Chislehurst Study Skills Tutors and Chislehurst Study Skills Tuition

Personal Description:
I am an academic and scholar who holds both a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) and a MLitt (Master of Literature) from The University of Glasgow, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) honours degree from The University of Paisley. My first academic book 'Robert Taylor: Male Beauty, Masculinity and Stardom in Hollywood' (University Press of Mississippi, 2019) was shortlisted for the Best Monograph of the Year at BAFTSS Awards 2020 and my second academic book, 'Tyrone Power; Genre, Gender and Image in Classical Hollywood Cinema' (Edinburgh University Press, 2021) was released in February 2021. Among my other publications are chapters in anthologies for Palgrave Macmillan (2016) and Bloomsbury Academic (2021). I have contributed to several academic journals and been requested as a guest lecturer, guest speaker and reader/reviewer on several occasions. I am currently working on my next book, some academic papers for journals and chapters for scholarly edited collections.

I am a personal tutor with over a decade of experience in several subject areas including English, English Language, English Literature, Media Studies, Film Studies, Theatre Studies, and General Writing Skills. I have taught a wide range of students off-line from pre-exam age (11+) to Standard Grade, Higher, and university level, and on-line for pre-exam level (12+), GCSE, AS level, A-Level, university level, postgraduate and the adult learners over this time.

Teaching Experience:
A well as being an experienced on-line and off-line personal tutor, I have also had several other academic jobs including:

Lecturer at Forth Valley College

Seminar tutor at The University of Glasgow

Graduate Teaching Assistant at The University of Glasgow

Top-Up Tutor at The University of Glasgow

Step Up to University Lecturer at University of West of Scotland

REACH Tutor at University of Glasgow

Proof Reader at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Note Taker at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Study Support Tutor at University of Glasgow, University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Transcriber at University of the West of Scotland

Support Worker at University of the West of Scotland and Scottish Rural University College

Exam Scribe at University of Glasgow and Scottish Rural University College

Exam Invigilator at Scottish Rural University College

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that learning should be fun and in a relaxed atmosphere but at the same time academic and useful. My approach to teaching is to have the tutor and student both feel that they are getting a lot out of the experience and that the time is being well used. I will break down subjects into easily manageable blocks and make sure that my student understands the unit before moving on. I also like to vary my tutorials by having some in the form of lectures, some in the form of question and answers, some where I will give students feedback on homework they have done and suggestions to improve what they have done, etc.

I also find that on-line tuition is the best method and students can ask questions that they may not ask if they were face-to-face with someone, it is a much more relaxed approach but students get a lot out of it (and can save all the notes from lessons for use later on).

Subjects

Personal Description:
100% Pass rate; 95% students secure a 1st/ Distinction at university level
100% Sucess rate; Dissertation/research report writing, secure 1st/ Distinction at university level
100% Success for MPhil to PhD upgrade and PhD submissions;
95% Successful Masters and PhD proposals
100% Pass rate at A levels; 90% secured A*and/or A - placed at leading UK universities.

I am a lecturer, assessor, mentor and trainer, having vast experience of teaching business-related subjects with a reputed university in the Northwest. I also deliver consultancy and research. I offer a stimulating learning environment that encourages students to trust their own opinions while foresting confidence for students to realise their full potential.
For Businesses; I deliver, Project management, Lean and Agile Process Development and E-commerce Management Training. That includes E-commerce Business setup from startup, Training on Supply Chain and Logistics, Branding, Multichannel Selling and Building a Global e-commerce business. In recent years, a few companies, I consulted have achieved over £1m sales turnover within a first financial year.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching experience of over 7 years in Higher Education, my students achieved extensive results and success rate by 100%. I am teaching and mentoring more than 50 students per year as a personal tutor. I have supervised over 45 Masters and PhD students for Research Projects until January 2017. On an average, my students obtained 72 percent (%) marks in assessments and dissertations.

I use and offer a fully equipped classroom near Manchester city centre for group teaching.
(PC, Flat Screen TV, White Board and WiFi to deliver lessons, training and presentations, accommodate up to 15 persons)

I teach subjects to Doctorate, Masters and Bachelor's Degree students. These courses are also being offered to businesses (Businesses please contact for more details).

----Subjects----

Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Operations and Information System management
Procurement Management
Project Management
Lean and Agile Manufacturing
Strategic Management
Marketing Management
Knowledge Management
Research Methodology* (see below)
Thesis/Assignment/Report writing guidance
Research Methodology (Complete research methodology within 2 hours)
----More----
Business Management | Business Law | Business leadership | Business statistics/quantitative analysis | Banking and Investment | Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) | Doctor of Commerce (DCom) | Doctor of Management (D.M., D.Mgt) | Distance learning MBA | Ethics: Business ethics, corporate social responsibility (CSR), or corporate governance | Entrepreneurship | Executive MBA (EMBA) | International Business Management information systems | Marketing | Marketing management | Market research | Masters of Business Administration (MBA) | Operations management | Operations research | Organizational Behaviour | Organizational design | PhD in Management (PhD) | Ph.D/M.B.A (joint degree) | Research methodology | Risk management and strategy | Real estate management | Strategic Management | Supply chain management | Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) | Stock management | Inventory management | Procurement Management| Project Management | Logistics Management|

* I teach research methodology to Masters and PhD students, this include, Research Methodology Design, Data Collection, Data Analysis in SPSS and Nvivo. Data Mining, Writing Data Analysis results, Questionnaire Design, Hypothesis Testing, Parametric and Non-parametric tests.

Tutoring Approach:
I have made the immeasurable impact upon the lives of students as a lecturer, mentor and trainer. The skills and knowledge I deliver to students, substantially contribute and upgrade the student's ability to see the world critically. I aim to lend the belief in student's capacity to make positive contributions to society.


Testimonials
"Thank you for your help over the past few weeks with my remaining assignments, I now feel a lot more confident about writing essays and reports, and I am on track for a 2:1 with the results I have received recently.

I think your teaching methods are very good, particularly as from experience, other tutors tend just to write comments on your work on how to improve it, but this isn't enough if you want to really understand your work, which is particularly vital for a final year student (like me) who will be sitting exams in May.

However, by using a mixture of Skype and written feedback sessions, I have been able to not only achieve good grades but also build upon each assignment in preparation for the next.

As well as this, you have completely calmed my nerves about my work, particularly during the quality assignment that you helped me with back in January!

I would highly recommend you to anyone who may be in need of a tutor...

