Burford Tutors and Burford Tuition

Personal Description:
Emme offers private flute and music theory tuition.

Emme began her musical studies at the age of nine, receiving music scholarships at both her Prep school and the prestigious Oxford High School for Girls up until she left. She made her Concerto debut at the age of seventeen, playing Mouquet's La Flute de Pan Concerto, and successfully gained both the DipABRSM and LRSM in performance before moving to Manchester in 2005 to study at the Royal Northern College of Music. At the RNCM Emmeline studied with Richard Davis, Linda Verrier, Michael Cox, and Laura Jellicoe culminating in a final recital in 2009 that included works by Messiaen, Liebermann and George Crumb. Since graduating in 2009 she has continued to learn, play and teach the flute as well as the recorder and music theory.

As an orchestral flute player, Emme has performed in orchestras conducted by Hansjorg Schellenbeger, Sir Mark Elder, Gianndrea Noseda and Jacques Van Steen, just to name a few. She has performed across England as well as travelling to Italy to work under Noseda in his Stresa Festival and to Spain as part of the Word Orchestra. During 2008 and 2009, Emme successfully competed to become the only chosen flute player to take part in The BBC Philharmonics Professional Experience Scheme, and since then she regularly performs and records with the Orchestra in and around Manchester. She has also played with the Bampton Classical Opera, the London-Irish Symphony Orchestra, the Oxford Concerto Orchestra, and Stockport Symphony Orchestra and has featured as principal flautist on a number of recordings, notably for the soundtrack to the film Tortoise in Love, and on recordings for Polyphonic Records. She is currently performing in the touring hit musical Phantom of the Opera, as well as taking part in sessions for shows and TV in the UK.

Outside of orchestral playing Emme also performs chamber music and solo works. She is one of the founding members of Northern Quarter Ensemble, a flexible chamber group providing bespoke musicians for special events; most recently performing for royality at the Paris Opera Garnier. She often gives solo recitals and performs at weddings in Manchester, Oxford and Cheltenham. Her last concerto performance was just last year where she performed the Ibert Concerto with Oxford Studio Orchestra.

Outside of playing Emme enjoys teaching. During her time in Manchester she has taught privately, as well as for Lancashire, the Wirral and Bolton Music Services. She is also involved the BBC Philharmonic's outreach schemes, most recently being appointed the wind coach for the Family Orchestra projects in the North-West of England.

She has now moved to Oxfordshire and London and teaches at Preparatory Schools in both areas.

Teaching Experience:
Emme has over 10 years teaching experience, teaching both privately and for Lancashire and Bolton Music Services. She currently teaches at Rendcomb College, St Hughs, Ferndale Prep and Bruern Abbey. Over this time she has acquired a 100% pass rate for pupils taking exams.

If you would be interested in learning with Emme, then please get in contact to enquire about lessons!

Tutoring Approach:
She is happy to teach those who want to learn purely for enjoyment but is also experienced in preparing students for ABRSM Graded exams. She teaches all abilities; from complete beginner to advanced players.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am an experienced teacher currently teaching A level physics in sixth form after 10 years teaching 11-18 Physics in a high achieving grammar school in the North West.
I have tutoring experience both in person and online with excellent results for both males and females, with tutees achieving top grades in A level and GCSE.

Teaching Experience:
I've been teaching for over 15 years and am a GCSE and A Level examiner so know the syllabus and tips and tricks for success.

Tutees cannot be guaranteed top grades, but with hard work and practice I can help them reach their true potential.

Tutoring Approach:
Tutoring can take place face to face or online and i have also done group online tuition to reduce costs. Exam preparation covered as well as reviewing topics and teaching topics where necessary.
Depending upon the specific circumstances; course material can be finished/taught, or crash courses close to the exam can be completed
I provide resources and I have a good insight into exam marking and examiners reports.

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Personal Description:
Whilst, as an English teacher, I do enjoy a good book, my main interest lies in physical activity. I am passionate about physical fitness and everything that comes with it: flexibility, mobility and nutrition.

