Banchory Tutors and Banchory Tuition

Personal Description:
Robin MMus, BMus (hons.), ATCL (dip.), MISM teacher Singing, Piano, Guitar, Bass, Drums and Composition (including Theory).

Teaching Experience:
I began teaching group lessons in school. After leaving school, I began training for the classroom, but I did not feel I could impact the individual in such a large group environment. While maintaining strong links with school curriculum, I began to pursue my career in individual instruction. My home based tuition serves approximately sixty five pupils at a time and my online lessons support many more, depending on the time zone. I have taught students in Australia, the Middle East, France, Russia and a variety of locations around the British Isles. With such a large cohort of students I offer a variety of syllabuses and qualifications. These are embarked upon at the student's request. Lessons are Student-Centred, so the Teaching Method fits the Student.

Tutoring Approach:
I started teaching in 1993 and have been offering a pupil centred approach to happy and successful students ever since. I teach classically, although not necessarily Classical. Whatever your style, you will learn how music works. This helps you to develop your musical skills.

I have a Teaching Diploma which guides my principles and practise in teaching, a BMus which covers general history and performance - I have also have performing experience with a high point of 144 concerts in 2007. My MMus underpins analysis.

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Personal Description:
I am a Investment Modeller for an Enery Firm.I develop financial models to help the firm to make major investment decisions in the UK.

I am Msc, Finance from LSE and consider myself as a person who makes complex formulae simple.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught mathematics to the University, A Level & GCSE students. Most of them have done well and are thorough professionals in their respective fields. Most of them are software engineers.

Tutoring Approach:
I believe in making complex formulae simple. I do that by linking a problem to commonsense or everyday life.

So, there is no need of memorising formulae. Even if you forget it, just remember the story I told you to remember the formulae !

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Personal Description:
Hi, I'm David - your first choice for an experienced and popular tutor. I'm available for English and History tutorial sessions. You'll find me not only supportive & flexible, but also able to provide the tailored content that meets your learning needs. I can offer study skills that will improve your creative writing, essays/dissertations, and exam technique.
English Language specialties - Creative writing, comprehension skills, vocabulary, spelling, and grammar.
English Literature specialties -19th-century literature, modern literature, conflict poetry, and Shakespeare.
History specialties - The French Revolution, Napoleon, German history 1870-1945, 20th Century European history, 19th & 20th Century American history, 19th & 20th Century Asian history, WW1, WW2, Cold War, Modern Britain.

Teaching Experience:
I have more than fifteen years of home tutoring experience, during which time I have helped many students to reach their full potential and realise their personal goals. I am confident with all age groups and have always been proud to offer a friendly and welcoming service that achieves good results.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is calm and measured. By tailoring sessions to individual needs, I can guarantee a positive learning experience for the student. My overall aim is to enthuse students by transmitting my own enthusiasm for the subject matter, thus making sessions interesting, stimulating, and last but not least, fun. My firm belief is that every student should have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

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Personal Description:
I am passionate about teaching languages, mostly orientals, and also coaching martial arts and self defence. I coach the IWTA-EWTO-WingTsun 梁挺詠春拳.

In the first 12 weeks of the beginners program you'll learn the basics for a proactive and "pre-emptive" self defence and to deal with the most "common" types of attacks. This is the Blitz-Defence program.

Afterward you start a more sophisticated training program where you learn to deal with an aggressor in a less violent way by using our unique tactile skills training method.

I can assure you, you will terminate every lesson by learning something new and useful! All I need is your concentration.

Due to the contact nature of this martial art I cam only teach in person and not online

Teaching Experience:
Currently tutoring Italian (advanced level) and Japanese (basic level) in all the 4 skills (reading, writing, listening and speaking).

January 2012 - PRESENT: I have been teaching Italian language since January 2012 on 1-2-1 base and via skype when I am abroad.

February 2012 - April 2012: I taught Japanese language for absolute beginners via skype.

