Ballymena Tutors and Ballymena Tuition

Personal Description:
CCEA AS/A2 BIOLOGY

CURRENT AVAILABILITY: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 6pm-7pm, 715pm-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:
I'm a University of Glasgow Biochemistry, Glasgow Caledonian MSc International Project Management and INSEAD Executive MBA graduate. I'm a French and English bi-lingual. I'm a lovely person, very dynamic and love the one-to-one of tutoring. It makes me really happy to help someone achieve something they have worked so hard for.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring privately for 20 years and have seen my students grow in confidence, understanding and knowledge of their chosen topics. I saw a girl who I tutored for 7 months go from getting an 'Unclassified grade' in her Biology AS Level to a B in her A2. I have never seen a student of mine's grades stay the same post-tutoring and I am very proud of that.

Tutoring Approach:
I approach tutoring different ways depending on who the student is. I ask them questions about themselves, hobbies, favourite subjects etc; and then using that to better understand how they learn, I talk to them about their private learning and revision and the method of approach to that and to exams. And then I teach them using the method appropriate to their style of learning. I also set plenty of work and get them to do past papers which I send to them in the first week. I then take these away and mark them in my own time and return with a deeper view of where they are going wrong after they have been taught. I do 2hr concentrated sessions either weekly or fornightly and have seen great results not only in grades but also in enthusiasm for learning. I am also on hand to discuss career and university options too, which helps ease the daunting choices the students have to make.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I studied Classics at King's College, Cambridge, graduating in 2009. I then trained as a teacher at Queens' College, Cambridge, graduating with a PGCE in 2010. I have been a private tutor since 2009, and have now clocked up thousands of hours' tutoring experience in Latin and Ancient Greek. I tutor both languages to degree-level standard in London, Cambridge and online. I love Classics, and my main aim is to make my lessons fun and inspirational.

Teaching Experience:
I have been tutoring Latin and Ancient Greek intensively for the past 7 years, with thousands of hours' teaching experience to date. I have taught towards all major public exams in both languages, such as Common Entrance, GCSE, AS, A2, SAT, Pre-U and even BA (i.e. University exams). I am familiar with the entrance processes for a number of independent and grammar schools, and have had a lot of experience teaching towards scholarship papers. I have tutored many students applying to Cambridge and Oxford, and can provide in-depth advice and support with choosing the right course and college, as well as getting to the necessary level for the language tests. I have also taught the languages to those who have decided to learn them purely for fun! In addition to my face-to-face teaching, I have taught extensively online (about 50% of my teaching is conducted on Skype), and have built up an array of handy techniques to get the most from the online format. I was Head of Latin at a school in Bury St Edmunds for two years (September 2011 to July 2013). Since October 2010, I have been supervising Cambridge undergraduates in Latin and Ancient Greek (colleges so far have included Pembroke, Downing, Homerton, Queens', King's, Murray Edwards, Newnham, Caius, Peterhouse, St John's, Emmanuel and Trinity). I also own and run a private tuition agency, Titanium Tutors, which I set up in 2011, managing a team of 8 staff members and over 1000 inspirational tutors.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching style is structured and thorough. I start every lesson with a five minute recap of the key content of the previous session, checking how much the tutee remembers. A typical lesson will then consist of a translation, in which I ask the tutee to note down each unknown word as it is encountered and to devise a memory trick which will help them to recall the word in a five minute test at the end of the lesson. Together with the tutee, I will then pick a grammar point which stood out in the translation exercise as requiring the most immediate attention. We will spend five to ten minutes working on that, with the tutee's understanding tested with some reinforcement exercises. At the end of the lesson we will recap all the new vocabulary and grammar which was covered, and I will typically set a manageable 20 - 30 minute homework for the next session based on what was covered in the lesson. Every lesson is of course different, and tailored to the tutee's requirements, but I find this approach works in the vast majority of cases. I consider grammar to be crucially important, but treat it as a means to an end and always emphasise the ways in which it can be usefully applied to translation rather than learned in isolation. I believe that any tutee can excel in Latin and Greek with a little guidance and a decent amount of independent work. Above all, I strive to make my lessons fun and enjoyable. I love my subject and want all of my tutees to love it too.

Subjects

Personal Description:
i have a first class degree from UCL and a PhD from Kings college London

Teaching Experience:
I am a qualified maths teacher,holding a PGCE from Christchurch college Canterbury

Tutoring Approach:
can tutor to aid in passing exams,helping to understand classwork or for students interested in working beyond the NC.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi there,

Whether you just need just some extra help for exams or need that A in GCSE's or A-Level I'd love to help you.

