Cumnock Tutors and Cumnock Tuition

Personal Description:
I am originally from Ayrshire but have spent the last eight years south of the border studying and working. I have worked as an actor, singer and songwriter and continue to do so whilst teaching. I have now moved back to Ayrshire to live and work and continue to be creative.

Teaching Experience:
*Co-founder and Director of a theatre company
*Director of Fringe based theatrical work
*Drama workshop leader
*Drama teaching assistant with final year university students
*Trainee college lecturer

Tutoring Approach:
I am very passionate about what i do and have worked with many different people of a variety of ages and backgrounds. I have studied the works of many theatre practitioners whilst in and out of education, ranging from the naturalism of Stanislavski through to the forum theatre of Augusto Boal, to name but a few. However my goal when teaching is to have a "thinking performer" who knows themselves and the character and connects with what they're doing rather than merely "pretending". I'm an approachable person with a strong work ethic and strive to push someone to reach their potential.

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Personal Description:
Fully qualified MFL Teacher with extensive experience teaching Spanish and French in one to one tutorials and groups.

I am a native Spanish speaker graduated in Translation and Interpreting with a Masters Degree in Teaching awarded one of the Top Linguists of the country by the British Council in 2019. I currently work in a very successful school in Milton Keynes and can help you with conversation, essay corrections, grammar or whatever area of GCSEs or A level preparation you require, whether you are a beginner at school or need advanced tutoring.

Teaching Experience:
I have over 10 years experience tutoring Spanish and French as a second language. An extensive list of testimonials/references is available upon request.

Tutoring Approach:
Each session is tailor-made to your necessities with the aim to help you develop your confidence in understanding, speaking and reading Spanish or French. I endeavour to make the sessions fun yet productive using a wide range of interactive materials that will speed up the process of getting you talking. Full list of references available!

Please do not hesitate to contact me for further details

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Personal Description:
I have over 13 years of experience teaching languages, and hold a PGCE & Master's degree in teaching from the University of Oxford. I have taught French and Spanish to GCSE and A-level, always securing excellent results for my students. Outside of lessons, I keep fully up-to-date with the cultures of the languages I teach through my love of travelling, reading and the cinema. I am also a keen student of Japanese.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught for over 13 years in Good and Outstanding London secondary schools, and also work as an exam board marker, ensuring I am fully up-to-date with all exam specifications at GCSE and A level. I also have experience training teachers at one of the UK's leading universities. I have extensive experience as a tutor delivering online lessons. I am able to offer lessons that cover the following:

- Key Stage 3 French, German & Spanish - to boost progress and lay excellent foundations ahead of a potential GCSE course
- GCSE French, German & Spanish - grammar, vocabulary, translation, speaking and writing strategies, examination skills
- A level French & Spanish - grammar, vocabulary, translation, summary writing, speaking exam preparation, cultural components (i.e. the book and/or the film)
- Adult learners who wish to pick up the language for fun or for specific purposes

Tutoring Approach:
My teaching approach is flexible and always adapted to suit the needs and objectives of my students. Motivation is key, and for this reason I prepare bespoke lessons to engage and interest my students, making use of authentic resources wherever possible. My approach caters for the balanced development of all four skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.

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Personal Description:
I live in Olney , I am 63, female, and can supply references on request, as I have provided private tuition for many A level and University students. I was Head of Psychology at a local college for 12 years , and I have examining experience. I now also lecture in BSc and MSc Psychology while undertaking my PhD which is looking at interventions to reduce stress in students.

Teaching Experience:
I worked as a Psychology Lecturer at Northampton College. I taught AS and A2 Psychology , I also taught Access Psychology. All previous tuttees I have supported have attained A-B grades if they start with me early enough in the year. I now lecture at my local university in Psychology.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is to tailor the method to the learner, I would aim to work through exam answers, but also to introduce all types of methods to help the learner take on the information. I very much focus on exam technique and how to maximie getting all of the available marks in the exams.

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Personal Description:
Hello, I am a well qualified, BA, MPhil, PGCE teacher who is looking to branch out into more private tutoring work. I have privately tutored for many years and have experience since 1996. I have taught at all key stages and enjoy my work thoroughly. Last year (2019) my A level tutees all raised their grades by at least one and have gone off to uni. Proud to add that one in particular achieved an A* in Geography A level. and another A* in history and is now at Exeter. At GCSE my student achieved the first 9 which is excellent.
Please note that my rates are based on one to one tuition. Should you wish me to tutor groups of two or more either at home or in school I am happy to do so but rates will need to be discussed prior to my commencing work.
I now have experience of working on the E Bacc and depth studies.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught to A level in History for adult ed from 1998-2006
I have taught Geography to GCSE-level and A level
History in school at KS 3 and 4 AS and A level
I have helped undergraduates and post graduates in archaeology, history and teaching skills.
I can also teach basic geology and archaeology and classical studies.
Classical Civilisation to A level

Tutoring Approach:
I am always keen to engage students in whatever subject they are studying. I believe in being supportive and constructive in all that I teach. I am currently working on a one-to-one project with a student with special needs.
An excellent set of results (2015) all my 10 students passed, all raised their grade levels by at least one letter. All those off to uni are about to go so I wish them all well. Three others have a year or two left at school and have asked me to tutor them over the required time span.