April 2010 - February 2012: I taught at The Mill Languages School, in Macclesfield town centre: Mandarin, Japanese, German. In particular I have taught German language to a tailored group to refresh their skills.

August 2015 - 2016. Tutoring Japanese language to beginner level via skype. I taught to school teachers who are planning to travel to Japan and teach English, they need a minimum fluency to go by.

....however; nothing can beat the experience I have matured over these past 2 years. I need your full committment over a term period (3 months). I need a quite learning environment where I can focus on your progress; either a public library or my house; coffee shop may work depending on the time we agree.

Tutoring Approach:
I am based in Macclesfield and I teach in an informal and yet methodical way; I can teach colloquial and formal languages.

As for martial art for self-defence (WingTsun Kungfu 梁挺詠春拳) I have been teaching privately at different venues.
Each 1-2-1 class has to be booked. I combine the Kungfu system with my experience in working with body awareness and body technique at contact.
This is a very diverse method of teaching in comparison to the mainstream as it involves not just the purely choreographic aspect but a more comprehensive.

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Personal Description:
I am a very positive person and have full empathy with students barriers to learning.
I am friendly and approachable and like to aim to raise student self-esteem and attitude to learning, focusing on positive recognition of achievements and constructive reinforcement of learning strategies.

I work just as easily with adults as I do with children.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 30 years of teaching experience teaching from pre schoo level up to GCSE level and adult learning for returning to work.

I also teach children within the care system who have missed a lot of the early building blocks through lack of education as opposed to lack of ability. This also includes overcoming huge barriers to learning !

Tutoring Approach:
I aim to develop an individual learning strategy to accomodate the students learning style and empower them to achieve and gain confidence through a positive learning programme suited to their individual style and needs.

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Personal Description:
I am proud to have consistently helped over 90% of my students achieve their desired grades and gain entry to their chosen universities, including Cambridge, Oxford, Manchester, Warwick and Imperial College.
I have a PhD in Physics and BSc Maths/Physics Jt Honours 1st Class. I am a co-author of over 60 peer reviewed papers in science journals and was a research scientist for 27 years in the world renowned Daresbury Laboratory of the Science and Technology Facilities Council which helps keep the UK at the forefront of international science and technology. I ran the operations of a world class X-ray photoelectron spectrometer for a wide range of applications in physics, chemistry, biology and material science.
I am a qualified martial arts instructor and teach the Chinese Wing Chun system. I believe sports can contribute towards an all round education and under proper supervision, martial arts can offer health benefits and is beneficial for mental and physical discipline. I am also interested in the promotion of the Chinese language because I am of Chinese origin and can speak Cantonese and Mandarin fluently. I also enjoy salsa dancing, music, fell walking, yoga and travel.

Teaching Experience:
Although semi-retired, I am still passionate about science and after gaining my PGCE teaching qualification in 2012, I am now embarking on helping GCSE and A level students with private tuition. My vast experience in training postgraduate students and working with scientists in solving real problems both academically and in industry brings in an invaluable real life dimension to the learning experience of the students.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching is conducted in a relaxed but studious atmosphere and is tailored to individual needs with realistic targets. I use effective questioning and past examination papers for assessment which allow students to monitor their own progress.
I was a 16 year old migrant from Hong Kong when I first came to England in 1973, so I can certainly relate to problems such as racism, misunderstanding of and by others, loneliness, lack of empathy and learning barriers.

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Personal Description:
I am a Brazilian Translator, teacher and Interpreter with a background in Law and Enviroment Managment (which can bring something extra to the classroom) with a passion for languages.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 12 years experience teaching to all levels and interests. To groups, one-to-one or via Skype.
Lecturer at Aberystwyth University - Portuguese studies

Tutoring Approach:
I believe learning languages should be fun. I am very motivated and like to make sure my students "get out of their comfort zone", learn and have a good time. I use videos, books, movies, etc.

