Ballymena Tutors and Ballymena Tuition

Personal Description:
CCEA AS/A2 BIOLOGY

CURRENT AVAILABILITY: Wednesday and Thursday @ 815pm

I tutor ONLINE only through Microsoft Teams
I do not teach GCSE.
I CANNOT ASSIST WITH OCR, EdExcel or AQA specifications.

I am a senior molecular biologist at Almac Diagnostics where I employ technologies which are required knowledge for the CCEA A-Level Biology specification.

UNIVERSITY:
BSc/Hons in Zoology (1999-2002, QUB)
PhD in Molecular Parasitology (2002-2006, QUB)
PGCE in Biology and Science (2010-2011, QUB)

RESEARCH:
1 - Postdoctoral research scientist (2006-2008, University of Calgary, Canada). Immunology, autoimmunity and parasitology.
2 - Postdoctoral researcher (2008-2009, University of Liverpool). Avian Immunity, Microbiology.
3 - Postdoctoral researcher (2009-2010, Trinity College Dublin). Immunology, autoimmunity, pharmacology.
4 - Scientist in Assay Development and Validation (2014-2022, Almac Diagnostic Services). Human disease DNA/RNA based test development, clinical sample testing, cancer testing, DNA sequencing, primer design
5 - Senior Scientist in Assay Development and Validation (2022-present), Almac Diagnostic Services).

I have published my work in scientific journals and presented at international conferences.

I mentor A-Level students for university interviews and I have an extensive archive of science magazines, news reports, videos and biology related books.

Teaching Experience:
TEACHING:
1 - Teacher of Science (Nov2010-Feb2011, St Pius X College).
2 - Teacher of Biology (Mar2011-May2011, Royal Belfast Academical Institution)
3 - Teacher of Biology (Jun2011-Dec2011, St Pius X College)
4 - Teacher of Biology and Applied Health & Social Care (Jan2012-Jun2013, Hunterhouse College)
5 - Teacher of Science (Aug2013-Dec2013, Sperrin Integrated College)
6 - Teacher of Biology and Applied Health & Social Care (Dec2013-Apr2014, Coleraine High School)
7 - Teacher of Biology (Nov2018-Nov2018, Bloomfield Collegiate School)

I have taught CCEA A Level Biology since 2011 and I have my own resources which include detailed PowerPoints which contain extra non-assessed information to enhance understanding, enthusiasm and which students have found useful for both university and job interviews as well as general preparedness for undergraduate learning; I make learning logs (useful for university interviews) from science magazine articles and news reports, and I communicate assessed information using colourful and succinct revision sheets.

Tutoring Approach:
I have been tutoring A-Level CCEA Biology since January 2012 and I have enjoyed much success with numerous students. I have taught students from Ballycastle High, Ballyclare High, Ballymena Academy, Banbridge Academy, Bloomfield Collegiate, Cambridge House, Dalriada School, Friends School, Hunterhouse College, Larne Grammar, Loreto College, Our Lady & St Patrick`s, Slemish College, Sperrin Integrated, St Killian`s College, St Louis Grammar, St Malachy`s College, St Marys Grammar Magherafelt, St Pius X College, Strathearn School, Victoria College and Wellington Grammar School.

RESOURCES PROVIDED TO STUDENTS: (i) succinct and colourful summary sheets on a per topic basis, the content of which is tailored to the mark schemes (ii) past paper question booklets on a per topic basis (iii) past paper answer booklets of ALL questions from 1997 to the present year (iv) uploaded videos per topic to aid understanding (v) uploaded learning log resources for extra reading (vi) relevant summarised BBC News reports per topic (vii) detailed PowerPoints per topic to broaden knowledge and instill enthusiasm beyond specification content. These are useful, when combined with learning logs, for university interviews. I share these resources via Google Drive so students need to have an account set up.

I have experience as an A-Level and GCSE Biology examiner for the CCEA board which places me in a good position to enhance the examination technique of my students to obtain high grades

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native Spanish speaker. A self-motivated and hard working Spanish Teacher with experience designing lessons according to student's needs/requirements. I am able to identify learning difficulties and quickly adapt lessons to bring out the best for each one of the students. An effective communicator

Teaching Experience:
Company: PLAN INTERNATIONAL .Woking , Surrey
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, beginners and intermediate Students
September 2006 - April 2007./ February 2008 - April 2008.

Chris Polatch Foreign Languages, Courses
Freelance Spanish Teacher: Novice, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Students - January 2008 up to now.