My main sport growing up was rugby, which has now been replaced with playing for a football team on a Saturday (much easier on the shoulders).

I am an avid traveller and love nothing more than a European city break or an adventure much further afield.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked in the education sector for twelve years, with the last seven being as a senior leader in three different schools.

As an English teacher, I have experience of teaching the full range of student ability levels, from working with students in KS3 with low literacy to leading on English Literature A Level. I have extensive experience teaching the IGCSE, AQA, Edexcel and OCR English Language and Literature exam content.

My most recent role is at a large successfully secondary in Surrey where I lead on Teaching & Learning as an Assistant Headteacher. Previously, I have ran a sixth form and led on SEN provision as a senior leader. I have worked in schools judged as Outstanding and supported others that were in Special Measures.

Additionally, I am an SLE (Specialist Leader of Education) and I have been parachuted into struggling schools to help them raise standards.

In my most recent Year 11 group, 22% of students were targeted a grade 7+. However, over 44% of my students achieved a grade 7+ in their actual GCSE exams.

Tutoring Approach:
Through a decade of tutoring experience, I feel that it is vital to first assess the student's current ability and discover their most pressing need. Once this has been discovered, we will work towards tangible targets, whilst still focusing on priorities such as vocabulary, complex punctuation and improving a student's ability to express their ideas on paper.

My sessions are as interactive as possible, to allow the students to approach their learning in a contextual way that they can relate to real-life. I also like to promote a student's ability to articulate their ideas verbally through discussion, in order to develop their written skills.

Each tutee's progress is individually tracked against their personal targets and the overarching aim of the tuition.

I feel my extensive experience at a senior level in a range of school contexts allows me to quickly adapt to the needs of the tutee.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am passionate about Maths and believe that with proper guidance you can "train" to be confident and capable in maths, and in solving problems and mastering techniques. I love to teach and promote deep learning and thinking whilst balancing this against time demands of the curriculum. I am a qualified Maths Teacher (PGCE) although I have not always been a teacher having worked in private industry during which time I began Maths tutoring. I graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) with a First Class Honours degree in Econometrics and Mathematical Economics.
I enjoy breaking maths down into smaller problems so that it can be accessible and understood by anyone and seen as "brain training".

Teaching Experience:
I currently tutor full time and am experienced in teaching maths from KS2 to KS5 (primary to A Level)

KS2 Maths
Year 6 SATS
11 Plus preparation (Maths and English)
KS3
KS4 GSCE
A Level
GCSE Maths resits / College
GCSE Statistics (Foundation / Higher / Coursework)
GCSE Economics (AQA, Edexcel, iGCSE)

Tutoring Approach:
A bespoke learning program with introductory assessment in order to tailor individual needs (or using recent school assessments).
A relaxed and relationship focused tutoring approach. Honest, open tutoring and triangulated communication between myself, the student and parents/guardians. Tutees can give direction depending on current learning in school/college, and take ownership of their learning.
Tips and techniques on how to answer questions so that methods are easy to remember and understand, maximising retention of learning, as well as revision strategies and time management advice.
Regular homework set and monitored to accelerate learning progress.
Tutoring via Zoom (or locally in person) using a variety of education technology to ensure consistent delivery and instant assessment of learning and progress.
Free trial available.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am 55 a mum and grandmother
I have over 25 yrs experience working in SEN in schools and colleges and community and residential care
SEN / EBD/ ASC / complex needs
And also with pupils excluded from mainstream

I currently am registered with teaching agencies and have recent / current experience of working in schools
As a LSA / TA / 1.1 and mentor and Keyworker

I also hold a teaching qualification post 16/ life long learning
And a degree and Diphe in health and social care and health studies and qualifications in inclusion and Autism

Teaching Experience:
I have taught in a post 16 SEN college
With young people 16/25
With Autism and complex needs and challenging behaviour
I have taught skills for life / keeping safe / Food and nutrition and functional skills

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to adapt each session to the individual learners needs
And to be calm and friendly and to make the session calm and stress-free and enjoyable for the learner

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a primary teacher with many years experience teaching in a wide variety of primary school settings. I feel that learning is really important at all ages and am continually expanding my knowledge using online courses.

