Ruardean Reading & Writing skills Tutors and Ruardean Reading & Writing skills Tuition

Personal Description:
I am a qualified teacher and former Headteacher of a successful school with significant teaching expertise at KS1 and KS2. I am also a qualified SENCO and have vast experience in SEN. I set high standards for all my pupils and help them to achieve academic success. I am able to offer tuition in English, Maths and Science at both key stages and tuition for 11+ and common entrance examinations. I travel to you by negotiation. I can provide excellent references on request from past and present clients who have achieved and continue to achieve success in their studies at all levels. I enjoy seeing my pupils make rapid progress and achieving a high level of academic success.

Teaching Experience:
I specialise in English, Maths, SEN, Entrance Examinations at 7+ and 11+ and tuition for pupils who need to catch up, lack confidence and skills and need support to improve. I have vast experience teaching within excellent local schools and I am currently a Headteacher in a large local primary school. I teach children on a 1-2-1 basis to ensure that they receive the additional input that they need in order to achieve. I specialise in assisting children who lack confidence in specific areas and I am able to assist these children in improving their skill levels within their own school. I can provide excellent references on request from many happy pupils and parents.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient and understanding tutor with the ability to communicate effectively with both adults and children. My aim is to ensure that pupils develop additional skills and increased confidence in their studies. I make my lessons fun and enjoyable for pupils so that they are able to enjoy learning and are keen to attend my tutoring sessions. I keep parents updated on their children's progress on a regular basis and encourage children to share worries about specific subject areas so that we can explore them together.

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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:
I am a qualified teacher with 2 children. I've been teaching for over 20 years at a variety of schools within Hampshire and across the primary phase. I tutor mainly Maths and English and over the past 7 years I have successfully tutored children through their SAT's exams.

In addition to this I have been teaching adults at a local college since 2016. I teach Functional Skills Maths and English, conquering fears and supporting students to reach their potential. Daytime adult tuition is also available.

Teaching Experience:
I have a B'Ed (Hons) specialising in Religious and Theological studies and through my teaching career I have specialised in DT, Music and RE. I have knowledge of current teaching methods from Reception up to Year 6.
Having also taught adults for the past few years I have developed more teaching skills to break down the barriers to learning.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that everyone has their own way of learning and once this is known they can go far. Learning should be fun and relevant. Confidence is often a barrier to success. Improve confidence and success will follow.

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Personal Description:
Professional tutor (and mum of three) with 20+ years experience, additional needs friendly. 1-2-1, pairs and groups available.

I bring a wealth of knowledge and dedication to my teaching. My background also includes extensive experience in community learning and youth work, which has enriched my approach to education.

I specialise in teaching a wide range of subjects, including math, English and the sciences, catering to all age groups. My diverse skill set and passion for teaching ensure that each student receives personalized and effective guidance.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about my tutoring services, please feel free to get in touch!

Teaching Experience:
Professional tutor with 20+ years experience - St Andrews Graduate specialising in maths, the sciences, and English, with extensive experience in supporting students with additional needs.

In addition I am experienced in tutoring both one-to-one and to large and small groups. I have also supported adults to improve their literacy and numeracy and have worked with children and young people in classroom settings and youth and holiday clubs.

Tutoring Approach:
My tutoring centers entirely on the student's needs, with learning sessions tailored to their specific requirements. I offer intensive tutoring sessions for several days or weeks leading up to exams, focusing on any problem areas. Additionally, I provide long-term tuition to help students gain a comprehensive understanding of their subjects.

I have a proven track record of successfully assisting students in catching up on missed work due to illness or other reasons, and in helping struggling students significantly improve their grades.

I treat all my students with the same care and respect that I would want for my own children. One of my key skills is putting students at ease, creating a comfortable learning environment where they can thrive. I strongly believe that building and maintaining a positive relationship between learner and teacher is crucial to effective learning.

I am an excellent motivator with a deep understanding of how people learn and respond to different teaching methods.

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Personal Description:
Hello. I am a fully qualified teacher with experience across the whole of the primary curriculum, including special needs and teaching for SATS tests . I continually update my teaching, mainly through the National Education Union online training sessions. I have had great results tutoring children extensively on a 1-2-1 basis for SATS and the 11+ entrance exam, plus have experience teaching adult literacy and English as a Foreign Language. I aim to motivate both children and adults who find reading and writing challenging, building both confidence and skills. Practical strategies and numeracy games are used to assist children to gain improved competence in mathematics. Assessment is used to inform my teaching in order to make efficient use of the tutoring time.
I enjoy running, Pilates, reading and volunteer for charity, including as a volunteer youth-worker with children and young people.

