Knowledge of traditional Chinese/Taiwanese culture, politics, history, geography, society and current pop culture. Also able to combine the above with Mandarin learning/teaching
- Patient, reliable and honest
- mentored PGCE student teachers, Early Career Teachers.
- conduct and co-lead research projects with IOE (Institute of Education, University College London), on Content and Language Integrated Learning, 2021 to date. Co-presented the research results at 2 international academic conferences in 2023.

Teaching Experience:
- Mandarin Teacher at University of Leeds (Sep 2008- May 2011), a private school in north Wales (Y7 and Y9, complete beginner group/individual and GCSE preparation, 2011), a grammar school on the Wirral (2015- 2020, Y7- Y13, including GCSE/A Level preparation), and a comprehensive state school in Liverpool (2020-2023).
- Author/proof-reader of online Mandarin course contents (targeting KS2, KS3, and GCSE learners); Online Mandarin Tutor (KS2 learners and GCSE candidates. One of my pupils was accepted by a Chinese undergraduate course as her first choice for Sep 2014 entry, because of my lessons); eLearning Specialist advising the management team regarding VLE/ LMS and providing training on online teaching for fellow teachers (all above under this bullet point: between Jun 2012- Jun 2014, employed by a private company in north Wales)
- freelance one-to-one Tutor of Mandarin, face-to-face and online
- University Lecturer in Audience Development in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in Arts Management in Taiwan
- University Lecturer in English in Taiwan
- Tutor of English (adult/primary/secondary level, face-to-face, individual and groups) in Taiwan

Tutoring Approach:
- Use real-Life scenario for examples and conversation practice
- Integrate Culture into language acquisition
- Offer Business/Leisure/Travel/Conversation Mandarin Lessons
- Offer Pin-Yin and Phonics; Simplified and Traditional Mandarin characters
- Lessons are tailor-made to suit different levels from beginners to advanced Mandarin speaker
- You can choose to get trained in Listening, Speaking, Writing or Reading skills, or a combination of these four
- Deliver lessons in English-only, Mandarin-only, or a combination of English and Mandarin
- Devise different learning methods/ activities/ content for each individual learner to suit their own confidence, Mandarin abilities and learning targets/ motives.
- Encourage students to participate in their own learning process actively by creating an interactive and friendly learning environment.

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Personal Description:
Morning and afternoon sessions available during weekdays for home schoolers!

I am a fully qualified Primary School Teacher with 30 years experience. I am committed to helping children to achieve their full potential in becoming well rounded, happy individuals who are independent learners. I believe children become successful learners when they are given the right tools for the job. The most important of these tools is confidence in their own ability! I am friendly, approachable and reliable.

Teaching Experience:
I have vast and recent experience of teaching at primary schools at Foundation Stage, Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I have supported children with a variety of conditions such as ADHD, ADD and ASD. I have prepared children for the Year One Phonics Screening, the Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check and for Year 6 SATs. I have a full and detailed knowledge of the National Curriculum.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible and centred around the hopes and aims of the child and their carer. I offer a bespoke curriculum tailored to the needs of the individual child. During our first session I will take the time to get to know you and your child. I will build up a picture of your child's interests, strengths, and also try to identify areas where they feel less confident. There will be some short assessment tasks to complete during this session. These will be delivered as activities and games and not as tests! Then we will discuss possible next steps and objectives. I will use all this information to develop your child's individual scheme of work. This learning path is adaptable and can be changed and modified to suit your child's ongoing progress.
Thank you for reading my profile.

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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 have a degree in Journalism and English and a Certificate in Education. I am able to tutor GCSE English Language GCSE English Literature, GCSE Maths, ESOL English Literature, GCSE Psychology and Media Studies to A level. I have given tuition to individuals and small groups of students at undergraduate level and offer friendly, relaxed lessons individually, or in groups up to two people, tailored exactly to what the pupil requires

Teaching Experience:
I have experience of one to one tutoring with both school and college students and adults, plus larger group teaching. I have been doing private tuition in my own home for ten years now and its better for students to come to me as its a pressure free environment.

Tutoring Approach:
I prefer to teach from my home:
My home is quiet and fairly minimalistic. Lessons are held in my offce and I have a computer and Ipad that students can use.

I use the first meeting to talk about any difficulties in learning the subject in a formal educational setting and discuss any specific learning difficulties you may have. We can chat about strategies to help you learn more effectively and I will work with you at a pace that suits you. I will also ask the student to complete a learning styles questionnaire.


To the best of my ability I try to make subjects interesting to young people and re-engage them. I also encourage students to bring along any work they may be struggling with so I can go through it with them. I can help you get to where you need to be. Please only contact me and purchase my details if you are genuinely interested in my services. No time wasters please. Please note if you require me to travel to you there will be a charge and it will depend on my availability.

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Personal Description:
Hi I'm Heather!

I hold a First Class Degree in English Literature and Drama from Manchester University.