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Personal Description:
Qualified, successful & enthusiastic Secondary French & German Teacher and English Tutor with 10+ years teaching experience.

Teaching Experience:
I am a native English speaker with the Cert.TESOL qualification and have had 10 years part time teaching experience with Boston College, secondary schools, private teaching and various prestigious online languages schools. I have taught students from the age of 10 - 70 years in age.

I have worked and qualified at secondary school level to help students to successfully prepare for their French and German GCSEs and their A Level exams, as well as with adults who have learnt the language from scratch and wish to use the language for business purposes or for pleasure.

Key achievements:
a) helping a GCSE student go from D to B within 3 months
b) helping students achieve the highest grade at German A Level (A*)
c) aiding a private student to achieve a grade 9 in German (with a starting grade of 6)

Tutoring Approach:
If your French or German knowledge is at a beginner, intermediate or advanced level and you want to learn or develop any aspect of the language including speaking, writing, reading or listening skills, as well as grammar or vocabulary to improve job prospects, for school (Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 or Key Stage 5) or just to understand and communicate better, then let me help you!

I am enthusiastic and want to aid you to achieve whatever you want to accomplish in a fun and interactive learning environment. I use a variety of innovative and traditional teaching methods to keep you motivated and I can offer homework if required to help you improve even quicker.

I AM HAPPY TO TEACH ADULT LEARNERS AND CHILDREN ONLINE AND AT MY PREMISES IN LINCOLNSHIRE.

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Personal Description:
A fully qualified teacher with 10 years teaching experience, now a full time maths tutor.

Teaching Experience:
Taught in 4 state schools over a period of 10 years.
Worked as a one to one tutor in schools, as a home tutor and in a Kip McGrath centre.

Tutoring Approach:
Tuition is based on the needs of the student so initially an assessment is done to determine strengths and any weak areas. A programme of tuition is then planned to help the student achieve their goals. For most students, tuition will closely follow and support their school based learning.

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Personal Description:
I am currently the Head of Geography at a high achieving school in North London. My students regularly achieve A* at A level and 7 plus at GCSE. This year my students all received an A or A* at A Level and at GCSE all earned a grade 8 or higher. I have competed a degree in Geography (BSc) at Queen Mary UoL and hold a PGCE in the subject. I have completed a Masters (MA) in Geography Education at the Institute of Education UoL and I have attended a number of training sessions on the process behind the marking of exams, so have an in depth knowledge on how to attain high grades. For 2 years I worked at a top Private International school where students achieved 100% A* - C and 85% A* - A.

Teaching Experience:
I have been a fully qualified teacher for 15 years and currently teach 6 GCSE classes on the Edexcel exam board I also have 2 A Level class on the AQA exam board.

I have taught and have experience of all the major exam boards, including AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge.

I have written revision guides for my students and also have a vast collection of past exam papers in order to prepare my tutees for success. I am also an examiner.

Tutoring Approach:
I focus on exam technique but can tailor lessons to the needs of my tutees. I focus on breaking down difficult concepts to make them manageable to students and ensure that understanding is at the core of everything I do.

My tutoring style is learner focused providing students with the opportunity to excel.

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Personal Description:
Привет! Hello! My name is Nailia. I am a native Russian speaker as well as a passionate language tutor. Since 2009, I have been teaching English, French and Russian to students of all ages (0+) and abilities. As part of tutoring, I successfully prepared candidates for Russian State exam in English. More recently in 2016, I have been working as a French teacher in one of the top 5 schools in Moscow. Learning Russian might be challenging as the pronunciation is different and reading Cyrillic takes time to get used to, yet it opens a whole new world to you and I can't wait to help you explore it!

Teaching Experience:
Having gained 13 years of teaching experience, I am able to adapt and be flexible to students with different abilities providing them with material most suited to their level. I am able to accommodate different needs from helping pupils study for specific exams to educating children whose parents wish for them to become familiar with languages at an early stage as well as adults who simply want to explore a new language!

Tutoring Approach:
The first lesson is vital for understanding the student's needs and determine their ability. This is normally done by tests, speaking or engaging games - depending on age. Afterwards, I like to go straight into the teaching process bearing in mind the student's and parent's request. I use different course books throughout the lesson.

Depending on the language level, I may suggest reading, watching films or listening to music to get the grips with understanding the language as well as some grammar exercises to consolidate the knowledge. The learning is very friendly and authentic but still includes tests to obtain results wanted.