Teaching Experience:
As a qualified primary teacher I have over 10 years experience working in schools as a classroom teacher and PPA teacher. I have a strong knowledge of the national curriculum and regularly keep up to date with any changes to education. I work well as a team and am very organised. I have also lead choirs and directed many shows within primary schools.

Tutoring Approach:
I am friendly and approachable. My lessons are fun and informative and I adapt my teaching style to the needs of the pupil. I am passionate about teaching and am keen to share my knowledge with others. I have some experience of teaching SEN children within a mainstream setting and have recently completed an online diploma in SEND.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Tutor for the last five years specialising in maths and physics from primary to A-level. My typical student is in year 9-11.

I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

Extensive experience with special educational needs students, I also work as a teaching assistant in local schools .

A keen outdoor person, I enjoy the countryside, walking, cycling and cricket. Have been secretary to my local primary school's board of governors, secretary of my local cricket team and volunteer for local environmental organisations.

A couple of my most recent endorsements:-

"James proved himself to be a reliable, punctual, and a very supportive tutor. My daughter is in her final year of A levels and studies Further Mathematics which is a very detailed subject and requires a high level of skill. James is a brilliant mathematician with a high skills set and knowledge of Further Maths he quickly helped her gain confidence and she overcome difficulties within the subject. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed her lessons with James and we are hopeful for a high grade in the subject when the A level results are out in August. I would not hesitate to recommend James as a tutor to other parents. Thank you, James,". 30th January 2020.

"A lot of the time was spent on English/ English literature covering the GCSE course work. My son initially struggled with the English literature, but James always took time to make it interesting. This certainly helped him develop his skills. The English language part required a lot of essay writing which he was not keen on. However, by the end, he was writing answers to questions James set for homework as he got the hang of what was required." 3rd June 2020.

Teaching Experience:
I use Teams, Zoom or other method for online tutoring.

While I'm a tutor, I'm also a supply teacher in my local area high schools principally for maths, physics and other subjects as required.

Experience as a tutor in the last five years with students varying from primary age through GCSE (KS-4) to further maths and A-level. Have also worked with mature students at college studying for HND and university maths.

Special educational needs (SEN) students worked with including those on the autistic spectrum (ASD), Asperger's, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, dyslexia as well as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) and PDA (Pathological Demand Avoidance).

Within schools have worked with ILP (Individual Learning Plans) for students with special educational needs.

Other topics I have tutored to GCSE level include English, geography, science, chemistry and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
All students are different, so I strive to find what interests the student and work from there. An engaged student is a keen student.

It is important that the principles are understand because all else flows from this. I use examples from the students' course work and life situations to focus on what is important to the student, to put things in a language that they can understand. This can be through explanations, sketches, diagrams etc. When this happens and the light goes on, there is great satisfaction that the student is taking an interest in the subject.

Online tutoring provided via MicroSoft Teams and other means as required.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Passionate about the 11plus. Experienced 11plus tutor, after teaching English in London for over 15 years. I hold a BA/LLB from an Australian University.

Teaching Experience:
Taught English in London for over 15 years.

Tutoring Approach:
I am an excellent teacher with the ability to explain things very clearly to my students so they can approach exams with confidence. & pass easily.

Subjects

Personal Description:
⦁ I have studied in the 'classes préparatoires' in France, the best education in the country. There I studied French and English extensively for 3 years. I gained invaluable experience of translation practice and was awarded prizes and merit distinctions.
⦁ In the most prestigious Universities in France, "École normale supérieure de Paris", and Sorbonne University (Paris), I studied to become a teacher and gained my French PGCE.
⦁ I gained a MA in Teaching French as Second Language, to be able to share the language I love so much.