Teaching Experience:
Currently. I teach English to and host visiting international teenage students. Recently I volunteered as a tutor for the Catch Up Programme, Year 5 and 6 Literacy SATs, online with the charity Action Tutoring.
I am experienced in administering and marking voluntary SATs papers.
I have over twenty years of experience teaching in UK primary schools as a full time classroom teacher and as a supply teacher.
I was a special needs teacher in a public school for one year with individuals and small groups.
I have volunteered as an adult literacy tutor and taught Pilates to adults.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a patient, understanding approach to tutoring. Tasks are broken into small, achievable steps. Praise and encouragement are used to build self esteem and motivate learners. Your child will be encouraged to enjoy learning and to gain independent learning strategies.

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Personal Description:
About Me. I'm now taking on a small number of private students, as my university commitments have settled. I currently lecture at the University of Salford and have over 28 years of teaching experience. I'm a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, a Visiting Lecturer at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, and also teach in São Paulo, Brazil. I've worked extensively in higher education, including as an assessor for university teaching qualifications and an external examiner for several universities. Over the years, I've been nominated by my students for "Best Teacher" and "Best Postgraduate Supervisor" on multiple occasions - something I'm incredibly proud of. I completed my PhD in Rheumatology in 2009 and began private tutoring in 2008. I offer individual tuition in Biology, Science, PE, Study Skills, and other health and medical-related topics. I also love teaching science to children and helping students build confidence in their learning. Before moving into education, I worked as a Chartered Physiotherapist in the NHS for 13 years, including three years as Physiotherapist for the England Women's Football Team. It was a privilege to represent my country and work with such talented athletes both at home and overseas. I'm also an internationally published author, having written and edited nine textbooks, now translated into eleven languages, covering subjects such as anatomy and academic writing.
Please note:
I cannot tutor current University of Salford students due to a conflict of interest.
While I'll do my utmost to help every learner succeed, I cannot write assignments or guarantee grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for over a decade. I began teaching in a professional capacity whilst working in a hospital environment where I became a Clinical Educator for undergraduate Physiotherapy students from Universities in the region. This role involved teaching and training undergraduate students within hospitals. Eventually my enthusiasm for teaching overtook that of my day job and I began teaching at Salford University on a part time basis, becoming a full time member of staff within the School of Health Sciences in 1996. I am the longest serving member of staff in the department and enjoy my job, and the interaction with students, as much now as when I first began teaching. Please note that if you are a student at the University of Salford I will be unable to offer private tuition due to a conflict of interest. Also please note that if we commence tutoring that whilst I will do my absolute best to help students, I cannot write assignments for students or guarantee a specific score or grade.

Teaching at a university entails a range of teaching methods including lecturing to hundreds of students, small and large group seminar-based sessions and a mix of theory and practical skills. Since 1998 I have been the Year One tutor which involves a pastoral element as many students are having their first experience of independence away from friends and family.

As a private tutor both in my own home, I mainly focus on one-to-one tuition, which I find hugely rewarding as I am able to dedicate unwavering attention to the tutee and their chosen subjects. I have experience teaching students from diverse backgrounds and ranging in age from 14 years to 50 years.

In 2009 I won the first ever Teaching Excellence Award at Salford University, and the following year was nominated for the Times Educational Innovative Teacher Award - both nominated by my students, a fact of which I am extremely proud.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a friendly and informal approach to teaching, as I believe a relaxed environment is most conducive to learning, regardless of the subject or age. However, I am aware that private tuition is a serious commitment, and there must be a clear structure to the sessions. I am familiar with the syllabi for OCR, AQA, and Edexcel for GCSE, A-level, and degree courses. The first session will include an informal discussion with parents/tutee to gain an understanding of the tutee's requirements and to explain my role and how I can aid learning. The tutee largely dictates the structure of the sessions, including the subjects they wish to focus on and their preferred learning style, which can be discussed during the first session. As the student develops, the structure can be adapted accordingly.

Additional Information

I prefer to teach in my own home
Thanks very much for viewing my profile.