Thanks again!"
(Ms Liv, Dated 26/04/2014)

"He listens well and always put a positive spin on things. Before I met him I was very stressed with the amount of work, he was very reassuring which gave me a confidence boost."
(Tutee Ms M, 24/03/2013)

"he is not only a good teacher, but he was also a good friend" (Tutee: Mr M, 23/03/2012)

"I'm writing to you to thank you first for the effort that you did with me in preparing for the exam for MIS. I got 60 in the exam. So, that's why I would like to continue work with you in preparing for other exams this term."
(Tutee Ms D, 18/02/2011)

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello there,

Thanks for taking a look.

I have been a tutor for over 15 years. Along the way, I have learnt a lot about the role and how significant it can be. For some students, I am a mentor for their whole educational experience whilst others see me as a specialist in one area.

Alongside tutoring, I am a professional actor (hence the posey photo!) and have recently worked at the National Theatre and onscreen. Acting has deepened my ability to connect with others on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding - qualities that I bring directly into my tutoring. I believe this helps me create a supportive, engaging, and personalised learning experience for every student.

I specialise in tutoring English Language & Literature, Drama, Maths, 11+ Common Entrance exams, and general Primary school support. Beyond traditional subjects, I also work as a Communications Coach, where I've helped over a hundred clients improve their Public Speaking, Interview Techniques, and Accent Clarity.

Choosing the right tutor can be challenging, and I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have. I look forward to helping you or your child thrive!

Nick

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for over 15 years. This has included lots of online tuition as well as face-to-face. Here is a small selection of my clients:

IB English - I worked with Pietro online for over 7 years and saw him through his IB, in which he achieved grade 7 (highest grade).

A Level English Literature (AQA) - worked with Oliver (17) helping with coursework on The Great Gatsby and the poetry of Keats and Larkin. Oliver achieved an A grade.

AS Level Drama (AQA) - helped Yasmin to explore the analysis of texts of Lady Windermere's Fan and A View From The Bridge in preparation for exams, in which she achieved an A.

iGCSE English Literature / Language - I have been working online with Pietro (based in Rome). We have been working on both his school work as well as his wider approach to learning and English.

GCSE English Literature / Language - I worked with Joseph during his final year of GCSEs. Texts included Macbeth, Love & Relationships (Poetry), Jekyll and Hyde and An Inspector Calls.

11+ - I tutored Amaara through her 11+ exams on all papers (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning). Amaara gained entrance (including some academic scholarships) to City of London School for Girls, Putney High, Francis Holland and JAGS.

11+ - I worked with Olivia in preparation for her Common Entrance exams on all papers (English, Maths, Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning) as well as interview practice. Olivia is now attending North London Collegiate School (her first choice) but I also prepared her for entrance to Highgate School for Girls, City of London School for Girls and Queen's College.

Primary Help - Worked with brothers Teddy (7) and Alfie (10) mainly on English and Maths but across all subjects generally to improve knowledge, confidence, spelling and vocabulary.

7+ I worked with Inigo on in preparation for his 7+ exams in Maths and English. Inigo is now attending Dulwich College.

7+ Currently working with Ari (5) towards his 7+ exams.

English for Foreign Learners - Helped 8 year old Augustinos (Greek) with reading and homework to improve English, as well as taking him on educational trips around London.

Voice and Elocution - Helped Law Student Amar (20) with speechmaking and projection for use in debating.

SEN - worked with Dean (20), a law student with dyslexia, upon exam preparation and practice.

Communications Coaching - I am a trained communications coach and have worked with over 100 clients one-on-one from Public Speaking, Interview Technique, Accent Clarity and Communication Techniques.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe that the key to effective tutoring is strong communication. My approach is entirely student-focused: together, we'll figure out the most productive way to work and make the most of our time. While I always come prepared with a plan, I'm flexible and responsive - if something comes up, we can address it right away.

Above all, I aim to make our sessions enjoyable and something to look forward to. I ensure that lessons are practical and engaging. Even if we're tackling a subject you find daunting, I welcome the challenge of helping you discover a way to enjoy it.

If you have any questions or specific requests, please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm here to help!

I am happy to give a 10% discount to online tuition.

Subjects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a published academic author, educated to doctorate level, with twenty years' experience of teaching university students undertaking foundation, undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, including both UK and international students.

I have extensive experience of working with students from a range of backgrounds, cultures and age groups, with differing interests and needs. I have worked with students with anxiety, mental health issues and learning difficulties, and understand the need to provide flexible learning to meet a range of access requirements.

I support both UK and international PhD students with every stage of the research journey, from designing research projects and conducting literature reviews, to developing writing skills, collecting and analysing data, and preparing for upgrades, vivas, or conference presentations.

Alongside teaching, I bring extensive expertise as a researcher, writer and editor. I have published academic work and proofread and edited reports, theses and assignments. This professional experience has provided me with a wealth of knowledge and skills to support not just students, but also academics with their publications.

For foundation and undergraduate students, I recognise that the variety of subjects, assignments and exams can feel overwhelming and overshadow the excitement of university life. My role is to help students build both their confidence and skills so that these challenges become manageable rather than daunting.

Each session is student-led, tailored to individual goals and needs. I provide support with planning assignments, structuring essays and exam answers, researching and conducting reviews of the literature, preparing for seminars and delivering presentations, as well as referencing and compiling bibliographies.

Teaching Experience:
My combined experience as a lecturer, private tutor, and researcher has led to a well-rounded approach to teaching and a deep understanding of academic expectations. Over the course of my career, I have refined my expertise through:

• Delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials across various social science subjects.

• Providing comprehensive feedback by marking essays, exams, dissertations and PhD theses. This has strengthened both my appreciation of academic expectations and insight into student needs.

• Supervising undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations and participating in PhD examination panels, guiding students whilst encouraging independent research.

• Developing a range of teaching materials for diverse courses. This has included a core Study Skills module, which equips students with essential academic skills, such as:

- Researching and note-taking
- Structuring academic work
- Developing writing styles
- Mastering referencing and bibliography construction
- Delivering presentations
- Preparing for exams
- Reflecting on learning

Designing this module enabled me to evaluate, refine and build a comprehensive suite of study skills resources that I continue to use and share with my students in their academic journeys.

My research and publication experience has also provided me with a strong understanding of academic standards and requirements, and I use this knowledge and experience to provide the most valuable support for students.

Tutoring Approach:
I create a supportive, friendly, and practical learning environment where students are always at the centre. Drawing on my experience with diverse learners and teaching approaches, I adapt my methods to each individual's needs. This flexible style supports students to discover the strategies that work best for them, building both confidence and independence.

My sessions are professional and informative, whilst also enjoyable and relaxed. This creates a positive learning experience that not only strengthens student confidence but also leads to academic success. I provide reassurance to students about what they are doing right, whilst offering clear, constructive guidance to help them refine their skills and achieve their full potential.