Teaching Experience:
⦁ At the City of London School for Boys, I have successfully taught pupils for IGCSE French and A level French who have gone on to both Oxford and Cambridge.
⦁ I know of the academic excellence and high expectations of selective UK independent schools
⦁ I have extensive experience tutoring students from the most prestigious schools in and around London, among them:


- City of London School for Boys, where I have taught French IGCSE and French A-level
- Latymer Upper School
- St Marylebone School
- Eltham College
- Radley College
- Wisbech Grammar School
- Mill Hill School
- Roedan School
- King Edward VI School for Girls

and many more.


⦁ Due to my long tutoring experience, I know of the high expectations put on students. This is why I take pride in delivering top level tuition in every lesson.

⦁ I have learned that tailoring learning strategies to every student's skills - language skills, and/or analytical skills for A level - significantly increase the pupil's confidence and improve the chances to achieve his or her goals. This is how I can make a difference to the students' lives.

Tutoring Approach:
⦁ A patient and encouraging manner, that increases the student's confidence
⦁ A professional evaluation of the student's strengths and weaknesses, to keep track of the student's progress
⦁ Very clear explanations of grammar, followed by examples tailored for the exam
⦁ Focuses on the student's personal interests, which increases memorization and relates to his/her personal life

⦁ Guided conversation for Adult professionals, focused on 'real life' French:
- loads of uninterrupted speaking time, to build confidence speaking
- followed by a detailed feedback that you can implement immediately

Subjects

Personal Description:
Recently relocated to Chippenham after 27 very happy years teaching at the Maynard School Exeter. Passionate about History and education

Teaching Experience:
History at all secondary levels, mainly A Level. Head of History, deputy Head designated safeguarding lead.
Team leader A level history for Edexcel exam board

Tutoring Approach:
Enthusiastic, encouraging. Have tutored boys and girls mainly in A Level History with excellent results. Aim to enable each student reach their full potential through enjoyment and consistent hard work.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hi, I am a Confucious Institute certified professional Chinese Teacher(CTCSOL Certificate). I graduated with a master's degree (Merit) in Education from the University of Glasgow in 2019. I used to be a teacher teach HSK in Mandarin School in Glasgow Kevin Collage to a wide range of students. Since moving to Belfast, I've already accumulated more than 1000 hours online mandarin tutoring experience, along with 5 star reviews from all of my students. I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills which helped me to earn praise from students and students' parents.My goal is to make sure my students love learning Mandarin!:)

Teaching Experience:
I am a Confucious Institute certified professional Chinese Teacher(CTCSOL Certificate). I have recently graduated with a master's degree (Merit) in Education in the University of Glasgow, which is outside my home country. For this reason, I have significant cross-cultural experience. In my home country, I had an internship in a Creative Teaching Program. My position was the teaching assistant for foreign teachers who were teaching children. Children loved me and were fond of playing with me, which helped me to earn praise from my teacher and students' parents.One year ago, I was a teacher, teaching primary/secondary students and adults (HSK) in Kelvin College Mandarin School in Glasgow, I developed excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Now, I've moved to Belfast and become a full-time online Mandarin Tutor. I already have 1000 hours online tutoring experience and gained 5 star reviews from all my students. Across all of these activities, I have managed my time efficiently and been consistently punctual. I am able to turn the classroom into a fun and engaging environment.

Tutoring Approach:
For online lessons, we can use Zoom or Skype. I use HSK textbooks (level 1-6) to custom make each lesson based on my students' needs. HSK is the official standard Mandarin proficiency test used in China for non-native speakers. If students wish to find work or study in China, taking offical HSK tests will allow them to do so. I will also prepare homework for every lesson (if preferred) and give my students feedback on their homework. My Mandarin lessons will help my students develop their Mandarin speaking, listening, reading, writing and thinking skills. By thinking skills, I mean to improve how students structure sentences and how they reply to questions in Mandarin. I will also send the Powerpoints and video recordings to students after each lesson so that they can practice it after every lesson.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My teaching style could change my student's needs. I would like to start from the simplest form and based on active learning, assessment, and metacognition. In my lessons, you could find more Socratic and metacognition methods because memorizing is not learning.