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Personal Description:
I am an experienced tutor with a wide range teaching experience over the last fifteen years, including the following subjects: English Literature, English Language, English as a Second Language, IELTS, Creative Writing, GCSE, A Level, PSHE and Drama. I completed my PGCE with QTS in Secondary English in 2020, working across two schools in Cornwall, before moving to Bristol to teach full time. I have a Master's in Creative Writing at Kingston University and a BA(Hons) in English Literature with Creative writing. I also have a TESOL qualification certified by Trinity College, which is one of the highest acclaimed foreign language qualifications. I am British but I grew up in Hong Kong and Thailand, so I really enjoy working with people from different backgrounds.

Teaching Experience:
I taught years 9 through to 13 at Clifton College for the last five academic years, where I was responsible for multiple GCSE and A Level Groups, seeing them all through successful examination results. I taught Edexcel IGCSE for first language English and Pearson Edexcel A-Level, studying a range of non fiction texts, poems and other literature such as To Kill a Mockingbird, The Merchant of Venice, A View from the Bridge, Jekyll and Hyde, King Lear, The Handmaid's Tale and Frankenstein. I was also responsible for English as a Second Language GCSE groups, using the Cambridge IGCSE exam, as well as teaching IELTS for several years.

I started teaching when I was 18 years old and so have a range of experience in teaching English at all levels and for a range of purposes. I have taught in Thailand and Australia, as well in London, Cornwall and Bristol. I have been a private tutor for almost as many years and I am comfortable with working with all ages and abilities. I have successfully carried students through the 11+ entrance exams for private schools in London.

Tutoring Approach:
I begin tutoring sessions with an informal meeting where we get to know each other. Tutees will complete a language assessment questionnaire which will help me determine what level they are at. By finding out tutee's strengths and weaknesses as well as what they want to achieve, I can create lesson plans beneficial to their learning.

One of my main aims when teaching English is to try and foster a love for reading in my students, so that they can approach language and writing with enthusiasm and confidence. I also try to encourage creativity at every opportunity and will often include exercises for students to produce their own pieces of creative writing, so they can implement the techniques and language they have read in books. This can be an incredible confidence boost for children and adults alike to see that they can produce their own creative and engaging pieces of work.

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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 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:
As a child, I learned by being told, by beatings, shaming and a strict examination system. As you can imagine I didn't learn much that I could later apply to my academic life. As a result, I became an inveterate learner, always interested in learning the next thing. At one point, the drive to learn was because I didn't see myself as being good enough. Later on, that drive became an interest in discovering my own abilities as well as about helping others. I have now learned so much about how not to teach that I have gained good insight into how learning happens. I am keen to ensure all my learners learn how to learn and understand how to apply what they discover.

Teaching Experience:
My background is in teaching, training and facilitation. I have over 25 years experience of teaching in different forms having worked within primary, secondary and further education settings. I am an NVQ / TAQA assessor and trained and assessed Parenting Practitioners and other candidates up to Level 5 in Health & Social Care. I have specialist skills in Personal Effectiveness subjects such as Report Writing, Speed Reading, Presentation Skills.

Tutoring Approach:
Being a private tutor used to be the preserve of only those with the highest qualifications and the greatest experience. Now all that's changed.

However good a tutor is, the learner needs to be astute in order know if the tutor is a good match for her / him. Importantly, making the right choice can be complex.
Here are three tips to help you decide if I am or someone else is right for you. The following tips describe how I teach and how I will enable you to be an independent learner.

1. Look for a tutor who can teach you how to learn
Here's a funny thing… learners study a subject, sometimes for months and years and can come away with no long-term memory of the underpinning principles of the subject. As disturbing, they have no ongoing understanding of the subject. They are unable to apply what they tried to learn. This is easily resolved by clearing up past issues with learning. In Applied Scholastics it is now well known that if as a learner, you are helped to do so, you can learn any subject. This is central to how I teach.

2. Look for tutors who understand the main barriers to learning and can help you overcome them
There are three main barriers to study. They relate to confusion over an idea, missing out critical steps and having unclear ideas about the subject under study. Gaining a day to day facility with overcoming those barriers is key to effective and efficient study. I use these methods to help my own reading and study. I will introduce them to you so that you can use them too.