I've been tutoring for nearly 15 years, working with students aged 6 years, up to 18, supporting them through KS1-4, GCSE and A'Level/IB curricula. I have also taught English as a foreign language. The content of my tutorials is entirely student- led; i.e I work towards the individual's goals and learning styles. I am experienced in the teaching of essay writing, exam preparation and textual analysis/understanding. The most important thing I can do as a tutor is to empower the student to feel confident in their own abilities and thoughts.

I have worked with students of A Level and GCSE in a diverse range of texts including Victorian Gothic literature, the American Novel, pre and post 1900 poetry, modern drama and theatre studies, post -colonial literature, dystopian literature. All of my students have achieved their personal desired A-C grades, and gained acceptance into the university of their choice.

Recent students have achieved places at Eton and Wellington college, UCL, King's and Westminster. I currently tutor students applying for or attending Kew House, Kings School Wimbledon, Fulham Prep to name a few.

I have 2 years experience of home schooling Key Stage 2 and 3 literacy and numeracy, with an excellent overview of the curriculum and a variety of techniques to engage different learners. I have worked closely with young learners with dyslexia, ADHD and autistic students

I also teach drama school audition preparation, public speaking skills and methods of overcoming academic anxiety. In addition to my work as a tutor I work for a theatre company as a director and facilitator, and bring this creativity and fun to my tutoring.

Do get in touch if you have any questions!

Heather

Teaching Experience:
-15 years as a private tutor
-Assistant Tutor; Kumon Maths (Hampstead Branch)
-6 months as a Teaching Assistant (SEN) ; Carlton Primary School
-2 months as a 1-1 learning and care assistant to a young child with non-verbal cerebral palsy
-Assistant director/facilitator at theatre company Access All Areas
-TEFL introductory course- Cambridge
-Creative writing teacher training with The Ministry of Stories
-Drama facilitator, Hackney Shed Theatre Company

Tutoring Approach:
I believe tutoring should be a dialogue, not a dictatorship. Each lesson would be highly organized to cater for the requirements and ability level of the individual student. I plan all sessions to include a range of discussion, demonstration, exercises, review of work and homework tasks if required. Crucial to my teaching approach is an easy, flexible engagement with the individual- working to their learning style and objectives, and encouraging the pupil to draw out their own understandings rather than enforce rote learning.

Areas of expertise include: Literature Romantic poetry, contemporary poetry, the dystopian novel, the Gothic novel, WWI literature, post-colonial literature, the early novel, Shakespeare, dramatic writing, film studies. History- Nazi Germany, Fascist Italy, Russia from Revolution through to the cold war. Apartheid in South Africa, the Suffragette movement, the history of British Education, Chartism. Theatre- Greek theatre, Kabuki, German Expressionism, Melodrama, Realism, Naturalism, Absurdism, post 1950s British drama, contemporary theatre

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Personal Description:
I hold a First Class Honours degree in English Language and Literature (University of St Andrews) and a Doctorate / PhD in English Literature (University of Leeds).

In the recent past I have worked as a University Professor in English and have published books and articles on English and Media. Some of these are standard set study texts. I have also served as an Examiner and as a University Admissions Tutor. I am qualified to teach under the PTLLS scheme.

Dr Ian is based in Birmingham / West Midlands and has been described as friendly, patient, sympathetic and approachable. Tuition is offered to improve exams and coursework for school, college, or University. Recent work has included AQA GCSE and A-level Engish Language and Literature.

I am also able to provide support if you are new to the UK and want academic editing and proof-reading for you MA, MSc or PhD.

Teaching Experience:
I have undertaken teaching and training in Schools (Primary and Secondary) and in the University Higher Education Sector (to Post Graduate level) over a period of twenty-five years.

During that period I have worked with very gifted students as well as children and adults who have needed special support in order to reach their full potential. Recently I have work with PhD students from India, Poland, Jordan, Iran, China, Pakistan, Japan, and the UK.
My specialist areas are English Language and Literature; Study, Exam and Revision Skills. Short, intensive 1-to1 courses are available for exam revision and exam technique. Reduced rates are available for longer contracts, or for students living in the locality.

Tutoring Approach:
ONLINE teaching only.

My teaching is always adapted to YOUR specific needs and is informed by critical and creative strategies that have a proven track record.

I work in partnership with YOU in order to identify YOUR most urgent needs and and the goals to be achieved. Together we address issues of motivation and the acquisition of key subject study skills. The process builds on creative strategies for self-improvement which leads to enhanced enjoyment and success.

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Personal Description:
I have lived and worked in Plymouth since I finished me degree in 2001. I started as a full time private tutor in 2009 and have been tutoring ever since. I absolutely love this work and am extremely enthusiastic about helping others enjoy and succeed at learning.

I am married and am a mum of two young boys. My hobbies include sports, walking, art, reading, writing and volunteer work with my church.

I am currently away on further training so can no longer do my usual face-to-face lessons, but I am looking at building up my online students.