Teaching Experience:
11 years of teaching experience. Last 4-5 years, I have taught As and A level physics. Additionally, I have taught science and math before.

Tutoring Approach:
Firstly, I need to know my student and his/ her weak and strong sides in learning. After that, I would like to find the best suitable method that corresponds to my student learning style. Finally, I am ready to teach and my student is convenient to learn anything from me.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I'm a Music Graduate, and will soon be a Philosophy Graduate [Edinburgh Napier University and University of Wales TSD, respectively]. I work in the third sector covering off humanitarian needs in Africa, Animal welfare in Asia and the care environment/Homelessness in the UK.

At the moment I manage volunteering contracts with Goldman Sachs, National Grid, Moorhouse Consulting, Visa and Prysmian Group.

I'm quite relaxed about most things, I do some consulting with small charities and I play a lot of music!

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching music and English language periodically for around 20 years. I have taught privately, at Music Workshop Bath and Bath City College. I taught English language at a number of summer schools in Edinburgh, Bournemouth and at Cardonald College in Glasgow.

Tutoring Approach:
My style prioritises the needs of the student. Sometimes this is in relation to their immediate curriculum and is supplemented with a view to future study, if there is expectation that future study is probable. Sometimes, if the focus is solely on lifting a grade or working on soft skills around the subject - research/focus etc. then I make that the priority. All in agreement with the student.

In short - student focused.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I graduated from UCL-IOE with a master's degree in TESOL education. Before coming to the UK, I worked as an English teacher in a middle school in China. After graduating with a master's degree, I decided to stay in the UK for development. I have worked in different Chinese education institutions, including charity schools for overseas Chinese children, one-on-one tutoring, and teaching Chinese in different British primary schools, middle schools and high schools. GCSE Chinese is taught for the majority of my curriculum and my students have achieved very good grades.

Reference from the previous student's parents:
'When we returned from Hong Kong where our daughter had been learning Mandarin for a few years, her London school did not have a Mandarin programme so Jing tutored her to GCSE level outside of school. Thanks to Jings careful but stimulating tuition, Martha made astonishing progress, especially given she had just one hour a week, much of which was through Covid. She sat the GCSE one year ahead of her other GCSEs and achieved a grade 8. Jing's lessons kept Martha motivated and she went into the GCSE well prepared and calm She loved working with Jing and was delighted with her result! Jing was a pleasure to deal with throughout. We couldn't recommend her highly enough!' ------- Sarah Lewell

Teaching Experience:
As a Mandarin teacher for curriculum and private tuition since 2015, my major duties are:
Designing different lessons based on the learners' level. Giving English reports to the school or parents. Marking coursework and giving feedback to students. Managing students' behaviour in the classroom. Invigilating examinations.

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching method focuses on motivating students to focus more on Chinese learning through interest or the way students are interested. For example, use some catchy nursery rhymes, songs, and small games to guide primary school students who are new to Chinese. For older students, I will use the apps in computers, ipads and other electronic products to help students quickly master the words they have learned. and so on.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Hello, my name is Elena and I'm an experienced languages teacher. I come from Ukraine originally and live in London, UK for the last 20 years.I speak fluent English and German. Russian and Ukrainian are my native languages.I hold British Master (PGDE) Degree in Teaching of Modern Foreign Languages
I love learning foreign languages, traveling and art. I paint artworks in art-deco style using oils and acrylics.

Teaching Experience:
I'm an experienced Russian and German Languages teacher.I graduated the University of Sheffield with a First Class Master degree in Modern Languages, specifically Russian and German. I have years of teaching experience. I worked as Russian and German Teacher in the schools in England including one of the most prestigious boarding schools in England. Russian is my native Language that I teach to all levels of students. I speak fluent German that I teach up to A-Level.