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Personal Description:
I have cisco webex software, zoom and skype, and am also DBS cleared

I am a highly experienced, enthusiastic and very versatile optical engineering senior lecturer/researcher, who gained a PhD from the School of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences, City University, London, UK in "Fibre optical temperature and strain sensors using fluorescent techniques" for measurement applications using the fluorescence generated from rare earth-doped optical fibres (e.g. Er3+, Yb3+, Tm3+ etc.). I also possess very good experience and knowledge of industry, with excellent complimentary skills gained from higher education - in particular industrial measurement, forensic analysis, quality control and statistical analysis. A BSc first degree in forensic science is combined with a further specialist MSc in engineering metrology and topped with a PhD in photonics - making for good, broad-based, multi-disciplined measurement science and analytical capabilities right across the scientific spectrum. I have a proven high degree of personal motivation, and am capable of working on my own initiative or equally as part of an effective team. In addition, I am able to communicate very well at all levels of hierarchy, with excellent skills developed in scientific report writing (journal papers, periodicals, book chapters etc.) and oral presentation (conferences, lecturing etc). I have over 50 publications to date in my field: 20 journal papers, 22 conference papers, 2 articles, 4 book chapters and other major works.

PhD thesis title:

"Fibre optic sensors based on fluorescence lifetime techniques for temperature and strain measurement"

Thesis submitted for examination for the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
at
City University
School of Engineering

November 2002

Abstract

The author presents a thesis based upon the use of the fluorescent properties of rare earth doped materials. The thesis commences with a review of the current fibre sensor technology in the field, with special emphasis on those sensors designed for temperature and strain measurement. The use of the physical phenomena of fluorescence produced from rare earth doped optical fibre for temperature measurement is then introduced and explained in more detail, particularly with regard to utilisation of the fluorescence lifetime technique in such sensing, which is then compared to the other fluorescence-based methods for measuring temperature.

The recently discovered small strain sensitivity of the fluorescence lifetime is then introduced as a theoretical candidate for potential application to simultaneous temperature-strain sensing, using two different doped fibres in a single sensing element, and subsequently state-of-the-art temperature-strain discrimination techniques are then explored for the purposes of exploitation to dual measurement.

Results achieved from using the fluorescent lifetime approach for a range of rare earth materials are then presented, followed by further results obtained from combining the lifetime technique with Fibre Bragg gratings (FBGs) for the first time. Also, the irreversible effects upon FBG performance after exposure to long-term high temperatures are explored.

Finally, there is a summary of the work presented in this thesis and the author's opinions on achievements made. Current trends in fluorescence lifetime-based sensing are discussed, both commercially and academically, together with projected work for the future.


DECLARATION: I certify that the above information contained in this CV is both accurate and truthful.

regards, DR DAVID.

Teaching Experience:
tutor in electronics, City University, London ≈ 4 yrs

Applied optics lecturer at University College Jubail, KSA ≈ 1 yr

undertook 1 yr PGCE Science (secondary) at Brunel University, Uxbridge, UK (taught in local secondary schools)

Lecturer in nanoelectronics on MSc Nanotechnology and MSc Innovative Technology at BITE ≈ 2 yrs

UK private tuition experience (various subjects) ≈ 20 yrs

was senior lecturer/researcher in Electrical and Electronic Engineering in both Malaysia and Thailand: I have spent the last 6 yrs teaching Fibre Optic Communication Systems, Fibre Sensors and photonics, and Optical Communication Systems to Masters level; + supervision of many undergrad, masters and PhD project students.

I was awarded a prize of £1000 from the Worshipful Company of Scientific Instrument Makers (SIM), London in February 2000 to pursue my PhD research work:

Extra information:
Additionally, I can confidently programme in Sigmaplot, Excel, Tablecurve, MATLAB, Optisim, Multisim, Zemax, COMSOL, LABVIEW, Agilent Vee and all similar optical design software packages to control instruments, acquire data, analyse data, simulate and model.