My approach consistently delivers results. Past students have demonstrated marked grade improvements, successful PhD upgrades, and strong viva performances. More importantly, they have developed lasting skills and self-confidence in their academic abilities.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi! I'm an Oxford graduate with a 2:1 in English Language and Literature. I graduated in 2013 and went on to study an MSc in Psychology at Oxford Brookes, in which I achieved a distinction. I am now a published author, and split my time between writing novels and tutoring. Tutoring has always appealed to me as a rewarding way to put the skills that I learnt during my degree and masters to good use. Reading English at Oxford honed my critical thinking, analytical abilities and study skills, while my masters gave me experience in data analysis and conducting research. My day job as an author has also deepened my understanding of how to write effectively. I enjoy tutoring others and helping them to develop these skills too! In my spare time, I like to read and play boardgames. I'm highly experienced in teaching both in person and via Zoom, Skype and Teams. As well as tutoring, I also specialise in editing, copy-editing and proofreading academic essays, job applications and CVs, and articles. I offer creative writing coaching to writers of all ages.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring for over ten years and have worked with lots of students of all ages. Many of my students have worked with me through the transition from primary to secondary school, or through their GCSEs and on into their A Levels. I am particularly experienced in helping students to prepare for secondary school entrance exams, GCSEs, and A Levels.

I successfully completed an assessment for the selective tutoring agency Blue Tutors. During the assessment I had to demonstrate my tutoring ability to a trained assessor, who described my communication skills as 'excellent'.

In my final term at Oxford, I volunteered with Schools Plus, a program which runs after school tuition sessions for struggling students in areas of economic disadvantage. I spent half a term working with GCSE English students, tutoring them on an individual basis in the run up to their January modules. As part of the selection process for the program, I also attended tutoring training.

When I was in the 6th form (in 2009), I also volunteered as a classroom assistant in my school. I was working with students who were having difficulty with essay-based subjects like History and English. I worked with two students in their History classes, helping them to understand the work they were set in class and working through it with them. I had to use my knowledge of French to help one student who had not yet learnt to speak fluent English, translating the teacher's instructions for her and helping her with words she did not understand. Between 2009-10, I helped to run two after-school classes for Key Stage 2 pupils, one in Literacy and Art and another in Drama. This involved planning and delivering lessons to classes of about 5-10 children, and keeping them engaged with the topics they were learning through activities designed to both teach and entertain.

Tutoring Approach:
My experience of tutoring has shown me the importance of patience and respect in teaching. Especially in essay-based subjects, it is crucial that a teacher allows their pupils space to develop their own ideas, and respects their independent thought. Learning by rote has only limited usefulness: the best way to excel at a subject is to understand it, so I always explain concepts as fully as possible and move at the tutee's pace, making sure that they have properly grasped each concept or issue before moving on to the next. My Schools Plus training emphasised the idea that the goal of tutoring is to help a student to help themselves, enabling them to tackle problems rather than solving things for them. I think that this is fantastic advice, and it is a rule which I always try to bear in mind when tutoring.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a BA Honours Degree in English Studies from Aleppo University in Syria in 2000. I embarked on two Postgraduate Diplomas at Aleppo University one in Linguistics (2002); the other in Education and Qualification in 2003. In both of these Diplomas I was awarded a Distinction. In 2002, I was fortunate in gaining a scholarship to study in the UK and was nominated to study in the department of Language and Linguistics at the University of Essex. I found this course to be immensely useful to me as a TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) professional as I was able to observe a range of different EAP (English for Academic Purposes)classrooms; make academic presentations and really developed my love of scholarship which fired me with the enthusiasm to read for a PhD degree. I finished my doctorate in TESOL at the University of Ulster entitled "EAP Teachers Approaches to Giving Written Feedback on Academic Writing in British and Syrian ELT Centres". . I am extremely interested in teaching the language skills (as my recent doctorate shows). I am extremely hard working and sociable. I have good comparative knowledge of Western and Islamic societies which I could share with students where pertinent. I also have two qualifications from Ulster University in Peer Mentoring and Counselling.

I have strong interpersonal, communication, and classroom management skills and self-motivator. Apart from being an interesting experience in itself, tutoring is an ideal opportunity for me at this stage of my career as the area of this job is interesting to me and I have got the enthusiasm and motivation and energy to do it well and to develop things.I would like consider offering online tutorials (email writing tutorials for students who can not attend some classes).

Teaching Experience:
In the Diploma of Education and Qualification, I have been trained how to teach and how to deliver lectures in Arabic and English and also how to prepare lesson plan. I have experience of teaching university students in Syria as I was a lecturer at Aleppo University from 2002 to 2013. I enjoy teaching and lecturing and love my profession as I am particularly interested in communicating with individuals and groups. My colleagues and supervisors all say that I am a natural communicator and this, coupled with my knowledge of the field, leads me to think that I would make a good teacher. My mother tongue language is Arabic, yet my knowledge of written and spoken English is very good as well. I am also interested in materials design and curriculum development in ELT and could make useful contributions in these areas. I have also specialized in ESP, Materials and Methods in ELT, Language Teachers in Classrooms and Vocabulary and would be interested in teaching international students. My job in Syria was delivering pre-sessional programmes in academic English language to Syrian postgraduate students. Those students have to attend some EAP and ESP courses and pass the final exam which will enable them to pursue their high studies in Syria or in some English speaking countries like UK, USA and Canada. My teaching experience gives me a deeper insight and understanding of actual teaching/learning contexts. When I did my MA degree at Essex University, I taught some international students as part of the "Teaching Practice" module. I have been trained how to write a lesson plan for international students and how to use the PowerPoint for delivering lectures. Furthermore, I am very au fait with technology in the classroom.

Tutoring Approach:
It is the application of an integrating approach for the development of communicative skills in the lesson, in which the four skills in the acquisition of knowledge of a foreign language can be taught in a coherent way, and practiced together, with a distinction of the importance of one upon the other. One image for teaching English as a second or foreign language (ESL/EFL) is that of a tapestry. The tapestry is woven from many strands, such as the characteristics of the teacher, the learner, the setting, and the relevant languages (i.e., English and the native languages of the learners and the teacher). For the instructional loom to produce a large, strong, beautiful, colorful tapestry, all of these strands must be interwoven in positive ways. For example, the instructor's teaching style must address the learning style of the learner, the learner must be motivated, and the setting must provide resources and values that strongly support the teaching of the language. However, if the strands are not woven together effectively, the instructional loom is likely to produce something small, weak, ragged, and pale--not recognizable as a tapestry at all.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a 34 year old Post doctoral researcher in the field of endocrinology.

My undergraduate degree (2010) was in Biology from Imperial College, London, where I continued to study to Masters level (2011) in Reproductive and Developmental Biology. between 2013-2016 I completed my PhD in reproductive endocrinology. therefore my knowledge of biology spans multiple subject areas.