Art is my calling and my biggest passion. I paint artworks in Art Deco style using oils and acrylics. I'm proficient in many Fine-Art techniques and have deep knowledge of art history.I have experience teaching Fine-Art in the schools where I have worked primarily with GCSE and A-Level students.

Tutoring Approach:
I tailor my Russian and German lessons to the student's learning goals, academic needs, required vocabulary and situations the language will be used at. My lessons are interactive and fun. I focus on vocabulary, grammar learning, speaking and understanding and cover the most interesting topics of the culture, literature, art and traditions of Russia and Germany. For the younger age ( and not only) I offer fun educational games. My ambition is to help students to improve their foreign language proficiency and to achieve their life goals.
I also offer professional Fine-Art lessons for all levels of students which are knowledgable, interactive and creative.

Subjects

Personal Description:
-- I am a professional musician and actor with ten years experience.
-- I have played:
-- Rock The Mill 2012 and 2013.
-- Warped Tour Toronto 2012, 2013, and 2015.
-- Warped Tour Montreal.
-- Montebello Rockfest in Montreal.
-- I have played regular venue shows with bands like Silverstein, Counterfeit (Jamie Campbell-Bower From Stranger Things.)., Bleak Soul and more.

-- I have four years experience in a University Level Drama Class that had public exams.
-- For extra credit outside of my high-school diploma I was a Teaching Assistant in a Grade 9 University Level Drama Class.
-- I helped lead the warmups and did the discussions of what needed to be worked on.
-- I helped students work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and helped with character development for different pieces.
-- I gave advice and feedback for performances.
-- I marked paperwork homework and tests.

-- I have experience being in professional theatre productions of The Taming Of The Shrew, Done To Death, The Crazy Eights, and Come Away Come Away.
-- I was on a competitive Improv Team that did competitions in high school.
-- I was shortlisted for "Bat Out Of Hell The Musical.". in 2017.

-- Music:
-- I can answer general questions about playing a show.
-- Beginner Vocal Lessons and I can work on songs of the students choice.
-- Building A Set And Live Production.
-- Music Video And Production storyboards and references.

-- Drama
-- I can work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and help with character development for different pieces.
-- I can give advice and feedback for performances.
-- I can work on anything of the students choice.
-- Thanks.

Teaching Experience:
-- I have been teaching online for a year.
-- For extra credit outside of my high-school diploma I was a Teaching Assistant in a Grade 9 University Level Drama Class.
-- I helped lead the warmups and did the discussions of what needed to be worked on.
-- I helped students work on monologues, marking a script, blocking a script, making notes on a script, set and costume design for a monologue or play, and helped with character development for different pieces.
-- I gave advice and feedback for performances.
-- I marked paperwork homework and tests.

Tutoring Approach:
-- Lessons are an hour long.
-- I teach Beginner To Advanced.
-- I can teach 8am To 10pm Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
-- Lessons are online are Zoom, Facetime, And GoogleMeet.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My name is Elliot and I am an English tutor based in Central London. I have been tutoring since 2018 but my background is in Law. I have a Bachelor of Laws (2.1) from the University of Birmingham and a Master of Laws (LLM Human Rights Law) from the University of Nottingham (Distinction). For three years, I worked as an immigration lawyer in the UK before deciding to tutor full-time. I have lived in several different countries and am a keen language learner myself. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, running and writing. I have written for publications such as Reader`s Digest UK and am currently working on a collection of fictional short stories to be published late 2023. I enjoy entering my stories into short story competitions.