Tutoring Approach:
serious,concientious,assessing continuously the students needs, receiving feedback, individual approach
setting quizes, tests, mock exams
either individual or small/large groups taken

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Personal Description:
Enthusiastic Music Tutor (ABRSM friendly)

My music studies began at the age of 9 with classical piano.
Since 1990 I began studying and playing as a keyboards and bass player in many different music's styles bands.

During my music studies I also had the chance to attend several masterclasses in improvisation, music harmony and theory with important musicians as: George Garzone, Bob Brookmeyer, Ayn Inserto, Scott Henderson, Gary Willis, John Stowell, Bob Mintzer, Dave Holland, Kurt Rosenwinkel and more.

Teaching Experience:
Since 1997 I'm teaching in several schools and as a private tutor piano, keyboards, guitar and drums for beginners. Bass guitar and Music Theory for all levels.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is based on analyzing and listening with deep attention at
students' needs and requests, being patient while motivating with positive and neutral critic.

I also responsibly acquire an appropriate teaching material and resources relating to individual students' needs ensuring an up-to-date knowledge and a critical awareness about
their level.

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Personal Description:
I was brought up in Cardiff and my claim to fame is attending the same school as Gareth Bale and Sam Warburton. I'm a Christian, married to Jifelane - the most wonderful woman in the world. She's from Mindanao in the Philippines and we met online! I'm a proud dad to two beautiful children, Isaac and Hannah. I'm much travelled, play guitar, write songs and enjoy carp fishing especially on a warm Spring or Summer day. I am also an author! I published my first book 'Moondust' in 2015 and have recently self published another two, available in the Blurb Bookstore.
As a person I am patient, reflective and believe strongly in integrity. I am compassionate and enjoy seeing the funny side of life - I attempt to bring these qualities to my work. I am a dedicated, adaptable and friendly practitioner who loves to bring out the best in children and others. I became a teacher because I wanted to make a difference. I saw that children were the hope for today and for the future and that schools were vital training grounds for life. Now as an experienced practitioner, I still have an infectious enthusiasm and passion to see children learn and reach their full potential.

Teaching Experience:
My professional experience is rooted in the breadth and depth of a teaching adventure which spans over twenty five years. Teaching mostly across Key Stage 2 (but also including KS1), it is entwined with close collaboration with colleagues from Reception through to Y6. I am keenly aware of the learning journey through the Primary School. Most of my teaching career has been in England and I have taught in a diverse range of schools. I am familiar with and use a range of teaching and learning strategies and believe that getting to know the child, coupled with quality assessment is the best way to help move them forward.
In recent years, I have been an integral part of two highly successful schools. My last school received an exceptional report from the most recent ISI inspection at the end of 2014. I quote:
'Staff are highly successful in shaping the educational programmes around the children's' interests and needs, providing a range of highly stimulating learning opportunities across all subjects through a creative curriculum that frequently takes learning outside.'

Tutoring Approach:
I endeavour to use a range of communication strategies which include listening, observing, questioning, explaining, modelling, storytelling and coaching. I have high expectations of myself as a tutor and high hopes and expectations of the learners in my care. I believe that effective teaching and learning comes from a being a reflective and critical practitioner, so whilst I will use tried and tested approaches initially, I will then adapt to suit the learning needs of the tutee. Assessment for learning methods such as strategic questioning, using success criteria and regular quality feedback are embedded into my teaching and learning ethos. As much as possible, I endeavour to make learning fun, stimulating and child centred, sensitive to individual needs. Developing close but respectful relationships with the students lays the foundation for being secure enough to take risks and improve their learning.

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Personal Description:
I am a self-employed music teacher who has been working in numerous schools across north-east England for over 10 years. Currently, I work alongside two music companies delivering music workshops in primary and secondary schools, and as of the 2023-2024 school calendar I deliver lessons to 10 schools on a weekly basis.