I have A-levels in Biology, Physics, Maths and History and a keen interest in all of these subjects.

Having completed my PhD and fulfilled 3 post-doctoral research positions, I feel I have gained experience in the skills required at all levels of education to progress and succeed and would really like to help others to realise their academic talents and to succeed in their education.

Teaching Experience:
I am currently training for my postgraduate certificate of academic practice, for lecturing and small group teaching at undergraduate level.

I have been tutoring privately for the past 6 years and have successfully guided GCSE and A-Level students to achieve their goals, gaining further jobs through recommendation.

Throughout my career, I have been responsible for overseeing and training undergraduate students in the laboratory and ensuring they have a key understanding of protocols, the biology behind them and how to use this knowledge to work out problems for themselves. This also involves mathematics skills, such as fractions, dilutions and molar concentrations, as well as helping them with any biology questions they may have outside of the lab. I provide feedback on presentation skills and on key learning skills required at degree level.

I have also had experience teaching students at A-level stage, in a two part workshop surrounding the biology of genetics. A key component of this is helping them to understand a totally new subject and to answer any questions they have surrounding university applications, study skills and personal statements.

I like to think this broad range of experience has taught me to interact with students of various ages and to recognise learning approaches that work best for different individuals.

Tutoring Approach:
The most important thing to consider is a student's personal requirements and to find a learning style that works for them. People learn in different ways so to teach in a style that maintains interest and works for the individual student is really important to me.

a goal based approach is important in my eyes. to understand what need to be learnt, by when and to work through a strategic plan to achieve the best results for the student.

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:
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:
PLEASE SEE 'TUTORING EXPERIENCE' BELOW FOR THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THIS PAGE, THE RESULTS AND FEEDBACK

I am an Oxford graduate (English language and literature, first class), as well as a qualified English teacher, and have been tutoring since 2013. My specialism is A-level English literature.

Please get in touch for online English tuition, particularly if you are or your child is

• Preparing to take A-levels in 2026/27
• Doing coursework
• Working on the basis of continuous assessment, mocks, etc.
• Or planning to do / doing an English degree

I graduated from the University of Oxford with a double first in English language and literature, winning the prize for the best performance in English finals at Mansfield College, and the college essay prize. At school, I was awarded eleven GCSEs at A-star and three A-levels at A.

As well as tutoring, I have worked as a researcher, a copywriter, and a proofreader. I have also completed a PGCE in secondary English at the UCL Institute of Education, the highest-ranking college of education in the world ('QS World University Rankings'), during which I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools, and received A's for my master's-level assignments. I am currently pursuing a PhD in English literature at the University of Buckingham.

As well as English tuition at any level, I can help you or your child with the following:

• Oxbridge entrance (the admissions process, practice interviews, the ELAT, etc.)
• Essay surgery - how to structure and write an essay
• How to revise - note-taking, organisation, making connections, committing to memory
• Grammar, punctuation, and style (a.k.a. 'usage and abusage')
• Speech-writing and public speaking
• Proofreading and redrafting essays
• Suggested reading and resources, including access to my library of 'TES' resources
• Creative writing
• How to annotate, analyse (and enjoy) English literature - sometimes known as 'close reading' or 'practical criticism'
• If you'd specifically like written feedback on your writing - more like a correspondence course - then I can also provide that.

In my spare time I enjoy cycling, writing, and photography.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring since 2013, teaching English at all levels (including degree level), as well as A-level religious studies and classical civilisation. I have taught AQA, Edexcel, OCR, WJEC/Eduqas, and CAIE (Cambridge International), and am constantly familiarising myself with the new texts that my students are studying. I have experience helping students who have autism and ADHD. And I am interested in the role of generative AI and large language models in education, not to write students' essays for them, but as research assistants for students and teachers alike. It is of course important that students do not get the likes of ChatGPT to write their essays for them, among other reasons because they will not be able to do so in the exams. Tutoring is well placed to discourage this, since it has always been my practice to ask my students many questions about every essay they write.

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A student, June 2025: 'thank you very much for all the sessions! It has not only boosted my confidence in English literature but they really reminded me of how much I love the subject. It's always a pleasure to discuss nuance readings of the texts, and it has been a great help leading up to my exams.'

Charlotte, a parent, June 2025: 'Thank you so much for all your help and support for [L.]. We are so grateful for everything you have done with him and wish you all the best.'

Ann, a parent, June 2025: '[Z.] has thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with you and has gained so much from your guidance. We're very grateful for all the support you've given her.'

A parent, May 2025: 'Thank you so much again for everything you've done to help [G.] prepare for these exams - he has really enjoyed his sessions with you and he and we really appreciate your support'.

A parent, May 2025: '[N.] just received the below. It's an A* if the grade boundaries is same as last year. She couldn't have done it without your help. We really appreciate it.'

A parent, February 2025: '[S.] is really enjoying studying with you and has gained a lot of confidence in English. I truly appreciate the effort and dedication you put into teaching.'

A student, January 2025: 'thank you ever so much for your kindness and creative encouragement the past months. What is very special about you as a tutor is that you have never told me "what to write". Instead, you have asked me questions about my work that have led me to discover what I truly wish to write'.

Kate, a parent, December 2024: 'We're so pleased [G.] is enjoying his sessions and seems to be really motivated to read widely in between sessions, is making useful structured notes (which he didn't do before) and his confidence and awareness of what he needs to do when essay writing is really building. Thank you!!!'

Eleni, a parent, December 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that [D.] received an offer […] today! She is super happy! […] I wanted to thank you again as [D.] found your sessions incredibly helpful and inceased her confidence during the exams process.'

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A-level results, August 2024:

'I wanted to write to say a huge thank you to you for all the help, support and inspiration you have given [E.] over the past year. You have not only given her the technical advice and support to help her make the most of her essays and exams, but more importantly you have helped her keep the love of the subject alive. I know a big part of the reason she is so excited to study English at university is because of how much she has enjoyed your conversations, and how you have helped her to consider texts in a way that the rather narrower scope of teaching at school does not allow. I am so very grateful to you and I really appreciate all the time and effort you put into her sessions - thank you so very much. […] You've been so great, and any other student/parent would be lucky to have access to your teaching.'

'I have just opened my results and am happy to confirm that I am off to Bristol this September with an A* in English! I just want to thank you again for making this possible.'

'I got an A in English, and will be going to Exeter, so mission accomplished. I wanted to thank you for all your help, not only for helping me to get what I needed, but for giving me back my confidence and enjoyment of the subject in the process.'

'Just to let you know [I.] got her results this morning and achieved an 'A' in English. We are over the moon […] Thank you again for all your help with the English, it's much appreciated.'

'thanks for your help this past academic year! Got two A*s in English and Philosophy'.