Teaching Experience:
Teaching for 5 years in West London. 6 months in Midde East teaching. Experience teaching across KS3, KS4 and KS5.

Tutoring Approach:
From teaching experience I know what the main misconceptions are and use this to base my teaching on. So before we begin a topic I try to tease out any difficulties a student may have and go forward. For me building confidence in maths is one of the main building blocks to helping a student improve substantially.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Native speaker. I've been living in the UK nearly 20 years, most of them in South-West. I'm a keen reader and chair a reading group. I have two extremely bright and boisterous boys, both bilingual. My English is near-native.

Teaching Experience:
For the last seven years I've been contracted to teach Russian Language for MoD, which means that sometimes I can be extremely busy but most of the time I still have sessions available.
I am working towards teaching qualification (Cert Ed leading to Diploma in Education). Russian exam preparation, such as GSCE, A-levels, TRKI is my speciality although I quite like teaching Russian as a leisure course.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in using different ways of teaching and learning approaches. I use a variety of online resources, a number of course books suitable for foreign students studying Russian. I have good understanding of English grammar, which helps me explain Russian grammar through similarities. I encourage my students to speak as much as possible, read and listen to Russian news and watch Russian programs. I will tailor my course content to your needs and use my experience and materials to achieve the best results. I update my teaching materials regularly to make them relevant and follow the changes in latest exam requirements, changes in modern language and world news.
I prefer to teach in person although in current climate I've been using a number of platforms: Skype, Microsoft Teams, Zoom. I use all the latest technology, including Nitro Pro and Parblo and have completed several courses on online teaching.

Subjects

Personal Description:
MANY APOLOGIES, I AM CURRENTLY ON MATERNITY LEAVE HENCE I DO NOT ACCEPT STUDENTS


Please, feel free to contact me to see my works - I will send you the link via e-mail.

Who am I? I am a creative female human being, who is about to graduate in BSc (Hons) Architecture. I have been:
• breathing for 23 years;
• creating art for more than 12 years.

I am a darling of fortune. I do what I love and love what I do. Moreover, in my case, it is the most precise definition of my future career. I am in a deep, incurable love with Rain, Poetry, Black Coffee, Philosophy, Books, Music and any manifestations of elegant, thoughtful and inspiring Design & Art in all areas of life: from the greatest "Bilbao-effect-Architecture" from Powers-that-be at all times (starting with Ancient innovations to Modern Deconstructionism) to the 50's rockabilly dresses in my wardrobe.

Teaching Experience:
Mostly, I privately tutored children every summer between 2005-2009, helped primary school teacher to prepare art classes. I am currently looking forward to expand age category of my tutees.
I am now starting tutoring again after a break (since 2009), therefore, references will be available soon.

Tutoring Approach:
Before I start tutoring I always prefer to arrange a meeting to have a chat about what your requirements/preferences/needs are first. Once this is discussed, I take couple of days to arrange a brief plan for our lessons, which will be sent to you by e-mail. That way we adjust it together and I have time to prepare helpful information/books/software etc. for you. Once it is confirmed we arrange the date for the first lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I've always been a bright girl in biology getting good marks and trying my best

Teaching Experience:
I used to work at an after school club with primary school students and helped them with their homework

Tutoring Approach:
I was recommended to come here by one of the teachers at the after school club

Subjects

Personal Description:
With a degree in Italian language and literature, a thirty years' experience in creative writing and many years of teaching individuals and groups, I can be your perfect match if you want to learn the Italian language and also to understand the Italian culture. I can teach at my house or online.

Teaching Experience:
To confirm my skills, I can tell you that I am also in the team of teachers of the SIAL, who is appointed by the Consulate General of Italy in London to run all the Italian courses for children in schools in England under its patronage. These courses are endorsed and supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
Since the beginning of my career as a teacher, I have provided my pupils with tailor-made programmes, that are different for children, young people and adult learners. I have experience also with Gcse and A Level exams preparation.

Tutoring Approach:
After the first assessment I customise my teaching on student's needs and requests. I always provide also details about the Italian traditions and habits. Let's say that I give to my tutees an overview about the language and the culture. I use to prepare every lesson thinking of the style and preferences of the students, in order to involve them. In one hour lesson I normally mix conversation, grammar, listening, writing and a bit of fun. As a writer, I love my language and I love to talk to people. When I teach Italian I put together both this interests. And it makes me really happy!
So, whether you are looking for some conversation classes, for a year-long weekly course or an intensive programme, I will be able to define the right path for you. Learning Italian has never been so easy!

Subjects

Personal Description:
Γεια σας! Χαίρετε! I'm Despoina, and I'm here to tell you something exciting: anyone can learn Greek!
Whether you're discovering the beauty of Modern Greek or diving into the treasures of Ancient Greek, I'm here to guide you every step of the way!