Teaching Experience:
I have over a decade of experience of helping children, teenagers and adults with their maths and English learning. Whether it is to salvage a struggling student, to catch-up, to succeed in an exam or to excel beyond their current level, I am passionate about helping and unlocking a student's ability to understand and to enable them to enjoy learning.

I hold a BSc degree, 3 A-levels (grade B, including maths), 9 GCSEs (7 As - 2 Bs) and am a graduate of Study Technology. I have been tutoring since 2009 and specialise in the 11+.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is to tailor all lessons and communication entirely to each student, as each student is unique in the barriers they encounter, and in their level of understanding of the subject. I direct the lessons at a pace, and with content, that the student can comfortably handle and make progress with. I also aim to ensure learning remains light and not too serious: I am friendly and ensure that my students are at ease in lessons so that they feel free to ask questions or to say if they don't understand something.

I aim to always make the lessons visual and interactive and set homework to reinforce what we cover in our lessons. I can post worksheets for the lesson/homework if needed.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have and I look forward to hearing from you.

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Personal Description:
I am a positive and motivated teacher who wants to inspire children to challenge themselves, achieve more and be happy, confident learners. With the right approach and attitude to learning I believe that all children, no matter what ability, race, background or gender can progress and achieve their goals.

Teaching Experience:
Over the past 14 years I have been lucky enough to teach in 3 fantastic schools. I have had experience working with a range of different learning needs, abilities and styles.

As well as teaching I have also busied myself tutoring and have gradually built up a broad repertoire of experience. I have worked with a range of different levels, abilities and needs. I have a solid understanding of the primary curriculum and the skills required to progress through each Year group.

I have an in depth knowledge of the skills and demands needed for 11+ as well working with children to develop their basic reading, writing and numeracy skills.

In addition to this I have taught children with Dyslexia, Autism, ADHD as well as other specific learning needs.

Tutoring Approach:
As a tutor I would say I have a positive, patient and calm style. I understand the barriers children can come across whether it be memory, processing, concentration or anxiety. It is important to try and make learning relevant, memorable and enjoyable-this way the children are more likely to retain information if it is a meaningful experience for them.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I'm Leanne and I've been an English lecturer for 20 years. I aim to instil in every student the confidence, knowledge and mindset to succeed and excel with their English.

English is my passion - I love everything about the language and love to share my passion with my students. My students come from all over the world - Europe, China, Japan, Pakistan, Africa, Saudi Arabia and the UK. Although I teach all aspects of the English language, I am a specialist in ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) and EFL (English as a Foreign Language.

I'm extremely patient, professional, friendly, honest and committed to ensuring all of my students succeed and make excellent progress. I go beyond what is expected to ensure my students exceed all expectations.

I am a native English speaker with a clear accent.

Teaching Experience:
For the last 20 years I have worked as a permanent English lecturer at a large further education college in Birmingham City Centre.

My main role has been to teach English to speakers of other languages and to improve these students' skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing, from Pre-Entry to Level 2 and IELTS.

I am very experienced with lower level English language learners where English has been a second or third additional language.

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to make learning English an enjoyable and rewarding experience through a variety of different teaching and learning styles.

I understand that every learner is completely unique. We will work together to create a bespoke learning plan at the start of the learning journey and monitor progress on a weekly basis to ensure that all objectives are met or exceeded.

I tutor in English from ages 4-adult.

I provide exam preparation for English SATs, 11+, ESOL, Life in the UK, IELTS and GCSE English.

I can tutor in your home, in my home or online via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

I also offer a proof-reading service for school, college or university essays and assignments.

Grade 1 tutor in teaching observations.

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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:
I am a foreign qualified Barrister and Solicitor with 2 years post call experience since graduating in the UK.I have practice experience within government public policy advisory, Corporate and commercial law as well as financial operations with a focus on pension fund investments.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught young students within Nigeria.

Tutoring Approach:
Friendly, engaging and challenging whilst also tailoring teaching methods to student capabilities.

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Personal Description:
My name is Michela and I am Italian. I would like to transfer you my beautiful language and culture. I am available for conversation tutoring, written and pronunciation tutoring as well. Just tell me what you need and we will find the right and not boring way to reach the goal !

Teaching Experience:
Many years in tutoring young and adults. I am a professional elementary school teacher, and I 've a very good experience in tutoring both young students and forigners who want to learn italian.

Tutoring Approach:
The approach depend on your needs....Just tell me what you would like to learn and we will find the right personalized way.

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Personal Description:
I love sharing what I have learned, not only from University, but also from my life experiences. I believe that learning another language is not about grammar, but about understanding the culture that conveys its ideas throught that language.

Teaching Experience:
I engaged in a number of student tutoring positions when I was doing my Bachelor's in Communication and Journalism. There, I helped my peers to improve their writing skills. You can be sure that I am way better than Duolingo.

Tutoring Approach:
You won't forget something that you love. By exploring your personal interests, we can find a way in which you start loving Spanish language.

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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.

Subjects