'I got a B and I was accepted into my firm university (Durham) which I am very happy! Thank you for all your help and support.'

'I was really happy to receive […] A in English Literature […] I secured a placed at my firm university. I will be studying English Literature at Durham University this September and I am very excited! Thank you so much for all of your support, I really appreciate it!'

'i got into Warwick with […] an A* in English!!!!! I am very happy :) Thank you for all your hard work, wisdom and wit over the last year or two'.

'Thank you so much for all your coaching and advice that you shared with [L.], it made such a difference to his confidence leading up to his exams. He is (as are we) delighted with his English result.'

'an A awarded in English […] so she is off to her first choice of Edinburgh University to study History of Art and English Literature.'

'Results day went well and I'm going to the university of Kent. Thank you so much again for all the time spent helping me to prepare for my exams it means a lot I'm very excited to continue my English literature journey.'

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A student, June 2024: 'Thank you so much for being the most amazing English teacher! It has been an immensely rewarding and interesting journey exploring so many books […] I have learnt so much from GCSEs to continuing with more amazing literatures in A-levels'

A student, June 2024: 'I […] wanted to say thank you for the tremendous help you have provided with the English content throughout the A level period. The resources that you provided for me were quite helpful in refining my knowledge in many areas of the syllabus so thank you very much.'

A student, May 2024: 'I've just received the results for my english coursework and wanted to thank you for all the help and feedback!!'

A parent, February 2024: 'your help has kept her love of the subject and her enthusiasm alive and I can't thank you enough for that.'

A parent, February 2024: 'You were such a huge help to [S.], we will always be very grateful to you.'

Kath, a parent, February 2024: 'We would both like to thank you for all your invaluable help, especially all the helpful feedback on the coursework essay. [S.] has definitely learnt a lot and grown in confidence, especially in her knowledge of Twelfth Night.'

A student, January 2024: 'I just wanted to let you know that I got an offer from Oxford! Thank you so much for checking over my personal statement and all the help that you have given me since GCSEs. I really enjoy our sessions every week, the discussions keep me constantly creative and thinking.'

A parent, January 2024: 'Thank you as always for all your continued help and support for [E.]. I know she gets a tremendous amount from your sessions and I'm very grateful.'

A student, January 2024: 'Just emailing to let you know I did get an offer from […] Cambridge yesterday so thank you so much for all your help! It is really appreciated and I'm really looking forward to starting my degree in October!'

A student, December 2023: 'So thank you so much again for all your help; your insights have been very useful and I have really enjoyed talking about literature with you.'

Tara, a parent, November 2023: 'you are really helping [R.], he is becoming much more confident. Thank you so much'.

Paula, a parent, November 2023: '[M.] is always delighted with your teaching. You are asking questions no one else does. My husband and I see her grow academically after every session with you.'

Liz, a parent, October 2023: 'Thank you so much for all the work you have done with, and the kindness you have shown, [E.] to date. She really enjoys her sessions with you, and you've helped keep her enthusiasm for English very much alive. I'm so grateful.'

Kim, a parent, August 2023: 'I cannot tell you how happy we all were and your help was clearly instrumental in that. Not sure if he told you but he got 12 points above an A* and it was his best A level result!'

A student, August 2023: 'I really enjoyed our lessons and think it has really helped prepare me for the Oxford style tutorials.'

A student, August 2023: 'wanted to let you know I ended up getting an A* in English, thanks so much for all the help!'

Mark, a parent, June 2023: 'Many thanks josh for your help this year. [E.] has said to me it has really helped, you started assisting her at a time when she felt behind her class mates for the whole of the first year, having switched to English half way through term one.'

Melanie, a parent, June 2023: 'Thank you so much for all your time and effort with [T.]'s English literature. She really enjoyed your sessions together and it really boosted her confidence and inspired her to think more deeply and critically about the texts. It also confirmed that she is happy and excited to study a literature based course at degree level.'

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

'[L.] came home from university yesterday to attend her school prize giving ceremony, and this morning as she was leaving she asked me to let you know that she won a special prize in English […] Until last night, she wasn't aware of any of her awards, apart from her scholarship, so it was all a lovely surprise. Furthermore, the essays she wrote in her A level English exams have somehow found their way into her teachers' hands; they told her, with beams of pride , that the three marks dropped overall were actually in her *non exam* assessment, so 30/30 in all questions across all papers under exam conditions, something she had never achieved before. She had admitted to me in the aftermath of the exams that when she was writing her English papers she had really enjoyed the process, her thoughts flowing pretty effortlessly on to the paper. But she had also worried this stream of ideas might not be fit with the mark schemes. […] she […] wanted you to know about her prize, as she thought you'd be pleased, and she also wanted to say thanks one last time for your inspirational teaching that led to it.'

'I got AAA* for my results much higher than my predicted! particularly for english'.

'[G.] got an A star in English. And is off to Oxford. […] Thanks so much for everything - you were honestly amazing and really helped her get there'.

'[L.] got 3 a stars and an A star as well in her EPQ. Her highest marks were in English Literature ( 197/200)'.

'I achieved 4A*s in my Alevels - one being in English Literature. My teachers also let me know that I got full marks in both the exam papers'.

'[T.] smashed English Literature, A* […] she is absolutely over the moon . Thank you so much for all the work you put in with her !'

'I got a D[distinction]2!!! […] I got full marks on my PI!'

'I got an A* in English!!! Thank you so much for all of your help I wouldn't have been able to do it without you!'

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A student, January 2023: 'Just wanted to let you know I got an offer from Cambridge, thank you so so much for all your help.' And Kathryn: 'You were such a great help to [E.] in her preparation for the Cambridge application and interview and we were all delighted when she was offered a place this week. Thank you for all the support you gave her.'

Shaun, a parent, January 2023: '[E.] has found the sessions really very helpful (and has enjoyed them!)'

Guifang, a parent, December 2022: 'From what I hear from [S.], she really enjoys her discussions with you, it's really one of the highlights of her week.'

A student, November 2022: 'I'm extremely happy to tell you that I received an 8.3 for the literary review […] Thank you for explaining to me what a literary review is […] I remember whilst working on it I was so worried about my grade, but it appears I've survived.'

Deborah, a parent, September 2022: 'a huge thanks again to you for all your work with [S.]. I know he has been in touch to let you know that he got 9s in both English Language and Literature. He was over the moon - well beyond his best hopes, so thank you again for being instrumental in helping him attain those grades.'

Karen, a parent, August 2022: 'Both my girls really like your way of teaching and talking to them, they feel really listened to and respected for their opinions (as well as respecting yours obviously), so thank you :)'

Helen, a parent, July 2022: 'Thanks so much for all the help you gave [J.], he really benefitted from the sessions he had with you.'