Private Tuition: July 2006 up to now.

April 2005 - March 2006 Freelance Spanish Teacher for novice, beginners, intermediate and advanced students. Institution: ILISA. Panama City - Panama

Tutoring Approach:
The communicative approach centered in developing students' skills and abilities is my preferred tutoring approach, but it depends on the students needs. In the first lesson there is an assessment of competence and a learning style evaluation so I can easily tailor the Spanish course according to the needs of the student.
In all cases, Spanish classes include grammar, written exercises, talking and listening, and the writing practices are carried out through the homework (optional)
Also important the mutual evaluation at the end of each class so that both student and myself can correct/improve something that is not going well in order to fulfill mutual expectations, and have an interesting, funny and efficient Spanish lesson every class.

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Personal Description:
I have an excellent rapport with young people, with 30 years experience as a Scout Leader.

Teaching Experience:
The last 16 years I have been girls and boys in Maths, Physics, Biology and Chemistry with exam achievements far exceeding expectations.
I previously worked for BT and was involved in training engineers and managers in utilisation of management information.

Tutoring Approach:
I have the ability to be able to explain complex things in a simple way.
Tutoring sessions are customised to the individual student's needs, with revision strategies to maximise exam performance.
I am very good at motivating students, being enthusiastic and making the subject fun and exciting.
The pace is customised to stretch the young people while keeping within their comprehension zone.

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Personal Description:
I am a warm friendly, patient, understanding and highly motivated tutor. I have the ability to attend to all your learning needs. I am extremely resourceful and knowledgeable on the subjects I tutor in. I will work out the best way that you learn and teach to your learning strengths. Your success is my success!

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Primary School Teacher and a teacher of English as a Foreign Language for over twenty years. I have experience of teaching all levels of English from pre-school to Business Studies and University essay writing. I have also been a Primary School Teacher for fourteen years.

I have regularly coached students for the SATS tests, 11+, IELTS and some subject specific exams.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to get to know you the person a little first. I like to establish what specifically you want from the tutoring sessions. When I have established your requirements I can then start to build a profile of your learning; what methods best work for you. Your success is my success.

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Personal Description:
Spanish (Castellano) mother tongue from South America. Vast knowledge of the South American region and culture and also a lot of the Iberian Peninsula as I travel there very often to visit friends and family members living there. I have lived in Rome, Italy for more than 15 years and also travel there very often for work or other personal reasons.

Teaching Experience:
More than 20 years. I have experience teaching in Universities in South America and as a private Language Tutor in UK and in Italy. In England for the last 15 years I have been working teaching Spanish and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
I adapt my lessons to the student needs, skills, abilities and interests. I use a conversational approach than includes the comprehension of the grammatical rules of the language. It is also important for me to communicate aspects of the cultural and social reality and the History of the language studied.

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Personal Description:
I am a qualified full time science teacher who enjoys teaching and working with young people!

Teaching Experience:
I have eighteen years experience of teaching in private schools. I have been a Head of Department/Faculty and have run many revision courses. I have also written a number of revision guides/workbooks for a leading publisher.

Tutoring Approach:
I am calm, patient and have a number of proven techniques and strategies to enable students to 'get chemistry and science' and to optimise performance in exams. I enjoy teaching and will work hard to ensure you are able to do your best. I strongly believe that if you enjoy lessons then you are less likely to find it difficult so enjoyment is important to me.

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Personal Description:
Growing up in London, I understand firsthand the challenges young people face and the many distractions that can impact their academic progress. Having spent years tutoring students from diverse backgrounds across the UK, I've come to appreciate the value of personalised lessons tailored to each student's unique strengths and weaknesses. This approach ensures that every individual gets the support they need to overcome obstacles and succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Experienced Tutor with a Dual Background in Dentistry and Chemical Engineering

With over 10 years of tutoring experience, I specialise in helping students excel through personalised, engaging lessons tailored to their individual needs. My academic background includes degrees in both Dentistry and Chemical Engineering, giving me a unique ability to explain complex scientific concepts in clear, relatable ways.

I have extensive experience working 1-on-1 with students, including those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), where I focus on creating an inclusive, supportive environment. My lessons are fun, interactive, and designed to keep students motivated, fostering a love for learning and a drive to achieve more. Whether you're looking to improve grades or deepen your understanding, I'm dedicated to helping you reach your goals.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching methods include a variety of approaches, from videos, challenges and interactive sessions.
My pupils have fun whilst they learn and get the grades they need!