My main passion is delivering instrumental tuition on a number of instruments which include; electric guitar, acoustic guitar, keyboard, piano, ukulele, and music theory. Outside of the school day I have a wealth of private students whom I visit on a weekly basis to deliver hourly or half-hourly lessons. The majority of these students are between the ages of 5-18 however I do have a number of adult students who I personally love to see get involved in music. Age should never be a deterrent to learning an instrument.

Teaching Experience:
15 years as a private music tutor (Piano, guitar, music theory, and ukulele)
13 years as an ensemble leader The School of Rock & Pop in 5 centres
7 years as a peripatetic teacher for Musicworks in 10 schools per week

Tutoring Approach:
Teaching should always be fun and engaging. I cater each lesson to the interests of the student and teach the key elements of music through songs and practical exercises aimed at the music they enjoy.

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Personal Description:
CURRENTLY ACCEPTING STUDENT REQUESTS FOR JULY 2026 ONWARD.

I'm an Oxford graduate English specialist with 4 years experience as a full time English tutor. I help students achieve top grades in their English GCSEs and A-Levels.

I have helped multiple students exceed their expectations.

***"Thank you so much for all your tips and advice - I ended up getting 9s in both English exams!" - HELENA***

I particularly enjoy pushing ambitious, hardworking students who might not yet have understood how to excel. I was one of these students. Everything changed when I got a private tutor at the age of 15. With their support, I scored 100% in my English GCSEs, 99% in English A Level, and went on to study English at St John's College, Oxford.

So, it's out of immense gratitude to my own teachers (and my younger self for persisting through anxiety and disappointment) that I try and show my students that success is well within their reach.

***"Thank you for helping him jump from a 5 to a 9. You are amazing" - N.K***

***"Thank you for your help: it really helped me get the 9! " - DAN***

***"Ankit is an amazing tutor. He boosted my son by 3 grades. I recommend Ankit to anyone who wants a tutor: Ankit really goes above and beyond to teach his students" - HAMIDREZA (Parent)***

Teaching Experience:
***"The results are here and I got a 9 in Literature and an 8 (2 marks off a 9) in Language. These were also my highest grades" - ELANG***

***Ankit helped my daughter improve from stagnant 4s to 9s in both Literature and Language!" - EYRE***

I've been an English tutor for nearly 5 years, following my education under award-winning professors, tutors, and teachers who shaped the foundation of everything I now teach.

Over the last 5 years, I've taught AQA's course extensively. I also have experience teaching OCR, Edexcel and Cambridge IGCSE at GCSE, and A-Level English Literature for OCR and AQA.

GCSE set texts that I'm very familiar and have many years of resources on include:

- Macbeth
- Antony & Cleopatra
- Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- A Christmas Carol
- An Inspector Calls
- Never Let Me Go
- Lord of the Flies
- The War of the Worlds
- Power & Conflict Poetry (AQA and OCR)
- The Woman in Black
- I'm the King of the Castle

I also have experience teaching these set texts (at both GCSE and A-Level):
- Romeo and Juliet
- Hamlet
- Richard II
- Paradise Lost (which I did my undergraduate dissertation on)
- The Bloody Chamber
- A Streetcar Named Desire
- The Great Gatsby
- Frankenstein
- Songs of Ourselves (Anthology)
- Pride and Prejudice
- Skirrid Hill
- The Handmaid's Tale
- Top Girls
- Romantic Poetry
- The Duchess of Malfi
- Of Mice and Men

My degree covered literature written from when English first became a language to the modern day. So simply let me know what you're studying and I'll be able to teach it.

***"I learnt more with you in 2 hours than I did in a whole year from my teachers" - KATYA***

Tutoring Approach:
***"I got an 8 in Literature (I never thought I would EVER get that in Year 10) and a 7 in Language" - AYANA***

My lessons balance challenge with warmth. I teach through discussion, questioning, high-level ideas and regular homework.