Tara, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all your help and patience - I think you have been brilliant for her confidence. She found English exams really very difficult before she started talking to you and it's amazing to see how much calmer (relatively speaking!) she has been going in to her A level English papers. Whatever the result, her sessions with you have definitely helped her to enjoy English again and I'm really grateful.'

A student, June 2022: 'This is incredibly insightful and thought provoking feedback. Thank you so much.'

Mei, a parent, June 2022: 'She found your lessons very helpful and always remarked to me how much you went the extra mile for her ; looking up and sending on links to whatever you'd been discussing. Much appreciated!'

Marguerite, a parent, June 2022: 'Thank you so much for all you've done for [T.] in the past year . […] you are a very talented teacher.'

Monica, a parent, June 2022: 'You have been an absolutely wonderful tutor to [L.], and how time has flown since she first met you! […] Many a time she has needed someone to talk to, not so much about AO1-5, but rather about the beauty and burden of literature and life. You have always been willing to do that, and she is richer for it.'

A student, June 2022: 'Thank you for teaching me for the last year; I have enjoyed our lessons and I feel I have grown as an English student, with thanks to your teaching.'

A student, April 2022: 'I received an 8 for my essay!! I want to thank you for your tutoring on Keats and Wordsworth- I wouldn't have gotten such a grade without it!! […] I learned tons because of you.'

Ngozi, a parent, March 2022: 'Thanks for everything that you're doing for [G.] - it has been very helpful.'

A student, February 2022: 'Really, thanks so much. Was such a good and efficient service. Your feedback looks really good and I'm going to implement it today. […] Thanks again for doing this on such short notice'.

Deborah, a parent, October 2021: '[S.] said you make it really fun - he said at school his energy goes down in English lessons and with you it goes up! So that is praise indeed from a teenage boy!'

A student, August 2021: 'I got the A grade ! I'm so pleased, thank you for all the help and the essays really paid off :).'

Monica, a parent, July 2021: 'As would be expected from his first class qualifications, Josh is extremely intelligent. However, in my opinion, he has a a very particular advantage over others of a similar academic background, namely his ability to exhibit an authentic interest in the ideas his students express. He is always kind and encouraging, but without sacrificing rigour; this approach has had a hugely positive impact on my daughter when speaking, writing and reading. Furthermore, Josh has introduced her to a range of authors, poets , films and philosophical thought, thus enriching her far beyond the school curriculum. In the future, my daughter will undoubtedly look back on her time with Josh with both fondness and gratitude. I have no hesitation in recommending Josh as a tutor'.

Guifang, a parent, July 2021: 'I have know Joshua for 2 months and He has been supporting my daughter excellently through her GCSE courses, helping her to achieve a 9 in predicted grades. From this, Joshua has always been very serious with the work, needless to say, always punctual and gives detailed homework feedback. I know him to be a wonderful tutor to my daughter.'

Susan, a parent, May 2021: '[T]hank you so much for all your help with [N.] […] [N.] found your lessons extremely helpful which enabled her to enjoy and understand English in a greater depth […] it was excellent tuition . Thank you'.

Jamal, a parent, May 2021: 'Thank you Josh for all your efforts, you have greatly assisted [S.] in better understanding English Literature as whole.'

Zahed, a parent, May 2021: 'We are grateful for all your help and support. We are in no doubt that [A.] has improved a lot in English Literature under your guidance.'

A student, May 2021: 'I just got my coursework back and got an A in it. Just thought i should let you know thanks you!'

Margaret, a parent, March 2021: 'Thanks for helping [M.] to improve her English understanding. She really enjoys her lessons and chats!'

Chris, a parent, March 2021: '[R.] is benefiting immensely from your lessons and is definitely getting more confident in expressing his thoughts in writing! Thank you.'

Amanda, a parent, December 2020: 'Josh has really helped join the dots, encouraged a depth of questioning and ways to interpret and compare ideas, extracting and bringing fresh meaning to narrative styles and creative use of language. Josh has been a great support and steered [R.]'s confidence to look more thoroughly and develop a greater understanding all round. Josh has a kind, approachable style and encouraged [R.] with debating aloud and suggestions for further reading which all continue to be an invaluable help and inspire greater confidence in approaching exams and further reading in future!'

A student, December 2020: 'He helps focus my understanding and makes sure i understand the topic we are learning before moving on. Josh will make sure to ask you questions throughout the process and is always ready for your ideas even if you think it's wrong. He will set homework but makes sure to switch it up each week to make it more interesting and gives his feedback to help me understand what i need to do to improve.'

Diana, a parent, September 2020: 'Josh worked with my daughter for her A Level in English Literature. He was outstanding with his ideas and expanding her critical thinking. He went above and beyond to develop her analytical skills and as a result helped her obtain an A*. He is an absolutely lovely, gentle but dynamic and reliable tutor who has a rare ability combine his academic achievement with a natural talent for teaching. A real gem and we cannot thank him enough.'

A parent, September 2020: 'Joshua is an excellent tutor with great communication skills . He is very patient , helpful , approachable and takes time to explain everything clearly to my daughter . Joshua has been able to breakdown and explain in full detail all aspects of the A Level content.'

A student, June 2020: 'it's been great being taught by you, I've learned so many critical thinking skills in such a short space of time.'

A parent, March 2020: 'I can't thank you enough for everything that you've done for her - you've been the best English teacher she's ever had and she has loved her time with you.'

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During my teacher training, I taught all age groups at two west London secondary schools.

While at Oxford, I was part of an 'e-mentoring' scheme to help candidates from schools without a history of Oxbridge applications.

At Christ College, Brecon, I ran two series of seminars, for sixth-formers studying RS and English literature. In English we covered 'The Tempest', Gothic literature, Pat Barker's 'Regeneration', 'Jane Eyre', Wilfred Owen, and 'The Canterbury Tales'.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to combine three things that I want my students to do, which are three forms of thinking: speak about complex ideas, read high-quality material, and write essays for which they will receive detailed feedback. For obvious reasons, lessons are weighted to speaking, and homework to reading and writing.

Speaking

Pedagogy's holy grail is measuring progress, which is difficult in a classroom and impossible in a lecture. Happily, the tutorial system allows this to occur continuously and efficiently via dialogue. Can a student re-express an idea they have heard or read in their own words? If the answer is yes, they have probably understood the idea. Hence the constant questions!

As well as understanding the ideas of others, speaking is essential for students to develop their own. I love the quotation from the novelist E. M. Forster, 'How can I tell what I think till I see what I say?' We improve the quality of our ideas through the process of articulating them.

For my part, quite a lot of what I say is explaining what texts mean. This might sound obvious, but great works of literature are complex, so, to understand their meaning, one's own interpretation probably needs the support of others' prior interpretations.