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Personal Description:
My name is Hannah and I am an American watercolour artist with a bachelor's of Fine Art with Honours from New York. I am a working artist and my work is shown and sold in galleries in Yorkshire and abroad. I teach adult group classes from my home studio as well as offering one to one tuition for all ages. I facilitate arts and crafts workshops in schools and museums around Leeds. I am also very involved with art galleries and studio spaces around the city area.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching for almost 20 years. My first experience was a teacher's assistant at the university level. I have also worked as a paraprofessional in special education environments giving me an understanding of all learning abilities, with added experience with children with learning disabilities including autism. I have provided one to one tuition for children and adults for the last 10+ years here in Leeds. I accept all levels and abilities and teach with a warm and encouraging environment. I have tutored in all art forms including performance art and installation art. I have taught all ages and all abilities in a plethora of subjects and mediums. My speciality is in Painting.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tutoring is of gentle guiding towards finding your own voice. I apply techniques to help you to explore the artform and help to facilitate a warm environment where you can be your most expressive self. I have taught in education settings so I am very knowledgeable in all techniques but believe that all of us have an artist and a voice inside that can be found with a bit of exploration.

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Personal Description:
I am a London based teacher and mother of two kids.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching more than 20 years. I am a qualified maths teacher. I have degree and master of Philosophy. Also I am a head of Turkish Teacher Union in London. I am teaching Turkish for all level.

Tutoring Approach:
I am patient and understanding of the pressures of the academic life. However I also work ensure that they get very their best result and gain self confidence. I have good experience to achieve a person's full potential.

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Personal Description:
I am 43 years old and live at home with my partner and our two boys, both aged 6 and 8.

Teaching Experience:
I have nine years teaching experience in good and outstanding secondary schools. I have taught key stage 3, GCSE/IGCSE, A Level and IB maths and further maths. I have experience of the AQA, Edexcel and CIE specifications.

Tutoring Approach:
I have a calm approach to tutoring. I try to make students feel comfortable. I use a lot of praise and encouragement and really try to improve their confidence.

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Personal Description:
I am currently a graduate student in Psychiatry at the University of Oxford. As a curious and driven learner, I am eager to teach what I have learned, as well as learn from those I teach.
I specialise in teaching Biology, Math and English until GCSE level, and as a fluent speaker of Mandarin I am also able to teach the language to younger students. I am able to teach both GCSE and those working towards the International Baccalaureate (IB). Scored 42 points doing the IB in Singapore myself, having done Higher Level Maths, Chemistry and my favourite- Biology. I was a Triple Science (I)GCSE student, scoring above 90 in all subjects, and tutored 2 IGCSE students myself as a Senior in high school. As a university newspaper editor and columnist, I love to write and communicate science, therefore am inclined towards teaching the sciences and English, but am also open to teach Maths, Chemistry and Mandarin.

Teaching Experience:
I have worked with Oxford Tutors since October 2019, until the pandemic took its stride. I tutored briefly while studying in London for my undergraduate studies (Imperial College London). I tutored math and chinese (mandarin) to younger students during my last two years of high school in Singapore.

Tutoring Approach:
It is both fulfilling and enjoyable to help others realise their potential. During class, I typically first unravel important concepts to ensure the student grasps the topic well, avoiding rote memorisation, before assessments are provided. People describe me as friendly, encouraging and approachable, and I hope this demeanour makes my student feel at ease whilst bringing out his/her own enthusiasm and excitement for the subject. My patience is endless, especially with experience teaching my three younger sisters in Maths and Biology.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August 2024:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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A-level results, August/September 2022:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*

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

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

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

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

Speaking

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reading

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

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

Writing

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

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

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

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

Why study English?

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

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am a mum of two grown up children and a Labrador and have been living with my family in Surrey for 25 years. After 24 years of teaching maths in the classroom, I am now working as a freelance tutor.
I am friendly and patient, and able to help children at all levels of understanding to improve their confidence and attainment in maths.

Teaching Experience:
I have been teaching maths for 24 years in local independent schools and a top Surrey grammar school. In that time I have also tutored more than 100 pupils towards SATs, school entrance exams, scholarships, GCSEs and A levels, as well as helping improve their general confidence and attainment.
I am now a freelance tutor and have daytime and some early evening availability on weekdays, as well as limited availability at weekends (this will need to be flexible in order to fit around family commitments.) Please feel free to contact me to secure a place for the new academic year, or for holiday sessions. I look forward to hearing from you.

Tutoring Approach:
My approach to tuition depends very much on what is required: this could be reinforcing topics already covered at school, preparing for an examination, or generally working to improve confidence and attainment.