3. Look for tutors who can help you find the information you need so that you keep expanding your own understanding of the subject

Sometimes, a learner during a course of study will find that s/he wants to give up. Have you ever experienced this? Whenever that happens it is because there is something - an idea, a symbol, a form of punctuation, the use of a word, or something else - that you did not understand. Without the proper factual information on this and without the correct knowledge of why and how this happens, the learner will struggle. Without knowing what remedies to apply, the learner will give up.

When you study, you are investing time and energy. In this case, money too. If you want to discover more about how you learn, what your barriers to study are and how to understand more, you will benefit from being an independent learner. That will repay your investment.

Those three critical points should help you decide if I could be right for you. They briefly describe the way in which I would work with you and enable you to be an independent learner.

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Personal Description:
Having taught English abroad for 10 years in China, i understand the problems that students encounter when learning to speak English. I'm an easy going person aged 66. I have two sons. i enjoy meeting new students who are eager to learn conversational English. I taught Chinese students C.E.T 4 & 6 and IELTS.

Teaching Experience:
Private schools / Institutes / Universities / Private students. In a city called Nanchang in Jiangxi Province in China

Tutoring Approach:
Making students feel comfortable. Explaining things clearly and slowly until they understand. Getting the students to understand what they are reading and how to reply to questions.

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Personal Description:
I am a long-time teacher, lecturer, examiner and professional tutor with a patient and supportive approach.

I passed my PhD in English at the University of Leicester. I also hold a Masters with Distinction from Oxford Brookes University and a First Class undergraduate degree from Loughborough University.

Teaching Experience:
I have successfully taught at over ten schools, four major universities and tutored several hundred private students.

In addition to weekly supplementary tutoring, I also offer a homeschool tutoring programme and am happy to take full responsibility for the independent delivery of the curriculum.

I hold qualifications in educational psychology and in supporting adult dyslexia.

At home, I live in Oxfordshire with my wife Kate and two stepsons. I enjoy music festivals, running and long walks with our dog Maple.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is friendly, gentle and supportive but extremely professional. I aim to combine creative and emotionally engaging teaching with expert subject knowledge.

At the heart of my tutoring is how important it is that a student believes in their own ability to learn and to progress. If there is one word I hear my students kindly use to describe my qualities it would be 'patience'. Yet I never feel like my patience is tested - I love the challenge of finding new, innovative ways to help them understand their subject.

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Personal Description:
My name is Oladipo.
I completed a degree in electrical engineering at a leading UK University.
I love studying and this love for studying has made me want to give back in the form of teaching.
I am enthusiastic about teaching.
My students achieve their desired grades.
I have tutored university students to achieve high scores.
Studied Medicine at University of Buckingham

Teaching Experience:
I have taught many students online.
I have over 10 years of teaching experience.
I have plenty of experience in teaching the science subjects.

Tutoring Approach:
I help students understand the subject area that I will be teaching.
I assist with learning skills.
I am flexible with times of teaching.
I can tutor in person or via Skype.

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Personal Description:
My career as a Teacher of Business Studies merges my three passions in life; Education, Business and People! Whether you are studying for a Phd, GCSE, A Level, learning to read or write, or you just simply want to learn how to study, I would like to help you to reach your academic goal.

My most recent qualification is an Education Doctorate. I have a BA (Hons) degree in Business Studies, a Higher National Diploma in Business & Finance as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Business Education, which allows me to teach Business in Secondary as well as a Further Education teaching qualification.
I hold a current DBS.

I have achieved a Distinction/First Class grade at level 7/Postgraduate Certificate which I completed part-time. This grade was achieved as I employed effective study strategies; which I can deliver to those requiring study support.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 15 years experience teaching Business in schools and colleges in the Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham and Walsall area. I teach GCSE, A Level, BTEC levels 2 and 3 in Business. Also, Economics at GCSE. Ive also taught Travel & Tourism, Public Services, Enterprise and Retail Business, Maths and English

Tutoring Approach:
I will give you all the time you need to understand your subject, whatever the level and whatever your ability so that you are confident to ace that exam.

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Personal Description:
My philosophy is embedded in valuing children to increase well-being and their intrinsic motivation to develop and learn. I support children in reading, writing and phonics from 3 years and throughout the primary phase through purposeful, engaging and interactive activities.
I hold a First-Class BA Hons degree in English and graduated as a mature student whilst raising three children and working part time. This achievement was celebrated by the Open University in their publications, in the local press and I was asked to speak on local radio. I went on to gain a Post Graduate Certificate of Education with Qualified Teacher Status and studied English as a special interest area; gaining an A grade pass at master's level for my research into promoting and developing children as readers. I also write children's poetry and have had several poems published.