Teaching Experience:
A little about me: I've been teaching Greek for over a decade, working with students of all ages - from curious little kids to passionate adults - in Greece and the UK. With a blend of personalized strategies and learning resources, a bit of enthusiasm and a willingness to dive in, we'll unlock the magic of the Greek language together!

Here's my story in a nutshell:
🎓I studied Philology (language, literature, linguistics) at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
🤟I hold a Proficiency Degree in Greek Sign Language.
📜I'm certified in Teaching Greek as a Second/Foreign Language, Differentiated Teaching, and Special Education.

My teaching journey so far:
2012-2017: Teaching and tutoring in Athens, Greece.
2017-present: Teaching in Greek schools in the UK and providing private tutoring.

I specialize in Modern and Classical Greek and can help you prepare for exams like GCSEs and Ellinomatheia. Together, we'll build your skills in reading, writing, listening, and speaking while keeping lessons engaging and tailored to your goals.

So, whether you're learning for fun, culture, career, or academics - let's make Greek your new superpower!

Ready to start? Let's do this!

Tutoring Approach:
Learning a new language should be a joyful and fulfilling experience!
I believe that every learner is unique, so I adapt my teaching style to match your individual needs, goals, and learning pace. Whether we're practicing conversational Greek, decoding grammar, or exploring the richness of Greek culture, I use a variety of engaging methods such as interactive activities, games, authentic materials, and real-life scenarios.

Lessons can take place either face-to-face or online, so you can learn in the setting that works best for you - wherever you are in the world.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello,
my name is Patrizia and I am a tutor of Italian language. I hold a BA 2:1 in English language.
I moved to UK in 2005 and I have started teaching my beautiful language here both to children and adults.
I have also taught English in Italy for many years.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching Italian in Italy for foreigners in 1997 and in UK since 2005.
I have been teaching in schools and schools of languages and university.
I hold a PGCHE in teaching and I have attended various seminars and workshops about Italian language teaching and languages.
I organize meetings and workshop with my students about Italian language and culture.
I have also spoken to various international conferences, presenting new methods and tools for learning.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is very practical and creative.
I like to motivate my students with different methods of teaching and I prefer the speaking approach first, followed by other skills

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a professional Mathematics tutor. I have Master's degree in telecommunications. I also have professional Finance and IT experience

Teaching Experience:
I have done tutoring in different subjects, mainly maths and physics in different countries and to students from different backgrounds, nationalities and languages.

Tutoring Approach:
I understand students' areas of weakness and am able to find the potential problems in their way of learning and start from basics if required. While I make a friendly atmosphere with the student, I maintain a level of discipline in the work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi there,

I am a native Turkish language teacher.

I graduated from Turkish Language Teaching Department at the Canakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Turkey in 2005.

I'm looking for enthusiastic students who are eager to learn Turkish in London.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked as a Turkish teacher for 17 years. I am currently based in London, I work with children and adults.

Tutoring Approach:
If you want to learn Turkish or improve your level, with specific methods and materials to suit your needs, in a fun and interactive way, I guarantee we can achieve this together. Lessons can include grammar explanation, vocabulary building and doing exercises, weekly quizzes, monthly tests and having conversations. Also I can provide lessons tailored especially for travellers who are planning to visit Turkey, looking to have a more enjoyable and fun experience communicating with the locals. These lessons will include the most important phrases and basic words and also some cultural tips.

Also if you need help for your GCSEs and A level exams we can arrange lessons specifically focused on these exams.

We can arrange individual lessons, for two students or small groups.

Contact me so we can get to know each other and discuss your future lessons.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a biology specialist teaching KS3 and KS4 in an outstanding secondary school. I am friendly and approachable, as well as having excellent subject and curriculum knowledge.

Teaching Experience:
I am in my 4th year of teaching after completing my PGCE.

Tutoring Approach:
I work collaboratively with tutees to help improve their retention, overcome exam anxiety, and give them confidence.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Head of Physics at Independent school, experience teaching, tutoring and examining A level Physics all exam boards including IB.

Teaching Experience:
20 years experience, 15 as Head of Physics

Tutoring Approach:
Either online through zoom and interactive whiteboard software or face to face. One hour sessions based on filling in gaps in knowledge and exam practice.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I hold a MSc in Molecular Life Sciences from Université de Lausanne Switzerland and a BSc in Biology from Imperial College, specializing in Molecular Biology, Genetics and Neuroscience. Before this, I completed my A-Levels in Biology, Chemistry, Math (3A*) and Physics (A), successfully bridging knowledge gaps betweeen them and their counterparts within the Ontario Secondary School Curriculum.