***"I couldn't be happier with the progress my son had made under Ankit's guidance, which has helped him reach grade 9. What sets Ankit apart is his patience and encouragement, which has really boosted my son's confidence"*** - VIJI (Parent)

I break English down into clear systems: top-band writing templates, essay formulas, and exam strategies tailored to the student's board and mark scheme. Together, we build ready-to-use paragraphs and flexible arguments that adapt to almost any question with the goal of reducing uncertainty, building fluency and writing material the examiners want to reward.

***"Ankit helped my dyslexic son at both GCSE and A Level. His manner with students is warm and engaging - CLAIR (Parent) ***

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Personal Description:
I hold Associateship from the Royal College of Organists (ARCO) and a performance degree with honours from Trinity College of Music. I am currently Director of Music and organist at a church in Enfield, Freezywater and I enjoy conducting, performing, accompanying, rehearsing and sight-reading. I conducted the Festival Chorus singing the Handel's Messiah in Paris and last year organised three choirs to sing Faure's Requiem Mass. I am a very versatile musician and able to play the piano, harpsichord, voice, violin, viola, guitar and percussion. In recent years I have toured with the Hitchen Concert Band (Spain, Belgium) leading the percussion section. Musical engagements this year include accompanying the Enfield Choral Society at St Luke's Church and a solo piano performance including works by Chopin and Rachmaninoff.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught piano for 18 years and the organ for the last 10 years. As a music teacher within secondary school, for the last 7 years, I am always looking for opportunities to inspire the students and get them involved in making music. As a result of this, I have learnt how to motivate students and inspire them to practice music with great results. I have a 100 percent pass rate for GCSE and ABRSM exams and I have a wide range of skills including, knowledge of audio equipment, PA systems and a firm grasp on subject knowledge to degree level including the history and theory of music. In addition I have a firm understanding of music technology in particular Cubase, Garageband, Audacity and Sibelius.

Tutoring Approach:
Hello, I'm a friendly, experienced piano and theory teacher that will guide all ages to reach their musical ambitions, from beginner to professional. I can take students through all levels of classical study and jazz/pop.

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Personal Description:
Long Distance Running.
• Table Tennis & Basketball Player.
• Piano Player and Ukulele player - currently achieved medium level.
• Continuing with my own education to improve my knowledge and understanding of the educational system materials

Teaching Experience:
Experiences from Primary school to AS level Chinese, up to adult learners; I have been working at Bohunt Secondary school, Liphook, Whitgift independent school, St Gregory's school, Bath and St Alban's primary school, Macclesfield as a Chinese teacher.
Experiences from tutoring maths GCSE (AQA and EDEXCEL Exam Board), a former AQA Maths GCSE examiner.
Also experienced in teaching Chinese on a one-to-one basis, from 4-year-olds to adult age groups; also a GCSE/A-level examiner.
I am also an EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) tutor at one local school in Oxford; a freelance writer at Amazon, Jinbu 1 and 2 diary for beginners to intermediate level via Amazon。

Tutoring Approach:
Teams online or face to face.

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Personal Description:
I am a teacher, novelist, and musician from Scotland. I have tutored for many years and taught at preparatory schools. I have also taught English abroad (Italy & Brazil).

I enjoy helping students to overcome their difficulties and find ways to enjoy the language and culture.

Lessons at my house or yours.
Online tutoring is a great way to work on your language (rates negotiable).

Teaching Experience:
12 years with First Tutors, from beginners, through Common Entrance, GCSE and A-level to university.
6 years with Greater London Tutorial Agency/Top Tutors
Latin, Ancient Greek & English:
6 years Classics, Mayville High School, Southsea
12 years Classics, Hall Grove, Bagshot.
1 year at Academy School, Hampstead.

Creative Writing: 7 years University of Portsmouth
2 years Islington Summer University.