On meeting a pupil for the first time I would work on assessing current understanding against expected standards for their age, and their confidence levels.
In future lessons I would use a variety of resources and methods to consolidate and extend pupil understanding. Past/ practice papers would be provided for pupils approaching examinations.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I have recently moved to Sheringham after teaching art in London for several years. I am now focusing on my career as an illustrator and, parallel to that, I am interested in offering private tuition to CGSE and A-Level students completing their Art & Design or Photography course.

As an artist and educator I find it very fulfilling to help others explore and develop their artistic skills. In my own work, I enjoy drawing, painting with acrylics and oil and using Photoshop to create digital illustrations. When given the chance, I enjoy visiting galleries and museums to experience other artists' work.

I have also discovered the joys of gardening since moving to Norfolk.

Teaching Experience:
I have taught Art & Design and Photography in schools in London for nine years and for five of those I was the head of the Art department. I have guided many students to achieve a grade 9 at GCSE and A* at A-Level in Art and Photography.

Having worked with numerous students over the years, I have developed my ability to support each individual in their unique creative style and interests. I always focus my guidance on the students meeting the assessment objectives of the GCSE or A-Level courses, to achieve the best outcome possible.

I am very familiar with the specifications of the exam boards and have created the curriculum for the Art department from KS3 to A-Level. I have a strong understanding of how to develop students' creative skills, both conceptually and technically.

I am experienced in both traditional techniques and mediums, including drawing, painting, print-making and 3D artwork, as well as using design software, such as Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator.

Tutoring Approach:
It is very important that each student feels the artwork they create during their GCSE or A-Level course is personal and meaningful to them.

During my tutoring sessions I focus on my student's interests in terms of themes and techniques and plan a series of small achievable goals for them to complete, including the homework set by the school teacher. Each task is checked for quality and completion before we move on to the next task. I provide direction in terms of research and references to inspire the student, based on their chosen themes, as well as examples and tutorials on using a range of materials and techniques. At the end of each session I communicate with the parent/carer and give them a clear report on what progress has been made and what tasks I have set to be completed for our next session.

It is important to understand that my role can only be to guide and demonstrate and not complete the work for the student, as this work would not be allowed in the student's GCSE/A-Level portfolio.

Having taught these courses, I know how demanding they are, but I also know how rewarding it can be for students to unlock their creative potential, given the right support.

Subjects

Personal Description:
I am studying MSc Psychology on campus at University of London. I have a vast experience of teaching A-Level/GCSE Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology having myself scored A grades in the aforementioned.

Teaching Experience:
I have 10 years of teaching experience of teaching Maths, Physics, Chemistry and Biology. I can also teach Urdu and English Language + Literature.

Tutoring Approach:
I start from topics the students are comfortable with and move gradually towards more complex areas as their confidence builds. I use questions and examples to check understanding continually. I don't lecture to students or ask them to memorise things. But I am very flexible.

Subjects

Personal Description:
My namd is Debbie, i'm 48 yrs old and I am based in Preston Lancashire.
I have a City & Guild NVQ in Fashion and Textiles, a NVQ City & Guild in Decorative Epoxy Resin and a BA Hons in Textile Design.

My passion for Art, Crafts and Design has been of paramount importance to me and sharing my knowledge and skills to all learners in these subjects.

I qualified as a Textile Designer from the University of Central Lancashire with a BA Hons degree.
My main subject is Surface Pattern Design, where I enjoy freehand art work and enhance into digital manipulation or a repeat pattern, leading the end result to be printed for either clothing apparel, interior soft furnishings & wallpaper.

From this I gained a valuable insight into the fashion and textiles industry. My love for creating designs has continued throughout the years.

I decided to challenge my passion within Arts and Crafts and teach people that have the same passion as I.

I am currently delivering mixed-media techniques, DTF Sublimation, any Textiles related products to all age groups and organisations. I am also in the process of setting up a Sip and Paint event, this can be a great way of team building for businesses, Hen Parties, Family Events, Couples and much more..

Teaching Experience:
Art-
Adults/Sixth Form/FE Colleges/Universities - one to one tutoring, group workshops.Portfolio preparation, drawing, painting, sketchbook work

Design-
Textiles, fashion design, illustration, visual communications, printmaking, art therapy with the use of colours, Moodboard Creation. Basic Sewing Skills.

Crafts
Mixed media, Mark Making, Sewing (how to make a small bag). Sublimation DTF Printing, T-shirt designs.

Tutoring Approach:
All lessons will involve practical sessions, to include drawing techniques, perspective and visual skills, along with demonstrations handouts (Recording visual drawings, research and ideas in a sketchbook, Annotations will also be encouraged in sketchbook work.

Depending on age groups, I will focus on how to achieve best results to prepare for exams, as well as for portfolio preparations.

Some materials will be provided by myself and by the learner, however, I will be able to suggest where and what materials to purchase.

Lessons will be tailored to the learners personal needs.

Subjects