Teaching Experience:
I have been working as an English tutor since 2018. During this time I have taught hundreds of students and acquired thousands of teaching hours. I have taught students from three years old all the way up to adults. I have a significant amount of experience in teaching a range of abilities from complete beginners to proficient students. I have successfully prepared students for a range of exams including (but not limited to): IELTS, Cambridge Advanced, Cambridge Young Learners, UKiset (for entrance to UK independent schools) and much more. I have particular experience in teaching essay writing skills.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is flexible, patient and rigorous. From the very outset, I will ensure that we determine your specific academic goals and move towards them a little bit each lesson. Most importantly, I want you to enjoy our lessons and have a fun yet productive experience.

Subjects

Personal Description:
Welcome to my Page! I'm Tyrone. I'm glad you're here. Education can transform lives, and teachers help facilitate this. I speak from personal experience about this. My teachers did not see an academic career for me at school - and they did very little to help me change this. I was considered a low achiever and expected to be a plumber like my father. There is nothing wrong with plumbing; it just wasn't for me. If you've read this far, I hope you will continue as I map out my journey.

I left school with a list of low-grade GCSEs and 1 A-Level - yes, it was Biology! I had no hope of going to university with these grades, so I got my first job testing soil samples. Still determined to study science at university, I enrolled on several open university (OU) courses. I did well on the OU, which allowed me to study Immunology at King's College, London. I did this after spending three years as a medical laboratory assistant in the NHS, my second job.

After graduating from King's with a BSc degree and a fascination with cancer biology, I joined Newcastle University. I spent the next four years researching anti-cancer drugs' effects on DNA. I successfully developed novel ways to measure the level of anti-cancer drugs stuck to DNA. It was a great day when the Royal Society of Chemistry published my work. The Royal Society of Biology rewarded my academic and research experience with the Chartered Biologist status. Charted Biologist is the recognition of professional competence.

On returning home to Wales, I had my first taste of teaching 16 to 19-year-olds - and I loved it. However, teaching at Bridgend College was only for maternity cover, and my contract soon ended. My next position was with Loreal (yes, I am worth It) as a microbiologist. Loreal was great as it was a weekend position and allowed me to teach part-time at Gower College Swansea during the week.

I have spent the last 17 years teaching A-Level Biology at Gower College Swansea full time. During this time, I qualified as a teacher from the University of Wales with a PGCE. The Biology department is highly successful and renowned. The department has a 100% pass rate and grades well above the national average. I learned so much here about helping people with their education. It was where I saw firsthand how a teacher could facilitate the real transformational effects of education. I am proud to have helped so many students of varying abilities gain success in A-Level Biology.

Along with teaching at Gower College, I continued to tutor students privately. I started my tutoring business at Bridgend College and now tutor full-time online.

As your A-Level Biology tutor, I will use my vast teaching experience to guide you towards academic success. I strive to cultivate a nurturing and engaging learning environment where you can flourish.

Join me on this exciting educational journey, where we will unlock your potential and pave the way for a successful future.

Teaching Experience:
For more than 25 years, I have worked with thousands of students of different abilities to teach them A-Level Biology successfully. Throughout this experience, I have developed effective teaching and learning strategies tailored to each student's needs. These strategies consistently empower my students to achieve high grades allowing them to move forward in their lives.

Teaching Experience:

Bridgend College:
Bridgend College is a college for further education in South Wales. I taught here for approximately a year, instructing students pursuing the veterinary nurse HND qualification. My subjects included anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and the practical aspects.

Gower College, Swansea:
Gower College is a large further education college located in Goresinun, Swansea. Over the past 17 years, I have taught A-Level Biology at this institution. The biology department is sizable, with over 300 students enrolled each year. As a department member, I have contributed to its success by ensuring student achievement, resulting in a 100% pass rate and grades that exceed the national average. In addition to teaching, I organised the British Biology Olympiad competition, served as the curriculum leader for GCSE science, and acted as a personal tutor, providing support to students.

Examination Board Experience:
Throughout my 25 years of teaching, I have taught the specifications of all UK exam boards, including WJEC and Eduqas. As a result, I have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements necessary to prepare students for their exams.