I sometimes like to break the question of a text's meaning into two: What's it about? And what's it really about? Answering the first question is comprehension, a necessary first step. To answer the second question is to understand. In 'A Streetcar Named Desire', for example, Blanche goes to live with her sister in New Orleans. She expresses a strong dislike of her surroundings and is frequently associated with images of water. She declines mentally and is eventually taken away. So what's the play really about? Blanche is a Romantic idealist who is disappointed with her life but still tends to imagine things in their perfect form. The play is about the human soul conceiving of things being as good as they could be (as if cleansed by water), reaching for the conception, and failing to grasp it - shuttling back and forth, in other words, on the streetcar named desire.

One thing I frequently encourage is making the link between those oft-cited elements of a good essay, themes and quotations. These are not unrelated ingredients, they are the text itself viewed from different distances. A theme (the desire to be cleansed) is a wide shot, and a quotation ('the land of the sky blue water') is a close-up. So the student of English has to practise their ability to zoom in and out.

Another way I try to support my students' studies is by making connections between the texts they are reading, which in my experience doesn't happen that much at school. Particularly at A-level, there are often many fruitful connections between the half-dozen or so texts being studied: the Romantics were devoted to Shakespeare and Milton, the Gothic is an aspect of the Romantic, the Aesthetic Movement drew on particular strains of Romanticism, etc. When these connections get made with reference to particular writers, they are no longer just isms. They make the material deeper and easier to understand at the same time. Towards the end of their school careers, students of the humanities should be able to get the sense of taking part in 'the Great Conversation that began in the dawn of history and that continues to the present day' (Robert M. Hutchins).

Reading

I regularly give my students PDFs of high-quality secondary material pitched at their level or just above it. Explanatory notes, commentaries, and essays can help with understanding, particularly when it comes to context. (And all exam boards have assessment objectives relating to historical context.) To know that a text was written during a particular period and what characterised that period is to have a mental scaffold that does not limit movement but frees it. In studying the humanities we are studying human culture, and no one can do that without a bit of structure. It also helps when thinking about texts in relation to each other - when writing a comparative essay, for example. I like to think of honing in from context to text, e.g. Romanticism (late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries) > William Blake (1757-1827) > 'Songs of Innocence and of Experience' (1794) > 'The Tyger'. (What's 'The Tyger' about? There's a question!)

In my experience, knowledge acquisition operates according to the Matthew principle, named after a verse in the Gospel of Matthew: 'unto every one that hath shall be given'. In other words, the more you've got, the more you'll get. Every time you learn something about Romanticism, the greater will be your understanding of the poetry of William Blake. Your internal bookshelves expand - more connections, greater understanding. Reading secondary material is obviously 'extra', but it works to enhance students' understanding of set texts rather than crowd them out. Homer Simpson said, 'every time I learn something new, it pushes some old stuff out of my brain', and we laugh because it's not true. You can't fill up a brain, so the cliché about people's (particularly young people's) limitless potential is true. Every time you learn something new, you enrich your contextual understanding of everything else you have ever learnt. '[E]very moment is a new and shocking / Valuation of all we have been', as T. S. Eliot put it in 'East Coker'.

Writing

Speaking and reading are in a concrete way preparation for writing. If you think and make notes while speaking and reading, by the time it comes to writing an essay, the question should not be about what to say, but how to arrange the things you want to say. So annotation is an important skill. It's a bit like getting 'in the zone' for a sportsperson - students must practise getting there and staying there. I model the annotation process something like this:

Read with a pencil in your hand. What makes you underline? Something fires in your brain, so that you have a response - you spot a developing theme, you're reminded of another book, you agree or disagree, there's a word you don't know and need to look up, you like the way a sentence sounds. It could be anything. Read until you've underlined twenty words or sentences. Work out the three or four connections between the things you have to say, and you've got a paragraph plan. Work out the main thing you have to say, and you have a thesis for your essay, which, as you aim your paragraphs at it, will accumulate force.

A lot of learning (and life) is about noticing connections, so getting into the habit of doing so is something like learning how to learn. If a student has developed this habit, they shouldn't really have to think 'What shall I write?' in front of a blank sheet of paper or screen. The content of the essay will be a sort of emanation of prior thinking.

When it comes to giving students feedback, I keep in mind one of the best incites I heard early in my PGCE: attend to your students' writing as you would a piece of literature. This way, the marking progress becomes analogous to the writing process. What are all the things that could make this essay better? And is there a connection between them, i.e. what's the main thing this student needs to focus on? (I usually give feedback using comments and 'track changes' in Microsoft Word.)

Why study English?

It has been said that 'If you can think, and speak, and write, you are absolutely deadly', and I think that's right. Learning how to construct and articulate good arguments is learning how to impose ideas on the world. To the extent that English is about feelings, it is about their articulation, and there is a great deal to learn about how feelings have been and can be articulated. Moreover, because English is the medium of instruction in all other subjects, command of it confers a freedom to range through the history of ideas and discriminate between reliable and unreliable, including online. Language is a prerequisite for thought - doing English properly is learning how to think better.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have a PhD in chemistry and have published a book on Study Smarter: a lecture's inside guide to boost your grades.

With over 15 years as an academic, I have published extensively in peer-reviewed academic publications. My passion and outstanding commitment to teaching were recognised by the Royal Society of Chemistry in 2016 with a Higher Education Teaching Award. In 2017, I was awarded a prestigious National Teaching Fellowship in the UK.

Teaching Experience:
I have tutored A-level students and taught undergraduate and postgraduate students in my academic work.

Tutoring Approach:
Most students are wasting time with the study habits they use. This may seem like a crazy thing to say, isn't working hard the foundation to good results?
Research shows that at least 6 out of every 10 students are using suboptimal study strategies.
I've met this a lot in my own work. I have created a Study Smarter Audit to help identify where study habits can be improved. This can be over 2 sessions or longer depending on what you want to achieve. I work online and create a personalised plan to target effective study strategies and evaluate the changes.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am half Chinese, half Thai. I grew up from a mixed-cultural background, having lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, and currently London.

Having gone through the GCSE and IB system myself, I offer students specialised support in subjects including Biology, Chemistry and Physics. I am also familiar with the A-level system as I have been teaching students in London over the last 7 years.

I am a good listener, and a patient tutor. I always seek to build a trusting relationship with the tutees, whose learning progress and comfort is a top priority.

Aside from academics and tuition, I am also a freelance artist, specialized in oil painting, charcoal sketches and watercolours.