I am aware each student is an individual, with varying levels of ability and so the lesson would be determined using this. Analysis of each lesson and how the student responds to different techniques of teaching will be made, to tailor for the ideal teaching session. This will ensure content will be covered in a time efficient manner, while keeping the student engaged and motivated.

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Personal Description:
I am a recent Cass Business School MSc Graduate in field of Supply Chain. My BSc is in Economics, Finance and Management. I have a background in social and commercial entrepreneurship having worked in several start-ups and ngos.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching English as a second language in Malaga Spain for 5+ years.

In Malaga, Spain there is a shortage of learning opportunities and availability of English tutors. I recognised that as a native speaker I could dedicate my spare time to tutoring students who wished to improve their conversational English. I taught on average 8-10 students a week. Ages varying mostly between 4-16 with the occasional adult learner.

As a fluent Spanish speaker I am now offering tuition for individuals seeking to develop their grammar or conversational skills in the Spanish language (Castellano).

Tutoring Approach:
As I mostly worked with children I used my creative technique to develop interactive and fun learning games to maintain the children's attention and maximise their learning. My teaching approach has been very popular in the past that I've had a long waiting list.

My method usually consists of first identifying the level and requirements of my tutoree and then developing a session outline based on the individual's needs and preferences.

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Personal Description:
Law essay and dissertation writing support. I am a University of Cambridge law tutor who can help you write a first class grade law dissertation or essay. I have over 8 years of experience in legal practice and teaching law at undergraduate, postgraduate, and executive level. I was a law lecturer at the University of Reading and have learnt the best teaching techniques. I have completed over 300 hours of private law tuition and all my students successfully gained 1st class (70%) or high 2.1 grades (65 - 70%) as a minimum. I can help with law assignments, essay writing, law dissertations, and exam preparation.

Teaching Experience:
My legal career started soon after I graduated with a masters degree from the University of Cambridge in 2013. I have worked as an in-house lawyer for a successful company - International Probiotics Association. Teaching law has always been my passion and hence private tuition has been my supplementary job since June 2013. I have experience in teaching law for both students and legal professionals having worked at the University of Reading.

Tutoring Approach:
I teach all LLB and LLM subjects, including core/compulsory undergraduate subjects. I can also help to structure your law essay or dissertation and proofread it. I can also help with Cambridge and Oxford admissions interviews and A-level Law exam preparation.

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Personal Description:
I am a French national and a qualified teacher from the University of Warwick (PGCE).

I have a real passion for teaching and have gained a lot of experience throughout my career. I always put the interest of my students first, endeavour to make them reach their full potential and give them a sense of achievement. I have often been praised for my dynamism and enthusiasm, as well as my thorough lesson planning involving differentiation and personal support. Moreover I am a very friendly and approachable individual, and make use of fun and engaging activities in class in order to create a pleasant learning atmosphere.

I have a wide experience and a huge bank of resources including examination materials. I am certain that I will find the right method that works for you. Some of my students have said to me that that they have learned more with me that with other tutors.

If you have any doubt, I will offer you a free trial lesson with no obligations.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching French for over 15 years. I taught 12 years in secondary schools in schools around Birmingham, West Midlands. I taught GCSE and A Level and also taught evening classes to adults.

I also taught ESOL for over 6 years at Birmingham Metropolitan College.

I have also been teaching online for over five years. I have been working with a wide variety of students from around the world from different abilities and with various objectives. I have been working with total beginners up to advanced students. I have prepared students for numerous exams such as IGCSE, GCSE, A Level, Nationality tests, DELF and DALF. All my students have always achieved excellent results in their examinations.

I have also been working with students who just want to learn the ropes of French to be able to get by on holidays or who wants to learn French. I always try o find the right method and resources for my students and can provide you with students`s references if you wish me to.

I also have worked with people who wanted to work on some specific themes such as tourism, business for instance.

Tutoring Approach:
I always try to adapt to my students' objectives and levels. I try to find the right method for each individual and I try to personalise my lessons. I provide my students with all the resources they need.

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Personal Description:
I have been teaching for over 28 years and have been a Head of Biology at a leading independent school for 8 years. I am currently a teacher at a school. I have been tutoring for 20 years and online for 10 years. I am also a senior examiner for AQA and an assistant examiner for Edexcel. I have tutored many students and have experience in teaching all the major boards; AQA, OCR, CIE and WJEC.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught at 4 different schools over the last 22 years. I have taught coeducational, girls and boys all in different schools. I have also taught large numbers of students online over the last 4 years and have vast experience in remote learning through Skype and Zoom.