Moreover, I have worked as an examiner for the WJEC, Eduqas, and Edexcel exam boards. This experience as an examiner has equipped me with valuable skills and strategies in exam techniques, which I utilise with all my students to help them achieve high marks.

Research and Laboratory Experience:
A-Level Biology encompasses a significant practical component. I possess extensive experience in experimental biology, having worked as a microbiologist, an industrial chemist, and a research scientist.

Continual Professional Development (CPD):
I am a member of the Royal Society of Biology, Chartered College of Teaching and the Tutors' Association. These affiliations enable me to stay informed about the latest developments in education and biology.

Tutoring Approach:
Teachers and tutors may seem unnecessary nowadays because of Google and AI. The most valuable thing a teacher can do for their students is to teach them thinking skills. Students must analyse the information in questions to achieve high grades in A-Level Biology exams. It's not just about memorising facts like what Google and AI can provide; it's about understanding the underlying concepts. This, and other areas, is where I can offer my professional assistance.

To provide effective help, I customise my approach for each student. I communicate with students and their parents to identify the areas that need attention and create an initial plan for improvement. These plans are regularly reviewed to ensure they continue to address the student's specific needs. I monitor students' progress using questions, tests, and activities, making adjustments as necessary to keep them on track. I keep parents up to date with their son/daughter's progress.

Now, let's explore some of my other techniques and their importance.

Simplifying Biological Concepts:
Breaking down complex biological concepts into simpler parts makes them more accessible for students. This accessibility enables students to establish meaningful connections between what they have learned and what they are currently studying. These patterns help them link ideas from the entire syllabus, giving them the confidence to tackle extended answers, such as the 25-mark questions in the AQA or the 9-mark QER questions with the WJEC/Eduqas.

Active Learning and Feedback:
I adopt a holistic tutoring approach, focusing on active learning strategies combined with feedback. These strategies include: retrieval practice, puzzles, quizzes, spaced repetition, Socratic questioning, and CRIME (chunking, rehearsal, imagery, mnemonics, and elaboration).

Understanding Scientific Language:
Learning biology is akin to acquiring a new language. Throughout the A-Level Biology course, students encounter numerous scientific terms they must understand early on. To facilitate this, I teach students comprehension strategies and the meanings of biological terminology, allowing them to develop a deep understanding of biology and apply it effectively.
Exam Technique:
Mastering exam techniques is another crucial aspect to cover. Helping students comprehend exam questions and analyse data significantly improves their grades and confidence. This skill is vital for writing precise answers needed at A-Level. It can be challenging for students to develop this level of precision, often causing frustration. Therefore, I employ various activities to guide students in honing this critical ability.

Consistent Study Habits:
I emphasise the importance of consistency in studying to all my students. Even with ample assistance, improvement can be limited without personal dedication and regularity in studying biology. Transitioning from GCSE to A-Level Biology can be overwhelming for students due to the abundance of new concepts, words, and facts. This transition is often referred to as the "big step up." Students may feel confused, frustrated, and disappointed when progress seems lacking or test results are unsatisfactory.

I teach my students that progress occurs incrementally through consistent effort and active learning strategies. With my guidance, their efforts will compound, leading to rapid advancement. This approach makes the learning process more enjoyable and less stressful. I focus on establishing solid foundations, good study habits, and providing support.

Embracing Failure and Mistakes:
My understanding of the struggle and the value of failure sets me apart as a tutor. Although failure can be discouraging, it is crucial for making improvements. With my guidance, I help students turn failures and mistakes into valuable learning experiences.

Ensuring accessibility to biology with all its complexities is paramount to me. My experience as an examiner and teacher and my diverse science background qualify me to provide the highest quality tuition. Creating a warm and friendly atmosphere in my lessons is essential to fostering an environment where students feel encouraged to ask questions, explore, and embrace their curiosity.

Learning should never be dull; instead, it should be an exciting journey of discovery and growth. To ensure success in A-Level biology, I infuse my teaching with engaging activities, relatable examples, and stories that captivate students' interest.

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