Teaching Experience:
I am a raising attainment adviser for a local authority and have been involved in borough wide school improvement for several years. I have developed outstanding teaching practice and leadership skills throughout Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. I am an experienced EYFS Leader and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator and a Specialist Leader of Education for Early Years. As an Assistant Headteacher, I have supported other teachers and been a Newly Qualified Teacher mentor and performance appraiser. I have worked across EYFS, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 as an English and Reading Leader and have introduced new curriculums with improved outcomes in phonics and reading and writing across key stages and in statutory assessments.

Tutoring Approach:
I tutor from a purpose built, dedicated learning environment which is fully equipped with high quality resources. The resources I use are tailored to your child's needs and learning style to make them feel motivated and encourage a 'can-do' attitude. There are also private waiting facilities adjacent to the room for parents or carers wishing to stay during tuition. I ensure that I thoroughly assess each child so that teaching and learning is bespoke to their next steps. This allows for maximum progress and the best results possible. I have a very positive attitude and my intention to make children feel like 'experts' encourages them to succeed. I have a real passion for English which comes through my teaching and learning and enjoyment and celebration within lessons are at the core of what I do.

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Personal Description:
I have over 10 years of experience teaching English, drama and study skills. My students include primary and secondary school students and adults. I can help you prepare for your exams, improve your writing skills (academic and creative), as well as your reading comprehension and analysis of novels, plays and poetry. I can assist in preparing for AS/ A Levels, GCSE and LAMDA examinations.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from McGill University (graduated with distinction) and I have a Liberal Arts Honours Degree. I am also a graduate of Studio 58's 3 years conservatoire program in professional acting.

Teaching Experience:
10 years private tutoring experience in: English Language, English Literature, Essay Writing, Reading Analysis and Comprehension, Study Skills (primary and secondary students).

10 years private tutoring English as a Foreign Language for adults, Business English, IELTS Preparation, Accent Reduction, Job Interview Preparation.

12 year experience teaching drama to students ages 4 to 20 including: Scene Study, Monologue, Improvisation, Public Speaking, Acting Skills, Voice and Movement.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring is always tailored to the student. In our first lesson we'll discuss your goals (or your child's goals) and make a plan to build the skills needed to achieve those milestones. Lessons will be devoted to developing your abilities and skills as well as self reliance in study skills and a love for learning.

My lessons are fun, dynamic and students build a strong feeling of confidence and self esteem in the process.

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Personal Description:
Background:
• BA (hons) Fine Art,
• Master of Fine Art Photography
• Photography teacher with 20 + years experience.

Enhanced DBS (on update service)


Please contact me if you are struggling to access tutoring financially as I may be able to offer discounts.

Please Note: Any tutoring must be booked within 3 months of request

Teaching Experience:
Experience in Levels:
• GCSE, AS, A2, City & Guilds
• Outreach, youth work, Access (to degree)
• BA photography.
• MA / MFA photography

Subjects Offered:
• Digital photography
• Analogue film photography and alternative processes.
• Art and design
• Reading and writing

Key Skills:
• Adult Mental Health Aware (MHFA England)
• Safeguarding Essentials (CYLiX)
• Emergency First Aid in the Workplace (St. Johns' Ambulance)
• Adobe Suite
• Microsoft Office Suite


Work Place Experience:
• Tutor / technical instructor BA/MFA - University for creative arts (UCA Farnham)
• Photography teacher - The Royal School, Haslemere, Surrey.
• Photography teacher / outreach placements - Alton College, Alton, Hampshire
• Facilitator art-based workshops - community hubs in Surrey and Hampshire
• Outreach Youth Hubs - Hampshire Youth Service

Tutoring Approach:
With a strong foundation in teaching, creative practice, and hands-on support roles, I offer a compassionate, adaptable, and proactive approach to education.
I've worked across a wide range of settings, from secondary and further education to 1:1 tution, SEND, hub-based art and craft sessions developing excellent communication skills, emotional resilience, and the ability to manage complex responsibilities with empathy and professionalism.
Learning should be fun and relaxed, and as such my approach is very practice based.

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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