Tutoring Approach:
I taylors the lessons for what students want; whether you need confidence in exam technique and how to approach the questions at GCSE or A Level or consolidate theory. I can reteach topics to build knowledge and understanding and then always reinforce this with exam questions which I mark and feedback to you. I can then offer lessons which are specific to your needs.

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Personal Description:
I am a highly experienced and passionate tutor of Modern Greek and I hold a degree in teaching Greek as a foreign/second language.

My twelve-year experience includes teaching Modern Greek to both adults and students of primary and secondary education in Paris, Scotland, the US and Greece both in-person and online. I also worked for five years at the Greek School of Glasgow as a teacher of the Greek language for both adults and teenagers. In addition, I was coordinator and examiner of the Certificate of Attainment in Greek (Ellinomatheia) and the Edexcel Pearson Qualifications for Modern Greek in the UK.

According to your language skills and your experience, we will create together an enjoyable teaching-learning environment in order to achieve your goals and to communicate fluently in Greek. Our creative lessons will include cultural knowledge, geography, literature, music, food recipes, and a lot of speaking and listening together with grammar and vocabulary. Don't hesitate to contact me and book a trial lesson.

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- Lesson plans targeted at your needs and goals.
- Lessons are based on well-organised PowerPoints, including full grammatical and vocabulary analysis, texts, videos, speaking, and listening exercises. The PowerPoint after each lesson is sent to the student.
- Grammar and vocabulary templates of our lessons.
- Speaking practising, focusing on specific topics and small talk (role play, speaking cards, targeted questions, games).

Teaching Experience:
Twelve years of experience in teaching Modern Greek:
- Greek School of Glasgow: adults classes, children and students for Edexcel Pearson Qualification in Modern Greek (GCSE, GCE AS, GCE A level)
- Private tutoring to individuals in Scotland and France
- Distance online teaching with students from the UK, France, and the US.

During my collaboration with the Greek School of Glasgow, I was appointed as the official coordinator of the school's language exams such as the Edexcel Pearson Qualification in Modern Greek (GCSE, GCE AS, GCE A level) and the exams for the Certificate of Attainment in Greek. My responsibilities included ensuring all the students' registration and application processes and communication with the official bodies of the exams. In addition, I was appointed as an official examiner for speaking and listening sections of the Certificate of Attainment in Greek, the official exams of the Greek Ministry of Education.

With careful guidance, high commitment, compassion, and encouragement during lessons, my students demonstrate remarkable progress in learning Greek. During the exams, most of my students perform better than their predicted and achieve outstanding results.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my tuition to the individual according to their needs, demands and objectives, encouraging them to create critical thinking towards learning. Using communicative language teaching techniques and focusing on a positive learning environment I set high goals respecting the objectives of the lesson and the abilities and needs of the student.

With a variety of learning strategies, I adapt my teaching approach to the learner's personality and needs. In order to support students, I provide their progress log and detailed feedback on their improvements and weaknesses with clear strategies of progress. I use a wide variety of teaching materials ranging from course books to stories, newspaper articles, videos, and songs. I methodologically provide resources for lessons through simplify and well-organised lesson plans in line with the objectives of the learners and/or the exams' curriculum.

My aim as a tutor is to create with my students a deep understanding of the language and confidence in communicating. My teaching is based on the idea that learning happens in a positive and mutually respectful environment, with passion and love on teaching and learning the Greek Language.

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Personal Description:
I have always been fascinated with numbers and mathematics was one of my favourite subjects at school. I had the privilege of having a private mathematics tutor and I am eager to give others the support that I received.

Teaching Experience:
During the last five years I have become highly experienced in tutoring at the primary, KS3 and GCSE levels. I also have a strong overall knowledge of the current A level syllabus and I am now looking to gain experience in tutoring at this level also if given the opportunity.

Tutoring Approach:
I would first ask the students if they want to look at any particular topics. If the answer is yes, then I would prepare the necessary material (unless they already have their own material). If the answer is no, then we would follow a more general pattern of study. When I show them a question, I would first allow them to choose if they wish to attempt to answer it, or if they wish for me to help them. If it is the latter, then I would show them a method and then give them a similar question to attempt in order to ensure they understand it.

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Personal Description:
I am a PhD student at the University of Manchester researching materials for applications to nuclear fusion. I am deeply passionate about my subject, although I understand that it's not everyone's cup of tea! I try my hardest to help my students increase their confidence, enjoyment of the subject and, of course, their grades.