English as Foreign Language:
1 year St Giles, Sao Paulo, Brazil;
2 years English Academy, Molfetta, Italy, including PET, CAE, CPE, IELTS, TOEFL.

I also teach guitar, bass, piano and Italian.

Tutoring Approach:
Most pupils who come to me have simply lost track or lost confidence.
With careful guidance, it usually doesn't take long to put them back on the right track.

I can help with the building blocks of grammar, presenting it as a puzzle or a game; I can suggest ways to improve vocabulary; and I can point the way through the complexities of translation and syntax. Even working on exam technique can ease anxiety quickly.

I also enjoy enthusing students about classical mythology and literature.

I am happy to teach online as well as in person: with a committed tutee, this can work as well as tuition in person.

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Personal Description:
I was born in Madrid where I studied Filología at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I have a Master degree in Teaching Spanish as a foreign Language by the Universidad Complutense de Madrid. I am currently working as a supply teacher for The East Lothian. I am a PVG Scheme member, children and adults.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native Spanish teacher with over 20 year experience preparing students for their national and international exams. Teaching Spanish is my passion.

Tutoring Approach:
I am a dedicated teacher, flexible, good fun and committed to my students.

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Personal Description:
Singer, songwriter and professional vocal coach. I've been singing and teaching professionally for 7 years now. All the lessons are done in a professional studio free of charge with a variety of equipment.

Teaching Experience:
I finished one of the most prestigious private schools for vocal technique in Eastern Europe and I want to share my learnings with new upcoming singers. In my years of training I've covered a lot of styles and learned how to approach all of them in a effective and healthy way.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach in life is to know your craft close to perfection and to never give up on your goals. I'm trained in Popular Music Performance but I can help with your Classical technique also. I will teach you how to handle sets of 45 min of singing up to 2-3 hours without hurting your vocal chords.

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Personal Description:
I am married, and live in Gloucestershire with our two Chocolate Labradors. Prior to teaching, I worked in advertising and then recruitment for 10 years. I have been teaching for the greater part of twenty years.
I am an avid reader, and keen amateur actor.
I speak basic - and extremely rusty! - French and German.
My other interests include tai chi and kung fu, yoga, weight lifting, and juggling.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in education since 2003, initially in the primary sector and since 2007 in secondary. My initial experience was as a Teaching Assistant, working with children with special educational needs, including one to one teaching of pupils with autism and Asperger's syndrome. Between 2003 and 2007, in addition to working in both primary and secondary schools, I tutored English and Maths at KS2 and KS3.
I took my PGCE in English and Drama in 2007, and taught full time secondary English Language and Literature at Key Stages 3, 4 and 5 for 10 years. I have been an English tutor for KS3, KS4 and KS5 - both face to face and online - since 2019, working with students aged 11-18.
In my last school, where I taught for 10 years, I started and ran the Debating Society, the Mock Trial, and was also involved in a number of educational trips abroad.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach is open and relatively informal. I feel that tutoring works best when a relationship is established between myself and the student - they should feel free to ask questions, raise issues, and discuss any aspect of the work that interests them. It's very different to being taught in the classroom: in addition to individual attention, it also offers the opportunity to read and study texts not on the curriculum which can augment and strengthen the school syllabus. English is essentially a skills based subject. Although there is a lot of content to learn at both GCSE and A level, students benefit from being able to access and flexibly use the techniques needed to study and criticize. Reading, debating, and discussing a variety of texts enables the student to develop and apply these skills in lessons and exams.

Tuition is available in English Language and Literature for all secondary years, including GCSE resits. I can also tutor pupils preparing for the 11+, and scholarship entry in Year 7 or Year 9. Tutoring sessions are specifically geared to the student's individual needs, and may include functional literacy, close discussion of a set text, exam revision, and past papers. We can follow a specific syllabus, with the flexibility to focus on any particular aspect of the curriculum if so desired, or study more organically, choosing interesting and challenging texts that offer the opportunity to learn effectively while developing a strong set of English skills.

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