I believe that science can be both fun to learn and personally beneficial to anybody. As such, I will offer tutoring in the four STEM subjects I have experience in. I will also tutor English, as a good command of the language can be as critical to understanding the sciences as the arts.

Teaching Experience:
From 2013 to 2015, I tutored 13-16 year olds in Ontario Secondary School English, Math, and Basic French, oftentimes also taking the subjects that I tutored. I also tutored an 11-year-old student Primary School English and Math from 2016 - 2017.

During my second year at Imperial College, I was a Peer-Assisted Learning program mentor, where I advised ~15 first year students how to do well in Biology coursework and exams, created activities to hone scientific communication skills, and provided constructive feedback on their coursework performance if requested.

Additionally, throughout both my degree programs, I regularly presented talks on cutting-edge Biology research to fellow students and non-experts. As such, I have experience in simplifying difficult concepts to lay audiences.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a patient individual who will tailor tutoring sessions to address the goals, needs and learning preferences of my tutees. This is so that tutees feel comfortable yet personally engaged in their learning.

Regardless of the strategy we adopt, I am one to emphasize grasping fundamental concepts, asking questions, and making connections between what is being learnt and what tutees already know or might find personally interesting.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Masters and PGCE graduate from University of Cambridge. Passionate, experienced, and friendly tutor.

Hi there! My name is Jagon, and I am a passionate and experienced tutor of science at GCSE and Biology A level. I completed both my Masters and my teaching training at the University of Cambridge, which informs my practice with the most current research-based teaching strategies which leads to academic success. What makes me stand out from other tutors is that I have a talent for chunking and clarifying complex concepts into manageable pieces, making it easier for my students to understand and retain what they've learned. Whether you're struggling with a specific topic or need help with an entire subject, I'm here to help you succeed.

Teaching Experience:
Currently, I have been giving online tutoring for 5 years and am currently teaching in real-life classrooms. I am able to cater to different examination boards and learning styles.


"Tutoring with Jagon has been an experience that has aided me so much.
The lessons are always so productive and I learn so much every time. The slides that he creates are so detailed and interactive which really help me develop my understanding on the topic as well as keep me from getting distracted. Finally, he also works on past paper techniques, telling you exactly how to answer a specific question.
Overall, the lessons are great : Jagon is such a cool teacher and never makes me feel self-conscious if I get a question wrong. I love doing my lessons because I have a blast but at the same time get so much work done.
If you're looking for a biology teacher who can teach you as well as be fun, he is the best option!"
- Sophie, Year 11.

"I find the lessons very useful, and they have helped me a lot. I think you teach in a way that makes the information stick in your head. You teach the information to make us understand it but not memorise it so it is easier in exams. I find it very effective and it has helped me."
- Anna, Year 9

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is highly personalised and focused on helping you achieve your desired marks. I believe that everyone has the potential to succeed, and I work closely with my students to identify their unique strengths and weaknesses, so that we can develop a customised learning plan that works for them. I'm patient, understanding, and committed to helping you succeed, adapting to your learning style and background.

My lessons are very much dependent on my initial assessment of the students, but usually involve discussions and activities to identify areas that need developing, explicitly teaching the material that students need help with, checking their understanding, then providing lots of opportunities to practise the content, leading to exam practice by emphasising on examination techniques.

I truly believe that everyone is capable of succeeding in their GCSEs and A level with hard work and the right guidance. I am confident that my experience and genuine passion in science will help my students grow their confidence and achieve great results. Feel free to contact me for more information, testimonials or to schedule a lesson!

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a Final Year Postgraduate Medical Student at Newcastle University. Graduated from Clinical Sciences in 2020. Alongside medicine I work with Multinational companies in marketing and help in the running of major events such as Fashion Week. Being able to balance these responsibilities is something I take great pride in and the skills to do so are something I look to instil into my students.

Teaching Experience:
I have been guiding people through the medical school application process for years. I cover everything from Interview preparation, to Personal Statements, to my own UCAT masterclass. I have been doing one-to-one sessions online for 4 years now. As part of medicine you are expected to educate those less experienced than you. I have run sessions for medical student in clinical skills, specific modules such as Emergency medicine and cardiology and OSCE preparation

Tutoring Approach:
I need to understand the person I am talking to, we'll start off with a short initial encounter so we can both understand what you're trying to get out of the session.

My experience as a sports coach has also enlightened me to the psychological side of education. We can often get in our own way when trying to maximise our achievements. Don't let that be you.

The little things matter. The nature of the medical field means the highest achieving students from all over the world compete against one another for a finite amount of places. Get in contact and I'll show you how to set yourself apart instantly.

Subjects