Teaching Experience:
I have been an online tutor since October 2019 and have seen some of my students make 3 grades progress in 3 months. I have worked with a variety of exam boards including international qualifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I try to keep my sessions relatively relaxed as I strongly believe that the best way to learn is when you feel most comfortable. As a fellow student, I can relate to my students and offer them some advice about their studies outside of the classroom. I leave the content of my sessions up to the student to decide, but a typical session would feature a discussion of the content followed by applying the relevant skills through exam practice.

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Personal Description:
My name is Antonia. I am from Greece and I am a passionate teacher of Ancient and Modern Greek. I am a graduate of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki with a degree in Greek Philology specializing in Linguistics and a Master of Arts in Linguistics. Enjoys sharing knowledge, and inspiring both children and adults. Now, I am Modern Greek after almost 2 years at Durham University. Besides that, I am teaching Greek as a second/foreign language to students for 4 years. Experienced in lecturing private lessons to students of secondary education in Greece. Also, I have taught ancient Greek and Latin to high school students with great results. Experienced in teaching Greek as a foreign language to all levels, from children to adults. Also, I am awarded Qualified Teacher Status for Britain.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a Greek teacher for 2 years at Durham University. Also, I have experience in teaching Greek as a second/foreign language for 4 years. I am experienced in lecturing private lessons in Ancient and Modern Greek to secondary education students in Greece.

Tutoring Approach:
I adjust the lesson depending on the level of the students and their needs. My method in Ancient and Modern Greek is to teach the grammar through exercises for better results in understanding the grammar. I use modern books and online tools such as videos. My lessons are interactive and my students have made significant progress because they really enjoy my courses.

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Personal Description:
Hello! My name is Maria and I am an experienced tutor with 8 years of experience in helping students of all ages excel in English and Spanish. I am fluent and CEFR certified in both languages. My personalized coaching approach allows me to quickly identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted support to help you build confidence and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in exam preparation, I am also highly skilled at teaching conversational Spanish. With my guidance, you will be able to confidently communicate in the language in no time.

Teaching Experience:
more than 8 years teaching experience working in classrooms and online.

Tutoring Approach:
My personalized coaching approach allows me to quickly identify your strengths and weaknesses and provide targeted support to help you build confidence and achieve your goals. In addition to my expertise in exam preparation, I am also highly skilled at teaching conversational Spanish. With my guidance, you will be able to confidently communicate in the language in no time.

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Personal Description:
I am an aspiring Medic currently studying at Imperial College London, I have lived in London my entire life and love all parts of it. I am a judoka training many times a week looking to develop my skill and passion for the sport. I am passionate about learning as a whole and enjoy the endeavour. I teach Maths, Biology and Chemistry as those are my strongest subjects and the ones which I find myself researching the most in my free time. I achieved an A* in Biology and A in Maths and Chemistry, 9's in all 3 of them at GCSEs gaining <90% in both my Maths and Further Maths Paper.

Teaching Experience:
I volunteered with IntoUniversity, for a year, to help kids who would struggle in school to develop their studying skills and their communication. It was a very unique experience for me and was extremely engaging and one of the main reasons I would like to do tutoring.

Tutoring Approach:
I would like to tutor in a way that I have found the most effective to learn. I find that by gaining a deep understanding of the content learning it becomes much easier and memorising it will no longer feel like a tedious chore. Coupled with that, a friendly teaching approach that encourages the student to learn and enjoy the lessons makes it much easier for them to succeed in their exams aswell, I feel when you become passionate about the subject or learning as a whole the entire process becomes much less robotic and as a result a much smoother and enjoyable experience,

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Personal Description:
I hold a PhD in Accounting and am a Chartered Accountant. My academic and professional qualifications enable me to simplify complex subjects and help students retain knowledge by integrating both academic theories and practical insights into my lessons.

Teaching Experience:
I have been in full time teaching profession for more than 20 years.

Tutoring Approach:
Initial assessment - I begin by evaluating the student's current knowledge and preferred learning style.
Tailored instruction - Lessons are adapted to suit each student's unique way of learning.
Interactive and friendly environment - I foster a supportive space that encourages active participation.
Concept-building - We start by developing a strong understanding of key concepts.
Guided practice - I work through practice questions with the student to reinforce learning.
Independent homework - Tasks are assigned to test the student's ability to apply concepts independently.
Exam preparation - We conclude with past paper practice to build confidence and exam technique.

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