Teaching Experience:
2014 - Present: Private tutor, London, UK
• Math (KS1-KS3, GCSE/IGCSE)
• Biology (KS1-KS3, GCSE/IGCSE, A-level, IB, University)
• Chemistry (KS1-KS3, GCSE/IGCSE, A-level, IB)
• Physics (KS1-KS3, GCSE/IGCSE)

2011- 2016: Academic mentor, Exscitec - Higher Education Industry, London, UK
• Utilised communication and teaching skills to convey scientific ideas (stem cell biology, medical science strands) to classes of 15-20 high school students from different backgrounds.
• Became a positive and motivational role model for young students.

Oct-Dec 2013: Private tutor for A-level and GCSE Biology and 11+ Math, Bangkok, Thailand
• Provided support for regular school works.
• Successfully prepared the students for their unit tests
• Taught exam preparation techniques for GCSE and A-level.

I have worked with students doing the 11+, 13+ entrance exams for the following schools:

1) Queen's gate
2) St. James Senior Girls School
3) Godolphin and Latymer
4) Whitgift
5) Harrow
6) St Edward's
7) Charterhouse

Tutoring Approach:
My lesson structure is adaptable and typically includes:

1) Specific topic review in line with the syllabus
2) Revision schedule planning
3) Guidance in revision note making
4) Past exam paper practices
5) Exam techniques
6) Homework assistance

I have all the past exam papers and teaching material on hand across all exam boards.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am PhD student at Harper Adams University, working on my final stages on my thesis. While I always enjoyed sharing my knowledge, I found lot of satisfaction from my students and there successes. It is really refreshing to work with young students, and that's why I am engaged in private tuition.

Also, I am Greek, but I am living and working 5 years in UK. I try to learn German, and I love DYI projects and crafts.

My professional life is mainly in the Vertical Farming sector, where my day job involves a combination of business and science tasks. Feel free to check my LinkedIn profile (Katia Zacharaki) for my background.

I have also a young daughter (9 years old), who has to have me as her tutor :).

Teaching Experience:
I have teaching experience in further and higher education, see below:
º Delivery of HE courses in Agriculture and Countryside Management
º Module leader for Strategic and Farm Business Management, Marketing, Environmental Sustainability, Global Food Security, Precision Agriculture and Dissertation for Level 4-6.
º Supervisor for Industrial Projects (Level 5) and Dissertations (Level 6)
º Engage with teaching, research and subject specific training
º Delivery of FE courses in Agriculture (Level 3) and modules as: Plant and Soil Science, Grassland Management, Business Planning and Investigative Projects (2017)
º Adult training on Agriculture, Countryside Management and Business subjects

Tutoring Approach:
My goal is to cover the necessary content with the most effective, efficient and quickest possible way. I never forget to add some fun :) .
I have already created lesson plants, which help me with the distribution of the content throughout the year/term.
I regularly assess student's progress with questions during the lesson, but also incorporating in the tests Mock tests. Mock tests help the student to familiarise with the process and reduce stress levels for all (student, parents and tutor). Mock tests include past papers (example GCSE/ A levels).
When relevant, we might use demonstrative lectures for science subjects.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a very confidential and passionate person in the field of business and innovation. My motive is to build a perfect self full of practical experience with a motivating factor for a career achievement.
I am a current student of BA(Hons) Entrepreneurship and Innovation in University of Northampton.

Teaching Experience:
I have an online teaching experience of 1 years online for students motivating them to progress their career in a practical way.
Self started tutor helping students to gain practical experience in the business sector.

Tutoring Approach:
My main motive is to help students motivated and gain practical skills with experience for their career excellence.
Learning should be fun and interesting 🤘

Subjects

Personal Description:
I moved to the UK in 2004 from my home country of Latvia, and just like my students, I was a non-native speaker in a new country, trying to learn a foreign language and adapt to a new culture and way of life. I really do know how it feels to be the person who needs that extra bit of support. I genuinely understand how confusing it is to try and learn all the grammar, all the punctuation, the spelling, how to write essays, how to understand all the idioms that are such a big part of the English language, but make absolutely no sense!

My interests include crochet, art, travelling, socialising, keeping fit, playing games with my little boy, and eating pizza.

Teaching Experience:
With an outstanding background as a fully qualified, professional English Language teacher with over eight years of teaching experience, I bring enthusiasm and expertise to help each student build their skills, grow their confidence and achieve their goals.
I hold an MA in English Language Teaching. I have successfully taught both children and adults at a variety of different ages, levels and abilities, and I have worked in China, Spain and the UK.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is friendly, communicative and professional. I adapt my methods to suit the age, ability, aims and needs of each individual student. I understand that every student is a wonderful, unique person with their own interests, personality and learning style. I use a variety of resources to support my students in their learning, including games, flashcards, actions, sounds, music, conversation, videos and whatever else I can do to help make learning more fun for us all!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I'm Billy!

I've recently graduated from studying English at Exeter College, Oxford and have began teaching full time. I love reading, music, dancing and travel - mainly things that bring me closer to understanding and connecting with people. As a tutor I am firm and supportive, but can tailor my approach depending on the goals of the student.

Teaching Experience:
I've consistently been working as a tutor for over 3 years.

I've worked as a full-time teacher and activity leader for Bayswater College and LSI Cambridge.

I obtained a CELTA qualification from IH London.

Tutoring Approach:
My main aim as a tutor is to ensure students leave my lessons with greater knowledge and understanding of the subject. I believe this is best achieved through enquiry-based learning: I always encourage students to ask questions, because doing so helps stimulate critical thinking and allows them to take an active role in their learning. We can start from the basics and gradually work our way through the subject using a series of custom-made study notes, intensive revision sessions and back-and-forth conversations!

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Personal Description:
Hi!

I am a second year Cambridge Medical Student with a history of achieving strong academic results, having secured a First Class in my most recent examinations.

Over the years I have been able to hone the skills necessary to perform well in exams, targeting my responses to what examiners are looking for and I am looking forward to being able to share these essential tools to my tutees.

I enjoy playing the piano and clarinet and I am an avid runner. I also enjoy a bit of rugby from time to time!

I look forward to working with you :)

Teaching Experience:
I have over 7 years of tutoring experience with excellent results. I have seen significant improvement in the confidence and ability of my tutees to perform well under exam pressures. Many of my students have gone on to achieve A's and A*s in their public examinations - a testament to the effectiveness of my tutoring approach.

Tutoring Approach:
I am strong believer that education should be personalised to each individual. As a result I start all my tutoring sessions with understanding what you want to gain from this. Do you want to go over difficult concepts? Or would you rather have an outline of the techniques used to get those 7/8/9/A/A*. Through this I am able to tailor our sessions to ensure that you are getting the most out of our time. I often set short tasks to be completed outside of the sessions so that we are able to identify weak points and document the progress that is being made. All resources from tutoring sessions are kept in a shared notebook so you have access to them whenever you need them.

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